Delahey

Delahey has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Delahey's population is around 8,010 as of Feb 2026. This reflects a decrease of 67 people (0.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,077 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 8,008 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 4 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 2,282 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 78.9% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. As we examine future population trends, a population increase just below the median of national statistical areas is expected, with the area expected to grow by 488 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 6.1% in total over the 17 years.

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

Delahey has averaged around 1 new dwelling approval each year, totalling 7 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 0 approvals have been recorded. Given population has fallen over the past period, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, creating a well-balanced market with good buyer choice, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $340,000. Additionally, $23.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, suggesting balanced commercial development activity.

Compared to Greater Melbourne, Delahey has significantly less development activity (94.0% below regional average per person). This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. This is likewise lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. Meanwhile, new construction has been completely comprised of detached dwellings, sustaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. New construction favours detached housing more than current patterns suggest (76.0% at Census), demonstrating ongoing robust demand for family homes. The location has approximately 8014 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market.

Future projections show Delahey adding 486 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Delahey has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 44thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 5 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Delahey Village Shopping Centre Expansion & Refurbishment, Kings Park Reserve Sports Facilities Upgrades, Greenwich Park Estate, and Copperfield Estate, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

The labour market performance in Delahey lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Delahey has a skilled workforce, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, an unemployment rate of 7.4%, and 2.1% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 4,176 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 2.7% above Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%, and workforce participation lags significantly (66.0% compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 16.3% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise retail trade, manufacturing, and health care & social assistance. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in transport, postal & warehousing, with employment levels at 2.1 times the regional average. Meanwhile, professional & technical services have a limited presence with 4.6% employment compared to 10.1% regionally. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 2.1% alongside the labour force increasing by 4.2%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.9 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne, where employment rose by 2.4%, the labour force grew by 2.8%, and unemployment rose 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Delahey. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Delahey's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.2% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

The Delahey SA2's income level is below the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Delahey SA2's median income among taxpayers is $46,865 and the average income stands at $54,701, which compares to figures for Greater Melbourne's of $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $50,731 (median) and $59,214 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows individual incomes lag at the 13th percentile ($611 weekly), while household income performs better at the 34th percentile. Looking at income distribution, the predominant cohort spans 32.9% of locals (2,635 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, reflecting patterns seen in the broader area where 32.8% similarly occupy this range. After housing, 85.0% of income remains for other expenses.

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

Dwelling structure within Delahey, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 76.2% houses and 23.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Delahey was well beyond that of Melbourne metro, at 36.5%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (39.9%) or rented (23.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Melbourne metro average at $1,517, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $350, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390. Nationally, Delahey's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 76.9% of all households, comprising 38.2% couples with children, 21.1% couples without children, and 16.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 23.1%, with lone person households at 21.4% and group households comprising 1.8% of the total. The median household size of 2.8 people is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Delahey faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (18.7%) substantially below the Greater Melbourne average of 37.0%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 14.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 28.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (8.9%) and certificates (20.0%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.3% in primary education, 7.7% in secondary education, and 5.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 30 active transport stops operating within Delahey comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 5 individual routes, collectively providing 1,633 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 199 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - the car remains the dominant mode at 89%, with 7% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling, above the regional average. Some 16.3% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 233 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 54 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Delahey is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a slightly higher degree among older age cohorts

Delahey faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a slightly higher degree among older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 47% of the total population (~3,748 people). This compares to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and arthritis, impacting 7.9% and 6.9% of residents, respectively, while 71.0% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 21.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1,690 people), which is higher than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, though ranking lower nationally than the broader population.

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

Delahey is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country, with 50.4% of its population born overseas and 62.2% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Delahey is Christianity, which makes up 55.5% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Buddhism, which comprises 11.3% of the population, substantially higher than the Greater Melbourne average of 4.2%.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Delahey are Other, comprising 21.3% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 14.6%, Australian, comprising 11.4% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 18.4%, and Vietnamese, comprising 10.9% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 1.9%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Maltese is notably overrepresented at 6.2% of Delahey (vs 1.1% regionally), Macedonian at 4.5% (vs 0.7%) and Filipino at 5.6% (vs 1.3%).

Delahey's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The 39-year median age in Delahey is somewhat higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and similarly very close to the 38-year national average. Compared to the Greater Melbourne average, the 65 - 74 cohort is notably over-represented (12.7% locally), while 35 - 44 year-olds are under-represented (11.9%). Post-2021 Census data shows the 65 to 74 age group has grown from 10.3% to 12.7% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 4.1% to 6.5%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 13.5% to 10.8% and the 25 to 34 group dropped from 15.0% to 13.7%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Delahey. Leading the demographic shift, the 75 to 84 group will grow by 49% (253 people), reaching 770 from 516. Demographic aging continues as residents 65 and older represent 85% of anticipated growth. On the other hand, the 25 to 34 and 0 to 4 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.