Croydon - East

Population growth drivers in Croydon - East are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Croydon - East's population was approximately 17,364 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 1,255 people (7.8%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 16,109. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 17,210 in June 2024 and an additional 459 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,143 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Croydon - East's growth rate of 7.8% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA4 region (4.0%) and the SA3 area, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 64.9% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is using 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 the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusting with a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, Croydon - East is projected to grow by 2,847 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 15.3% over the 17-year period.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Croydon - East when compared nationally

Croydon - East has recorded approximately 131 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 655 homes were approved, with an additional 18 approved so far in FY26. On average, about 1.3 people have moved to the area for each dwelling built over these five years, indicating a balanced supply and demand creating stable market conditions. However, recent data shows this has increased to 7 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, reflecting the area's growing popularity and potential supply constraints.

New homes are being constructed at an average expected cost of $279,000, which is below regional levels, offering more affordable housing choices for buyers. Additionally, $59.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, demonstrating strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Croydon - East has seen 82.0% more development activity per person. This increased activity should provide buyers with ample choice, although building activity has slowed in recent years. The current new building activity comprises approximately 35.0% detached dwellings and 65.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a significant shift from the existing housing pattern of 75.0% houses. This trend towards denser development caters to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers, suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs.

With around 244 people per approval, Croydon - East reflects a transitioning market. Future projections estimate an addition of 2,664 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Given current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Croydon - East has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Area performance is significantly influenced by local infrastructure changes, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 27 such projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Croydon Community Wellbeing Precinct, Croydon Main Street Revitalisation, 295 Mt Dandenong Road Residential Development, and 120-124 Merrindale Drive Industrial Development. 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 performance in Croydon - East has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Croydon - East has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 5.4% as of September 2021, with an estimated employment growth of 0.8% over the past year.

As of September 2025, 9,056 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.7% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation in Croydon - East is equal to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Key industries employing residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Transport, postal & warehousing has limited presence with 3.2% employment compared to the regional average of 5.2%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. From September 2024 to September 2025, employment levels increased by 0.8% and labour force increased by 1.1%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.3 percentage points. In Greater Melbourne, employment grew by 3.0%, labour force expanded by 3.3%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points during the same period. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs, with a state unemployment rate of 4.7%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Croydon - East's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

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

Croydon - East SA2 had median taxpayer income of $54,976 and average income of $66,890 in financial year 2022. These figures were slightly above national averages of $53,112 and $64,873 respectively. Greater Melbourne's median and average incomes for the same period were $54,892 and $73,761. By September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $61,661 and average income $75,024, based on a 12.16% increase from financial year 2022's Wage Price Index growth. According to the 2021 Census, Croydon - East incomes ranked modestly, between the 39th and 54th percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. The largest income segment comprised 6,007 residents earning $1,500-$2,999 weekly, at 34.6%, similar to metropolitan Melbourne's 32.8%. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 81.7% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 37th percentile. Croydon - East's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 5th decile.

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

Croydon - East's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 74.7% houses and 25.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 87.2% houses and 12.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Croydon - East was at 29.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 39.7% and rented ones at 30.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,885, lower than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent was $371, compared to Melbourne metro's $385. Nationally, Croydon - East's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,885 and rents were lower at $371.

Croydon - East features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 64.7% of all households, including 26.9% couples with children, 24.1% couples without children, and 12.7% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 35.3%, with lone person households at 32.2% and group households making up 3.0%. The median household size is 2.3 people, smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

The educational profile of Croydon - East exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Croydon's residents aged 15+ have educational qualifications that trail Greater Melbourne's regional benchmarks. Specifically, 28.4% of Croydon residents hold university degrees compared to 37.0% in Greater Melbourne. This difference suggests potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 18.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.5%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%).

Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 35.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (11.9%) and certificates (23.2%). Educational participation is high, with 26.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.9% in primary education, 5.9% in secondary education, and 3.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis shows 75 active stops operating within Croydon - East. These include a mix of train and bus services. They are served by 26 individual routes, offering 5,790 weekly passenger trips in total.

Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 247 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 827 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 77 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Croydon - East is lower than average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Croydon - East faces significant health challenges, with high prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 52% of the total population (~9,098 people), leading that of the average SA2 area. Mental health issues impact 9.9% of residents, while asthma affects 8.7%. A total of 66.4% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 68.7% across Greater Melbourne. The area has 18.8% of residents aged 65 and over (3,266 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Croydon - East was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Croydon-East was found to have a higher level of cultural diversity than most local areas, with 26.0% of its population born overseas and 19.7% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Croydon-East, making up 45.0% of its population. Notably, the category 'Other' comprises 1.3% of Croydon-East's population, slightly higher than the 1.1% across Greater Melbourne.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (27.7%), Australian (24.2%), and Other (10.7%). There are also notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Dutch (2.3% vs regional 2.1%), Welsh (0.6% vs 0.5%), and Sri Lankan (0.3% vs 0.5%) are overrepresented in Croydon-East compared to Greater Melbourne.

Croydon - East's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Croydon - East is 38 years, similar to Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and the Australian median of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Croydon - East has a higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (9.7%) but fewer residents aged 15-24 (10.2%). Between the 2021 Census and the present day, the population aged 35-44 has increased from 15.2% to 16.1%, while the 0-4 age group has decreased from 6.8% to 6.0%. By the year 2041, Croydon - East's age composition is expected to change significantly. The 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 26%, reaching 2,533 people from its current figure of 2,009. Meanwhile, both the 0-4 and 5-14 age groups are expected to decrease in number.