ABS 2021 Census · Updated 31 March 2026
Cairnlea is a well-established middle-ring suburb of Melbourne, Australia, with a population of approximately 10,038, making it a smaller community. Located approximately 17 km from the Melbourne CBD, Cairnlea is a middle ring area in Victoria. The median household income is $107,224 AUD per year (ABS 2021 Census).
Above-average earnings in Cairnlea support sustained property values.
Map shows Cairnlea, Victoria, Australia.
Official Australia Post postcode for Cairnlea. A postcode may cover multiple suburbs.
Australia Post Postcode Finder →Usual resident population at census night. Source: ABS 2021 Census of Population and Housing.
ABS Census Data →Weekly median rent for occupied private dwellings. Source: ABS 2021 Census. Live rental data integration coming soon.
State Rental Authority →Annual median household income (before tax) for all households. Source: ABS 2021 Census.
ABS Census Data →Straight-line distance from the suburb centroid (ABS 2021 SAL geography) to the nearest capital city CBD. Actual driving distance will be longer.
Estimated 3 schools within or near this suburb based on ABS 2021 data.
Find schools near Cairnlea on My School →Estimated 4 parks and green spaces near this suburb. Source: ABS 2021 data.
Monthly median mortgage repayment for households currently paying off a mortgage. Source: ABS 2021 Census.
ABS Census Data →Proportion of separate houses vs units, townhouses, and other dwelling types. Source: ABS 2021 Census. Relevant for investors assessing rental demand mix.
ABS Census Data →Cairnlea's middle-ring location balances affordability with accessibility. These suburbs often benefit from established infrastructure, good schools, and transport links — making them attractive to families and long-term tenants. The median rent of $400/week (ABS 2021) indicates a mid-range rental market. Owner-occupiers face a median mortgage repayment of $1,883/month. A median household income of $107,224/year supports premium property values and indicates a well-employed resident base. 85% of dwellings are separate houses, indicating a predominantly family-oriented, land-rich market.
Solid fundamentals in Cairnlea support capital growth over a medium to long hold period.
Cairnlea can deliver reasonable rental income, though yields are not the primary draw.
Cairnlea's established market and growing population make it a viable location for value-add renovations.
Run the numbers on a Cairnlea property
Scenario comparison, cash flow analysis, tax modelling, and PDF export — all in one place.
Create free account →The outlook for capital growth in Cairnlea is encouraging heading into 2026, driven by constrained supply and buyer competition. The rental market in Cairnlea should see steady occupancy, with moderate upward pressure on rents. Cairnlea remains on the radar of active property investors in Victoria.
Cairnlea is a middle ring area in Victoria with a population of 10,038. The median rent is $400/week and the median household income is $107,224/year (ABS 2021 Census). As with any property investment, conduct thorough due diligence on current listings, vacancy rates, and local infrastructure plans before committing.
Key demand drivers in Cairnlea include established amenities and transport access. 85% of dwellings are separate houses. The area has approximately 3 schools and 4 parks nearby.
According to the ABS 2021 Census, Cairnlea has a population of approximately 10,038. For historical population trends and intercensal estimates, visit the ABS Census Data Explorer at abs.gov.au.
Cairnlea is approximately 17 km straight-line distance from the Melbourne CBD (calculated from ABS 2021 suburb centroid coordinates). This is within comfortable commuting range with good transport links.