Craigieburn - North
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Craigieburn - North's population was approximately 12,885 as of August 2025. This figure indicates a growth of 576 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,309. The increase is inferred from ABS estimates and validated new addresses between June 2024 and the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 965 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Craigieburn - North has shown steady growth with a compound annual growth rate of 1.7%, exceeding national averages. Overseas migration contributed approximately 64.4% to recent population gains.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024, based on 2022 data. For areas not covered, AreaSearch employs VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 with adjustments made using weighted aggregation methods. Future growth rates by age group are applied across all areas until 2041. Craigieburn - North is expected to experience significant growth, ranking in the top 10% nationally, adding 7,052 persons by 2041, a 54.7% increase over 17 years based on current population numbers.

The level of residential development activity in Craigieburn - North is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Craigieburn - North has recorded approximately 12 residential property approvals per year. Development approval data is provided by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on a financial year basis, showing 63 homes approved over the past five financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, with no approvals yet in FY-26. Despite population decline in the area, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice. New homes are being constructed at an average expected cost of $922,000, indicating that developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties.

In FY-26 so far, $283,000 worth of commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting minimal commercial development activity compared to Greater Melbourne, where Craigieburn - North has significantly less development activity, at 92.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new dwellings typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Furthermore, all new construction in Craigieburn - North consists of detached dwellings, preserving its suburban nature and attracting space-seeking buyers, with approximately 1865 people per dwelling approval. By 2041, Craigieburn - North is expected to grow by 7,049 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.

Looking ahead, Craigieburn - North is expected to grow by 7,049 residents through to 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Craigieburn - North has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 35 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include Stockland Highlands - Craigieburn & Mickleham, Donnybrae Estate by Dennis Family Corporation, Donnybrook Road Upgrades, and Donnybrook-Woodstock Precinct Structure Plan. The following list details those most relevant.

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

Craigieburn - North has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Craigieburn - North has a skilled workforce with strong manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate was 5.8% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 3.9%.

As of June 2025, 6,954 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 6.8%, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing. Notably, transport, postal & warehousing has employment levels at twice the regional average. However, professional & technical services have limited presence with only 4.6% employment compared to the regional average of 10.1%.

Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 3.9%, while labour force grew by 4.4%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 0.4 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne saw employment growth of 3.5% with a 0.5 percentage point increase in unemployment. State-level data from Sep-25 shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.08% year-on-year, adding 39,880 jobs, and the state unemployment rate was 4.7%, slightly higher than the national rate of 4.5%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years nationally. Applying these projections to Craigieburn - North's employment mix suggests local growth could be approximately 6.1% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Craigieburn - North has a median taxpayer income of $55,990 and an average of $64,421 based on the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. This is comparable to national averages, differing from Greater Melbourne's median income of $54,892 and average income of $73,761. Using Wage Price Index growth of 10.11% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for March 2025 are approximately $61,651 (median) and $70,934 (average). Census data shows household income ranks at the 63rd percentile ($1,958 weekly), with personal income at the 37th percentile. Income brackets indicate that 40.2% of residents earn between $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (5,179 residents), similar to surrounding regions where 32.8% fall into this bracket. High housing costs consume 17.7% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 61st percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

Craigieburn - North is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Craigieburn - North's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, had 89.6% houses and 10.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 87.6% houses and 12.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Craigieburn - North was at 15.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 57.1% and rented ones at 27.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,842, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $1,834. Median weekly rent in Craigieburn - North was $371, compared to Melbourne metro's $369. Nationally, Craigieburn - North's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Craigieburn - North features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 85.5% of all households, including 56.0% couples with children, 15.1% couples without children, and 12.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for 14.5%, with lone person households at 12.4% and group households comprising 2.2% of the total. The median household size is 3.4 people, which is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 3.2.

Craigieburn - North performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 26.7%, substantially below the Greater Melbourne average of 37.0%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 16.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 31.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (12.6%) and certificates (18.6%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 37.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 13.5% in primary education, 10.1% in secondary education, and 5.5% pursuing tertiary education. As of the latest data, Craigieburn - North's 3 schools have combined enrollment reaching 3,726 students while Craigieburn - North demonstrates typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 996) with balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes 2 primary and 1 K-12 school. Functioning as an education hub, the area has 28.9 school places per 100 residents – significantly above the regional average of 17.5 – attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Craigieburn - North has 31 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 6 different routes that together facilitate 3,181 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is deemed good, with most residents residing approximately 256 metres from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 454 trips per day across all routes, equating to roughly 102 weekly trips per individual stop.

Craigieburn - North's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Craigieburn - North shows notable health outcomes with common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 52%, higher than the average SA2 area but lower than Greater Melbourne's 49.1%.

Asthma and mental health issues are most prevalent, affecting 5.9% and 5.2% of residents respectively, while 79.9% report no medical ailments, compared to 76.3% in Greater Melbourne. The area has 7.9% residents aged 65 and over (1016 people), lower than Greater Melbourne's 10.8%. Senior health outcomes require more attention due to existing challenges.

Craigieburn - North is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Craigieburn-North is among the most culturally diverse areas in Australia, with 47.4% of its population born overseas and 59.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the main religion, comprising 44.9% of people in Craigieburn-North. Notably, the 'Other' category makes up 10.8%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 5.9%.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups are Other (34.0%), Australian (13.5%), and English (10.8%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences: Samoan is overrepresented at 2.1% (vs regional 1.3%), Indian at 10.8% (vs 6.5%), and Sri Lankan at 1.3% (vs 1.1%).

Craigieburn - North hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Craigieburn - North has a median age of 33, which is younger than Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Craigieburn - North has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (16.0%) but fewer residents aged 75-84 (1.9%). Between the 2021 Census and the present day, residents have aged by an average of 1.2 years, with the median age increasing from 32 to 33. Specifically, the proportion of residents aged 45 to 54 has grown from 12.7% to 14.7%, while those aged 15 to 24 increased from 14.2% to 15.7%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 35 to 44 declined from 18.6% to 16.2%, and those aged 5 to 14 decreased from 18.1% to 16.0%. By the year 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Craigieburn - North's age profile, with the 45 to 54 age group expected to rise substantially, expanding by 1,392 people (74%) from 1,890 to 3,283.