Delahey

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

Delahey's population is 8,010 as of February 2026. This reflects a decrease from the 2021 Census figure of 8,077 people, marking a change of -67 persons (0.8%). The population was estimated at 8,008 by ABS in June 2024, with an additional 4 validated new addresses since the Census date contributing to this decrease. This results in a population density of 2,282 persons per square kilometer, above the national average assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration drove recent population growth, accounting for approximately 78.9% of overall gains.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusting employing weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future trends indicate a population increase just below the median of national statistical areas, with an expected growth of 488 persons to 2041 based on latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total gain of 6.1% 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 approximately one new dwelling approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling seven homes. As of FY26, zero approvals have been recorded to date. The population has decreased during this period, yet housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice. New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $340,000.

In the current financial year, $23.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating balanced commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Delahey has significantly less development activity, with 94.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. Additionally, this is lower than the national average, reflecting market maturity and potential development constraints. All new construction in the area has been comprised of detached dwellings, maintaining Delahey's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space.

This preference for detached housing exceeds current patterns (76.0% at Census), demonstrating ongoing robust demand for family homes. The location has approximately 8014 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Delahey is projected to add 486 residents by 2041. 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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified five projects that may impact this area. Key projects include Delahey Village Shopping Centre Expansion & Refurbishment, Kings Park Reserve Sports Facilities Upgrades, Greenwich Park Estate, and Copperfield Estate. Relevant projects are detailed below.

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

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Delahey shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Delahey's workforce comprises skilled individuals with manufacturing and industrial sectors well-represented. The unemployment rate was 7.0% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 3.4%. As of September 2025, 4,200 residents were employed while the unemployment rate stood at 9.0%, 2.3 percentage points above Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%.

Workforce participation was lower in Delahey at 66.0% compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. According to Census responses, 16.3% of residents worked from home. Leading employment industries were retail trade, manufacturing, and health care & social assistance. The area had a notable concentration in transport, postal & warehousing with employment levels at 2.1 times the regional average.

However, professional & technical services had limited presence with only 4.6% employment compared to the regional average of 10.1%. Over the past year, ending September 2025, employment increased by 3.4%, while the labour force grew by 5.1%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 1.5 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment grow by 3.0%, labour force increase by 3.3%, and unemployment rise by only 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Delahey's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.2% over ten years.

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 financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Delahey SA2 is $46,865 and the average income stands at $54,701. In comparison, Greater Melbourne's median income is $57,688 and average income is $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Delahey SA2 would be approximately $50,731 (median) and $59,214 (average) as of September 2025. According to Census 2021 income data, individual incomes in Delahey SA2 lag at the 13th percentile ($611 weekly), while household income performs better at the 34th percentile. The predominant income 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 expenses, 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 in Delahey, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 76.2% houses and 23.7% other dwellings. In Melbourne metro, this was 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Delahey stood at 36.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 39.9% and rented dwellings at 23.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,517, below Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Delahey was $350, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Delahey's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 76.9% of all households, including 38.2% couples with children, 21.1% couples without children, and 16.3% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 23.1%, with lone person households at 21.4% and group households comprising 1.8%. The median household size is 2.8 people, 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's university qualification rate is 18.7%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 14.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 28.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.9%) and certificates (20.0%). Educational participation is high, with 27.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 8.3% in primary, 7.7% in secondary, and 5.4% in tertiary education.

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 shows 30 active transport stops operating within Delahey, consisting of a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by five individual routes, collectively providing 1,633 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 199 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode at 89%, with 7% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling, above the regional average.

Sixteen point three percent 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. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are somewhat prevalent across the board but slightly higher among older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 47% of the total population, which totals around 3,748 people.

This compares to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are asthma and arthritis, affecting 7.9 and 6.9% of residents respectively. About 71.0% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. As of the latest data, 21.1% of residents are aged 65 and over, totaling 1,690 people. This is higher than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally compared to 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, one of the most culturally diverse areas in the country, has a population where 50.4% were born overseas and 62.2% speak a language other than English at home. Christianity is the main religion in Delahey, comprising 55.5% of its population. Notably, Buddhism makes up 11.3%, significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 4.2%.

Regarding ancestry, Other groups comprise 21.3%, substantially higher than the regional average of 14.6%. Australian groups make up 11.4%, notably lower than the regional average of 18.4%. Vietnamese groups constitute 10.9%, significantly higher than the regional average of 1.9%. Additionally, Maltese groups are notably overrepresented at 6.2% (vs 1.1%), 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 median age in Delahey is 39 years, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and close to Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, the 65-74 age cohort is notably over-represented in Delahey at 12.7%, while the 35-44 age group is under-represented at 11.9%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 65-74 age group has grown from 10.3% to 12.7% of Delahey's population, and the 75-84 cohort has increased from 4.1% to 6.5%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has declined from 13.5% to 10.8%, and the 25-34 age group has dropped from 15.0% to 13.7%. Population forecasts for Delahey in 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes, with the 75-84 age group expected to grow by 49% (253 people), reaching 770 from 516. Residents aged 65 and older are anticipated to represent 85% of the population growth. Meanwhile, the 25-34 and 0-4 age cohorts are projected to experience population declines.