Coolaroo (Vic.)

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According to investigations of demographic updates from the ABS for the wider region and newly verified residential addresses since the Census, the suburb of Coolaroo has an estimated population of 3,241 as of May 2026. This represents an addition of 48 residents, or 1.5%, compared to the 3,193 individuals recorded during the 2021 Census. This adjustment is based on a resident count of 3,240 calculated by Districts using the ABS June 2025 release of estimated resident population statistics alongside 46 validated new locations since the Census. With these numbers, the suburb of Coolaroo shows a density of 1,032 residents per square kilometer, matching typical benchmarks from analyzed locations. The expansion was largely fueled by arrivals from abroad, who accounted for roughly 77.0% of the total demographic gains lately.

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The local workforce shows a mix of office-based and manual roles, with industrial and manufacturing jobs highly represented, an unemployment level of 12.4%, and a 3.7% expansion in local jobs over the past year. In March 2026, there were 1,022 working residents, with an unemployment rate 7.7% higher than the 4.8% rate seen across Greater Melbourne, and a participation rate of 44.2% that is much lower than the metropolitan average of 70.2%. Census records show that a modest 13.0% of local workers operated from home, though this period was affected by pandemic restrictions.

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Tax office data from the 2023 financial year indicates that incomes are below national benchmarks, with a median of $39,604 and an average of $47,950. This is lower than the metropolitan median of $57,688 and average of $75,164. Adjusting for a 9.62% increase in the Wage Price Index since the 2023 financial year, current local figures are estimated at $43,414 for the median and $52,563 for the average as of March 2026. Census statistics from 2021 place local family, household, and individual earnings between the 1st and 4th percentiles across the country. The largest group of local earners, representing 29.2% of the population or 946 residents, receives between $800 and $1,499 weekly, whereas the metropolitan average is led by the to bracket at . Financial strain from housing costs is significant, leaving residents with only of their income, which sits in the th national percentile.

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At the time of the last Census, residential properties consisted of 91.4% standalone houses and 8.6% multi-unit dwellings, compared to the metropolitan split of 67.9% houses and 32.1% other residences. Fully owned properties accounted for 37.8% of dwellings, which is higher than the Melbourne metropolitan average, with the remaining houses split between mortgaged properties at 30.6% and rental properties at 31.6%. The median monthly mortgage cost was $1,324 and the median weekly rent was $335, compared to metropolitan medies of $2,000 and $390. Nationally, local mortgage commitments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rent costs are below the national median of $375.

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Families make up the majority of households at 72.4%, consisting of couples with children at 33.0%, couples without children at 15.9%, and single-parent homes at 20.7%. Non-family households account for 27.6% of the total, with single person households representing 24.0% and group households at 3.2%. The median household size is 2.9 residents, compared to the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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Educational attainment levels show that 15.8% of residents hold university degrees, which is lower than the metropolitan average of 37.0%. Bachelor qualifications make up 9.9% of this total, postgraduate degrees account for 4.4%, and graduate diplomas represent 1.5%. Vocational training is common, with 25.5% of residents aged 15 and older holding trade qualifications, consisting of 8.6% with advanced diplomas and 16.9% with certificates.

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There are 43 active public transport stops in the area, all of which are bus stops. These stops connect to 9 routes that provide 3,626 passenger journeys weekly. The average distance to a stop is 144 meters, indicating high accessibility. Private vehicles are the main commute choice for 80% of residents, with 14% using trains. Dwelling vehicle ownership averages 1.3 cars. Work-from-home arrangements were recorded at 13.0% during the 2021 Census, which occurred during pandemic restrictions.

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Health indicators show notable difficulties, with chronic illness and mortality rates elevated compared to regional averages, particularly among older residents. Private health insurance coverage is low, with approximately 46% of the population, or about 1,487 people, holding cover. This compares to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%.

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Cultural diversity is high, with 49.1% of residents born outside Australia and 63.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the most common religious affiliation, representing 39.9% of the population. Islam is also highly represented at 35.7% of residents, which is higher than the Greater Melbourne average of 5.6%.

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The median age is 37, matching the metropolitan figure of 37 and close to the national median of 38. The 75 to 84 cohort represents 7.7% of the population, showing strong representation, while the 25 to 34 age group is less common at 13.6%. Since 2021, the 15 to 24 age bracket has risen from 13.1% to 14.0%, while the 25 to 34 age group has decreased from 14.6% to 13.6%. Projections for 2041 indicate that the 45 to 54 cohort will grow by 47%, adding 164 people to reach from a starting point of .

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Coolaroo currently has an estimated 204 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 125 children aged 0-2 and 83 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 0% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 20% by 2041 (to approximately 244 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 374. Birth rates in the area have averaged 15.6 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a high rate (among the top 20% of areas assessed nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.