Croydon - West

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

Croydon - West's population is approximately 14,905 as of November 2025. This figure represents a growth of 766 people, an increase of 5.4% since the 2021 Census which recorded a population of 14,139. This change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 14,828 in June 2024 and an additional 129 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is 2,191 persons per square kilometer, above the national average assessed by AreaSearch. Croydon - West's growth rate exceeded that of its SA4 region (4.0%) and SA3 area, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 88.0% 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 utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 with adjustments made through 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. Future trends project an above median population growth, with the area expected to expand by 1,907 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 12.3% over the 17-year period.

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

Croydon-West averaged around 47 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY21-FY25236 homes were approved, with a further 21 approved in FY26 so far. On average, 1.3 people moved to the area for each dwelling built over these years. However, this ratio increased to 8.9 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting growing popularity and potential undersupply.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $380,000. In FY26, commercial development approvals totaled $17.6 million. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Croydon-West has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks in the 39th percentile nationally, indicating limited buyer options but strong demand for established properties. Recent construction comprises 63% standalone homes and 37% townhouses or apartments, marking a shift from the area's existing housing composition (currently 93% houses). The location has approximately 439 people per dwelling approval.

By 2041, Croydon-West is projected to grow by 1,830 residents. Development pace appears reasonable with projected growth, but increasing competition among buyers is expected as the population expands.

Croydon - West has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 31stth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 25 projects that could impact the area. Notable projects include Croydon Community Wellbeing Precinct, The Outlook Croydon North, Bellara Drive Social Housing Development, and Croydon Main Street Revitalisation. Below is a list of 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 conditions in Croydon - West remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Croydon - West has a well-educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 3.9% as of September 2025, compared to Greater Melbourne's 4.7%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.3%. In this area, 60.8% of residents participate in the workforce, slightly below Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. The leading employment industries among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Notably, construction employs 1.3 times the regional average.

Conversely, transport, postal & warehousing employs only 2.9% of local workers, lower than Greater Melbourne's 5.2%. Between July 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 1.3%, labour force grew by 0.9%, leading to a decrease in unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne saw employment growth of 3.0% and an increase in unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points during the same period. As of 25-Nov-25, Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%, slightly higher than the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Croydon - West's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by approximately 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, though this is an illustrative extrapolation not accounting for localised population projections.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

The median taxpayer income in Croydon - West SA2 is $55,043, with an average of $67,330 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. This is above the national average, compared to Greater Melbourne's median income of $54,892 and average income of $73,761. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $61,736 (median) and $75,517 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family, and personal incomes rank modestly in Croydon - West, between the 47th and 50th percentiles. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 29.8% of residents (4,441 people), slightly lower than regional levels where 32.8% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Croydon - West, with only 83.4% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 46th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

Croydon - West's dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 93.0% houses and 7.0% other dwellings. Compared to Melbourne metro's 87.2% houses and 12.8% other dwellings, Croydon - West had a higher proportion of houses. Home ownership in Croydon - West was at 37.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 39.9% and rented ones at 22.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,078, above Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Croydon - West was $399, compared to Melbourne metro's $385. Nationally, Croydon - West's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

Croydon - West has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 70.2% of all households, including 31.9% couples with children, 26.5% couples without children, and 10.9% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 29.8%, with lone person households at 27.4% and group households comprising 2.4%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Croydon - West performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

Croydon's residents aged 15+ have university degree holders at 31.6%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 20.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.3%) and graduate diplomas (3.8%). Vocational credentials are held by 32.3% of residents, with advanced diplomas at 12.2% and certificates at 20.1%. Educational participation is high, with 27.4% currently enrolled in formal education: primary (9.3%), secondary (7.1%), and tertiary (4.4%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.3% in primary education, 7.1% in secondary education, and 4.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Croydon - West has 68 active public transport stops serving a mix of train and bus routes. These stops are operated by 19 individual routes that collectively facilitate 3,797 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically situated 248 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 542 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 55 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Croydon - West is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Croydon West faces significant health challenges, with common health conditions prevalent among both younger and older age cohorts.

Approximately 53%, or about 7,959 people, have private health cover. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 8.6% and 8.1% of residents respectively. 67.1% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 68.7% across Greater Melbourne. 24.8%, or 3,697 people, are aged 65 and over, which is higher than the 19.0% in Greater Melbourne. This aligns with the general population's health profile.

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

Croydon-West has a higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 25.8% of its residents born overseas and 18.7% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Croydon-West, accounting for 46.3% of the population. Notably, the 'Other' religious category comprises 1.4% of the population, slightly higher than the 1.1% regional average.

Regarding ancestry, the top three groups are English (27.4%), Australian (24.0%), and Other (8.6%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences: Dutch residents make up 2.1%, matching the regional figure; Hungarian residents account for 0.4%, slightly higher than the 0.3% regional average; Sri Lankan residents also make up 0.5%, equal to the regional average.

Croydon - West's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Croydon-West's median age is 41 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and slightly older than Australia's median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne's average, Croydon-West has a notably higher proportion of the 75-84 age group (10.0% locally) and a lower proportion of the 25-34 age group (10.9%). According to the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group increased from 8.3% to 10.0%, while the 25 to 34 age group decreased from 12.1% to 10.9%. Demographic projections suggest significant changes in Croydon-West's age profile by 2041. The 75 to 84 cohort is projected to grow by 46%, adding 684 residents, reaching a total of 2,171 residents. Residents aged 65 and older are expected to represent 72% of the population growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 25 to 34 age group and the 0 to 4 age group.