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 15,549 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 1,518 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 14,031 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 14,835 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 74 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 4,874 persons per square kilometer, which lies in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Coburg - West's growth rate of 10.8% since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.7%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 79.3% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future trends forecast a significant population increase in the top quartile of Australian statistical areas, with Coburg - West expected to grow by 6,120 persons to 2041 based on latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 34.8% over the 17 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 25 approved in FY26 so far. On average, about one person per year moved to the area for each dwelling built during these years. However, this figure has increased 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 financial 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 74.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Nationally, this activity is also below average, suggesting possible planning constraints. New building activity comprises 41.0% detached houses and 59.0% medium to high-density housing. This shift towards denser development caters to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers, marking a notable change from the area's existing housing composition of 77.0% houses.

With around 382 people per dwelling approval, Coburg - West indicates a developed market. By 2041, population forecasts estimate an increase of 5,406 residents in Coburg - West. 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 40thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 30 projects likely impacting 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 list details those 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 professional services well-represented. The unemployment rate was 6.1% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 4.9%. As of September 2025, 8,558 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 5.7%, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's 4.7%.

Workforce participation was similar to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. A high 44.1% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key employment industries were health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services. Education & training had a strong representation with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

Conversely, manufacturing showed lower representation at 5.1% compared to the regional average of 7.2%. Employment opportunities locally might be limited, as indicated by the difference between working population and resident population counts. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 4.9%, while labour force grew by an equal percentage, keeping unemployment relatively stable at 6.1%. Greater Melbourne experienced lower employment growth of 3.0% during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest overall employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Coburg - West's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation 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 the latest postcode level ATO data released on 30 June 2023, Coburg - West SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $62,169. The average income stood at $77,407. This is high nationally compared to Greater Melbourne's median and average incomes of $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates project the median income to approximately $67,298 and average income to $83,793 by September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family, and personal incomes in Coburg - West cluster around the 72nd percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals that 30.6% of residents (4,757 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket, consistent with broader trends across 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 while 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). This compares to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Coburg-West was 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 $2,000. Median weekly rent was $450, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Coburg-West's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $1,863 and rents substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 69.8 percent of all households, consisting of 34.6 percent couples with children, 24.0 percent couples without children, and 9.5 percent single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 30.2 percent, with lone person households at 22.1 percent and group households comprising 8.2 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.6 people, which matches 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 significantly surpasses broader benchmarks. As of the latest data, 44.1% of residents aged 15 and above hold university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4%. This educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 26.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 12.3% and graduate diplomas at 5.1%.

Vocational pathways account for 21.3% of qualifications among those aged 15 and above - advanced diplomas at 8.9% and certificates at 12.4%. Educational participation is notably 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 lightrail and bus services. These stops are served by 12 routes that collectively facilitate 5,859 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents typically located 181 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most commuting is outward-bound. Cars dominate at 70%, followed by trains at 10% and cycling at 6%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.0 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 44.1% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 837 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 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

Health data for Coburg - West shows positive outcomes overall, aligning with national mortality rate benchmarks.

Common health conditions are relatively low among the general population but higher among older, at-risk cohorts. Private health cover is high, with approximately 58% of the total population (~9,018 people). Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions, affecting 10.4 and 8.0% of residents respectively. A total of 69.0% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Working-age population health outcomes are typical. The area has 13.9% of residents aged 65 and over (2,165 people), lower than Greater Melbourne's 14.9%. 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 has a higher cultural diversity compared to 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 predominant religion in Coburg-West, accounting for 42.4% of the population. Islam's representation in Coburg-West stands out at 5.6%, matching Greater Melbourne's percentage.

The top three ancestry groups are English (18.5%), Australian (17.1%), and Italian (12.3%), significantly higher than regional averages. Notable differences exist for Greek (7.0% vs regional 2.7%), Lebanese (3.8% vs regional 0.8%), and Maltese (1.1% vs regional 1.1%) groups.

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

Coburg-West has a median age of 37, matching Greater Melbourne's figure and closely resembling Australia's median age of 38. The 45-54 age group is prominent at 13.9%, higher than Greater Melbourne's percentage, while the 5-14 cohort is less prevalent at 10.0%. Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 11.0% to 12.2% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has decreased from 11.3% to 10.0%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Coburg-West's age structure. Notably, the 55 to 64 group is expected to grow by 68%, adding 1,127 people and reaching a total of 2,777 from its current figure of 1,649.