Delahey

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

Delahey's population, as per AreaSearch's analysis, was approximately 8,017 by November 2025. This figure represents a decrease of 60 individuals (0.7%) compared to the 2021 Census which reported a population of 8,077 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 8,009 as of June 2024 and an additional 4 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,284 persons per square kilometer, which exceeds the average observed across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The primary driver for population growth in the area was overseas migration, contributing approximately 78.9% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is utilizing 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 released in 2023, using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels for adjustments. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041 based on these aggregations. Future population trends indicate an expected increase just below the median of statistical areas across the nation, with the area projected to increase by 488 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 6.0% over the 17-year period.

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

Delahey has received approximately one dwelling approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling seven homes. No approvals have been recorded so far in FY26. The area's population decline has maintained adequate housing supply relative to demand, creating a balanced market with good buyer choice. New homes are being built at an average construction cost of $340,000.

This financial year has seen $23.2 million in commercial approvals, indicating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Delahey has significantly less development activity, 94.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. The area's building activity consists entirely of detached houses, preserving its suburban nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. Developers are building more traditional houses than suggested by current demographics (76.0% at Census), indicating strong demand for family homes.

Delahey reflects a highly mature market with around 8014 people per dwelling approval. Future projections estimate an addition of 479 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

Delahey has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 49thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified five projects that could impact this region. Key projects include Delahey Village Shopping Centre Expansion & Refurbishment, Kings Park Reserve Sports Facilities Upgrades, Greenwich Park Estate, and Copperfield Estate. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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Employment performance in Delahey has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Delahey has a skilled workforce with strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate was 7.0% as of September 2025.

Over the past year, there was an estimated employment growth of 3.4%. As of September 2025, 4,200 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.3% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation in Delahey lags at 58.1%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Leading employment industries among residents include retail trade, manufacturing, and health care & social assistance.

The area has a notable concentration in transport, postal & warehousing, with employment levels at 2.1 times the regional average. However, professional & technical services show lower representation at 4.6% compared to the regional average of 10.1%. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 3.4%, while labour force grew by 5.1%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 1.5 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment rise by 3.0% and unemployment increase by 0.3 percentage points. As of 25-Nov, state-level data shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment to expand by 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, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

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

The Delahey SA2's median income among taxpayers was $44,082 in the financial year 2022. The average income stood at $51,917 during this period. This compares to figures for Greater Melbourne of $54,892 and $73,761 respectively. By September 2025, based on a Wage Price Index growth of 12.16%, the median income is estimated to be approximately $49,442, and the average income around $58,230. According to the 2021 Census, individual incomes 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 (2,637 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, mirroring the broader area where 32.8% occupy this bracket. After housing expenses, 85.0% of income remains for other expenses.

Delahey is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Dwelling structure in Delahey, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 28 August 2016, comprised 76.2% houses and 23.7% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. In comparison, Melbourne metropolitan area had 81.3% houses and 18.7% other dwellings at the time of the Census. Home ownership in Delahey stood at 36.5%, with mortgaged dwellings accounting for 39.9% and rented dwellings making up 23.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Delahey was $1,517, lower than Melbourne metro's average of $1,700. The median weekly rent figure in Delahey was recorded at $350, compared to Melbourne metro's $346. Nationally, Delahey's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 23.1%, with lone person households at 21.4% and group households making up 1.8%. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.9.

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 prominent, with 28.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 8.9% and certificates at 20.0%. Educational participation is high, with 27.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 8.3% in primary, 7.7% in secondary, and 5.4% in tertiary education.

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 Delahey indicates that there are currently 30 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops primarily consist of bus services, with a total of five individual routes providing service to them. Collectively, these routes facilitate 2,573 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of these transport services is rated as good, with residents typically located approximately 200 meters away from their nearest transport stop. On average, there are 367 trips per day across all routes, which equates to roughly 85 weekly trips per individual stop.

Delahey's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Delahey's health metrics are close to national benchmarks. Common health conditions among the general population are somewhat typical but higher than the national average among older cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~3,703 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and arthritis, impacting 7.9 and 6.9% of residents respectively. 71.0% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 73.5% across Greater Melbourne. As of 2021, 19.8% of residents are aged 65 and over (1,590 people), which is higher than the 17.9% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges requiring more attention 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 has a population where 50.4% were born overseas, with 62.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion in Delahey, comprising 55.5%. Buddhism is overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, making up 11.3% of Delahey's population versus 12.5%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (21.3%), Australian (11.4%), and Vietnamese (10.9%). Notably, Maltese (6.2%) is overrepresented compared to the regional average of 4.6%, as are Macedonian (4.5% vs 2.5%) and Filipino (5.6% vs 3.7%).

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

The median age in Delahey is 39 years, which is higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and close to the national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, the 55-64 cohort is over-represented in Delahey at 14.9%, while the 35-44 age group is under-represented at 12.0%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 75-84 age group grew from 4.1% to 6.0% of the population, and the 65-74 cohort increased from 10.3% to 12.1%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 13.5% to 10.9%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Delahey, with the 75-84 age group expected to grow by 59% (284 people), reaching 770 from 485. This growth is led by residents aged 65 and older, who represent 89% of anticipated population growth. However, the 0-4 and 25-34 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.