Altona (Vic.)

Population growth drivers in Altona are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population of Altona (Vic.) is around 12,387, reflecting an increase of 897 people since the 2021 Census. The ABS ERP estimate for surrounding areas applied to Altona by AreaSearch was 11,995 in June 2024, with an additional 262 validated new addresses added since the Census date. This results in a population density of approximately 740 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Altona's growth rate of 7.8% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's growth of 7.1%, making it a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 76.0% 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 VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted using 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 expected to expand by 1,765 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 11.5% in total over the 17-year period.

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

Altona has averaged approximately 107 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 539 homes. As of FY26, 31 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.6 new residents are associated with each dwelling constructed annually between FY21 and FY25. This suggests that new supply is keeping pace with 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. In the current financial year, $145.8 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Altona has similar development levels per person, maintaining market balance consistent with the broader area. The new building activity shows 30% detached dwellings and 70% 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% houses.

With around 130 people per dwelling approval, Altona exhibits characteristics of a growth area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Altona is projected to gain 1,429 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering favourable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Altona 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 identified 24 projects likely affecting the 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. Below is a list of most relevant projects.

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 a highly educated workforce with professional services well represented. The unemployment rate in Altona is 2.2%, lower than the Greater Melbourne average of 4.6%.

Over the past year, employment grew by an estimated 5.6%. As of June 2025, 7,026 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.5% and workforce participation at 64.1%, similar to Greater Melbourne's rate. The leading employment industries among Altona residents are health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services. Notably, public administration & safety has a strong presence in Altona, with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level.

Conversely, health care & social assistance has limited presence at 11.3%, compared to the regional average of 14.2%. The ratio of 0.7 workers per resident indicates ample local employment opportunities. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment in Altona increased by 5.6% while labour force grew by 5.8%, leading to a slight rise in unemployment rate of 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment growth of 3.5%, labour force growth of 4.0%, and an unemployment increase of 0.5 percentage points. Looking ahead, Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within Altona. These projections estimate that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Altona's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, though these estimates are illustrative and do not account for localized population projections.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Altona's median income among taxpayers is $65,033. The average income in Altona is $80,800. This places Altona among the highest income areas in Australia. Comparing to Greater Melbourne's median of $54,892 and average of $73,761 highlights this difference. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Altona would be approximately $72,941 (median) and $90,625 (average) as of September 2025. Census data indicates personal income ranks at the 73rd percentile ($947 weekly), while household income is at the 54th percentile. The earnings profile shows that 28.8% of residents (3,567 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, reflecting regional patterns where 32.8% occupy this range. High housing costs consume 15.3% of income. Despite this, 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 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 68.7% houses and 31.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Altona was 37.3%, similar to Melbourne metro, with the rest being mortgaged (31.0%) or rented (31.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Altona was $2,197, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,167. Median weekly rent in Altona was $385, similar to Melbourne metro's figure of $386. Nationally, Altona's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceed 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% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.5.

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 within its region, with university qualification rates at 35.6% of residents aged 15+, surpassing the Australian average of 30.4% and the SA4 regional rate of 32.0%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 23.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.5%) and graduate diplomas (4.1%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 29.8% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas comprise 11.1%, while certificates make up 18.7%.

Educational participation is high, with 26.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 9.6% in primary, 6.2% in secondary, and 4.8% pursuing tertiary education. Altona's four schools have a combined enrollment of 2,637 students. The area exhibits above-average socio-educational conditions (ICSEA: 1076). Educational institutions include two primary, one secondary, and one K-12 school. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs in the area, with 21.3 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 15.2, indicating that Altona serves as an educational hub for the broader region.

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

Altona has 70 active public transport stops operating currently. These comprise a mix of train and bus services. Nine different routes serve these stops, collectively facilitating 5,361 weekly passenger trips.

Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 177 meters to the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 765 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 76 weekly trips per individual stop.

Altona's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Altona's health metrics closely match national benchmarks. Common health conditions are seen across both young and old age cohorts at a fairly standard level.

The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high, at approximately 59% of the total population (7,271 people), compared to 60.9% across Greater Melbourne. Mental health issues and arthritis were found to be the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 8.0 and 7.8% of residents respectively. A total of 68.9% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.7% across Greater Melbourne. The area has 20.4% of residents aged 65 and over (2,526 people), which is higher than the 17.8% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Altona was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Altona's population showed higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 29.6% born overseas and 20.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Altona, accounting for 49.2%. Judaism had an overrepresentation of 0.1%, compared to 0.1% across Greater Melbourne.

The top three ancestry groups were English (23.8%), Australian (20.3%), and Irish (8.8%). Maltese, Croatian, and Polish ethnicities showed notable divergences: Maltese was 4.4% in Altona vs 3.4% regionally, Croatian was 1.3% vs 1.4%, and Polish was 1.1% vs 1.0%.

Altona hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Altona is 42 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and Australia's average of 38 years. The 45-54 age group comprises 14.8% of the population, compared to Greater Melbourne's percentage. Conversely, the 25-34 age group makes up 9.8%, which is less prevalent than in Greater Melbourne. According to post-2021 Census data, the 15-24 age group has increased from 8.0% to 9.5%. Meanwhile, the 25-34 age group has decreased from 12.0% to 9.8%. Population forecasts for 2041 suggest substantial demographic changes in Altona. Notably, the 55-64 age group is expected to grow by 34%, reaching 1,924 people from 1,436. Conversely, the 25-34 and 0-4 age groups are projected to experience population declines.