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 is approximately 20,786 as of November 2025. This figure represents a growth of 1,187 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 19,599. The increase is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 20,537 in June 2024 and an additional 524 validated new addresses after the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 190 persons per square kilometer. Lilydale - Coldstream's growth rate of 6.1% since the 2021 census exceeds that of its SA3 area (3.3%) and SA4 region, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 52.8% to 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, it employs VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Nationally, statistical areas are projected to have above median population growth, with Lilydale - Coldstream expected to expand by 3,923 persons to 2041 based on the latest numbers, reflecting a total increase of 17.7% over 17 years.

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 annually from FY-21 to FY-25, with a total of 828 homes approved during this period. As of FY-26, 58 dwellings have been approved. The average population increase per year for each dwelling built over the past five financial years was 0.8 people.

This indicates that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction cost value of new homes in the area is $337,000. In FY-26, commercial development approvals totalled $58.7 million, demonstrating strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Lilydale-Coldstream has 111.0% more construction activity per person. New developments consist of 57.0% detached houses and 43.0% attached dwellings, offering a range of housing types from spacious family homes to compact options, reflecting decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles.

Lilydale-Coldstream has a low density characteristic with around 118 people per dwelling approval. Population forecasts indicate the area will gain approximately 3,670 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 very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

The performance of a region is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure. AreaSearch has identified 41 projects that are expected to impact this area. Notable projects include the Lilydale Food Waste to Energy Project, Kinley Estate (formerly known as Lilydale Quarry), implementation of the Lilydale Structure Plan, and Elmrise Lilydale. The following list details those projects considered 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 employment environment in Lilydale - Coldstream shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Lilydale - Coldstream has a skilled workforce with notable representation in the construction sector. The unemployment rate was 3.3% as of June 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.3%. As of that date, 11,087 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.3%, below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation was broadly similar to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Leading employment industries included construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade.

Construction had particularly notable concentration, with employment levels at 1.7 times the regional average. Professional & technical employed just 6.3% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. Many residents appeared to commute elsewhere for work based on Census data analysis. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 1.3%, labour force increased by 0.7%, resulting in a decrease in unemployment of 0.6 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.5%, labour force growth of 4.0%, with an increase in unemployment of 0.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 projected national employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Lilydale - Coldstream's employment mix suggested local growth of approximately 6.3% over five years and 13.0% over ten years.

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 of $67,574 in financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is higher than the national average. Greater Melbourne's median income was $54,892 with an average of $73,761 during the same period. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $59,942 (median) and $75,791 (average), based on a 12.16% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. The 2021 Census shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Lilydale-Coldstream are around the 51st percentile nationally. The $1,500-$2,999 income bracket dominates with 34.1% of residents (7,088 people), similar to regional levels at 32.8%. Housing costs consume 15.6% of income. Despite this, disposable income is at the 53rd percentile, and the area's SEIFA income ranking places 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 structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 81.9% houses and 18.1% other dwellings. This contrasts with Melbourne metro's figures of 93.8% houses and 6.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Lilydale-Coldstream stood at 34.5%, similar to Melbourne metro, with mortgaged dwellings at 46.5% and rented ones at 18.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,950, aligning with the Melbourne metro average, while the median weekly rent was $369, compared to Melbourne metro's $1,950 and $380 respectively. Nationally, Lilydale-Coldstream's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, but rents were lower than the national figure of $375.

Lilydale - Coldstream has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average 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 constitute 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 the Greater Melbourne 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 compared to Greater Melbourne, with 20.4% in 2019 versus the average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 14.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational credentials are held by 40.2% of residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 12.2% and certificates at 28.0%. Educational participation is high, with 26.9% currently enrolled in formal education as of 2020.

This includes 8.9% in primary, 7.9% in secondary, and 3.8% in tertiary education. There are 14 schools serving 5,554 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1019) and balanced educational opportunities. The area has a mix of 5 primary, 5 secondary, and 4 K-12 schools, functioning as an education hub with 26.8 school places per 100 residents in 2021, significantly above the regional average of 15.5.

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

The analysis indicates that there are currently 104 operational public transport stops within the Lilydale - Coldstream area. These stops offer a combination of train and bus services. A total of 25 unique routes service these stops, collectively facilitating 6,202 weekly passenger trips.

The report rates transport accessibility as good, with residents, on average, residing 304 meters from the nearest transport stop. Across all routes, service frequency averages 886 trips per day, translating to approximately 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 (~11,099 people). The most common medical conditions are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 9.3 and 9.0% of residents respectively. 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 (4,088 people). Health outcomes among seniors are above average, performing 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 had a cultural diversity index below the average, with 82.8% of its population born in Australia, 90.8% being citizens, and 92.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 46.5%. Judaism, however, was overrepresented, making up 0.1%, compared to Melbourne's 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (31.3%), Australian (28.3%), and Scottish (7.6%). Notably, Dutch (3.1%) and Hungarian (0.4%) were overrepresented in Lilydale-Coldstream compared to the regional averages of 3.2% and 0.3%, respectively. Italian ancestry was also notably higher at 5.1%.

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 median age of 38. Compared to the Greater Melbourne average, the 55-64 age cohort is notably over-represented in Lilydale - Coldstream at 12.7%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 13.2%. Between 2021 and the present, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 6.0% to 7.3% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age cohort has declined from 13.6% to 12.6%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Lilydale - Coldstream's age profile. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to grow by 811 people (53%), from 1,527 to 2,339. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 51% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. The 0 to 4 age group is projected to grow by 2%, adding only 21 residents.