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 per ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation for the suburb of Altona North, the estimated population as of Feb 2026 is around 15,339. This represents an increase of 2,377 people (18.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,962. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 13,919 following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 482 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,092 persons per square kilometer, relatively inline with averages across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Altona North's growth exceeded both national (9.9%) and state averages, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 73.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, AreaSearch uses VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 and adjusts employing a method of weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the suburb is forecasted to grow by 4,498 persons based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total gain of 20.1% 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 in Altona North shows approximately 238 new homes approved annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, about 1,192 homes were approved, with an additional 100 approved so far in FY-26. The average population growth per dwelling built over these years was 0.4 people.

New supply has kept pace with or exceeded demand, offering ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction value of new properties is $443,000, moderately above regional levels. In FY-26, commercial approvals totalled $147.3 million, indicating robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Altona North has 93.0% more building activity per person. This offers buyers greater choice but has slowed in recent years. Nationally, the 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 departure from existing housing patterns (currently 69.0% houses).

This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. Altona North reflects a developing area with around 91 people per approval. Population forecasts indicate it will gain approximately 3,078 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 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 26 projects that could impact the area. Notable ones include Spotswood Yards Precinct, The Fabric Altona North, Altona North Strategic Site, and Newport Village. Below is a list detailing those likely to be 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 is 5.0% and there has been an estimated employment growth of 3.4% in the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, 6893 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.3% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

Workforce participation lags behind Greater Melbourne at 64.8%. A high proportion of residents work from home, with 34.0% doing so according to Census responses. Employment in Altona North is concentrated in construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. The area has a strong specialization in construction, with an employment share that is 1.3 times the regional level.

In contrast, health care & social assistance employs only 11.1% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 14.2%. There are substantial local employment opportunities indicated by a ratio of 0.8 workers per resident at the Census. Over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 3.4% and labour force grew by 4.5%, resulting in an unemployment rise of 1.0 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne's employment growth of 2.4% and labour force growth of 2.8%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia for May-25 suggest that Altona North's employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation of industry-specific projections against the local employment mix.

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

The suburb of Altona North has a higher income level than the national average, according to the latest Australian Taxation Office data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Altona North is $57,145, with an average income of $70,252. This compares 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 $61,859 (median) and $76,048 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Altona North rank modestly, between the 39th and 47th percentiles. The income bracket of $1,500 - $2,999 dominates with 28.5% of residents (4,371 people), 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, 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

Altona North's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, comprised 69.1% houses and 30.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Altona North stood at 36.7%, with the rest being mortgaged (31.5%) or rented (31.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, higher than Melbourne metro's $2,000. Median weekly rent was $400, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Altona North's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,167 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were also higher at $400 compared to the national figure of $375.

Altona North has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households comprise 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 making up 26.7% and group households comprising 2.8%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which matches the Greater Melbourne average.

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. This gap highlights potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees lead at 20.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.1%) and graduate diplomas (3.1%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 26.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (9.8%) and certificates (16.8%).

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

Altona North has 107 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 11 different routes that together facilitate 2,817 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located just 154 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 84%, while only 6% use trains. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, a high 34.0% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 402 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 26 weekly trips per individual stop. A map accompanies this data, displaying the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

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 indicators, according to AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions among the general population are somewhat typical but higher than the national average among older cohorts.

Private health cover is fairly high at approximately 55% of the total population (~8,373 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 7.2 and 7.1% of residents respectively. 70.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 18.1% of residents aged 65 and over (2,776 people), 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.

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. The dominant religion is Christianity, accounting for 47.7% of the population. Islam is notably overrepresented, comprising 17.2%, compared to Greater Melbourne's average of 5.6%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Australian (16.5%), English (16.4%), and Other (11.3%). Some ethnic groups are significantly divergent: Lebanese at 8.0% (regional average 0.8%), Maltese at 3.1% (regional average 1.1%), and Croatian at 1.5% (regional average 0.7%).

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

Altona North's median age is 37, matching Greater Melbourne and closely resembling Australia's figure of 38 years. The proportion of residents aged 85 and over stands at 4.2%, higher than Greater Melbourne's rate. Conversely, the 15-24 age group comprises 9.7% of Altona North's population. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age bracket has increased from 16.0% to 16.8%. Meanwhile, the 75-84 cohort has decreased from 7.7% to 6.8%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant changes in Altona North's age structure. Notably, the 45-54 group is projected to grow by 36%, adding 665 individuals and reaching a total of 2,522 from its current figure of 1,856. The 5-14 cohort is expected to grow modestly by 4% (66 people).