Craigieburn - South
Statistical Area - sa2

Craigieburn - South 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 - South's population is 24,379 as of Aug 2025. This represents an increase of 2,706 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 21,673. The growth was inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 24,086 in June 2024 and an additional 321 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 2,046 persons per square kilometer, higher than the national average assessed by AreaSearch. Craigieburn - South's growth of 12.5% since the 2021 census exceeds both the national average (8.6%) and state averages, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 58.8% to overall population gains during recent periods, with natural growth and interstate migration also being positive factors.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch employs VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population projections indicate exceptional growth, placing Craigieburn - South in the top 10 percent of national statistical areas. By 2041, the area is expected to grow by 18,460 persons, representing a total increase of 74.5% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Craigieburn - South among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Craigieburn - South recorded approximately 142 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, a total of 712 homes were approved, with an additional four approved so far in FY-26. On average, about 4.8 people moved to the area each year for every dwelling built during these five financial years.

This indicates that supply is significantly lagging demand, which typically leads to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $475,000. In FY-26, commercial approvals totaling $25.4 million have been registered, suggesting steady commercial investment activity in the area. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Craigieburn - South shows roughly half the construction activity per person.

Nationally, it ranks around the 48th percentile of areas assessed, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing homes. The new development mix consists of 67.0% detached dwellings and 33.0% attached dwellings, including a growing proportion of townhouses and apartments. This shift provides options across different price points, from family homes to more affordable compact living, marking a significant change from the current housing mix, which is currently 92.0% houses. At approximately 366 people per approval, Craigieburn - South indicates a mature market. Looking ahead, it is expected that Craigieburn - South will grow by 18,167 residents through to 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases in the area.

Craigieburn - South has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 32 projects likely to impact the region. Notable ones include Craigieburn West Precinct Structure Plan, Stockland Highlands Masterplanned Community, Merrifield Masterplanned Community, and Merrifield City Shopping 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.

Employment drivers in Craigieburn - South are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Craigieburn - South has a skilled workforce with manufacturing and industrial sectors well-represented. As of June 2025, the unemployment rate is 8.1%, with an estimated employment growth of 2.7% over the past year.

There are 11,794 residents in work, but the unemployment rate is higher than Greater Melbourne's by 3.5%. Workforce participation is lower at 61.6% compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area specializes in transport, postal & warehousing with an employment share of 1.9 times the regional level, while professional & technical employs only 5.3% of local workers compared to Greater Melbourne's 10.1%.

Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census data on working population vs resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 2.7%, labour force grew by 4.5%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 1.6 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment rise by 3.5%, labour force grow by 4.0%, with an unemployment increase of only 0.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project a 6.6% growth over five years and 13.7% over ten years for national employment. Applying these projections to Craigieburn - South's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.2% over five years and 13.0% over ten years.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2022 shows Craigieburn - South had a median taxpayer income of $51,010 and an average income of $58,690. These figures are below the national averages of $54,892 and $73,761 for Greater Melbourne respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% from financial year 2022 to September 2025, estimated median income is approximately $57,213 and average income is around $65,827. Census data indicates household income ranks at the 55th percentile ($1,835 weekly) and personal income at the 24th percentile. Income distribution shows that 39.7% of locals (9,678 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 category, which is also predominant in the broader area at 32.8%. High housing costs consume 18.8% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 53rd percentile.

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

Craigieburn - South's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 92.0% houses and 8.0% 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 - South was at 17.7%, with the rest being mortgaged (56.1%) or rented (26.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,900, above Melbourne metro's average of $1,834. Median weekly rent was recorded at $375, compared to Melbourne metro's $369. Nationally, Craigieburn - South's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were comparable at $375.

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

Family households make up 85.0% of all households, including 53.7% couples with children, 17.1% couples without children, and 12.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 15.0%, with lone person households at 12.4% and group households comprising 2.6%. The median household size is 3.3 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 3.2.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 25.7%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 16.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 29.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas comprise 11.6% and certificates make up 18.2%. Educational participation is high at 35.8%, including 12.5% in primary education, 8.6% in secondary education, and 5.2% pursuing tertiary education.

The Craigieburn - South area has a robust network of 6 schools educating approximately 4,121 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 968) and balanced educational opportunities. This includes 3 primary, 2 secondary, and 1 K-12 school. Note: for schools showing 'n/a' in enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Craigieburn - South has 73 active public transport stops. These are served by 18 different routes, offering a total of 15,329 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 231 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 2,189 daily trips across all routes, which equates to around 209 weekly trips per individual stop.

Craigieburn - South's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Craigieburn - South demonstrates excellent health outcomes, particularly for younger cohorts who have a very low prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 49% (~11,970 people) of its total population has private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 6.6% and 5.3% of residents respectively. About 78.1% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 76.3% across Greater Melbourne. The area has 8.0% (1,945 people) of residents aged 65 and over, lower than the 10.8% in Greater Melbourne. While health outcomes among seniors require more attention, overall they present fewer challenges than the broader population.

Craigieburn - South 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-South, as per the 2016 Census, has a population where 49.4% were born overseas. At home, 61.7% speak a language other than English. Christianity is the predominant religion, with 46.1%.

The 'Other' religious category is overrepresented at 8.3%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 5.9%. In terms of ancestry, 'Other' is highest at 39.0%, followed by Australian (13.7%) and English (11.1%). Notably, Sri Lankan ancestry is higher at 1.6% than the regional average of 1.1%. Indian ancestry stands at 9.2%, above Greater Melbourne's 6.5%. Samoan ancestry is also slightly higher at 1.4%.

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

Craigieburn-South has a median age of 32 years, which is younger than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and significantly lower than Australia's national average of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Craigieburn-South has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (16.7%) but fewer residents aged 75-84 (1.9%). According to data from the post-2021 Census, the age group of 55 to 64 grew from 9.2% to 10.2% of the population. Conversely, the 25 to 34 age group decreased from 16.5% to 14.2%, and the 0 to 4 age group dropped from 8.7% to 7.3%. Demographic projections suggest that by 2041, Craigieburn-South's age profile will change significantly. The strongest projected growth is in the 45 to 54 age group, with a predicted increase of 116%, adding 3,346 residents to reach a total of 6,238.