Airport West

Population growth drivers in Airport West are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis of ABS population updates and new addresses validated, the population of the suburb of Airport West was estimated at around 9,133 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 960 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,173 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 8,647 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 161 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,488 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 11.7% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (7.3%), along with the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 64.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Moving forward with demographic trends, a population increase just below the median of national statistical areas is expected, with the suburb expected to grow by 916 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting recording a gain of 4.7% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Airport West when compared nationally

Airport West has seen around 75 new homes approved annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, approximately 376 homes were approved in Airport West. As of FY26, 51 homes have been approved so far.

The average number of people moving to the area per dwelling built over these five years is 0.7. This indicates that supply is meeting or surpassing demand, providing greater buyer choice while supporting potential population growth above projections. New dwellings are developed at an average value of $425,000, slightly above the regional average, suggesting a focus on quality developments. In FY26, there have been $10.6 million in commercial approvals, indicating steady commercial investment activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Airport West records elevated construction levels, with 32.0% more per person over the five-year period, balancing buyer choice with support for current property values.

New development consists of 33.0% standalone homes and 67.0% medium and high-density housing. This shift from the current housing mix (currently 63.0% houses) reflects reduced availability of development sites and addresses shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. The location has approximately 133 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Future projections show Airport West adding 430 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Airport West has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 13 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones are Hart Precinct, Textron Aviation Hangar 83, Essendon Fields, and Airport Toyota Expansion. The following details those 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.

Employment performance in Airport West exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Airport West has a highly educated workforce with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate is 3.2%, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.7%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.4%.

As of September 2025, 4,931 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.4% below Greater Melbourne's and workforce participation on par with the region at 71.0%. Notably, 30.9% of residents work from home. Major employment sectors include construction, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Construction is particularly prominent, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

Conversely, professional & technical services have limited presence at 6.8%, compared to the regional average of 10.1%. The worker-to-resident ratio is 0.6, indicating ample local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 1.4% while labour force grew by 1.6%, leading to a slight rise in unemployment rate of 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne saw employment growth of 3.0%, labour force growth of 3.3%, and an unemployment rate increase of 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Airport West's employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 6.4% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not account for localized population projections.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 30, 2023 indicates Airport West's median income among taxpayers is $61,285, with an average of $74,643. Nationally, these figures are high, compared to Greater Melbourne's median of $57,688 and average of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year ending June 30, 2023, current estimates for Airport West would be approximately $66,341 (median) and $80,801 (average) as of September 2025. According to Census 2021 income data, incomes in Airport West cluster around the 57th percentile nationally. The $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 31.4% of the community (2,867 individuals), reflecting regional patterns where 32.8% similarly occupy this range. High housing costs consume 15.4% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 52nd percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Airport West displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Airport West's dwelling structure in the latest Census showed 62.6% houses and 37.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Airport West was at 39.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.4% and rented ones at 28.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,085, higher than Melbourne metro's $2,000. The median weekly rent figure was $401, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Airport West's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Airport West features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 65.7% of all households, including 28.7% couples with children, 23.7% couples without children, and 11.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up 34.3%, with lone person households at 31.4% and group households comprising 2.8%. The median household size is 2.3 people, smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

The educational profile of Airport West exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Airport West has a lower proportion of residents with university degrees compared to Greater Melbourne, with 28.3% versus 37.0%. The most common qualification is bachelor degrees at 19.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 5.6% and graduate diplomas at 3.0%. Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 31.8% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (11.0%) and certificates (20.8%). A significant portion of the population is actively engaged in education, with 24.0% pursuing formal learning.

This includes 7.9% in primary education, 5.7% in secondary education, and 4.4% in tertiary education.

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

Airport West has 57 active public transport stops, a mix of lightrail and buses. These are served by 13 routes, offering 8,212 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 201 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Cars remain dominant at 88%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 30.9% of residents work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 1,173 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 144 weekly trips per stop.

Airport West's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Airport West's health metrics are close to national benchmarks.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were assessed by AreaSearch. The level of common health conditions among the general population is somewhat typical but higher than the nation's average among older cohorts. Private health cover is very high, with approximately 56% of the total population (~5,141 people). The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, impacting 8.0 and 7.5% of residents respectively. 69.5% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 19.4% of residents aged 65 and over (1,771 people), higher than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, ranking lower nationally than the broader population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Airport West was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Airport West's population was found to be more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 25.9% born overseas and 26.9% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Airport West, accounting for 64.8%, compared to 43.0% across Greater Melbourne. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (18.6%), English (17.8%), and Italian (17.8%), significantly higher than regional averages of 5.2%.

Notably, Maltese (3.0%) was overrepresented in Airport West compared to the region's 1.1%, as were Croatian (1.4% vs 0.7%) and Greek (4.3% vs 2.7%).

Airport West's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Airport West is 39 years, which is higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and close to the national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, the 75-84 age cohort is notably over-represented at 7.2% locally while the 15-24 age group is under-represented at 9.3%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 5-14 age group has grown from 10.0% to 11.6%, while the 45-54 cohort has declined from 12.6% to 11.0%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Airport West, with the 55-64 age group projected to grow by 15% (155 people), reaching 1,197 from 1,041. Conversely, both the 5-14 and 0-4 age groups are expected to decrease in number.