Coburg - West

Coburg - West has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Coburg - West's population is around 15,002 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 971 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 14,031 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 14,989 from the ABS as of June 2025 and an additional 111 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 4,702 persons per square kilometer, which lies in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Coburg - West's 6.9% growth since census positions it within 2.4 percentage points of the state (9.3%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 81.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Exceptional growth, placing in the top 10 percent of Australian statistical areas, is predicted over the period with the area expected to grow by 6,019 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 40.0% in total over the 16 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Coburg - West according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Coburg-West has seen approximately 40 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 203 homes were approved, with an additional 38 approved so far in FY26. On average, about one person moved to the area per dwelling built over these five years. However, this figure has increased recently to 9.4 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, indicating growing demand and tightening supply.

The average construction value of development projects is $356,000. This year, there have been $418,000 in commercial development approvals, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Coburg-West shows significantly reduced construction activity, with 74% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new dwellings typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Nationally, this activity is also below average, suggesting possible planning constraints. New building activity consists of 41% detached houses and 59% medium to high-density housing, marking a shift from the area's current housing composition, which is 77% houses. This trend may indicate decreasing availability of developable sites and reflect changing lifestyles and demand for diverse, affordable housing options.

With around 382 people per dwelling approval, Coburg-West shows a developed market. By 2041, the area is projected to gain approximately 6,006 residents. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Coburg - West has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 43rdth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 30 projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones include Pentridge Precinct, Murray Road Shopping Centre Expansion, 477 Sydney Road Mixed-Use Development, and Coburg North Medical Centre. The following details those expected to be most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

The employment landscape in Coburg - West shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Coburg - West has an educated workforce with strong professional services representation. Its unemployment rate was 6.0% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 4.7%. As of December 2025, 8,641 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 5.1%, 1.3% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

Workforce participation was 72.1%, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. Census data showed that 44.1% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key employment industries included health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services. Education & training had a high share at 1.4 times the regional level, while manufacturing was lower at 5.1%, compared to the regional average of 7.2%.

Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 4.7% in Coburg - West, with a corresponding labour force increase of 4.6%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne had employment growth of 2.4% and labour force growth of 2.8%, increasing its unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Coburg - West's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023, Coburg - West SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $62,169. The average income stood at $77,407. Nationally, these figures are high compared to the median and average incomes of $57,688 and $75,164 across Greater Melbourne respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year ending June 2023, current estimates for Coburg - West would be approximately $68,150 (median) and $84,854 (average) as of March 2026. According to the Census conducted in August 2021, household, family, and personal incomes in Coburg - West cluster around the 72nd percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals that the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket dominates with 30.6% of residents (4,590 people). This trend is consistent with broader regional levels showing 32.8% in the same category. Economic strength is evident through 34.1% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. Housing accounts for 14.6% of income. Strong earnings rank residents within the 78th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Coburg - West is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Coburg-West's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 76.9% houses and 23.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Coburg-West stood at 35.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.4% and rented ones at 29.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,299, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent in Coburg-West was $450, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Coburg-West's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Coburg - West features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 69.8% of all households, including 34.6% couples with children, 24.0% couples without children, and 9.5% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 30.2%, with lone person households at 22.1% and group households comprising 8.2%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which aligns with the Greater Melbourne average.

Coburg - West shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Educational attainment in Coburg - West is notably high, with 44.1% of residents aged 15 years and over holding university qualifications, compared to the Australian average of 30.4%. This educational advantage is reflected in various qualification levels: Bachelor degrees at 26.7%, postgraduate qualifications at 12.3%, and graduate diplomas at 5.1%. Vocational pathways account for 21.3% of qualifications among those aged 15 years and over, with advanced diplomas at 8.9% and certificates at 12.4%. Educational participation is high, with 28.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 8.7% in primary education, 7.5% in tertiary education, and 6.5% pursuing secondary education.

Transport servicing is high compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Coburg - West has 55 active public transport stops offering a mix of light rail and bus services. These stops are served by 12 different routes that facilitate 5,859 weekly passenger trips in total. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically living just 181 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential zone, most commutes are outward-bound. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation at 70%, while trains account for 10% and cycling for 6%. On average, there's one vehicle per dwelling, which is below the regional norm.

Notably, 44.1% of residents work from home, as recorded in the 2021 Census, potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 837 trips daily across all routes, translating to roughly 106 weekly trips per individual stop.

Coburg - West's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Coburg - West's health data shows positive results, with mortality rates and health conditions similar to national averages.

Common health conditions are low among the general population but higher among older, at-risk residents. Private health cover is high, with approximately 58% of the total population (around 8,701 people). Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions, affecting 10.4 and 8.0% of residents respectively. Around 69.0% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among working-age individuals are typical. The area has 14.0% of residents aged 65 and over (2,103 people), lower than Greater Melbourne's 15.0%. Senior health outcomes present some challenges but rank lower nationally compared to the broader population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Coburg - West was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Coburg-West was found to have a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 28.2% of its population born overseas and 31.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion in Coburg-West, making up 42.4% of people there. However, Islam's representation is notable at 5.6%, compared to the Greater Melbourne average of 5.6%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (18.5%), Australian (17.1%), and Italian (12.3%), with Italians being substantially higher than the regional average of 5.2%. Some ethnic groups show significant differences: Greeks at 7.0% in Coburg-West versus 2.7% regionally, Lebanese at 3.8% versus 0.8%, and Maltese at 1.1% compared to the same regional figure.

Coburg - West's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Coburg-West has a median age of 37 years, matching Greater Melbourne's figure and closely aligning with Australia's median age of 38 years. The 25-34 age group is strongly represented at 18.4%, compared to Greater Melbourne, while the 5-14 cohort is less prevalent at 9.8%. Between 2021 and present, the 25-34 age group has increased from 17.0% to 18.4% of the population, and the 15-24 cohort has risen from 11.0% to 12.3%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 14.7% to 13.1%, and the 5-14 group has dropped from 11.3% to 9.8%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Coburg-West's age structure, with the 55-64 age group expected to grow by 68% (1,107 people), reaching a total of 2,744 from its current figure of 1,636.