VIC 3980 Census 2021 + Live DA Data

Tooradin

Every single dwelling in Tooradin is a separate house, and 51.9% have four or more bedrooms, making it one of the most house-dominant suburbs in outer Melbourne. Population is just 1,722 across 27.73 square kilometres. Household income sits at the 73rd percentile nationally, above average for a low-density rural fringe location. The suburb carries an aging trajectory with the senior share rising 5.9 points over a decade, and 82.7% of residents stayed at the same address between census years, signalling a settled owner-occupier base.

Tooradin urban fabric map

Population

1,722

Median Age

40.0

Household IncomeiMedian weekly household income (ABS Census)

$1,954/wk

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

4

Median House

$800K

Apr-Jun 2024

27.73 km²· 62.1 people/km²· Family income $2,176/wk

The median house price of $800,000 in April to June 2024 is 15.6% below the late-2023 peak of $947,500, offering a correction-window entry. Since 2013, prices have risen 90.5% from $420,000 at a compound annual rate of 4.7%. Every dwelling is a separate house and 51.9% have four or more bedrooms, so the suburb suits families needing space. Monthly mortgage repayments average $2,000 and mortgage-to-income is 23.6%, well below the 30% stress threshold. Outright owners account for 32.7% of households and mortgage holders 53.0%, while renters are a low 14.2%.

For Buyers

The median house price of $800,000 in April to June 2024 is 15.6% below the late-2023 peak of $947,500, offering a correction-window entry. Since 2013, prices have risen 90.5% from $420,000 at a compound annual rate of 4.7%. Every dwelling is a separate house and 51.9% have four or more bedrooms, so the suburb suits families needing space. Monthly mortgage repayments average $2,000 and mortgage-to-income is 23.6%, well below the 30% stress threshold. Outright owners account for 32.7% of households and mortgage holders 53.0%, while renters are a low 14.2%.

For Investors

Renters are just 14.2% of households, well below the national average, and $350 weekly rent against an $800,000 median implies a gross yield around 2.3%, below typical investor targets. The 6.7% vacancy rate signals limited rental demand pressure in this small 1,722-person market. Development activity is minimal at 4 applications in 12 months, and population growth is slow at 0.5% annually. Internal migration shows a net outflow of 22 people per year, partly offset by 15 net overseas arrivals. The investment case rests on long-term capital growth at a 4.7% compound annual rate rather than rental yield.

Development Activity

Total DAs

15

Last 12 Months

4

YoY ChangeiYear-over-year change in DA lodgements

+300.0%

Avg DA CostiAverage estimated cost per DA in the past year

N/A

Monthly DA Lodgements

DA Categories

Other
2
Tree Removal
1
Deck / Pergola / Patio
1
Subdivision
1

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

Tooradin Primary School

ICSEA 992 Primary Government

Prep-6 · 283 students

Demographics

The median age of 40 matches the national figure, but the trajectory is aging, with the senior share up 5.9 points and working-age share down 2.3 points over the decade. Overseas-born residents are 11.5%, which is 10.1 percentage points below the national average, reflecting strong Anglo-Celtic heritage. Ancestry is led by English (672 residents), Irish (141) and Scottish (122). University qualifications are 14.8%, which is 15.3 percentage points below the national figure, consistent with a trade-skilled community. The average household size of 2.9 is 0.4 above national, driven by a high share of couples with children.

Age Distribution

0-14
21.4%
15-24
11.2%
25-44
23.3%
45-64
26.5%
65+
17.2%

Bedrooms

Studio/1br
4.5%
2 bed
7.7%
3 bed
35.8%
4+ bed
51.9%

Dwelling Structure

100.0%

Houses

N/A

Townhouse

N/A

Apartment

Tenure

Own 32.7% Mortgage 53.0% Rent 14.2%

The tenure profile is owner-heavy: 32.7% own outright and 53.0% hold mortgages, while 14.2% rent, lower than the national average for comparable suburban areas. Every dwelling is a separate house, unique compared to most suburbs where apartments and semi-detached homes dilute the mix. Bedroom distribution skews large, with 51.9% having four or more bedrooms and 35.8% three, confirming a family-home orientation. Prices rose from $420,000 in 2013 to a peak of $947,500 before retreating 15.6% to $800,000. Mortgage-to-income at 23.6% and rent-to-income at 17.9% both sit below the 30% stress threshold.

Median House Price Trend

Source: State Valuer-General

Mortgage / mo

$2,000

Rent / wk

$350

HH Size

2.9

Personal Income / wk

$784

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

6.7%

Unoccupied

39

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

17.9%

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

23.6%

Community Profile

Ancestry

English
672
Ancestry NS
170
Irish
141
Scottish
122
Other
81
German
70

Household Composition

22.4%

Couples, no children

1,398

Total families

Economy & Employment

Construction dominates local employment at 22.6% of workers (115 people), higher than the national industry share, reflecting Tooradin's position in the Cardinia growth belt. Healthcare follows at 13.6% (69 workers), then Manufacturing and Education both at 9.1%. By occupation, Clerical and Admin leads at 118 workers, with Managers at 100 and Labourers at 97, a mixed workforce rather than a professional-class concentration. Unemployment is low at 3.4% and full-time employment runs at 65.1%. The SEIFA IER (economic resources) decile of 9 is well above the national median, reflecting asset wealth in large detached homes.

