Ashwood

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

As of Nov 2025, Ashwood's population is estimated at around 7,629 people. This reflects a growth of 475 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,154. AreaSearch validated new addresses and examined latest ERP data from ABS (June 2024) to estimate Ashwood's resident population at 7,632. This results in a density ratio of 2,991 persons per square kilometer, placing the suburb in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch assessments. Over the past decade, Ashwood has shown steady growth with a compound annual growth rate of 1.3%, outpacing its SA3 area. Overseas migration contributed approximately 87.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses 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 employs VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusting using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking ahead, significant population increases in top quartile statistical areas are forecast nationally, with Ashwood expected to grow by 2,599 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 34.6% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Ashwood recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Ashwood has seen approximately 40 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 203 homes were approved, with an additional seven approved in FY-26. On average, about 1.3 people moved to the area for each dwelling built over these five years, indicating balanced supply and demand conditions. However, this ratio has intensified to 6.7 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting growing popularity and potential undersupply.

New homes are being constructed at an average expected cost of $783,000, reflecting a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. This year, $12.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating balanced commercial development activity in Ashwood compared to Greater Melbourne. When measured against the city, Ashwood has similar development levels per person, maintaining market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas.

However, building activity has slowed in recent years. New building activity comprises 57% detached houses and 42% medium and high-density housing, expanding the range of medium-density options to create a mix of opportunities across price brackets. With around 338 people per dwelling approval, Ashwood exhibits a developing market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is forecasted to gain approximately 2,637 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Ashwood 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 five projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Ashburton Library and Community Centre, Ashwood Green, Burwood Brickworks Shopping Centre, and Suburban Rail Loop East. The following list details 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.

Employment conditions in Ashwood remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Ashwood has an educated workforce with strong professional services representation. The unemployment rate was 4.3% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 4.0%.

As of June 2025, 4,210 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.6%, 0.3% below Greater Melbourne's rate. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Leading industries include health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training. Professional & technical employment is notably high at 1.4 times the regional average, while construction shows lower representation at 7.6% versus the regional average of 9.7%.

The area offers limited local employment opportunities, indicated by Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 4.0%, labour force by 4.2%, raising unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne had employment growth of 3.5% and a 0.5 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's Sep-22 forecasts suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Ashwood's employment mix, local employment is expected to increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.4% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that income in Ashwood is high nationally. The median assessed income is $53,564 and the average income stands at $74,092. In Greater Melbourne, the median income is $54,892 and the average income is $73,761. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Ashwood would be approximately $60,077 (median) and $83,102 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Ashwood are at the 57th percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals that 24.4% of individuals earn between $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, aligning with surrounding regions where this cohort represents 32.8%. Notably, 32.4% earn above $3,000 weekly. High housing costs consume 17.8% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 58th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Ashwood displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Ashwood, as per the latest Census evaluation, 58.3% of dwellings were houses while 41.7% comprised other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This differs from Melbourne metro's figures of 69.6% houses and 30.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Ashwood stood at 30.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.1% and rented ones at 37.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,600, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,383. The median weekly rent in Ashwood was $391, compared to Melbourne metro's $440. Nationally, Ashwood's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,600 against the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were also higher at $391 compared to the national figure of $375.

Ashwood features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 68.1% of all households, including 32.3% couples with children, 22.5% couples without children, and 12.0% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 31.9%, with lone person households at 27.7% and group households comprising 4.2%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.7.

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

Ashwood's residents aged 15+ have a higher educational attainment than broader benchmarks. Specifically, 46.2% hold university qualifications compared to 29.8% in the SA4 region and 30.4% nationwide. This is led by bachelor degrees at 29.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (13.2%) and graduate diplomas (4.0%). Vocational pathways account for 22.0% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 10.0% and certificates at 12.0%.

Educational participation is high, with 30.4% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.5% in secondary education, 8.4% in primary education, and 7.2% pursuing tertiary education. Ashwood's five schools have a combined enrollment of 1,268 students. The area has above-average socio-educational conditions with an ICSEA score of 1075. The educational mix includes one primary school, three secondary schools, and one K-12 school.

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

Ashwood has 30 operational public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by eight distinct routes that collectively facilitate 2,539 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as good, with residents on average located just 250 meters from their nearest stop.

Across all routes, there are an average of 362 trips per day, which translates to approximately 84 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Ashwood 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

Ashwood's health indicators show below-average outcomes.

Common health conditions are somewhat typical but higher than the national average among older cohorts. Private health cover is very high at approximately 56% of the total population (~4,279 people). Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions, affecting 8.8 and 7.3% of residents respectively. 70.3% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments compared to Greater Melbourne's 75.3%. As of 2021, 17.7% of Ashwood's population is aged 65 and over (1,350 people). Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than the broader population.

Ashwood is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Ashwood has a high level of cultural diversity, with 40.7% of its population born overseas and 38.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Ashwood, making up 43.5% of the population. However, Judaism is overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, comprising 0.7% versus 0.4%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (19.3%), Australian (16.7%), and Chinese (15.1%). Notably, Sri Lankan (1.1%) and Polish (1.1%) groups are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 2.1% and 0.7%, respectively, while Russian is slightly higher at 0.6%.

Ashwood's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Ashwood is 39 years, which is higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and close to the national average of 38 years. The proportion of individuals aged 85 and above in Ashwood is notably higher at 3.5%, compared to the Greater Melbourne average. Conversely, the percentage of people aged 25-34 years is lower in Ashwood at 14.1%. According to post-2021 Census data, the age group of 15-24 years has increased from 11.8% to 12.9% of the population. Population forecasts for 2041 suggest significant demographic changes in Ashwood. Notably, the age group of 45-54 years is projected to grow by 45%, adding 443 people and reaching a total of 1,428 from the current figure of 984.