Deer Park

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

Deer Park's population was approximately 18,467 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 463 people, a growth rate of 2.6%, since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 18,004. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 18,447 in June 2024 and an additional 30 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,285 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Deer Park's growth rate exceeded that of its SA3 area (2.5%), positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 67.9% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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 the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusting using 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 demographic trends and latest annual ERP population numbers, an above median population growth is projected for the area, with an expected increase of 3,326 persons to 2041, reflecting a total gain of 17.9% over the 17-year period.

The level of residential development activity in Deer Park is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Deer Park has seen approximately 23 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling 119 homes. As of FY-26 so far, 6 approvals have been recorded. The area's population decline has led to adequate development activity relative to its size, benefiting buyers with more affordable housing options, as new homes are built at an average expected construction cost value of $268,000, below regional norms. This financial year, $1.8 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating a predominantly residential focus.

Compared to Greater Melbourne, Deer Park shows substantially reduced construction activity (56.0% below the regional average per person), which generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. Recent construction comprises 32.0% standalone homes and 68.0% townhouses or apartments, reflecting decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles. The location has approximately 1046 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Deer Park is forecasted to gain 3,306 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Population forecasts indicate Deer Park will gain 3,306 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Deer Park has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Area infrastructure significantly impacts performance. AreaSearch identified 25 potential impact projects. Key ones are Residential Development Derrimut Gardens Estate, Deer Park Dome Redevelopment, Deer Park Estate, and Avondale Heights - Former TAFE Campus Redevelopment. Below is a list of those likely to be 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 Deer Park has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Deer Park has a skilled workforce with strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate was 7.6% as of an unspecified past year. Employment growth over the previous year was estimated at 4.8%.

As of September 2025, 8,874 residents were employed while the unemployment rate stood at 3.0%, which is 3.0% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation in Deer Park was 63.9%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. According to Census responses, 17.4% of residents worked from home. The dominant employment sectors were health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and transport, postal & warehousing.

Transport, postal & warehousing showed particularly strong specialization with an employment share 2.1 times the regional level. Professional & technical services had limited presence at 5.0%, compared to 10.1% regionally. The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 4.8% while labour force grew by 5.4%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 0.6 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.0%, labour force growth of 3.3%, and an increase in unemployment rate of 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Deer Park's employment mix indicates potential local employment increases of 6.0% over five years and 12.7% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The median income among taxpayers in Deer Park SA2 was $54,315 according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. The average income stood at $63,009 during this period. These figures compare with Greater Melbourne's median of $57,688 and average of $75,164 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Deer Park SA2 would be approximately $58,796 (median) and $68,207 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals that household income ranks at the 33rd percentile ($1,459 weekly), while personal income sits at the 14th percentile. Income brackets indicate that 34.2% of the community falls within the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band (6,315 individuals). This is consistent with broader trends across the metropolitan region showing 32.8% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.6% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 31st percentile.

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

The latest Census evaluation showed that dwelling structures in Deer Park consisted of 87.1% houses and 12.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Deer Park was at 31.8%, similar to Melbourne metro, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (37.6%) or rented (30.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Deer Park was $1,690, below Melbourne metro's average of $2,000 and Australia's national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure in Deer Park was recorded at $350, lower than Melbourne metro's $390 and the national average of $375.

Deer Park has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 76.0% of all households, including 36.9% couples with children, 21.5% couples without children, and 15.6% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 24.0%, with lone person households at 20.5% and group households comprising 3.5%. The median household size is 2.9 people, which is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Educational outcomes in Deer Park fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 23.6%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 17.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 28.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.3%) and certificates (18.4%). Educational participation is high, with 32.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes primary education (11.5%), secondary education (7.7%), and tertiary education (5.1%).

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

The analysis of public transportation in Deer Park shows that there are currently 68 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops consist of a mix of train and bus services. There are 16 individual routes servicing these stops, collectively providing 4,445 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport is rated as good, with residents typically located approximately 294 meters from their nearest transport stop. As Deer Park is primarily residential, most residents commute outward for work or other purposes. The car remains the dominant mode of transportation, used by 86% of residents, while train usage stands at 8%.

On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling in the area. According to the 2021 Census, 17.4% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 635 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 65 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Deer Park is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population and nearer the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Deer Park shows better-than-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions' prevalence is low among the general population but nears national averages for older, at-risk cohorts. Private health cover stands at approximately 50% of Deer Park's total population (~9,307 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 56.7% and the national average of 55.7%.

Asthma and diabetes are the most common conditions, affecting 6.8% and 6.3% of residents respectively, while 74.4% report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to Greater Melbourne's 72.6%. The under-65 population has better-than-average health outcomes. Deer Park has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 16.4%, or 3,026 people, than Greater Melbourne's 14.9%. Senior health outcomes are above average but rank lower nationally compared to the broader population.

Deer Park is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Deer Park has one of the most culturally diverse populations in Australia, with 54.4% of its residents born overseas and 63.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 51.6% of the population. However, Buddhism is significantly overrepresented compared to the Greater Melbourne average, comprising 10.8% of Deer Park's population.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Other (25.8%), Vietnamese (12.1%), and Australian (10.3%). Notably, Filipino (5.0%), Maltese (4.4%), and Croatian (1.5%) ethnicities are overrepresented in Deer Park compared to regional averages.

Deer Park's population is younger than the national pattern

Deer Park's median age is 36 years, nearly matching Greater Melbourne's average of 37, which is slightly below the Australian median of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Deer Park has a higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (9.2%) but fewer residents aged 15-24 (12.1%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the proportion of residents aged 75-84 has increased from 4.4% to 5.6%, while the proportions of those aged 5-14 and 25-34 have decreased to 12.3% and 16.0% respectively, from 13.7% and 17.1%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Deer Park's age profile will change significantly. The 55-64 age group is projected to grow by 48%, adding 879 residents to reach a total of 2,723. Conversely, the 35-44 and 0-4 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.