Craigieburn - North

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Craigieburn - North's population is around 12,888 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 579 people (4.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,309 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 12,882 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 2 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 965 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Craigieburn - North has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a 1.7% compound annual growth rate, outpacing the national average. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 64.4% 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. Anticipating future population dynamics, exceptional growth, placing it in the top 10 percent of national areas, is predicted over the period, with the area expected to expand by 7,052 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 54.7% in total over the 17 years.

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 around 12 residential properties granted approval per year, with 63 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 3 so far in FY-26. Given population has fallen over the past period, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, creating a well-balanced market with good buyer choice, while new dwellings are developed at an average construction cost of $507,000, revealing that developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. Additionally, $283,000 in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating minimal commercial development activity.

Relative to Greater Melbourne, Craigieburn - North records markedly lower building activity (92.0% below regional average per person). This scarcity of new homes typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. This is likewise lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. Meanwhile, new construction has been completely comprised of detached dwellings, sustaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. With around 1865 people per dwelling approval, Craigieburn - North reflects a highly mature market.

Looking ahead, Craigieburn - North is expected to grow by 7,046 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). 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 emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 28thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 31 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Donnybrae Estate by Dennis Family Corporation, the Donnybrook-Woodstock Precinct Structure Plan, Donnybrook Road Upgrades, and Platform Donnybrook by Blueways & Wolfdene, 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.

Employment conditions in Craigieburn - North remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Craigieburn - North features a skilled workforce, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, an unemployment rate of 4.8%, and relative employment stability over the past year. As of December 2025, 6,849 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is in line with Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%, and workforce participation is on par with Greater Melbourne's 71.3%. Based on Census responses, a moderate 19.6% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing. The area shows particularly strong specialization in transport, postal & warehousing, with an employment share of 2.0 times the regional level. In contrast, professional & technical services employ just 4.6% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 0.3% and the labour force decreased by 0.8%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 1.0 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 2.4%, labour force growth of 2.8%, with 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 Craigieburn - North. 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 Craigieburn - North's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.9% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Craigieburn - North SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $58,779 with the average level standing at $66,842. This is approximately average nationally and compares to levels of $57,688 and $75,164 across Greater Melbourne respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $63,628 (median) and $72,356 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household income ranks at the 63rd percentile ($1,958 weekly), while personal income sits at the 37th percentile. Distribution data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 40.2% of the community (5,180 individuals), aligning with regional levels where this cohort likewise represents 32.8%. High housing costs consume 17.7% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 60th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

Craigieburn - North is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Dwelling structure within Craigieburn - North, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 89.6% houses and 10.4% 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 Craigieburn - North was lagging that of Melbourne metro, at 15.0%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (57.1%) or rented (27.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Melbourne metro average at $1,842, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $371, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390. Nationally, Craigieburn - North's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are 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 dominate at 85.5% of all households, comprising 56.0% couples with children, 15.1% couples without children, and 12.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 14.5%, with lone person households at 12.4% and group households comprising 2.2% of the total. The median household size of 3.4 people is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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 (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, including advanced diplomas (12.6%) and certificates (18.6%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 37.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.5% in primary education, 10.1% in secondary education, and 5.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 30 active transport stops operating within Craigieburn - North, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 6 individual routes, collectively providing 1,545 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 256 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 89%, with 7% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.7 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. Some 19.6% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 220 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 51 weekly trips per individual stop.

Craigieburn - North's residents are extremely healthy with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Craigieburn - North, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Younger cohorts in particular see very low prevalence of common health conditions, while the rate of private health cover slightly lags the average SA2 area at approximately 52% of the total population (~6,714 people). This compares to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne.

The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, impacting 5.9% and 5.2% of residents, respectively, while 79.9% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents are notably healthy with low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 8.7% of residents aged 65 and over (1,116 people), which is lower than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, though they rank lower nationally than the broader population.

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 the country, with 47.4% of its population born overseas and 59.2% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Craigieburn - North is Christianity, which makes up 44.9% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Other, which comprises 10.8% of the population, substantially higher than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.3%.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Craigieburn - North are Other, comprising 34.0% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 14.6%, Australian, comprising 13.5% of the population, and English, comprising 10.8% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 20.1%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Samoan is notably overrepresented at 2.1% of Craigieburn - North (vs 0.3% regionally), Indian at 10.8% (vs 4.2%) and Sri Lankan at 1.3% (vs 0.8%).

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

At 34 years, Craigieburn - North'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, Craigieburn - North has a higher concentration of 5 - 14 residents (15.4%) but fewer 25 - 34 year-olds (12.8%). Since the 2021 Census, residents have aged by 1.5 years on average, with the median rising from 32 to 34. Specifically, the 45 to 54 age group has grown from 12.7% to 14.9% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 14.2% to 16.1%. Conversely, the 35 to 44 cohort has declined from 18.6% to 15.6% and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 18.1% to 15.4%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Craigieburn - North. The 45 to 54 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 71%, adding 1,361 residents to reach 3,283.