Croydon - East

Population growth drivers in Croydon - East are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Croydon - East's population, as of Feb 2026, is approximately 18,003. This figure represents an increase of 1,894 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 16,109. The growth is inferred from ABS estimates: 17,181 in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses totalling 467 after the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 2,222 persons per square kilometer, above national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Croydon - East's growth rate of 11.8% since the 2021 census exceeds both SA4 (4.9%) and SA3 regions. Overseas migration contributed approximately 64.9% to overall population gains recently.

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 dynamics project an above median growth for statistical areas nationally, with Croydon - East expected to grow by 2,847 persons by 2041 based on latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 11.2% over the 17 years.

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

Croydon - East has recorded approximately 131 residential properties granted approval per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25655 homes were approved, with a further 19 approved so far in FY-26. On average, 1.3 people moved to the area for each dwelling built over these years, indicating balanced supply and demand 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 options for buyers. In terms of commercial development, $59.5 million in approvals have been registered this financial year, suggesting strong momentum. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Croydon - East has 82.0% more development activity per person, providing ample choice for buyers despite a recent slowdown in building activity. Current new building activity comprises 35.0% detached dwellings and 65.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a shift from the existing housing pattern of 75.0% houses. This trend may indicate diminishing developable land availability and responds 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 2,025 residents by 2041, suggesting that current construction levels should adequately meet demand and create 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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 27 projects likely affecting this region. Notable initiatives 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.

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Employment performance in Croydon - East has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Croydon - East has a well-educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 5.4% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 0.8% over the past year. In September 2025, 9,056 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.7% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%.

Workforce participation was lower at 66.4%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. According to Census responses, 27.3% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key industries for employment among residents were health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Transport, postal & warehousing had limited presence with 3.2% employment compared to the regional average of 5.2%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by the ratio of Census working population to resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 0.8%, and labour force grew by 1.1%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.3 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne saw employment growth of 3.0% and a labour force expansion of 3.3%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May-25, project national employment growth of 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, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

The Croydon - East SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $58,719 and an average income of $70,076 in the financial year 2023, according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. These figures are slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164 for the same period. By September 2025, adjusting for Wage Price Index growth of 8.25%, the estimated median income would be approximately $63,563 and the average income $75,857. The 2021 Census ranked household, family, and personal incomes in Croydon - East modestly, between the 39th and 54th percentiles. Income distribution showed that 34.6% of residents earned $1,500-$2,999 weekly, similar to the metropolitan region's 32.8%. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 81.7% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 37th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 5th decile.

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

Dwelling structure in Croydon - East, as per the latest Census, consisted of 74.7% houses and 25.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Melbourne metro had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Croydon - East was at 29.6%, similar to Melbourne metro's level. Mortgaged dwellings accounted for 39.7% and rented dwellings made up 30.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,885, below the Melbourne metro average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Croydon - East was $371, lower than Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Croydon - East's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were less than the national figure of $375.

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, which is 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 a university degree attainment rate of 28.4%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 37.0%. This gap indicates potential for educational development. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 18.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.5%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Vocational credentials are held by 35.1% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 11.9% and certificates at 23.2%.

Educational participation is high, with 26.0% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.9% in primary, 5.9% in secondary, and 3.9% in tertiary education.

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

Croydon - East has 75 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are serviced by 26 different routes that together facilitate 4,777 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically residing 247 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most residents commute outward. Car remains the primary mode of transport, used by 88% of residents, while train usage stands at 6%. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 27.3% of residents work from home, which may be partly due to COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 682 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 63 weekly trips per stop.

Croydon - East's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Croydon East's health metrics are close to national benchmarks. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are typical of the general population, but slightly higher among older cohorts.

Private health cover is at approximately 54% of the total population (~9,703 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues (9.9%) and asthma (8.7%). 66.4% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents have a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 19.4% of residents aged 65 and over (3,487 people), which is higher than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, ranking lower nationally than the broader population.

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 has a higher 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 the population. The 'Other' religious category comprises 1.3%, which is higher than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.3%.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups are English (27.7%), Australian (24.2%), and Other (10.7%). Notably, Dutch ancestry is overrepresented at 2.3% compared to the regional average of 1.2%, Welsh at 0.6% versus 0.4%, and Sri Lankan at 0.3% versus 0.8%.

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

The median age in Croydon - East is 38 years, close to Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and equivalent to Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Croydon - East has a higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (9.8%) but fewer residents aged 15-24 (10.3%). Between the 2016 Census and the 2021 Census, the population aged 75 to 84 grew from 5.8% to 7.0%, while the proportion of those aged 0 to 4 declined from 6.8% to 5.8%. By 2041, Croydon - East is projected to experience significant shifts in its age composition. The 45 to 54 age group is expected to grow by 22%, reaching 2,533 people from 2,079. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above comprising 52% of the projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 35 to 44 age group and the 0 to 4 age cohort.