VIC 3148 Census 2021 + Live DA Data

Chadstone

Chadstone's crime rate of 80.0 per 1,000 residents is elevated, with property and deception offences accounting for 522 of 764 total incidents, almost certainly inflated by the suburb's namesake shopping centre drawing transient foot traffic. Meanwhile, the median house price rose from $719,000 in 2013 to $1,290,000 by mid-2024, a 79.4% gain (4.3% CAGR over 14 years), but sits 1.3% below its $1,307,000 peak hit in Q3 2023. Nearly half the population (49.8%) was born overseas, 28.2 percentage points above the national average, with Chinese (1,812) and Indian (691) ancestry forming the largest non-Anglo groups.

Chadstone urban fabric map

Population

9,552

Median Age

35.0

Household IncomeiMedian weekly household income (ABS Census)

$1,991/wk

DAs (12 months)iDevelopment Applications lodged in the past year

51

Median House

$1.3M

Apr-Jun 2024

3.12 km²· 3,061.4 people/km²· Family income $2,363/wk

The $1,290,000 median reflects a mixed stock: 55.2% detached houses, 26.1% semi-detached and 18.8% apartments. Three-bedroom homes dominate at 45.1%, with 4+ bedrooms at 27.3%. Mortgage-to-income at 26.1% approaches but does not breach the stress threshold. The price rose 79.4% since 2013 (4.3% CAGR), though recent quarters show softening: down 1.3% from the $1,307,000 mid-2023 peak. The 9.3% vacancy rate is elevated and may give buyers negotiating leverage. Only 25.4% own outright and 34.0% carry mortgages, so owner-occupiers are a slim majority at 59.4%.

For Buyers

The $1,290,000 median reflects a mixed stock: 55.2% detached houses, 26.1% semi-detached and 18.8% apartments. Three-bedroom homes dominate at 45.1%, with 4+ bedrooms at 27.3%. Mortgage-to-income at 26.1% approaches but does not breach the stress threshold. The price rose 79.4% since 2013 (4.3% CAGR), though recent quarters show softening: down 1.3% from the $1,307,000 mid-2023 peak. The 9.3% vacancy rate is elevated and may give buyers negotiating leverage. Only 25.4% own outright and 34.0% carry mortgages, so owner-occupiers are a slim majority at 59.4%.

For Investors

Renters at 40.6% provide a substantial tenant pool, running above the national average. Weekly rent of $421 against a $1,290,000 median gives a gross yield around 1.7%, very low by national standards. The 9.3% vacancy rate compounds this concern, suggesting supply exceeds current demand. With 50 DAs in 12 months and ongoing infill subdivision, new stock continues entering. Net overseas migration at 581 per year provides strong rental demand, but net internal outflow of 330 means these arrivals are partially offset. Gentrification score of 28 (early signs) and 30.4% real income growth suggest an upgrading market, but yields remain thin.

Development Activity

Total DAs

66

Last 12 Months

51

YoY ChangeiYear-over-year change in DA lodgements

+1600.0%

Avg DA CostiAverage estimated cost per DA in the past year

N/A

Monthly DA Lodgements

DA Categories

Subdivision
20
Other
14
New Dwelling
9
Tree Removal
3
Renovation / Extension
2
Multi-Dwelling / Townhouse
2
Childcare / Education
1
Garage / Carport / Shed
1

Schools in Chadstone iICSEA: school advantage index. 1000 = national avg, higher = more advantaged

Salesian College Chadstone

ICSEA 1093 Secondary Catholic

7-12 · 982 students

Demographics

Chinese ancestry (1,812) is the second-largest group after unspecified 'Other' (1,874), followed by English (1,575), Greek (780) and Indian (691). With 49.8% born overseas, Chadstone sits 28.2 percentage points above the national average. University qualifications at 56.2% are 26.1 points above national, one of the highest in this dataset. Mandarin (455), Greek (296), Sinhala (175), Cantonese (155) and Hindi (110) are the main non-English languages. The median age of 35 is 5 years below national, and 30.8% turnover indicates a relatively transient population, consistent with the high renter share.

