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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, Ashwood's population is estimated at around 7,598 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 444 people (6.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,154 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 7,504 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 51 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,979 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Ashwood has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.3%, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 87.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 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 also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Moving forward, a significant population increase in the top quartile of statistical areas is forecast, with Ashwood expected to grow by 2,593 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 35.0% in total 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 shows Ashwood had approximately 32 new homes approved annually. Between financial years FY-21 to FY-25, around 164 homes were approved, with an additional 10 approved in FY-26 so far. Over the past five financial years, an average of 1.6 people moved to Ashwood per dwelling built. However, this increased to 5.5 people per dwelling over the last two financial years, suggesting growing popularity and potential undersupply.

The average expected construction cost value for new homes was $783,000, indicating a focus on premium developments. In FY-26, commercial approvals totaled $19.1 million. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Ashwood has 17.0% less new development per person and ranks at the 56th percentile nationally.

New development consists of 58.0% standalone homes and 42.0% medium and high-density housing. With around 276 people per dwelling approval, Ashwood exhibits characteristics of a low-density area. By 2041, Ashwood is projected to gain approximately 2,662 residents. If current development rates persist, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Area infrastructure changes significantly influence performance. Five projects identified by AreaSearch may affect the region: Ashburton Library and Community Centre, Ashwood Green, Burwood Brickworks Shopping Centre, Suburban Rail Loop East. Key details follow for most relevant projects.

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Ashwood has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Ashwood has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate was 4.3% as of September 2025, below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.4%. There are 4,208 residents employed currently, with a workforce participation rate similar to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. Notably, professional & technical services employ 1.4 times the regional average.

In contrast, construction employs only 7.6% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 9.7%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 4.4%, labour force grew by 4.7%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.3 percentage points in Ashwood. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne where employment rose by 3.0%, labour force grew by 3.3%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data as of 25-Nov shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. Nationally, the unemployment rate was 4.3%, and employment growth outpaced the national average of 0.14%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Ashwood's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.4% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023, Ashwood had a median income among taxpayers of $53,564. The average income stood at $74,092. Nationally, the median was $51,589 and the average was $74,478. In Greater Melbourne, these figures were $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% from financial year ended June 2023 to September 2025, current estimates for Ashwood would be approximately $57,983 (median) and $80,205 (average). Census data from 2021 shows household incomes in Ashwood cluster around the 57th percentile nationally. Income distribution indicates that 24.4% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly. In surrounding areas, this figure is 32.8%. A significant proportion, 32.4%, earn over $3,000 per week. High housing costs consume 17.8% of income. Despite this, disposable income ranks 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 findings, 58.3% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 41.7% being semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This compares to Melbourne's metropolitan area, where 69.6% of dwellings are houses and 30.3% are other types. 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 in Ashwood was $2,600, higher than Melbourne's metro average of $2,383. Weekly rent median was $391 in Ashwood, compared to Melbourne's $440. Nationally, Ashwood's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents exceeded 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 educational attainment is notably high, with 46.2% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to the SA4 region's 29.8% and Australia's 30.4%. This advantage is driven by Bachelor degrees (29.0%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (13.2%) and graduate diplomas (4.0%). Vocational pathways account for 22.0%, with advanced diplomas at 10.0% and certificates at 12.0%. Educational participation is high, with 30.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 8.5% in secondary education, 8.4% in primary education, and 7.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Analysis of public transport in Ashwood shows 30 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops are served by a mix of buses along 7 individual routes, collectively providing 1,572 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 250 meters from the nearest transport stop.

Service frequency averages 224 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 52 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 results compared to national averages.

Common health conditions are somewhat typical but higher among older cohorts. Private health cover is very high at approximately 56% of the total population (around 4,261 people). The most prevalent medical conditions in Ashwood are mental health issues and asthma, affecting 8.8 and 7.3% of residents respectively. About 70.3% of residents claim to be completely free from medical ailments, compared to 75.3% across Greater Melbourne. In Ashwood, 17.7% of the population is aged 65 or over (approximately 1,344 people). Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than those in 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's population shows high cultural diversity, with 40.7% born overseas and 38.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Ashwood, accounting for 43.5% of its population. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, comprising 0.7% vs 0.4%.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups are English (19.3%, higher than regional average of 14.0%), Australian (16.7%), and Chinese (15.1%, lower than regional average of 21.4%). Other ethnic groups with notable divergences include Sri Lankan (1.1% in Ashwood vs 2.1% regionally), Polish (1.1% vs 0.7%), and Russian (0.6% vs 0.5%).

Ashwood's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

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 85+ cohort is over-represented in Ashwood at 3.5%, compared to the Greater Melbourne average, while those aged 25-34 are under-represented at 14.1%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 11.8% to 12.9% of Ashwood's population. By 2041, significant demographic changes are forecast for Ashwood. Notably, the 45 to 54 age group is expected to grow by 45%, adding 445 people and reaching a total of 1,426 from its current size of 980.