Craigieburn - North West
Statistical Area - sa2

Craigieburn - North West lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Craigieburn - North West's population was around 11,198 as of Aug 2025. This figure represents an increase of 1,356 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,842. The change is inferred from ABS estimates of 11,198 in June 2024 and 76 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a density ratio of 5,832 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the top 10% nationally according to AreaSearch. Craigieburn - North West's growth of 13.8% since the 2021 Census exceeded both national (8.6%) and state averages. Overseas migration contributed approximately 54.3% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area, and VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 for areas not covered by ABS data. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population projections indicate exceptional growth in Craigieburn - North West, with an expected increase of 8,534 persons by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 76.2% over the 17-year period.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Craigieburn - North West when compared nationally

Craigieburn - North West has averaged approximately 87 new dwelling approvals annually. The Australian Bureau of Statistics produces development approval data on a financial year basis, indicating 438 homes approved over the past five financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, with 2 approvals recorded so far in FY-26. On average, for every home built between FY-21 and FY-25, there have been approximately 6.6 new residents annually, signifying a significant demand exceeding supply, which typically leads to price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction cost value of new homes is around $436,000, aligning with regional patterns.

This financial year has seen $25.0 million in commercial approvals, suggesting balanced commercial development activity. Comparing Craigieburn - North West to Greater Melbourne shows approximately 75% of the construction activity per person, placing it among the 16th percentile nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing homes. New building activity comprises around 84.0% detached houses and 16.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space.

With approximately 958 people per approval, Craigieburn - North West indicates a mature, established area. Projections suggest Craigieburn - North West is expected to grow by around 8,534 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Craigieburn - North West has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified five projects that could affect this region. Notable ones include True North Estate, True North Estate Greenvale, Stockland Highlands - Craigieburn & Mickleham, and Greenvale North Part 2 Residential Development. The following list details those most relevant.

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

Employment performance in Craigieburn - North West has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Craigieburn - North West has a well-educated workforce with diverse sector representation. As of June 2025, its unemployment rate is 7.1%, with an estimated employment growth of 3.3% over the past year.

The area has 5,439 residents in work, with an unemployment rate of 2.5% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation is at 66.7%, slightly above Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Major employment industries include health care & social assistance, transport, postal & warehousing, and construction. The area has a notably high concentration in transport, postal & warehousing, with employment levels at 2.3 times the regional average.

However, professional & technical services show lower representation at 6.2% compared to the regional average of 10.1%. Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 3.3%, while labour force grew by 4.6%, leading to a rise in unemployment by 1.1 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded an employment growth of 3.5% and an unemployment rate increase of 0.5 percentage points. State-level data from Sep-25 shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.08% year-on-year, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%, slightly higher than the national rate of 4.5%. National employment forecasts from May 2025 project an expansion of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Craigieburn - North West's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.4%% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 indicates Craigieburn - North West had a median income among taxpayers of $58,027 with the average at $66,765. This is above national averages and compares to Greater Melbourne levels of $54,892 and $73,761 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.11% since financial year 2022, estimates as of March 2025 would be approximately $63,894 (median) and $73,515 (average). Census 2021 income data shows household income ranks at the 58th percentile ($1,876 weekly), while personal income sits at the 42nd percentile. Income distribution indicates 44.3% of population (4,960 individuals) fall within $1,500 - 2,999 range, consistent with broader trends across surrounding region showing 32.8% in same category. High housing costs consume 21.3% of income, placing disposable income at the 51st percentile and area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

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

Craigieburn - North West's dwelling structure in its latest Census evaluation showed 92.6% houses and 7.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 87.6% houses and 12.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Craigieburn - North West was at 6.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 62.6% and rented ones at 31.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,907, higher than Melbourne metro's $1,834. Median weekly rent was $396, compared to Melbourne metro's $369. Nationally, Craigieburn - North West had higher mortgage repayments at $1,907 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were $396, exceeding the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 87.1% of all households, including 60.6% couples with children, 15.2% couples without children, and 10.3% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 12.9%, with lone person households at 10.4% and group households comprising 2.5%. The median household size is 3.4 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 3.2.

The educational profile of Craigieburn - North West exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Craigieburn - North West's educational profile shows a high emphasis on higher education, with 33.9% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications, exceeding the SA3 area average of 24.3% and the SA4 region's rate of 27.7%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 21.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (10.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 30.3% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (14.9%) and certificates (15.4%).

Educational participation is notable, with 37.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising primary (15.1%), secondary (6.7%), and tertiary (4.1%) students. The area is anchored by Newbury Primary School, serving 1,189 students as of a recent date. Craigieburn - North West has balanced educational opportunities, with an ICSEA score of 1032 and school places per 100 residents at 10.6, below the regional average of 17.5.

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

Craigieburn - North West has 18 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by two different routes that together facilitate 1,465 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is considered good, with residents on average being located 226 metres from the nearest stop.

On a daily basis, service frequency averages at 209 trips across all routes, which amounts to about 81 weekly trips per individual stop.

Craigieburn - North West's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Craigieburn - North West shows excellent health outcomes with a very low prevalence of common conditions across all ages. Its private health cover rate is approximately 52%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 49.1%.

The most prevalent conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 4.6% and 3.7% respectively. About 85.5% of residents report no medical ailments, higher than Greater Melbourne's 76.3%. The area has 5.5% seniors (613 people), lower than Greater Melbourne's 10.8%. Despite the lower senior population, health outcomes among them require special attention.

Craigieburn - North West 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 West is among the most culturally diverse areas in Australia, with 58.6% of its population born overseas and 74.2% speaking a language other than English at home. The dominant religion is Christianity, comprising 37.3% of Craigieburn-North West's population. However, the category 'Other' stands out, making up 15.9%, significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 5.9%.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups are Other (45.5%), Indian (17.0%), and Australian (10.1%). Notably, Samoan is overrepresented at 1.5% compared to the regional average of 1.3%, Sri Lankan at 1.3% versus 1.1%, and Lebanese at 1.6% against a regional average of 4.2%.

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

Craigieburn - North West's median age at 31 years is lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Craigieburn - North West has a higher proportion of residents aged 35-44 (22.6%) but fewer residents aged 55-64 (5.5%). This concentration of 35-44 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.2%. Between 2021 and present, median age has increased from 30 to 31 years. During this period, the 45 to 54 age group grew from 7.8% to 9.8%, while the 65 to 74 cohort increased from 2.6% to 4.1%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 age group decreased from 20.7% to 16.0%, and the 0 to 4 age group dropped from 12.0% to 10.6%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes in Craigieburn - North West, with the 45 to 54 age cohort projected to more than double, expanding by 1,534 people (139%) from 1,101 to 2,636.