Age Distribution

0-14
15.7%
15-24
11.7%
25-44
38.3%
45-64
20.8%
65+
13.4%

Bedrooms

Studio/1br
5.4%
2 bed
22.2%
3 bed
45.1%
4+ bed
27.3%

Dwelling Structure

55.2%

Houses

26.1%

Townhouse

18.8%

Apartment

Tenure

Own 25.4% Mortgage 34.0% Rent 40.6%

The tenure split is 25.4% outright, 34.0% mortgage and 40.6% renting, making renters a near-majority. Housing stock includes 55.2% detached houses, 26.1% semi-detached and 18.8% apartments, a diverse mix. Three-bedroom homes at 45.1% dominate. Prices rose from $719,000 in 2013 to a $1,307,000 peak in Q3 2023 (CAGR 4.3%) before softening to $1,290,000 by mid-2024. The 9.3% vacancy rate is far above the balanced 2-3% range. The price-to-income ratio sits at approximately 12.5 times annual household income, reflecting the gap between local earnings and sale prices.

Median House Price Trend

Source: State Valuer-General

Mortgage / mo

$2,250

Rent / wk

$421

HH Size

2.5

Personal Income / wk

$880

Vacancy Ratei% of dwellings unoccupied on Census night (ABS 2021)

9.3%

Unoccupied

372

Rent / IncomeiMedian rent as % of household income. Over 30% = housing stress

21.1%

Mortgage / IncomeiMedian mortgage as % of household income. Over 30% = housing stress

26.1%

Community Profile

Languages Spoken at Home

Mandarin
455
Greek
296
Sinhal
175
Canton
155
Hindi
110
Italian
79

Ancestry

Other
1,874
Chinese
1,812
English
1,575
Greek
780
Indian
691
Italian
541

Household Composition

27.0%

Couples, no children

7,194

Total families

Economy & Employment

Healthcare leads at 16.3% (635 workers), followed by Professional/Tech at 14.0%, Education at 10.6%, Retail at 8.7% and Finance at 8.1%. The retail share likely connects to Chadstone Shopping Centre. Professionals (1,639) dominate occupations, with Managers (679) and Clerical/Admin (651) next. Unemployment at 5.5% is slightly above the national average, and participation at 62.0% is moderate. The IEO decile 9 confirms high educational attainment, while IER decile 5 indicates middling economic resources, a pattern typical of migrant-gateway suburbs where qualifications outstrip local income levels.

Unemployment

3.1%

Labour Force

12,765

Unemployed

402

Quarterly Trend

Mar-24 Dec-25

Source: SALM Dec-25

Socio-Economic Indexes (SEIFA)iABS index ranking suburbs from 1 (most disadvantaged) to 10 (most advantaged)

Overall advantage
8
Disadvantage
7
Economic resources
5
Education & occupation
9

Full-time

67.3%

Part-time

27.2%

Participation

62.0%

Employed

4,712

Occupations

Professionals 1,639
Managers 679
Clerical/Admin 651
Community/Personal 523
Sales 442
Labourers 335
Machinery/Drivers 170

Top Industries

Healthcare 16.3%
Professional/Tech 14.0%
Education 10.6%
Retail 8.7%
Finance 8.1%

University

56.2%

Postgraduate

17.7%

Born Overseas

49.8%

Dwellings

3,616

Transport to Work

Car driving at 84.4% is the dominant commute mode, with public transport at 7.4%. The suburb hosts one school: Salesian College Chadstone (ICSEA 1,093, Catholic secondary, 982 students), sitting above the 1,000 national benchmark. Crime rate of 80.0 per 1,000 is above average, though 522 of 764 offences are property-related, likely inflated by the shopping centre's foot traffic. The IRSAD decile 8 and IRSD decile 7 confirm above-average socio-economic standing. Mortgage stress at 26.1% approaches but does not exceed the 30% threshold.

Drive

84.4%

Public Transport

7.4%

Walk / Cycle

2.7%

Work from Home

N/A

Population Forecast

+1.24%/yr

(+263 people/yr)

Established

Population grew 20.0% over the past decade and continues at 1.24% per year (263 persons). Overseas migration at 581 net arrivals annually is the primary driver, offset by 330 internal departures per year. The suburb recovered from a 2.4% COVID dip, now sitting 5.5% above the pre-pandemic low of 19,782. The age structure is stable, with young and working-age shares both expanding slightly (+0.2 and +1.6 points). Gentrification score of 28 (early signs) is accompanied by 30.4% real income growth over the decade. Projections show growth to 22,796 by 2031.

