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 February 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Altona North is around 15,339. This figure represents an increase of 2,377 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,962. The growth was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 13,919 in June 2024, based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS and an additional 482 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,092 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's population growth of 18.3% since the 2021 census exceeded both the national average (9.9%) and the state 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 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 are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is forecasted to grow by 4,414 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 18.7% in total over the 17-year period.

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

Altona North has seen approximately 238 new homes approved annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 1,192 homes were approved, with an additional 93 approved so far in FY-26. On average, 0.4 people moved to the area per dwelling built over these five years, indicating that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand.

The average construction value of new properties was $443,000. Commercial approvals this financial year totalled $147.3 million, suggesting strong local business investment. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Altona North has 93.0% more building activity per person, with a focus on townhouses or apartments (84.0%) and detached dwellings (16.0%). This shift marks a significant change from the current housing pattern of 69.0% houses. Altona North is projected to gain 2,863 residents by 2041, with current construction levels expected to meet this demand adequately.

Population forecasts indicate Altona North will gain 2,863 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). 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 likely impacting the area. Key projects include Spotswood Yards Precinct, The Fabric at 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 strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 4.8% as of September 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.9%.

Residents' participation in the labour force was lower than Greater Melbourne's, at 64.8% compared to 71.0%, with an unemployment rate 0.1% higher. A significant proportion of residents worked from home, with 34.0% doing so according to Census responses. Employment is concentrated in construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Construction employment is particularly strong, at 1.3 times the regional level.

Health care & social assistance employs 11.1% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's rate of 14.2%. There were 6,917 residents in work as of September 2025. The ratio of workers to residents is 0.8, indicating substantial employment opportunities locally. Over the year ending September 2025, employment increased by 4.9% while labour force grew by 5.9%, leading to an unemployment rise of 0.9 percentage points. National employment forecasts from May-25 project 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, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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. These figures were higher than Greater Melbourne's median of $57,688 and average of $75,164 respectively. By September 2025, estimates suggest Altona North's median income could reach approximately $61,859, with an average income of around $76,048, based on a Wage Price Index growth rate of 8.25% since financial year 2023. 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 (4,371 people). Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 83.2% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 46th percentile. The area'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

Altona North's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 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 was 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, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure for Altona North was $400, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Altona North's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,167 against the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 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 comprise the remaining 29.5%, with lone person households at 26.7% and group households making up 2.8%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which aligns with Greater Melbourne's average.

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 hold 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 at 9.8% and certificates at 16.8%. Educational participation is high, with 28.4% 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 operating, all of which are bus stops. These stops are serviced 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 154 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward using cars, which remain the dominant mode of transportation at 84%. Only 6% of residents use trains for their commutes. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling in Altona North.

According to the 2021 Census, a high 34.0% of residents work from home, which may be partly due to COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 402 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 26 weekly trips per individual stop. An accompanying map displays the locations of the 100 nearest stops to the area'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 outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment, with mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence somewhat typical but higher than the national average for older cohorts. Private health cover is relatively high at approximately 55% of the total population (around 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. About 70.3% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents have a low prevalence of chronic conditions. 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 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 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 main religion in Altona North, comprising 47.7% of people. Islam is overrepresented, making up 17.2%, compared to Greater Melbourne's average of 5.6%.

The top three ancestry groups are Australian (16.5%), English (16.4%), and Other (11.3%). Notably, Lebanese (8.0%) Maltese (3.1%) and Croatian (1.5%) ethnicities are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.8%, 1.1% and 0.7% respectively.

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

Altona North has a median age of 37, matching Greater Melbourne's figure and closely resembling Australia's median age of 38. The proportion of residents aged 85 and above is 4.2%, higher than Greater Melbourne's rate. Conversely, the percentage of individuals aged 15 to 24 is 9.7%, lower than the Greater Melbourne figure. Between 2021 and present, the age group of 35 to 44 has increased from 16.0% to 16.9% of the population. During this period, the 25 to 34 cohort has decreased from 15.8% to 14.8%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant changes in Altona North's age structure. Notably, the 45 to 54 group is projected to grow by 33%, adding 623 people and reaching a total of 2,495 from its current size of 1,871. Meanwhile, the 5 to 14 cohort is expected to grow by a modest 3%, with an increase of 53 people.