Altona (Vic.)

Population growth drivers in Altona are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Altona (Vic.) is around 12,382, reflecting an increase of 892 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 7.8% rise from the previous population count of 11,490. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 12,005 in Jun 2024 and an additional 292 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 739 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages seen across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Altona has demonstrated consistent growth with a compound annual growth rate of 1.1%, outperforming its SA3 area. Overseas migration contributed approximately 76.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch's projections for Altona are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia figures released in 2024, using 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 are used 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. Considering projected demographic shifts, Altona is expected to experience above median population growth, increasing by 1,775 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections. This reflects an overall increase of 11.3% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Altona among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Altona averaged approximately 107 new dwelling approvals annually based on AreaSearch analysis. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 537 homes were approved, with an additional 41 in FY-26 so far. Each year, about 0.6 people moved to the area per dwelling built over these five years.

This suggests that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and potential for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction cost value of new homes was around $602,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY-26, commercial development approvals totalled $92.2 million, reflecting robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Altona has comparable new home approvals per person, maintaining market equilibrium with surrounding areas. New development consists of 30% standalone homes and 70% attached dwellings, promoting higher-density living and creating more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers.

This shift contrasts with the area's existing housing composition, currently 61% houses, suggesting decreasing developable sites and changing lifestyles requiring diverse housing options. With around 118 people per dwelling approval, Altona exhibits growth area characteristics. AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate projects Altona to gain approximately 1,398 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, offering favourable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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

Twenty-five projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area, with key ones including Maidstone Street Level Crossing Removal (Altona), Level Crossing Removal - Maidstone Street Altona, Altona / Racecourse Road Ford Crossing Rebuild, and Altona Pier Redevelopment.

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

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Altona ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Altona has a highly educated workforce with significant representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate was 2.3% as of December 2025. This rate is lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.8%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.0%. As of December 2025, 7,004 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.4%, and workforce participation matching Greater Melbourne's 71.3%. Census data shows that 40.6% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services.

Notably, public administration & safety has a high concentration with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average. However, health care & social assistance employs only 11.3% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 14.2%. The ratio of 0.7 workers per resident indicates ample local employment opportunities. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 4.0%, while the labour force grew by 4.5%, raising the unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 2.4% and labour force growth of 2.8%, with an unemployment rise of 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment expansion of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Altona's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

The suburb of Altona has a median taxpayer income of $65,033 and an average income of $80,800 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is among the highest in Australia, contrasting with Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $70,398 (median) and $87,466 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, personal income ranks at the 73rd percentile ($947 weekly), while household income sits at the 54th percentile. The data shows that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 28.8% of residents (3,566 people). High housing costs consume 15.3% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 56th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

Altona's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 61.1% houses and 38.9% 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 stood at 37.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.0% and rented ones at 31.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,197, higher than Melbourne metro's $2,000. The median weekly rent figure in Altona was $385, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Altona's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

Altona features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 65.6% of all households, including 27.8% couples with children, 26.9% couples without children, and 9.8% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 34.4%, with lone person households at 32.1% and group households comprising 2.3%. The median household size is 2.3 people, smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Altona shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

The area's educational profile is notable regionally with university qualification rates at 35.6%, exceeding the Australian average of 30.4% and the SA4 region's rate of 32.0%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 23.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 8.5% and graduate diplomas at 4.1%. Vocational credentials are held by 29.8% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 11.1% and certificates at 18.7%.

Educational participation is high, with 26.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.6% in primary education, 6.2% in secondary education, and 4.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Altona has 70 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 10 different routes that together provide 3,658 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically living 177 meters from the nearest stop. As a mainly residential area, most residents commute outwards. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 81%, while trains account for 10%. On average, there are 1.1 vehicles per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 40.6% of residents work from home, which may be due to COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 522 trips per day, equating to approximately 52 weekly trips per stop.

Altona's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Altona's health data shows positive results, with mortality rates and health conditions comparable to national benchmarks. Common health conditions are relatively low across all age groups.

Approximately 59% of Altona residents have private health cover, higher than Greater Melbourne's 56.7%. Mental health issues affect 8.0% and arthritis impacts 7.8% of residents, with 68.9% reporting no medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Under-65s have better-than-average health outcomes. Altona has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over (21.4%), compared to Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. Senior health outcomes are above average, matching national rankings for the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Altona was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Altona's cultural diversity is notable, with 29.6% of its population born overseas and 20.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Altona, accounting for 49.2% of the population. However, Judaism is overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, comprising 0.1% versus 1.0%.

The top three ancestry groups in Altona are English (23.8%), Australian (20.3%), and Irish (8.8%). Additionally, Maltese (4.4%) Croatian (1.3%), and Polish (1.1%) populations are notably higher than the regional averages of 1.1%, 0.7%, and 0.8% respectively.

Altona's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Altona is 42 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and Australia's median age of 38 years. The strongest representation in Altona is the 45-54 age group at 14.8%, compared to Greater Melbourne's percentage for this cohort. The 25-34 age group, however, is less prevalent in Altona at 9.5%. According to post-2021 Census data, the population of the 15-24 age group has grown from 8.0% to 9.8%, while the 75-84 cohort increased from 6.5% to 7.8%. Conversely, the 25-34 age group has declined from 12.0% to 9.5%. Population forecasts for Altona in 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes. Notably, the 55-64 age group is expected to grow by 30%, reaching 1,909 people from its current figure of 1,473. Conversely, population declines are forecasted for the 25-34 and 0-4 age cohorts.