Collingwood

Collingwood lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Collingwood's population is around 11,162 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,983 people (21.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,179 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 11,145 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 124 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 8,789 persons per square kilometer, which lies in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch, making land in the area a highly sought resource. Collingwood's 21.6% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%) and the state average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 75.3% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including interstate migration and natural growth, were positive factors.

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 utilizing 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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, exceptional growth, placing it in the top 10 percent of statistical areas across the nation, is predicted over the period, with the area expected to grow by 6,881 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 61.5% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Collingwood recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Collingwood has averaged around 41 new dwelling approvals annually, totalling 208 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 1 approval has been recorded. With an average of 6.3 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand is significantly outpacing supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $360,000. Additionally, $182.3 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity.

Relative to Greater Melbourne, Collingwood shows approximately 59% of the construction activity per person while it places among the 8th percentile of areas assessed nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing homes. New development consists of 5.0% detached dwellings and 95.0% attached dwellings. This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points and suits downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. At around 3242 people per approval, Collingwood shows a mature, established area.

Looking ahead, Collingwood is expected to grow by 6,864 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Collingwood has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 44 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Cambridge Street Collingwood Development, Derby Street Apartment Development, 21 Northumberland Street Mixed-Use Development, and 240 Wellington Street Public Housing Renewal, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

Collingwood shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Collingwood has a highly educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation, an unemployment rate of 9.3%, and 3.8% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 7,487 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 4.6% above Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (82.1% compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%). Based on Census responses, a high 53.0% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area has a particular employment specialization in professional & technical, with an employment share of 2.1 times the regional level. On the other hand, construction is under-represented, with only 4.0% of Collingwood's workforce compared to 9.7% in Greater Melbourne. With 1.5 workers for every resident, as at the Census, the area functions as an employment hub, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 3.8% alongside the labour force increasing by 4.8%, resulting in unemployment rising by 0.9 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 2.4%, labour force growth of 2.8%, and unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Collingwood. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Collingwood's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.4% over five years and 14.9% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Collingwood SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $74,601 and an average of $91,595 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is extremely high nationally, contrasting with Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $80,756 (median) and $99,152 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, individual earnings stand out at the 95th percentile nationally ($1,338 weekly). Distribution data shows the largest segment comprises 32.2% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (3,594 residents), consistent with broader trends across the region showing 32.8% in the same category. Economic strength emerges through 33.1% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. High housing costs consume 18.6% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 69th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Collingwood features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure within Collingwood, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 5.8% houses and 94.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Collingwood lagged that of Melbourne metro at 11.0%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (23.2%) or rented (65.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Melbourne metro average at $2,167, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $425, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390. Nationally, Collingwood's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Collingwood features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 46.6% of all households, comprising 8.9% couples with children, 29.3% couples without children, and 7.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 53.4%, with lone person households at 42.6% and group households comprising 10.8% of the total. The median household size of 1.9 people is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Collingwood shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

Educational attainment in Collingwood significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 60.2% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 30.4% in Australia and 33.4% in VIC. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 38.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (17.8%) and graduate diplomas (4.4%). Vocational pathways account for 18.5% of qualifications among those aged 15+ – advanced diplomas (8.7%) and certificates (9.8%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.1% in tertiary education, 4.7% in primary education, and 3.1% pursuing secondary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 20 active transport stops operating within Collingwood, comprising a mix of light rail and buses. These stops are serviced by 30 individual routes, collectively providing 9,893 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 177 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 45%, with 20% walking and 9% cycling. Vehicle ownership averages 0.4 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A high 53.0% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 1,413 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 494 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Collingwood is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Collingwood demonstrates above-average health outcomes, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts see low prevalence of common health conditions, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 67% of the total population (7,456 people). This compares to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 12.6% and 9.4% of residents, respectively, while 71.4% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 8.2% of residents aged 65 and over (914 people), which is lower than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Collingwood was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Collingwood scores highly on cultural diversity, with 26.6% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 37.4% born overseas. The main religion in Collingwood is Christianity, which makes up 21.8% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Judaism, which comprises 0.8% of the population, compared to 1.0% across Greater Melbourne.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Collingwood are English, comprising 22.4% of the population, Australian, comprising 15.7% of the population, and Other, comprising 14.7% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Vietnamese is notably overrepresented at 3.2% of Collingwood (vs 1.9% regionally), French at 0.8% (vs 0.5%) and Polish at 1.0% (vs 0.8%).

Collingwood's young demographic places it in the bottom 15% of areas nationwide

At 34 years, Collingwood's median age is somewhat lower than the Greater Melbourne average of 37 and similarly considerably younger than Australia's 38 years. Relative to Greater Melbourne, Collingwood has a higher concentration of 25 - 34 residents (34.1%) but fewer 5 - 14 year-olds (5.2%). This 25 - 34 concentration is well above the national 14.4%. Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 19.1% to 20.5% of the population. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 36.4% to 34.1% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 11.2% to 10.2%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Collingwood. The 25 to 34 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 41%, adding 1,543 residents to reach 5,346.