Lalor - West
Statistical Area - sa2

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 represents an increase of 504 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 13,513. The change is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 13,933 in June 2024 and an additional 59 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,603 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 76.6% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on projected demographic shifts, a significant population increase in the top quartile of statistical areas is forecast. Lalor - West is expected to increase by 5,670 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 39.9% over the 17-year period.

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 has 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 to May, 52 dwellings have been approved. Over these five years, an average of 0.5 people moved to the area for each dwelling built.

This indicates 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 value of new homes is $225,000, which is below regional levels, suggesting more accessible housing choices for buyers. This financial year has seen $1.9 million in commercial development approvals, reflecting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Lalor - West shows substantially reduced construction activity, with 80.0% fewer dwellings approved per person than the regional average. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. The area's development activity is also below national averages, indicative of its maturity and possible planning constraints.

Recent construction in Lalor - West comprises 63.0% detached houses and 37.0% townhouses or apartments. This marks a significant shift from the current housing pattern, which is predominantly houses (94.0%). This change suggests diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. With around 1180 people per dwelling approval, Lalor - West reflects a highly mature market. Looking ahead, it is projected that Lalor - West will 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 strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

AreaSearch has identified 28 infrastructure projects that could impact the area significantly. Notable ones include Whittlesea Public Gardens Redevelopment, Epping Central Renewal Site, High Street Walking and Cycling Paths, and Thomastown and Lalor Place Framework. The following list details those expected to have the 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 Lalor - West lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Lalor - West has a skilled workforce with strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate was 6.7% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.8%.

As of June 2025, 6,203 residents are employed, while the unemployment rate is 2.1% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation in Lalor - West lags at 52.8%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. The dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. Manufacturing has a particularly high share of employment, at 1.6 times the regional level.

Conversely, professional & technical services show lower representation at 6.2% versus the regional average of 10.1%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by the count of Census working population compared to resident population. In the 12-month period ending June 2025, employment increased by 2.8%, while labour force grew by 1.4%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate of 1.3 percentage points. Meanwhile, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 3.5% and labour force growth of 4.0%, with an increase in unemployment rate of 0.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest that Lalor - West's local employment could grow by approximately 6.1% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation of industry-specific projections against the local employment mix. These projections do not account for localized population changes.

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

Lalor - West had a median taxpayer income of $46,196 and an average income of $53,219 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. This was lower than the national average, contrasting with Greater Melbourne's median income of $54,892 and average income of $73,761. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, estimates for September 2025 would be approximately $51,813 (median) and $59,690 (average). According to the 2021 Census figures, individual incomes were at the 7th percentile ($558 weekly), while household income was at the 33rd percentile. The largest segment of income distribution 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 32nd 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, consists of 93.8% houses and 6.2% other dwellings. In comparison, Melbourne metropolitan area has 87.2% houses and 12.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Lalor-West is at 39.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 36.5% and rented dwellings at 23.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area is $1,876, lower than Melbourne metro's average of $1,900. The median weekly rent figure is recorded at $366, compared to Melbourne metro's $371. Nationally, Lalor-West's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are lower than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 account for the remaining 21.1%, with lone person households at 18.7% and group households comprising 2.3%. The median household size is 2.9 people, which aligns with Greater Melbourne's 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%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 15.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 25.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.9%) and certificates (15.7%). Educational participation is high at 30.7%, comprising 10.5% in primary education, 7.8% in secondary education, and 5.5% pursuing tertiary education.

Lalor - West's 5 schools have a combined enrollment of 914 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1004) and balanced educational opportunities. The area has 2 primary, 1 secondary, and 2 K-12 schools. School capacity is limited at 6.5 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 13.1, 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

Lalor - West has 43 active public transport stops serving a mix of train and bus routes. These stops are covered by 12 individual routes, offering a total of 5,900 weekly passenger trips. The transport accessibility is rated good, with residents on average located 307 meters from the nearest stop.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 842 trips per day, 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 positive health profile, with low prevalence rates for common conditions among the general population but higher rates among older cohorts at risk. The area has approximately 47% of its total population (~6,545 people) with private health cover, compared to Greater Melbourne's 49.8% and the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 7.8%) and diabetes (6.2%), while 72.8% of residents report no medical ailments.

This compares to 74.0% in Greater Melbourne. Lalor-West has a higher proportion of seniors, with 17.5% aged 65 and over (2,448 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 13.2%. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than the broader population.

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, practiced by 51.6% of people. However, Islam is significantly overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne's average, comprising 18.2% of Lalor-West's population.

In terms of ancestry, 'Other' is the largest group at 23.7%, higher than the regional average of 17.4%. Italian and Australian ancestries follow at 12.0% and 10.9% respectively, with Australian being notably lower than the regional average of 17.3%. Notably, Macedonian (9.3%), Greek (6.6%), and Vietnamese (5.6%) ethnicities are also overrepresented compared to regional averages.

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 resembling Australia's median age of 38 years. The 75-84 age group constitutes 6.4% of Lalor-West's population compared to Greater Melbourne's percentage. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort makes up 13.7%, which is lower than Greater Melbourne's figure. Between 2021 and present, the 15-24 age group has increased from 12.0% to 12.9%. However, during this period, the 25-34 cohort has decreased from 14.5% to 13.7%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Lalor-West's age structure. Notably, the 45-54 group is expected to grow by 59%, adding 1,037 people and reaching a total of 2,784 from its current figure of 1,746.