Altona North

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

As of November 2025, the estimated population of Altona North is around 14,196. This reflects an increase of 1,234 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,962. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 13,894 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 465 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 1,011 persons per square kilometer, relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Altona North's growth rate of 9.5% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA3 area average (7.1%) and the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 73.0% 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 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 applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is expected to grow by 4,391 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 28.1% in total over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Altona North among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Altona North has averaged around 238 new homes approved annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 1,192 homes were approved, with a further 64 approved in FY-26 to date. Over these five years, an average of 0.4 people moved to the area per dwelling built.

New supply has kept pace with or exceeded demand, providing ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction value of new properties is $443,000, aligning with regional patterns. This year, commercial approvals totaling $164.9 million have been registered, indicating robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Altona North has 93.0% more building activity per person, offering buyers greater choice. However, building activity has slowed in recent years. Nationally, Altona North's building activity is substantially higher, suggesting strong developer confidence in the location. New building activity comprises 16.0% detached dwellings and 84.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a significant shift from existing housing patterns (currently 69.0% houses), likely due to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences.

With around 89 people per approval, Altona North reflects a developing area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, the population is forecasted to grow by 3,985 residents through to 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Altona North 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 identified 26 projects that may impact the area. Notable ones are Altona North Strategic Site, The Fabric at Altona North, Newport Village, and Mobil Melbourne Terminal Conversion. Below is a list of those most relevant.

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

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Altona North has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Altona North has a highly educated workforce with professional services well represented. The unemployment rate was 4.6% as of June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 5.0% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

In this period, 6,908 residents were employed while the unemployment rate matched Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. However, workforce participation was lower at 56.3%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Employment is concentrated in construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Notably, construction employs 1.3 times more residents than the regional level.

Conversely, health care & social assistance employs only 11.1% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 14.2%. The worker-to-resident ratio was 0.8 at the Census, indicating substantial employment opportunities locally. Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 5.0%, while labour force grew by 5.9%, resulting in a 0.8 percentage point rise in unemployment. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment growth of 3.5% and labour force growth of 4.0%, with a 0.5 percentage point increase in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth varies significantly between sectors. Applying these projections to Altona North's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only and does not consider localized population projections.

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

Altona North's median income among taxpayers was $57,145 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $70,252 during the same period. These figures are higher than those for Greater Melbourne, which were $54,892 and $73,761 respectively. By September 2025, estimates suggest the median income will be approximately $64,094 and the average income will be around $78,795, based on a Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Altona North rank modestly, between the 39th and 47th percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 is dominant, with 28.5% of residents (4,045 people) falling within this range. This is similar to the surrounding region where 32.8% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Altona North, with only 83.2% of income remaining after expenses, ranking at the 46th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

In Altona North, as per the latest Census data, 69.1% of dwellings were houses while 30.9% comprised semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This is comparable to Melbourne metropolitan area's figures of 68.7% houses and 31.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Altona North stood at 36.7%, similar to Melbourne metro's level. Mortgaged dwellings accounted for 31.5% and rented ones made up 31.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,167, aligning with Melbourne metro's average. Weekly rent median was $400 compared to Melbourne metro's $386. Nationally, Altona North's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,167 versus Australia's average of $1,863, while rents were $400 compared to the national figure of $375.

Altona North has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 70.5% of all households, including 32.1% couples with children, 24.0% couples without children, and 12.7% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 29.5%, with lone person households at 26.7% and group households comprising 2.8%. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.5.

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

Educational qualifications in Altona North trail regional benchmarks, with 29.2% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 37.0% in Greater Melbourne. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 20.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.1%) and graduate diplomas (3.1%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 26.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (9.8%) and certificates (16.8%). Educational participation is high, with 28.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 10.5% in primary education, 6.7% in secondary education, and 4.7% pursuing tertiary education. Altona North's 4 schools have a combined enrollment reaching 3,044 students as of the latest data. The area demonstrates above-average socio-educational conditions with an ICSEA score of 1061. The educational mix includes 2 primary, 1 secondary, and 1 K-12 school. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs, with 21.4 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 15.2, indicating that Altona North serves as an educational center for the broader region.

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

The analysis of public transport in Altona North shows that there are 107 active transport stops operating, all of which are bus stops. These stops are serviced by 11 different routes, providing a total of 5,203 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to these transport services is rated as excellent, with residents typically located just 154 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 743 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 48 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Altona North are marginally below the national average with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Altona North's health indicators show below-average outcomes compared to national averages. Common health conditions are somewhat typical but higher among older cohorts.

Approximately 75% of residents have private health cover, which is high compared to Greater Melbourne's 60.9%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common conditions, affecting 7.2% and 7.1% respectively. About 70.3% report no medical ailments, similar to Greater Melbourne's 70.7%. Around 18.2% of residents are aged 65 or over (2,583 people). Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than the broader population.

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

Altona North has a high level of cultural diversity, with 37.1% of its population born overseas and 45.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the main religion in Altona North, accounting for 47.7% of people. Islam is overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, comprising 17.2% of Altona North's population versus the regional average of 5.3%.

The top three ancestry groups are Australian (16.5%), English (16.4%), and Other (11.3%). Notably, Lebanese ethnicity is overrepresented at 8.0% compared to the regional average of 2.1%, Maltese is slightly lower at 3.1% versus 3.4%, and Croatian is virtually equal to the regional average at 1.5%.

Altona North's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Altona North has a median age of 37, matching Greater Melbourne and closely aligning with Australia's figure of 38 years. The proportion of residents aged 85 or above is notably high at 4.2%, compared to Greater Melbourne's figures. Conversely, the percentage of individuals aged between 15 and 24 is lower in Altona North at 9.7%. Between 2021 and the present day, the population share of those aged 35 to 44 has increased from 16.0% to 16.8%. Meanwhile, the proportion of people aged between 75 and 84 has decreased from 7.7% to 6.9%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate substantial shifts in Altona North's age distribution, with the 45 to 54 age group expected to grow by 46%, reaching a total of 2,492 individuals from its current figure of 1,703.