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 ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, as of Nov 2025, Airport West's estimated population is around 9,135. This reflects an increase of 962 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,173. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 8,647 residents following examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 2,489 persons per square kilometer, placing Airport West in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth rate of 11.8% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA3 area (7.3%) and the national average, marking it as a growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 64.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch projections for Airport West are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, projections from the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA data released in 2023 are used with adjustments made employing weighted aggregation methods. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. According to these projections, Airport West is expected to grow by 916 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 4.7% in total over the 17-year period.

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

Airport West has seen approximately 75 new homes approved annually. Between FY21 and FY25, around 376 homes were approved, with an additional 51 approved in FY26. The average population growth per dwelling built over these years was 0.7 people.

This indicates that supply is meeting or exceeding demand, offering more buyer choices while supporting potential population growth. The average value of new dwellings developed is $425,000, slightly above the regional average. In FY26, there have been $10.6 million in commercial approvals, indicating steady commercial investment activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Airport West has seen elevated construction activity, with 32.0% more dwellings approved per person over the past five years. 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 changing lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. Airport West has approximately 133 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Future projections estimate an addition of 428 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 10% nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 13 projects likely impacting the region. Notable initiatives include Hart Precinct, Textron Aviation Hangar 83, Essendon Fields, and Airport Toyota Expansion. The following list details projects expected to have the greatest relevance.

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 an educated workforce with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate is 3.2% and it experienced a 1.4% employment growth in the past year, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

As of September 2025, 4931 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.4%, below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation is at 64.1%, matching Greater Melbourne's rate. Construction, health care & social assistance, and education & training dominate employment in the area, with construction being particularly specialized (1.4 times the regional level). Professional & technical services have limited presence (6.8% compared to 10.1% regionally).

The worker-to-resident ratio is 0.6, indicating above-norm local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 1.4%, labour force by 1.6%, raising the unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne had employment growth of 3.0% and a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. Nationally, the unemployment rate is 4.3%, with Victoria outpacing national average employment growth (0.14%). Jobs and Skills Australia's May-25 forecasts project national employment to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Airport West's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

The latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023 shows Airport West's median income among taxpayers is $61,285, with an average of $74,643. Nationally, this is very 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 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 (2,868 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 a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Airport West's dwelling structures, 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 75.8% houses and 24.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Airport West was at 39.0%, with the rest being mortgaged (32.4%) or rented (28.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,085, below Melbourne metro's average of $2,167. Median weekly rent was $401, compared to Melbourne metro's $410. Nationally, Airport West's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,085 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were higher at $401 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 65.7 percent of all households, including 28.7 percent couples with children, 23.7 percent couples without children, and 11.9 percent single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 34.3 percent, with lone person households at 31.4 percent and group households comprising 2.8 percent of the total. 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 percentage of residents aged 15 and above with university degrees compared to Greater Melbourne, at 28.3% versus 37.0%. The most common qualification is bachelor degrees, held by 19.7% of residents in this age group. Postgraduate qualifications are held by 5.6%, and graduate diplomas by 3.0%. Vocational credentials are prominent, with 31.8% of residents aged 15 and above holding them.

Advanced diplomas account for 11.0%, while certificates make up 20.8%. A significant proportion of the population is actively pursuing education, with 24.0% engaged in 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, consisting of a mix of light rail and bus services. These stops are served by 13 different routes that collectively facilitate 8,212 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically living within 201 meters of the nearest stop.

On average, there are 1,173 daily trips across all routes, equating to approximately 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. Common health conditions among its general population are somewhat typical but higher than the national average among older cohorts.

Approximately 56% (~5,143 people) of Airport West residents have private health cover, compared to Greater Melbourne's 59.4%. 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, compared to Greater Melbourne's 70.1%. As of 2021, 19.1% (1,744 people) of Airport West residents are aged 65 and over, lower than Greater Melbourne's 21.9%. Health outcomes among seniors in Airport West require more attention 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 had 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 was the predominant religion in Airport West, making up 64.8% of people, compared to 66.4% across Greater Melbourne. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (18.6%), English (17.8%), and Italian (17.8%).

Notably, Maltese (3.0%) was overrepresented compared to the regional average of 2.8%, while Croatian (1.4%) and Greek (4.3%) also showed significant differences from their respective regional averages of 2.0% and 5.0%.

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

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. The 75-84 age cohort is notably over-represented in Airport West at 7.1%, compared to the Greater Melbourne average. Meanwhile, individuals aged 15-24 are under-represented at 9.2%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 5-14 age group has increased from 10.0% to 11.3% of the population. Conversely, the 45-54 age cohort has decreased from 12.6% to 11.0%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for 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. However, both the 5-14 and 0-4 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.