Deer Park
Statistical Area - sa2

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, as of November 2025, is approximately 18,447. This figure represents an increase of 443 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 18,004. The growth is inferred from ABS estimates of 18,447 in June 2024 and 30 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density of 2,283 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Deer Park has exhibited consistent growth with a compound annual growth rate of 0.1%, outperforming its SA3 area. Overseas migration contributed approximately 67.9% to recent population gains in the area.

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 a weighted aggregation method from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Future demographic trends indicate above median population growth, with Deer Park projected to grow by 3,326 persons to 2041, a total increase of 18.0% 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, 3 approvals have been recorded so far. The area's population decline has resulted in adequate development activity relative to its size, benefiting buyers with more affordable housing options at an average 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 significantly reduced construction activity, measuring 56.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. The area's construction activity is also under the national average, suggesting its established nature and potential planning limitations. Recent construction comprises 32.0% standalone homes and 68.0% townhouses or apartments, offering affordable entry pathways and attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This shift indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles. Deer Park has approximately 1046 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market. Population forecasts indicate the area will gain 3,326 residents by 2041.

If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Deer Park has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 25 projects that could impact the area. Notable projects include Residential Development - Derrimut Gardens Estate, Deer Park Dome Redevelopment, Residential Development - 48 Station Street, Deer Park, and Station Street Commercial Precinct. 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 Deer Park has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Deer Park's workforce is skilled with prominent manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate was 7.2% in the past year, which saw an estimated employment growth of 5.8%.

As of June 2025, 9,023 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.6% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation in Deer Park is lower at 54.8%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and transport, postal & warehousing. Transport, postal & warehousing has a particularly strong presence with an employment share of 2.1 times the regional level.

Professional & technical services have limited presence at 5.0%, compared to the regional average of 10.1%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 5.8% and labour force grew by 5.7%, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable at 7.2%. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.5%, labour force growth of 4.0%, and an increase in unemployment to 5.1%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project a 6.6% expansion over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Deer Park's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.0% over five years and 12.7% over ten years, although these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Deer Park's median income among taxpayers in financial year 2022 was $51,179. The average income stood at $60,111 during the same period. These figures compare to Greater Melbourne's median and average incomes of $54,892 and $73,761 respectively. Based on a Wage Price Index growth rate of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates suggest median income would be approximately $57,402 and average income around $67,420 by September 2025. According to census data, 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 Deer Park's community earns between $1,500 and $2,999 (6,308 individuals). This is consistent with broader trends across the metropolitan region where 32.8% fall into the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Deer Park, with only 82.6% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 32nd percentile.

Deer Park is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure in Deer Park, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 87.1% houses and 12.9% other dwellings. In comparison, Melbourne metro had 81.3% houses and 18.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Deer Park was 31.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.6% and rented ones at 30.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,690, below Melbourne metro's average of $1,700. The median weekly rent figure was $350, compared to Melbourne metro's $346. Nationally, Deer Park's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Deer Park has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 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 account for the remaining 24.0%, with lone person households at 20.5% and group households comprising 3.5% of the total. The median household size is 2.9 people, which aligns with the Greater Melbourne average.

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

The area has lower university qualification rates at 23.6% compared to the Greater Melbourne 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 held by 28.7% of residents aged 15+, 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%). There are four schools in Deer Park with a combined enrollment of 1,227 students. The area has typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 975) with balanced educational opportunities. Education provision is balanced with three primary schools and one secondary school serving distinct age groups. School capacity is limited at 6.7 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 14.3, leading many families to travel for schooling. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Transport analysis indicates 69 active stops in Deer Park offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 24 individual routes, facilitating 7,423 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents located an average of 295 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 1,060 trips daily across all routes, resulting in approximately 107 weekly trips per 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, with low prevalence of common conditions among its general population. Among older, at-risk cohorts, it nears the national average.

Approximately 50% (~9,131 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and diabetes, affecting 6.8 and 6.3% respectively. 74.4% report no medical ailments, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's 73.5%. Deer Park has a lower proportion of seniors (16.4%, or 3,023 people) compared to Greater Melbourne (17.9%). Despite this, health outcomes among seniors warrant more attention due to being above average.

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's population is highly diverse, with 54.4% born overseas and 63.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion in Deer Park, comprising 51.6%. Buddhism, however, is more prevalent here compared to Greater Melbourne, accounting for 10.8% versus 12.5%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (25.8%), Vietnamese (12.1%), and Australian (10.3%). Notably, Maltese (4.4%), Filipino (5.0%), and Croatian (1.5%) populations are higher in Deer Park compared to regional averages.

Deer Park's population is younger than the national pattern

Deer Park's median age is nearly 36 years, close to Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years, which is slightly below the Australian median of 38 years. 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 present, the population aged 75-84 has increased from 4.4% to 5.6%. Conversely, the age group of 5-14 has decreased from 13.7% to 12.3%, and the age group of 25-34 has dropped from 17.1% to 16.0%. By 2041, demographic modeling indicates significant changes in Deer Park's age profile. The 55-64 age cohort is projected to grow by 48%, adding 881 residents to reach a total of 2,723. Meanwhile, both the 35-44 and 0-4 age groups are expected to decrease in number.