Lilydale - Coldstream

Lilydale - Coldstream has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Lilydale - Coldstream's population is around 21,165 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,566 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 19,599 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 20,905 from the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 578 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 193 persons per square kilometer. Lilydale - Coldstream's growth rate of 8.0% since the 2021 census exceeded that of its SA3 area (3.5%) and SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 36.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year, and VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 for areas not covered by this data. Future population trends project an above median growth rate, with Lilydale - Coldstream expected to expand by 3,528 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 15.4% over the 16 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Lilydale - Coldstream among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Lilydale - Coldstream has averaged approximately 165 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years. Between FY21 and FY25, a total of 828 homes were approved, with an additional 109 approved so far in FY26. On average, 0.8 people have moved to the area per year for each dwelling built during this period.

This indicates that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction cost of new homes is $337,000. In FY26, $58.7 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, demonstrating strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Lilydale - Coldstream has 111.0% more construction activity per person, offering greater choice for buyers. New development consists of 57.0% detached houses and 43.0% attached dwellings, with an increasing blend of attached housing types catering to various price ranges.

Currently, Lilydale - Coldstream has 82.0% houses, indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options. With around 118 people per dwelling approval, it shows characteristics of a growth area. Population forecasts estimate that Lilydale - Coldstream will gain approximately 3,268 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Lilydale - Coldstream has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 37thth percentile nationally

Local infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 42 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects include Lilydale Structure Plan Implementation, Chapel Street Lilydale Drainage Improvements, Kinley Estate (Former Lilydale Quarry), and Lilydale Food Waste to Energy Project. The following list details those 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.

The labour market in Lilydale - Coldstream demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

Lilydale - Coldstream has a skilled workforce with the construction sector being well-represented. Its unemployment rate was 3.9% in December 2025, which is below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.6%.

As of December 2025, 11,200 residents were employed, with a workforce participation rate of 66.9%, slightly lower than Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. A moderate 24.5% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Major employment industries include construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Construction employment is particularly high, at 1.7 times the regional average.

In contrast, professional & technical services employ only 6.3% of local workers, lower than Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. Many residents may commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. During the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 1.6%, and labour force grew by 1.6%, with unemployment remaining stable. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded higher employment growth of 2.4% and labour force growth of 2.8%, with a slight increase in unemployment. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Lilydale - Coldstream's employment mix suggests local employment could increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

The Lilydale - Coldstream SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $57,815 and an average income of $70,130 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This was slightly above the national average during that period. In Greater Melbourne, the median income was $57,688 with an average income of $75,164. By March 2026, estimated incomes would be approximately $63,377 (median) and $76,877 (average), based on a 9.62% increase since financial year 2023 as per the Wage Price Index growth. The 2021 Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Lilydale - Coldstream cluster around the 50th percentile nationally. In this area, 34.1% of residents (7,217 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket, similar to regional levels where 32.8% occupy this bracket. Residents spend 15.6% of their income on housing costs, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 53rd percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the fifth decile.

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

In Lilydale - Coldstream, as per the latest Census, 81.9% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 18.1% being semi-detached, apartments, or 'other' dwellings. This is compared to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Lilydale - Coldstream stood at 34.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 46.5% and rented ones at 18.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,950, lower than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in the area was $369, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Lilydale - Coldstream's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,950 versus Australia's average of $1,863, while rents were lower at $369 compared to the national figure of $375.

Lilydale - Coldstream has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 73.8% of all households, including 33.7% couples with children, 28.1% couples without children, and 11.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 26.2%, with lone person households at 24.1% and group households comprising 2.1%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which matches the Greater Melbourne average.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 20.4%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 14.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (12.2%) and certificates (28.0%). Educational participation is high, with 26.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 8.9% in primary education, 7.9% in secondary education, and 3.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Lilydale - Coldstream has 103 active public transport stops operating, serving a mix of bus routes. These routes total 21, collectively facilitating 5,584 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically residing 305 meters from the nearest stop. Primarily residential, most residents commute outward, with cars being the dominant mode at 92%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.7 per dwelling, exceeding the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 24.5% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 797 trips daily across all routes, translating to approximately 54 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

Lilydale - Coldstream's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Lilydale-Coldstream residents show positive health outcomes, matching national benchmarks for mortality rates and health conditions. Common health issues are low across all ages; mental health affects 9.3% and asthma impacts 9.0%.

65.6% report no medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Private health cover is at 54%, slightly higher than the SA2 average of 51.8%. Working-age residents have above-average chronic conditions prevalence. The area has a higher proportion of seniors, with 20.0% aged 65 and over (4,243 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 15.0%. Senior health outcomes align with national rankings.

Lilydale - Coldstream ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Lilydale-Coldstream was found to have low cultural diversity, with 82.8% of its population born in Australia, 90.8% being citizens, and 92.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 46.5% of people in Lilydale-Coldstream. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, with 0.1% versus 1.0%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (31.3%, regional average: 20.1%), Australian (28.3%, regional average: 18.4%), and Scottish (7.6%). Dutch (3.1% vs regional 1.2%), Hungarian (0.4% vs regional 0.3%), and Italian (5.1% vs regional 5.2%) are also notably represented.

Lilydale - Coldstream's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Lilydale - Coldstream has a median age of 40, which is slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to the Greater Melbourne average, the 75-84 age cohort is notably over-represented in Lilydale-Coldstream at 7.6%, while the 25-34 year-olds are under-represented at 12.8%. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has increased from 6.0% to 7.6% of the population. Conversely, the 45-54 age cohort has decreased from 13.6% to 12.4%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Lilydale-Coldstream's age profile will significantly evolve. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to expand by 681 people (42%), growing from 1,608 to 2,290 residents. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 50% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. The 0-4 age group is projected to grow at a more modest rate of 4%, adding only 43 residents.