Lilydale - Coldstream
Statistical Area - sa2

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 was around 20,763 as of Aug 2025. This figure reflects an increase of 1,164 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 19,599. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 20,540 in June 2024 and an additional 514 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 189 persons per square kilometer. Lilydale - Coldstream's growth rate of 5.9% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA3 area (3.3%) and the SA4 region, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 52.8% 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 utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future trends project an above median population growth, with the area expected to expand by 3,923 persons to 2041 based on latest numbers, reflecting a total increase of 17.8% over the 17-year period.

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

Lilydale-Coldstream averaged approximately 165 new dwelling approvals per year. The Australian Bureau of Statistics produces development approval data on a financial year basis, showing 828 homes approved over the past five financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, with 31 approvals so far in FY-26. Over these five years, an average of 0.8 people per dwelling moved to the area annually, indicating that new supply has kept pace with or exceeded demand, providing ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average expected construction cost value of new properties is $445,000, aligning with regional patterns.

In FY-26, there have been $58.7 million in commercial approvals, reflecting high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Lilydale-Coldstream records 111.0% more development activity per person, offering buyers greater choice. Recent construction comprises 57.0% standalone homes and 43.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a shift from the area's existing housing composition of 82.0% houses. This shift suggests decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles and demand for diverse, affordable housing options. The location has approximately 118 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market.

By 2041, Lilydale-Coldstream is projected to grow by 3,693 residents. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Lilydale - Coldstream has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 41 projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include Lilydale Food Waste to Energy Project, Kinley Estate (Former Lilydale Quarry), Lilydale Structure Plan Implementation, and Elmrise Lilydale. The following list details those most relevant.

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

The employment environment in Lilydale - Coldstream shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Lilydale - Coldstream has a skilled workforce with the construction sector being prominent. As of June 2025, it has an unemployment rate of 3.3%, with an estimated employment growth of 1.3% over the past year.

There are 11,087 residents in work, with an unemployment rate of 1.3% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. The leading employment industries among residents are construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Construction employment levels are at 1.7 times the regional average, while professional & technical employs only 6.3% of local workers compared to Greater Melbourne's 10.1%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data analysis. In the 12-month period ending June 2025, employment increased by 1.3%, labour force increased by 0.7%, and unemployment rate fell by 0.6 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.5%, labour force growth of 4.0%, with unemployment rising 0.5 percentage points. State-level data to Sep-25 shows VIC employment grew by 1.08% year-on-year, adding 39,880 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest potential future demand within Lilydale - Coldstream. Applying these industry-specific projections to Lilydale - Coldstream's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.3% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

Lilydale - Coldstream had a median taxpayer income of $53,443 and an average income of $67,574 in financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. These figures were above the national averages for median ($54,892) and average ($73,761) incomes in Greater Melbourne. By March 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $58,846 and average income would be around $74,406, based on a 10.11% growth in wages since financial year 2022. In the 2021 Census, Lilydale - Coldstream incomes clustered around the 51st percentile nationally. The most common income bracket was $1,500 - $2,999, with 34.1% of residents (7,080 people) falling within it, similar to regional levels at 32.8%. Residents spent 15.6% of their income on housing costs but had disposable incomes at the 53rd percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 5th decile.

Lilydale - Coldstream is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Lilydale - Coldstream's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 81.9% houses and 18.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Melbourne metro's figures of 93.8% houses and 6.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Lilydale - Coldstream was 34.5%, similar to Melbourne metro's level. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (46.5%) or rented (18.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,950, aligning with Melbourne metro's average. However, the median weekly rent figure was $369, compared to Melbourne metro's $380. Nationally, Lilydale - Coldstream's median monthly mortgage repayments were higher at $1,950 than the Australian average of $1,863. Conversely, rents were lower at $369 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 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 account for 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 is smaller than Greater Melbourne's average of 2.7.

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

The area has lower university qualification rates at 20.4% compared to 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 at 26.9%, with 8.9% in primary, 7.9% in secondary, and 3.8% in tertiary education.

Fourteen schools serve 5,554 students, with Lilydale - Coldstream typical of Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1019). The educational mix includes five primary, five secondary, and four K-12 schools. The area has a high number of school places per resident at 26.8, attracting students from surrounding communities. Note that 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

Lilydale-Coldstream has 104 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 25 different routes facilitating 6,202 weekly passenger trips in total. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents on average being located 304 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 886 trips per day across all routes, which translates to about 59 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Lilydale - Coldstream is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Lilydale-Coldstream faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is high at approximately 53% of the total population (~11,087 people). Mental health issues impact 9.3% of residents, while asthma affects 9.0%. A total of 65.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 66.9% across Greater Melbourne. The area has 19.7% of residents aged 65 and over (4,084 people). Health outcomes among seniors are above average and perform better than the general population in health metrics.

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, in its demographic data from 2016, showed lower cultural diversity with 82.8% of residents born in Australia, 90.8% being Australian citizens, and 92.1% primarily speaking English at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 46.5%. Notably, Judaism's representation was slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's average, accounting for 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (31.3%), Australian (28.3%), and Scottish (7.6%). Some ethnic groups showed distinct variations: Dutch residents made up 3.1% compared to the regional average of 3.2%, Hungarians constituted 0.4% versus 0.3%, and Italians comprised 5.1% against Greater Melbourne's 3.4%.

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

Lilydale-Coldstream has a median age of 40, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's 37 and Australia's 38 years. Locally, the 55-64 cohort is notably over-represented at 12.7%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 13.2%. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 6.0% to 7.3% of the population. Meanwhile, the 45-54 cohort has declined from 13.6% to 12.6%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Lilydale-Coldstream's age profile. The 75-84 age cohort is expected to grow by 812 people (53%), reaching 2,339 from the current 1,526. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 51% of total population growth. The 0-4 age group is projected to grow more modestly at 2%, adding only 22 residents.