Airport West

Population growth drivers in Airport West are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, the estimated population of Airport West as of Nov 2025 is around 8,780. This reflects an increase of 607 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,173. The change is inferred from the resident population of 8,675 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 159 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,392 persons per square kilometer, placing Airport West in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's growth rate of 7.4% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's growth rate of 4.5%, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for Airport West was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing 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 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises 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, demographic trends suggest that the suburb will experience a population increase just below the median of national statistical areas. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, Airport West is expected to grow by 916 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall gain of 8.9% in total over the 17 years.

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

Airport West has seen approximately 75 new homes approved annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 376 homes have been approved, with a further 28 approved in FY-26 so far. The average number of people moving to the area per dwelling built over these years is 0.7.

This indicates that supply meets or exceeds demand, offering greater buyer choice while supporting potential population growth above projections. The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings is $425,000, aligning with regional trends. In FY-26, there have been $10.6 million in commercial approvals, suggesting steady commercial investment activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Airport West has recorded elevated construction levels, 32.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. The new development mix 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 changing lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. With approximately 133 people per dwelling approval, Airport West indicates an expanding market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, the location is projected to add 783 residents by 2041. 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 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 13 projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Hart Precinct, Textron Aviation Hangar 83, Essendon Fields, and Airport Toyota Expansion, as detailed below.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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

Airport West has an educated workforce with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate was 3.2% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 4.1%.

As of June 2025, 5,001 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.5% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation is equal to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Key sectors for employment include construction, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Construction has a particularly high share of employment, at 1.4 times the regional level.

Conversely, professional & technical services have limited presence, with only 6.8% employment compared to the regional average of 10.1%. The ratio of workers to residents is 0.6, indicating ample local employment opportunities. Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 4.1%, while labour force grew by 4.4%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 0.3 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne saw employment growth of 3.5% and an unemployment rate increase of 0.5 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Airport West's current employment mix suggests local employment could grow by 6.4% in five years and 13.1% in ten years, though these are illustrative extrapolations and do not account for local population projections.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Airport West's median income among taxpayers is $61,285. The average income for the area is $74,643. Nationally, these figures are high compared to Greater Melbourne's median of $54,892 and average of $73,761. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Airport West would be approximately $68,737 (median) and $83,720 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data indicates that incomes in Airport West cluster around the 57th percentile nationally. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 captures 31.4% of the community (2,756 individuals), similar to the regional pattern where 32.8% 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 a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Airport West had 62.6% houses and 37.4% other dwellings in its latest Census evaluation, compared to Melbourne metro's 75.8% houses and 24.2% other dwellings. Home ownership was at 39.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.4% and rented ones at 28.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,085, lower than Melbourne metro's $2,167, while the median weekly rent was $401, compared to Melbourne metro's $410. Nationally, Airport West's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,085 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were also higher at $401 against 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% that are couples with children, 23.7% that are couples without children, and 11.9% that are single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 34.3%, with lone person households at 31.4% and group households comprising 2.8% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is 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's residents aged 15+ have a lower university degree holders rate at 28.3% compared to Greater Melbourne's 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 prevalent with 31.8% of residents holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.0%) and certificates (20.8%). Education pursuit is active among 24.0% of the population, with primary education at 7.9%, secondary education at 5.7%, and tertiary education at 4.4%.

Airport West's 3 schools have a combined enrollment of 1,025 students. The area has above-average socio-educational conditions (ICSEA: 1067). Educational provision is balanced with 2 primary and 1 secondary school serving distinct age groups. Local school capacity is limited at 11.7 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 24.0, leading many families to travel for schooling.

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, serving a mix of light rail and bus services. These stops are covered by 13 individual routes, offering a total of 7,769 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated good, with residents located an average of 201 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 1,109 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 136 weekly trips per individual 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. The level of common health conditions among its general population is somewhat typical but higher than the nation's average among older cohorts.

Approximately 56% (~4,943 people) have private health cover, which is high compared to Greater Melbourne's 58.6%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 8.0% and 7.5% of residents respectively. 69.5% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, similar to Greater Melbourne's 70.1%. Airport West has 19.1% (1,676 people) of residents aged 65 and over, lower than Greater Melbourne's 21.9%. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than the broader population.

Airport West was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Airport West has a higher cultural diversity compared to most local markets, with 25.9% of its population born overseas and 26.9% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Airport West, accounting for 64.8% of its population, slightly lower than Greater Melbourne's 66.4%. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (18.6%), English (17.8%), and Italian (17.8%).

Notably, Maltese (3.0%) is more prevalent in Airport West compared to the regional average of 2.8%, while Croatian (1.4%) and Greek (4.3%) have lower representations than their respective regional averages of 2.0% and 5.0%.

Airport West's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Airport West is 39 years, which is slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and close to the national average of 38 years. Comparing with Greater Melbourne, the 75-84 age cohort is notably over-represented at 7.1% locally, while the 15-24 age group is under-represented at 9.2%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 5 to 14 age group has increased from 10.0% to 11.3%, whereas the 45 to 54 age cohort has decreased from 12.6% to 11.0%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Airport West. Notably, the 55 to 64 age group is projected to grow by 20%, reaching 1,197 people from 1,000. Conversely, both the 0 to 4 and 25 to 34 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.