Historical + Forecast

Hamilton-Perry + Holt smoothing on ERP 2001-2025

Age Cohort Forecast

Primary Driver

Overseas Migration

Net Overseas / yr

+581

Net Internal / yr

-330

28

Gentrification Signal

Early signs

Population +25% since 2011, Net internal outflow -330/yr, Strong overseas inflow +581/yr, COVID recovered (-2% dip → full recovery)

Safety & Crime

Total Offences

764

Year ending June 2024

Rate per 1,000 People

80.0

Offence Categories

Property and deception offences
522
Crimes against the person
104
Justice procedures offences
62
Public order and security offences
38

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria / SA Police

National Ranking iPercentile rank among ~15,000 AU suburbs. 90% = higher than 90% of suburbs

How Chadstone compares to ~15,000 Australian suburbs

Population
Top 5%
Household Income
Top 25%
Rent Level
Top 12%
Apartments
Top 19%
Renters
Top 15%
Uni Educated
Top 6%
Public Transport
Top 20%
Born Overseas
Top 3%
Density
Top 3%

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chadstone a good suburb to live in?

Chadstone suits multicultural professionals: 56.2% hold university degrees and the IRSAD decile 8 indicates above-average advantage. The $1,290,000 median buys across a mixed stock of houses, townhouses and apartments. The 80.0 per 1,000 crime rate is elevated but largely property-related, likely inflated by the shopping centre's 20+ million annual visitors.

What is the median house price in Chadstone?

The median is $1,290,000 as of Q2 2024, with a 14-year CAGR of 4.3% from $719,000 in 2013. The price is 1.3% below the $1,307,000 peak reached in Q3 2023. Monthly mortgage repayments are $2,250 with a mortgage-to-income ratio of 26.1%. Weekly rent sits at $421.

What schools are in Chadstone?

Chadstone hosts Salesian College Chadstone, a Catholic secondary school with an ICSEA of 1,093 and 982 students, placing it above the national 1,000 benchmark. No primary schools sit within the suburb boundaries, requiring primary-age families to access schools in adjacent suburbs.

Is Chadstone safe?

The recorded crime rate is 80.0 per 1,000 residents (764 total offences). Property and deception offences account for 522 incidents (68%), likely inflated by the major shopping centre attracting transient foot traffic. Crimes against the person total 104. The IRSD decile 7 indicates below-average disadvantage.

Is Chadstone good for property investment?

The 40.6% renter share provides a solid tenant base, but gross yield at roughly 1.7% ($421/week on $1,290,000) is very low. The 9.3% vacancy rate is concerning. Overseas migration at 581 per year drives demand, but internal outflow of 330 partially offsets this. Capital growth averaged 4.3% CAGR over 14 years.

How is Chadstone's population changing?

Population grows at 1.24% per year (263 people), driven by overseas migration averaging 581 arrivals annually. The suburb recovered from a 2.4% COVID dip and now sits above pre-pandemic levels. The 10-year change is 20.0%, well above the national average. Projections show 22,796 residents by 2031.

What languages are spoken in Chadstone?

Mandarin (455) leads, followed by Greek (296), Sinhala (175), Cantonese (155) and Hindi (110). With 49.8% born overseas (28.2 points above national), Chadstone's linguistic diversity reflects multi-wave migration: Greek heritage alongside recent Chinese, Sri Lankan and Indian arrivals.

How to read these comparisons

Phrases like "above the national average" reference the unweighted median across Australian suburbs with more than 1,000 residents, not population-weighted national figures. Suburb-level medians are more useful for ranking suburbs against each other; ABS census headlines are population-weighted (so dominated by Sydney and Melbourne) and can read very differently.

Current baseline (refreshed 2026-05-10): median age 40, university-educated 30.1%, born overseas 21.6%, average household size 2.5 people.

Data sources: ABS 2021 Census (demographics, income, tenure), state Valuer-General (house prices), Department of Jobs SALM (unemployment), ACARA (school ICSEA), state Crime Statistics agencies (offences), council DA portals (development applications). Population forecasts use a Hamilton-Perry cohort model calibrated to ABS ERP.

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