Lara

Lara lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Lara's population was approximately 24,163 as of November 2025. This figure reflects an increase of 3,346 people from the 2021 Census total of 20,817, indicating a growth rate of 16.1%. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 22,984 in June 2024 and an additional 1,658 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 41 persons per square kilometer. Lara's growth rate exceeded that of the non-metro area (6.0%) and the SA3 region, making it a growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 54.6% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses 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 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. Future population dynamics predict exceptional growth, placing Lara in the top 10 percent of national regional areas. By 2041, the area is expected to increase by 11,293 persons based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total gain of 41.8% over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Lara was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Lara has experienced approximately 428 dwelling approvals per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 2,143 homes were approved, with an additional 257 approved in FY26 so far. On average, about 1.2 new residents have arrived annually for each new home over these five years, indicating a balanced supply and demand market that supports stable conditions.

The average construction cost value of new homes is around $275,000. In the current financial year, Lara has recorded approximately $1009.5 million in commercial development approvals, reflecting high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Lara has 92.0% more development activity per person, indicating robust developer interest in the area and providing buyers with ample choice. Recent construction comprises around 96.0% standalone homes and 4.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With approximately 54 people per dwelling approval, Lara shows characteristics of a growth area.

Future projections estimate that Lara will add around 10,102 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Given current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Lara has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 45thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 60 projects that may impact the region. Notable ones include Lara Lakes Estate, Parkview Lara Estate, Austin Lara Master Planned Community, and Prospect Hill Energy from Waste Facility. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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.

While Lara retains a healthy unemployment rate of 3.5%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

Lara's workforce is skilled with well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 3.5% and has shown stability over the past year.

As of September 2025, 11,626 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.5%, which is 0.3% lower than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. The workforce participation rate is 61.7%, slightly higher than Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Employment in Lara is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Notably, transport, postal & warehousing has employment levels at 1.8 times the regional average.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 2.0% of local workers, lower than Rest of Vic.'s 7.5%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Lara's labour force increased by 0.1%, while employment decreased by 0.0%, resulting in a 0.1 percentage point rise in unemployment. In comparison, Rest of Vic. saw an employment decline of 0.7% and a labour force decline of 0.6%. State-wide, from September 2024 to November 25, Victoria's employment grew by 1.13%, adding 41,950 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. National employment forecasts suggest growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Lara's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, although this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

According to AreaSearch's aggregation, Lara SA2 had a median income of $56,326 and an average income of $66,823 in the financial year 2022. Nationally, the median was $49,741 and the average was $62,889. Comparing to Rest of Vic., Lara's incomes were higher at $48,741 (median) and $60,693 (average). By September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $63,175 and average $74,949, based on a 12.16% increase since financial year 2022. Census data shows Lara's incomes cluster around the 58th percentile nationally. The majority of residents, 37.1%, fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket (8,964 people). After housing costs, 86.5% of income remains for other expenses. Lara's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Dwelling structure in Lara, as evaluated at the latest Census, consisted of 90.4% houses and 9.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Vic had 84.6% houses and 15.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Lara was at 32.5%, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (46.4%) or rented (21.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Lara was $1,755, higher than Non-Metro Vic's average of $1,712. The median weekly rent figure in Lara was recorded at $370, compared to Non-Metro Vic's $335. Nationally, Lara's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Lara features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 77.2% of all households, including 37.7% couples with children, 27.5% couples without children, and 11.0% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 22.8%, with lone person households at 20.6% and group households comprising 2.2% of the total. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.4.

Educational attainment in Lara aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 19.6%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 37.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.5%) and certificates (26.0%). Educational participation is high, with 32.7% currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 12.1% in primary, 9.0% in secondary, and 4.1% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 32.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.1% in primary education, 9.0% in secondary education, and 4.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Lara has 70 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 9 distinct routes that facilitate a total of 2,285 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is limited in Lara, with residents generally situated 709 meters away from the nearest stop.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 326 trips per day, which translates to approximately 32 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Lara experiences notable health issues with common conditions, notably mental health problems and asthma, affecting 9.3% and 9.2% of residents respectively.

Approximately 52% (~12,661 people) have private health cover, slightly higher than the average SA2 area. Most residents, 66.6%, report no medical ailments, compared to 65.9% in Rest of Vic.. The area has 14.0% (3,380 people) aged 65 and over, lower than Rest of Vic.'s 16.8%. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention due to specific challenges they face.

In terms of cultural diversity, Lara records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Lara's cultural diversity aligns with the wider region, with 85.4% citizens, 82.2% born in Australia, and 88.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, comprising 47.7%. Notably, 'Other' religions are overrepresented at 1.6%, compared to 1.2% regionally.

The top three ancestry groups are English (28.0%), Australian (27.9%), and Irish (8.4%). Dutch (2.2%) and Croatian (1.2%) are overrepresented, while Serbian is slightly underrepresented at 0.6%.

Lara's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Lara is 36 years, which is significantly lower than Rest of Vic.'s average of 43 years and somewhat younger than Australia's median age of 38 years. The 25-34 age group comprises 15.8% of Lara's population, compared to Rest of Vic., while the 65-74 cohort makes up 7.8%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 14.9% to 16.3%, whereas the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 13.5% to 12.2% and the 65 to 74 group has dropped from 9.1% to 7.8%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Lara, with the 25 to 34 age group expected to grow by 62%, reaching 6,180 people from its current figure of 3,822.