Croydon South
Statistical Area - sa2

Croydon South has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Croydon South's population was approximately 5,205 as of Aug 2025. This figure represents an increase of 307 people, equivalent to a 6.3% growth since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 4,898 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,140 as of June 2024 and an additional 98 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,819 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Croydon South's growth rate of 6.3% since the 2021 census surpassed both the SA4 region (3.9%) and the SA3 area, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 57.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilized VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusting them using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group were applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on the latest demographic trends and population numbers, an above median growth is projected for Croydon South, with an expected increase of 826 persons by 2041, resulting in a total gain of 14.6% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Croydon South according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Croydon South has approved approximately 18 new homes annually. The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports that between financial years 2021 and 2025, around 91 dwellings were approved, with an additional one approved in the current financial year 2026. On average, each dwelling built over these five years has accommodated about 2.1 new residents annually, indicating steady demand that supports property values. The average construction cost value of these homes is approximately $520,000.

This financial year, around $9.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting balanced commercial development activity in the area. Comparatively, Croydon South has seen 17.0% less new development per person than Greater Melbourne over the past five years. Nationally, it ranks at the 45th percentile of areas assessed for development, which may result in relatively constrained buyer choice and heightened interest in existing dwellings. In terms of housing types, recent building activity shows a mix of 67.0% detached houses and 33.0% medium to high-density housing.

This shift from the area's current housing composition of 92.0% houses suggests decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles, with an increasing demand for diverse and affordable housing options. With approximately 378 people per dwelling approval, Croydon South is considered a developed market. Population forecasts indicate that by 2041, the area will gain around 761 new residents. Current building activity appears to be keeping pace with growth projections, although increased competition among buyers may arise as the population continues to grow.

Croydon South has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. One such project has been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. Notable projects include Laurence Grove Townhouses, Wendys and Jasbe Petroleum Development, Kilsyth Connect Logistics Park, and Canterbury Road Improvements Waterloo Street to Sunset Drive. The following list details those projects likely to be most relevant.

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

AreaSearch assessment positions Croydon South ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Croydon South has a well-educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 3.2% as of June 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.7%. As of June 2025, 2,737 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.4% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%, and workforce participation similar to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Key employment industries for residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. Construction shows particularly strong specialization, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level.

Conversely, transport, postal & warehousing has lower representation at 2.7% compared to the regional average of 5.2%. Employment opportunities exist locally, but many residents commute elsewhere for work. Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 1.7%, labour force grew by 0.6%, resulting in a 1.1 percentage point decrease in unemployment. Comparing this with Greater Melbourne's figures shows Croydon South had slower employment growth but faster unemployment reduction. State-level data from Sep-25 indicates Victoria's employment grew by 1.08% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%, slightly higher than the national rate of 4.5%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Croydon South's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, though these figures are illustrative extrapolations.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Croydon South has a median income of $55,043 and an average income of $67,330. Nationally, the median income is $54,892 with an average income of $73,761. Since financial year 2022, Wage Price Index growth has been 10.11%. As of March 2025, estimated incomes are approximately $60,608 (median) and $74,137 (average). Census 2021 data shows Croydon South's household, family, and personal incomes fall around the 58th percentile nationally. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 captures 36.0% of the community (1,873 individuals), similar to metropolitan regions at 32.8%. High housing costs consume 15.6% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 59th percentile nationally. Croydon South's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Croydon South is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Croydon South's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census evaluation, consisted of 92.2% houses and 7.8% other dwellings such as semi-detached properties, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compares to Melbourne metro's 87.2% houses and 12.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Croydon South was at 33.9%, aligning with Melbourne metro's level. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (46.7%) or rented (19.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,000, mirroring Melbourne metro's average, while the median weekly rent figure stood at $410, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $385 respectively. Nationally, Croydon South's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, with rents surpassing the national figure of $375.

Croydon South has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 76.1% of all households, including 36.3% couples with children, 26.5% couples without children, and 12.7% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 23.9%, with lone person households at 21.7% and group households comprising 2.1%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which matches the Greater Melbourne average.

Educational attainment in Croydon South aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

Educational qualifications in Croydon South, as of recent data, trail regional benchmarks. Specifically, 29.5% of residents aged 15 and above hold university degrees, compared to the Greater Melbourne average of 37.0%. This discrepancy suggests potential for educational development and skills enhancement in the area. Bachelor degrees are most common at 19.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.7%) and graduate diplomas (4.1%).

Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 34.2% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas comprise 12.4% and certificates make up 21.8%. Educational participation is high, with 27.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.5% in primary education, 6.8% in secondary education, and 4.4% pursuing tertiary education. Croydon Special Developmental School serves the local community, with an enrollment of 95 students as of recent records. The school offers educational services tailored to students with special needs. Croydon South itself demonstrates typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 979), providing balanced educational opportunities for its residents. All schools in the area offer integrated K-12 education, ensuring continuity throughout students' academic journey. However, local school capacity is limited, with only 1.8 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 15.5, leading many families to travel to nearby areas for schooling.

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

Croydon South has 15 active public transport stops operating currently. These are all bus stops, serviced by 8 different routes. Together, these routes facilitate 1,325 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport in the area is rated good, with residents typically located 360 meters away from the nearest stop. On average, there are 189 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 88 weekly trips per individual stop.

Croydon South's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Croydon South's health metrics align closely with national benchmarks.

Common health conditions are seen at standard levels across both young and old age cohorts. Private health cover is found to be high, at approximately 53% of the total population (2779 people). The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, affecting 9.0% and 8.6% of residents respectively. 68.0% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 68.7% across Greater Melbourne. The area has 17.4% of residents aged 65 and over (907 people), lower than the 19.0% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

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

Croydon South had a higher than average cultural diversity, with 21.0% of its population born overseas and 15.8% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the dominant religion in Croydon South, accounting for 44.1% of its population. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, comprising 0.4% versus 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (28.6%), Australian (26.1%), and Irish (8.8%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Dutch at 2.1%, Sri Lankan at 0.6%, and Hungarian at 0.4%, all higher than their regional percentages of 2.1%, 0.5%, and 0.3% respectively.

Croydon South's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Croydon South is close to Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and equivalent to Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Croydon South has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (13.8%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (12.0%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population aged 75-84 grew from 5.3% to 6.8%, while the 35-44 age group increased from 15.3% to 16.4%. Conversely, the 25-34 age group declined from 13.3% to 12.0%, and the 55-64 age group dropped from 11.5% to 10.2%. By 2041, Croydon South's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 22 people, reaching 847 from 695. Meanwhile, the 5-14 age group is expected to decrease by 16 residents.