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, AreaSearch estimates the population of the suburb of Altona (Vic.) at around 12,382 people. This represents an increase of 892 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 11,490. The current resident population estimate of 12,005 is based on AreaSearch's analysis of latest ERP data released by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 292 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 739 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Altona has exhibited steady growth with a compound annual growth rate of 1.1%, surpassing the SA3 area's growth rate. Overseas migration contributed around 76.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch employs ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 with adjustments made via 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 these projections, the suburb of Altona (Vic.) is expected to experience above median population growth nationally. By 2041, the area's population is projected to increase by 1,768 persons, reflecting a total rise of 11.6% over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Altona averaged approximately 107 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 538 homes. As of FY-26, 37 approvals have been recorded. The average number of new residents per year per dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25 is 0.6, suggesting that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction value of new properties is $602,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment.

In this financial year, $92.2 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Altona has similar development levels per person, maintaining market balance with the broader area. New building activity shows 30.0% detached dwellings and 70.0% attached dwellings, offering affordable entry pathways and attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This represents a significant change from the current housing mix of 61.0% houses, reflecting reduced availability of development sites and shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. With around 117 people per dwelling approval, Altona exhibits characteristics of a growth area.

Population forecasts indicate Altona will gain approximately 1,431 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 25 projects that could affect this region. Notable initiatives include Maidstone Street Level Crossing Removal (Altona), Level Crossing Removal - Maidstone Street Altona, Altona / Racecourse Road Ford Crossing Rebuild, and Altona Pier Redevelopment. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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

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The labour market strength in Altona positions it well ahead of most Australian regions

Altona has an educated workforce with professional services well-represented. The unemployment rate was 2.3% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 5.4%. As of September 2025, 7,014 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.4%, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.7%.

Workforce participation was similar to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. A high 40.6% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Leading employment industries were health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services. Altona had a strong specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level.

Health care & social assistance had limited presence at 11.3%, compared to 14.2% regionally. The ratio of 0.7 workers per resident indicated above-average local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 5.4% while labour force grew by 5.8%, raising the unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. In Greater Melbourne, employment rose by 3.0%, labour force grew by 3.3%, and unemployment increased by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 projected national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Altona's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, though this was a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and did not account for localized population projections.

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

AreaSearch released postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 on June 15, 2023. The suburb of Altona had a median income among taxpayers of $65,033 and an average of $80,800. These figures were among the highest in Australia, compared to Greater Melbourne's median of $57,688 and average of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Altona are approximately $70,398 (median) and $87,466 (average) as of September 2025. Census data shows personal income ranks at the 73rd percentile ($947 weekly), while household income sits at the 54th percentile. The earnings profile indicates that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 28.8% of residents (3,566 people). High housing costs consume 15.3% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 56th percentile. 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 latest Census data shows 61.1% houses and 38.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Altona was 37.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.0% and rented at 31.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,197, above Melbourne metro's $2,000. Median weekly rent in Altona was $385, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Altona's mortgage repayments exceed the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are 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 constitute 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 comprise the remaining 34.4%, with lone person households at 32.1% and group households at 2.3%. The median household size is 2.3 people, smaller than Greater Melbourne's 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 university qualification rate is 35.6%, exceeding the Australian average of 30.4% and the SA4 region's rate of 32.0%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 23.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.5%) and graduate diplomas (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 offering a mix of bus services. These stops are served by 10 different routes, providing a total of 3658 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents typically located 177 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Car remains the dominant mode at 81%, while train accounts for 10%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 40.6% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 522 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 52 weekly trips per individual 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

Health data shows Altona residents have relatively positive health outcomes. AreaSearch's analysis found mortality rates and health conditions were largely consistent with national benchmarks.

The prevalence of common health conditions was low across both younger and older age groups. Approximately 59% of Altona's total population (7,268 people) had private health cover, compared to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne. Mental health issues and arthritis were the most common medical conditions, affecting 8.0 and 7.8% of residents respectively. 68.9% of residents reported having no medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. The under-65 population had better than average health outcomes. Altona has 21.0% of residents aged 65 and over (2,600 people), higher than Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. Health outcomes among seniors were above average, with national rankings broadly in line with 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 population showed high cultural diversity, with 29.6% born overseas and 20.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Altona as of 2016, accounting for 49.2%. Judaism was overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, comprising 0.1% vs 1.0%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (23.8%), Australian (20.3%), and Irish (8.8%). Notably, Maltese (4.4%) Croatian (1.3%), and Polish (1.1%) ethnicities had higher representation in Altona compared to 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 45-54 age group constitutes 14.8% of Altona's population, compared to Greater Melbourne, while the 25-34 age group makes up 9.4%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 15-24 age group has increased from 8.0% to 9.7%, and the 75-84 age group has risen from 6.5% to 7.7%. Conversely, the 25-34 age group has decreased from 12.0% to 9.4%. Population forecasts for 2041 suggest substantial demographic changes in Altona. Notably, the 55-64 age group is projected to grow by 30%, reaching 1,919 people from 1,473. Conversely, the 0-4 and 5-14 age groups are expected to experience population declines.