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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of November 2025, the estimated population of Altona North is around 15,328. This reflects an increase of 2,366 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,962. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 13,919 in June 2024, based on examination of the latest ABS ERP data release and an additional 465 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 1,091 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Altona North's population growth rate of 18.3% since the 2021 Census exceeded both the national average (9.7%) and the state average. The primary driver for this growth was overseas migration, contributing 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 a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch uses the 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 from these aggregations are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. According to aggregated SA2-level projections, the Altona North statistical area (Lv2) is expected to grow by 4,407 persons by 2041, reflecting an overall gain of 18.7% over the 17-year period.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis using ABS building approval numbers derived from statistical area data, Altona North has seen approximately 238 new homes approved annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 1,192 homes were approved, with an additional 93 approved in FY-26 to date. On average, about 0.4 people have moved to the area per dwelling built over these years, indicating that new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand.

The average construction cost value of new properties is $443,000, which is moderately above regional levels. In FY-26, $147.3 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting 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. This activity is substantially higher than the national average, indicating 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 the current housing pattern of 69.0% houses. Altona North reflects a developing area with approximately 91 people per approval.

Population forecasts indicate that Altona North will gain around 2,869 residents by 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 impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 26 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include Spotswood Yards Precinct, The Fabric Altona North, Altona North Strategic Site, and Newport Village. Below is a list detailing those most 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.

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

Altona North has a well-educated workforce with professional services being strongly represented. The unemployment rate was 4.8% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 5%.

As of September 2025, 6922 residents are employed, and the unemployment rate is 0.1% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation lags at 56.3%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Employment is concentrated in construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Construction shows strong specialization with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

Health care & social assistance employs 11.1% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 14.2%. The worker-to-resident ratio indicates substantial local employment opportunities. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 5%, while labour force grew by 5.9%, resulting in a 0.9 percentage point rise in unemployment. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. State-level data to 25-Nov shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

Altona North's median income among taxpayers was $57,145 in financial year 2023. The suburb's average income stood at $70,252 during the same period. Comparing these figures with Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164 shows that Altona North had higher incomes than the region's average. By September 2025, based on an 8.25% growth in wages since financial year 2023, estimated median and average incomes for Altona North would be approximately $61,859 and $76,048 respectively. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Altona North ranked modestly, between the 39th and 47th percentiles. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 dominated with 28.5% of residents (4,368 people), which was similar to the surrounding region where 32.8% occupied this bracket. Housing affordability pressures were severe in Altona North, with only 83.2% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 46th percentile. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking placed 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 evaluation, 69.1% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 30.9% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This is similar to Melbourne's metropolitan area, where 68.7% of dwellings are houses and 31.3% are other types. Home ownership in Altona North stood at 36.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.5% and rented ones at 31.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,167, mirroring Melbourne's metropolitan average, while the median weekly rent was $400, slightly higher than Melbourne's metro figure of $386. Nationally, Altona North's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 make up the remaining 29.5%, consisting of 26.7% lone person households and 2.8% group households. 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

In Altona North, 29.2% of residents aged 15 and above have university degrees, compared to Greater Melbourne's 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 20.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.1%) and graduate diplomas (3.1%). Vocational credentials are held by 26.6% of residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas making up 9.8% and certificates 16.8%. Educational participation is high at 28.4%, including 10.5% in primary education, 6.7% in secondary education, and 4.7% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably 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.

Transport servicing is good 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 currently 107 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 11 individual routes providing service to these locations. The combined weekly passenger trips facilitated by these routes amount to 2,817.

The accessibility of public transport in Altona North is rated as excellent, with residents typically located an average of 154 meters from the nearest transport stop. The service frequency across all routes averages 402 trips per day, which equates to approximately 26 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 shows below-average health outcomes with common conditions typical but higher than national averages in older cohorts. Approximately 55% (~8,367 people) have private health cover, compared to Greater Melbourne's 62.2%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are most prevalent at 7.2% and 7.1%, respectively, while 70.3% report no medical ailments, similar to Greater Melbourne's 70.7%. The area has 18.2% residents aged 65 and over (2,789 people). Seniors face health challenges requiring additional attention.

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 cultural diversity, with 37.1% of its population born overseas and 45.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Altona North, comprising 47.7% of people. Islam is overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne's average, making up 17.2% of Altona North's population.

The top three ancestry groups are Australian (16.5%), English (16.4%), and Other (11.3%). Notably, Lebanese (8.0%) and Maltese (3.1%) are overrepresented compared to regional averages, while Croatian is slightly higher at 1.5%.

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

Altona North's median age is 37, matching Greater Melbourne and closely aligning with Australia's figure of 38 years. The proportion of residents aged 85+ is 4.2%, higher than Greater Melbourne's figure, while the 15-24 cohort makes up 9.7% of the population. Between 2021 and present, the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 16.0% to 16.8%. Conversely, the 75 to 84 age group has decreased from 7.7% to 6.9%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Altona North's age structure. The 45 to 54 cohort is projected to grow by 35%, adding 652 people and reaching a total of 2,492 from the current figure of 1,839. Meanwhile, the 5 to 14 cohort is expected to grow by a modest 2%, with an increase of 35 people.