Lalor - West

Lalor - West lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Lalor - West's population is approximately 14,017 as of November 2025. This figure reflects an increase of 504 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 13,513. The change is inferred from ABS estimates: 13,933 in June 2024 and an additional 59 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,603 persons per square kilometer, higher than average national levels assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 76.6% of overall population gains recently.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, it utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 with adjustments made using weighted aggregation methods. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Projected demographic shifts indicate a significant population increase in the top quartile of statistical areas nationally, with Lalor - West expected to increase by 5,670 persons to 2041 based on latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an overall increase of 39.9% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Lalor - West, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Lalor - West averaged approximately 38 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, with a total of 193 homes approved during this period. In FY26, up until now, 52 dwellings have been approved. On average, 0.5 people moved to the area per dwelling built over these five years, indicating that new supply has kept pace with or exceeded demand, providing ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts.

The average construction cost of new homes was $225,000, which is below regional levels, suggesting more accessible housing choices for buyers. In FY26, $1.9 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Lalor - West has shown substantially reduced construction activity, with 80.0% less per person than the regional average. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. Furthermore, this activity is below national averages, which reflects the area's maturity and may suggest possible planning constraints. Recent construction in Lalor - West comprises 63.0% detached houses and 37.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a significant shift from the current housing pattern of 94.0% houses.

This change could indicate diminishing developable land availability and a response to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. With approximately 1180 people per dwelling approval, Lalor - West reflects a highly mature market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, the area is expected to grow by 5,586 residents through to 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 in the future.

Lalor - West has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified a total of 28 projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include Epping Central Renewal Site, High Street Walking and Cycling Paths, Thomastown and Lalor Place Framework, and 44-46 Derrick Street Townhouses. 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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The labour market performance in Lalor - West lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Lalor - West has a skilled workforce with manufacturing and industrial sectors well-represented. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 7.6%.

Over the past year, employment stability has been relatively consistent. There are 6,072 residents in work, but the unemployment rate is higher than Greater Melbourne's by 2.9%, at 4.7%. Workforce participation lags behind Greater Melbourne's figure of 64.1%, at 52.8%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade.

Manufacturing is particularly prominent, with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level. Conversely, professional & technical services show lower representation than the regional average. Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census data comparisons of working population versus resident population. In the 12 months prior to September 2025, Lalor - West's labour force increased by 0.1%, while employment declined by 0.0%, leading to a rise in unemployment of 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 3.3%. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project a growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Lalor - West's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localised population projections.

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

The Lalor - West SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $46,196 and an average income of $53,219 in the financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is lower than national averages, contrasting with Greater Melbourne's median income of $54,892 and average income of $73,761 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, estimated median and average incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $51,813 and $59,690 respectively. In 2021 Census figures, individual incomes were at the 7th percentile ($558 weekly), while household income was at the 32nd percentile. The largest income segment comprised 33.4% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (4,681 residents). Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 83.1% of income remaining, ranking at the 31st percentile.

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

Lalor - West's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, had 93.8% houses and 6.2% other dwellings. In comparison, Melbourne metro had 87.2% houses and 12.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Lalor - West was at 39.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 36.5% and rented ones at 23.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,876, below Melbourne metro's $1,900. The median weekly rent was $366, compared to Melbourne metro's $371. Nationally, Lalor - West's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower than the national figure of $375.

Lalor - West features high concentrations of family households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 78.9% of all households, including 40.1% couples with children, 22.7% couples without children, and 14.7% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 21.1%, with lone person households at 18.7% and group households making up 2.3%. The median household size is 2.9 people, which matches the Greater Melbourne average.

Lalor - West shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

The area's university qualification rate is 22.5%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common, at 15.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials are prevalent among residents aged 15+, with 25.6% holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (9.9%) and certificates (15.7%).

Educational participation is high, with 30.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.5% in primary education, 7.8% in secondary education, and 5.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The transport analysis indicates 43 active stops operating within Lalor - West, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 12 individual routes, collectively facilitating 5,900 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically situated 307 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 842 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 137 weekly trips per stop.

Lalor - West's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Lalor - West residents have a relatively low prevalence of common health conditions compared to the general population, but this rate is higher than the national average for older and at-risk cohorts. Private health cover is very low in Lalor - West, with approximately 47% of the total population (~6,545 people) having it, compared to Greater Melbourne's 49.8% and the national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (7.8%) and diabetes (6.2%), while 72.8% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 74.0% in Greater Melbourne.

Lalor - West has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 17.5% (2,448 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 13.2%. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than the broader population due to presenting challenges.

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

Lalor-West has one of the highest levels of cultural diversity in Australia, with 48.4% of its population born overseas and 67.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Lalor-West, accounting for 51.6% of the population. However, Islam is notably overrepresented, comprising 18.2%, compared to Greater Melbourne's average of 9.1%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (23.7%), Italian (12.0%), and Australian (10.9%). Notably, Macedonian (9.3%) and Greek (6.6%) populations are overrepresented in Lalor-West compared to regional averages of 4.6% and 4.1%, respectively. Additionally, the Vietnamese population is significantly higher at 5.6%, compared to the region's average of 1.6%.

Lalor - West's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Lalor-West has a median age of 37, matching Greater Melbourne's figure and closely aligning with Australia's median age of 38. The 75-84 age group comprises 6.4% of Lalor-West's population compared to Greater Melbourne, while the 25-34 cohort makes up 13.7%. Between 2021 and present, the 15-24 age group has increased from 12.0% to 12.9%, and the 25-34 cohort has decreased from 14.5% to 13.7%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant changes in Lalor-West's age structure, with the 45-54 group expected to grow by 59%, adding 1,037 people to reach a total of 2,784 from its current figure of 1,746.