Albanvale

An assessment of population growth drivers in Albanvale reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, Albanvale's estimated population is 5639 as of February 2026. This reflects a decrease of 2 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5641. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate using latest ERP data release by ABS (June 2024) and additional 5 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to 3031 persons per square kilometer, placing Albanvale in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Albanvale has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 0.1%, outpacing its SA3 area. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 77.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends indicate an increase just below the median of national areas, with Albanvale expected to expand by 384 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 6.8% in total over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Albanvale is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, Albanvale has averaged approximately one new dwelling approval per year. Between FY21 and FY25, around nine homes were approved, with three more in FY26 to date. Despite a falling population during this period, housing supply has been adequate relative to demand, maintaining a balanced market with good buyer choice.

The average construction cost of new properties is $284,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options. This financial year, $55,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Albanvale has significantly less development activity, at 89.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties, although building activity has accelerated recently. Nationally, this activity is also below average, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New building activity in Albanvale shows 67.0% detached dwellings and 33.0% townhouses or apartments, expanding medium-density options to cater to various price brackets from traditional family housing to more affordable compact alternatives.

This shift is a considerable change from the current housing mix of 96.0% houses. With around 2240 people per dwelling approval, Albanvale reflects a highly mature market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the population is forecasted to grow by 384 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Albanvale has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects that could impact this region. Notable projects are Taylors Creek Residential Estate, Cairnlea Remediation Project, Amora Estate Cairnlea, and Sunshine Hospital Emergency Department Redevelopment. The following details those most likely to be 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 drivers in Albanvale are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Albanvale has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent. The unemployment rate was 10.8% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.5%.

As of December 2025, 2,413 residents were employed, but the unemployment rate was higher than Greater Melbourne's at 6.1%. Workforce participation was lower at 58.4%. About 14.3% of residents worked from home, possibly due to Covid-19 lockdowns. Leading industries include manufacturing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade.

Manufacturing employment is particularly high, at 2.2 times the regional average. However, professional & technical jobs are less common, at 4.3% compared to 10.1% regionally. Local employment opportunities may be limited, as indicated by the working population vs resident population count. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 2.5%, labour force grew by 4.0%, leading to a 1.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw a 2.4% employment increase, 2.8% labour force growth, and only a 0.3 percentage point unemployment rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Albanvale's employment should grow by 5.5% over five years and 12.0% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

The suburb of Albanvale had an income level below the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers was $42,667 and the average income stood at $48,518, compared to figures for Greater Melbourne of $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $46,187 (median) and $52,521 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household income ranked at the 18th percentile ($1,279 weekly), while personal income sat at the 2nd percentile. The predominant cohort spanned 30.4% of locals (1,714 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, reflecting patterns seen in the surrounding region where 32.8% similarly occupied this range. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 83.7% of income remaining, ranking at the 19th percentile.

Albanvale is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The latest Census recorded that 96.0% of dwellings in Albanvale were houses, with the remaining 4.0% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. In contrast, Melbourne metro had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Albanvale stood at 38.3%, higher than Melbourne metro's level. The majority of dwellings were either mortgaged (37.6%) or rented (24.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Albanvale was $1,500, lower than the Melbourne metro average of $2,000 and the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure for Albanvale was $325, below both the Melbourne metro's $390 and the national average of $375.

Albanvale features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 79.0% of all households, including 35.4% couples with children, 20.6% couples without children, and 20.6% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 21.0%, with lone person households at 18.1% and group households comprising 3.2%. The median household size is 2.9 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Albanvale faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 16.1%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 29.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.3%) and certificates (19.9%). Educational participation is high, with 30.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 9.7% in primary, 8.4% in secondary, and 4.8% in tertiary education.

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

Albanvale has 23 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by five different routes that together facilitate 1,494 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents on average located 173 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Albanvale's predominantly residential nature. Cars are the primary mode of transport, used by 88% of residents, while trains account for 8%. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.5, higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 14.3% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 213 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 64 weekly trips per individual stop.

Albanvale'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

Albanvale's health metrics are close to national benchmarks, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The level of common health conditions among the general population is somewhat typical but higher than the national average among older cohorts. Private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~2,600 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are asthma and arthritis, impacting 7.1 and 7.0% of residents respectively, while 72.5% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, similar to the 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. Albanvale has 20.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1,133 people), higher than Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than the broader population.

Albanvale is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Albanvale has one of the most culturally diverse populations in Australia, with 56.9% born overseas and 69.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Albanvale, comprising 51.1% of its population. However, Buddhism stands out as significantly overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne's average, making up 14.8% of Albanvale residents.

In terms of ancestry, 'Other' is the largest group at 23.0%, followed by Vietnamese (20.1%) and Australian (10.4%), all notably different from regional averages. Notably, Filipino (4.9%), Maltese (4.2%), and Croatian (1.8%) groups are also overrepresented in Albanvale compared to regional figures.

Albanvale's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Albanvale has a median age of 37, which is equal to Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and comparable to Australia's median age of 38. The 65-74 age group constitutes 11.1% of Albanvale's population, higher than Greater Melbourne's percentage. Meanwhile, the 35-44 cohort makes up 13.2%, lower than Greater Melbourne's figure. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 4.4% to 7.4%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has decreased from 15.0% to 14.0%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant changes in Albanvale's age structure. The 75 to 84 group is projected to grow by 41%, adding 172 people and reaching 590 from 417. Those aged 65 and above are expected to comprise 61% of the population growth. Conversely, the 65 to 74 age group and the 0 to 4 cohort are projected to experience population declines.