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 analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Airport West's population is estimated at around 9,133 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 960 people (11.7%) 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 in 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. Airport West's 11.7% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (7.3%) and 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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of Australian statistical areas is expected, with the suburb of Airport West expected to increase by 914 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 4.7% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Airport West has experienced around 75 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 376 homes. So far in FY-26, 58 approvals have been recorded. This results in approximately 0.7 new residents per year per dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating that new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand. The average construction value of these dwellings is $425,000.

There have also been $10.6 million in commercial approvals this financial year. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Airport West has slightly more development per person over the past five years, maintaining good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. Recent construction comprises 33% detached houses and 67% attached dwellings, a significant shift from the current housing pattern of 63% houses. This location has approximately 133 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Future projections estimate Airport West to add 428 residents by 2041 based on AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate.

Current development patterns suggest new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 13 projects likely impacting the area. Major projects include Hart Precinct, Textron Aviation Hangar 83, Essendon Fields, and Airport Toyota Expansion. The following details projects likely most relevant.

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AreaSearch analysis places Airport West well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Airport West has an educated workforce with diverse industry representation. Its unemployment rate was 2.7% in the past year, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.8%. As of December 2025, 4,897 residents are employed, with a 2.1% lower unemployment rate and similar participation rate to Greater Melbourne at 71.3%.

Notably, 30.9% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key employment sectors include construction, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area specializes in construction with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level but has a lower proportion of professional & technical jobs at 6.8% compared to Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. The worker-to-resident ratio is 0.6, indicating ample local employment opportunities.

Between December 2024 and December 2025, Airport West's labour force decreased by 0.8%, with a concurrent 0.3% employment decline, reducing unemployment by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment growth of 2.4%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Airport West's industry mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

Airport West suburb had a median taxpayer income of $61,285 and an average income of $74,643 in the financial year 2023. Nationally, these figures are high compared to Melbourne's median of $57,688 and average of $75,164. By September 2025, adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 8.25%, Airport West's estimated median income is approximately $66,341 and the average is around $80,801. Census data shows incomes in Airport West are at the 57th percentile nationally. The largest income bracket comprises 31.4% earning between $1,500 to $2,999 weekly, with a total of 2,867 residents. This is consistent with regional levels, where 32.8% fall into the same category. High housing costs consume 15.4% of income in Airport West. Despite this, disposable income ranks at the 52nd percentile nationally. The suburb'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, as per the latest Census, consisted of 62.6% houses and 37.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Melbourne metro had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Airport West was higher at 39.0%, with the rest being mortgaged (32.4%) or rented (28.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Airport West was $2,085, above Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Airport West was $401, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Airport West's mortgage repayments were 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 constitute 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 comprise the remaining 34.3%, with lone person households at 31.4% and group households making up 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's residents aged 15+ have lower university degree holders (28.3%) compared to Greater Melbourne's 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are most common (19.7%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.6%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Vocational credentials are held by 31.8%, with advanced diplomas at 11.0% and certificates at 20.8%. Current educational pursuit stands at 24.0%, including primary education (7.9%), secondary education (5.7%), and tertiary education (4.4%).

A substantial 24.0% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 7.9% in primary education, 5.7% in secondary education, and 4.4% pursuing 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, consisting of both lightrail and bus services. These stops are served by 13 different routes, offering a total of 8,212 weekly passenger trips. Transport access in the area is rated as good, with residents typically residing 201 meters from their nearest stop. Primarily residential, most Airport West residents commute outward using private vehicles, which remain the dominant mode at 88%. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, a high 30.9% of residents work from home, potentially due to COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 1,173 trips per day across all routes, equating to around 144 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 prevalence of common health conditions among its general population is somewhat typical but higher than the national average among older cohorts. Private health cover is very high at approximately 56% of the total population (around 5,141 people). The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, affecting 8.0 and 7.5% of residents respectively. About 69.5% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. As of the latest data (2016), Airport West has 19.6% of residents aged 65 and over (1,790 people), which is higher than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than those of 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 showed high cultural diversity, with 25.9% born overseas and 26.9% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the dominant religion in Airport West, at 64.8%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 43.0%. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (18.6%), English (17.8%), and Italian (17.8%), significantly higher than regional averages.

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

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 Australia's national average of 38 years. The 75-84 age cohort is over-represented in Airport West at 7.3%, compared to the Greater Melbourne average, while the 15-24 age group is under-represented at 9.3%. According to the post-2021 Census data, the 5-14 age group has increased from 10.0% to 11.6% of the population, while the 45-54 age cohort has decreased from 12.6% to 11.0%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Airport West. The 55-64 age group is projected to grow by 15%, adding 155 people and reaching a total of 1,197 from the current 1,041. Conversely, both the 5-14 and 0-4 age groups are expected to decrease in number.