Unemployment

3.1%

Labour Force

4,952

Unemployed

154

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
5
Disadvantage
7
Economic resources
9
Education & occupation
3

Full-time

65.1%

Part-time

31.5%

Participation

58.5%

Employed

765

Occupations

Clerical/Admin 118
Managers 100
Labourers 97
Community/Personal 95
Machinery/Drivers 87
Professionals 80
Sales 72

Top Industries

Construction 22.6%
Healthcare 13.6%
Manufacturing 9.1%
Education 9.1%
Public Admin 5.7%

University

14.8%

Postgraduate

2.0%

Born Overseas

11.5%

Dwellings

535

Transport to Work

Car dependency is extreme at 93.6% of residents driving to work, well above the national average, because no public transport infrastructure serves this rural fringe setting. Only 2.6% walk or cycle. No schools are recorded within the suburb boundary, so families rely on schools in adjacent areas. The IRSAD decile of 5 places Tooradin at the national median for advantage and disadvantage, neither affluent nor deprived. Crime totals 129 incidents at 74.9 per 1,000 residents, with property offences the largest category at 48. Volunteering at 14.3% and a need-for-assistance rate of just 5.3% point to a capable, self-reliant community.

Drive

93.6%

Public Transport

N/A

Walk / Cycle

2.6%

Work from Home

N/A

Population Forecast

+0.5%/yr

(+41 people/yr)

Established

Population grows at 0.5% annually, adding around 41 persons per year, below the national average for suburban Victoria. Over 10 years, population increased 7.3%, and medium forecasts project the broader SA2 to reach 8,530 by 2031, up from 8,272 today. Rent growth of 48% over the decade and real income growth of 11% are classified as Active gentrification signals. Affordability has worsened, with the mortgage-to-income ratio rising from 43.0% in 2011 to 46.7% in 2021. Internal migration shows a net outflow of 22 people per year, partly offset by 15 net overseas arrivals annually.

Historical + Forecast

Hamilton-Perry + Holt smoothing on ERP 2001-2025

Age Cohort Forecast

Primary Driver

Balanced

Net Overseas / yr

+15

Net Internal / yr

-22

0

Gentrification Signal

Not gentrifying

Safety & Crime

Total Offences

129

Year ending June 2024

Rate per 1,000 People

74.9

Offence Categories

Property and deception offences
48
Justice procedures offences
32
Crimes against the person
30
Public order and security offences
15

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria / SA Police

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

How Tooradin compares to ~15,000 Australian suburbs

Population
Top 23%
Household Income
Top 27%
Rent Level
Top 28%
Renters
Bottom 30%
Uni Educated
Bottom 18%
Born Overseas
Bottom 38%
Density
Top 29%

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tooradin a good suburb to live in?

Tooradin suits households seeking large, detached homes in a low-density rural fringe setting. Household income is at the 73rd percentile nationally, mortgage stress is below the 30% threshold at 23.6%, and 82.7% of residents stayed at the same address between census years, indicating high community stability. The main drawbacks are extreme car dependency at 93.6% and no recorded schools within the suburb.

What is the median house price in Tooradin?

The median house price was $800,000 in April to June 2024, down 15.6% from a peak of $947,500 in late 2023. Since 2013, prices have grown 90.5% from $420,000, a compound annual rate of 4.7% over 14 years. Monthly mortgage repayments average $2,000, and the mortgage-to-income ratio is 23.6%.

What schools are in Tooradin?

No schools are recorded within the Tooradin suburb boundary in this dataset. Families rely on schools in neighbouring suburbs. University qualifications locally are 14.8%, which is 15.3 percentage points below the national average, so educational attainment is lower than in most Melbourne metro suburbs.

Is Tooradin safe?

Tooradin recorded 129 total crime incidents, giving a rate of 74.9 per 1,000 residents. Property and deception offences are the largest category at 48 incidents. As a small suburb of 1,722 people with 82.7% long-term residents, the community is generally settled, and the IRSAD decile of 5 places it at the national median for disadvantage.

Is Tooradin good for property investment?

The investment case is mixed. Capital growth has been 90.5% since 2013 at a 4.7% compound annual rate, but current gross yield is approximately 2.3% based on $350 weekly rent against an $800,000 median, which is below typical investor targets. The 6.7% vacancy rate and a thin renter pool at just 14.2% of households add risk for rental-focused investors.

How is Tooradin's population changing?

Population grows slowly at 0.5% annually, adding around 41 people per year. Over the past decade, population rose 7.3%. The suburb has an aging trajectory with the senior share up 5.9 points and working-age share down 2.3 points since 2011. Internal migration shows a net outflow of 22 people per year, partly offset by 15 net overseas arrivals annually.

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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