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 Feb 2026, the population of Ashwood is estimated at around 7,603, reflecting an increase of 449 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,154. This increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 7,504 residents following examination of ABS data releases up to June 2024 and validation of 52 new addresses since the Census date. This population results in a density ratio of 2,981 persons per square kilometer, placing Ashwood in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, ending in Feb 2026, Ashwood has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.3%, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing 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 VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods 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 of Ashwood is forecasted to grow by 2,575 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 34.8% in total over the 17-year period.

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. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 164 homes were approved, with a further 10 approved in FY-26 so far. On average, 1.6 people moved to the area per dwelling built over these years. However, this increased to 5.5 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, indicating a focus on the premium market. This year has seen $19.1 million in commercial approvals, signifying balanced commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Ashwood has 17.0% less new development per person and ranks at the 56th percentile nationally for new development.

The area's development consists of 58.0% standalone homes and 42.0% medium and high-density housing, offering choices across price ranges. With around 276 people per dwelling approval, Ashwood exhibits characteristics of a low density area. By 2041, AreaSearch forecasts an increase of 2,649 residents in the area. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified five projects expected to impact the area. Notable ones are Ashburton Library and Community Centre, Ashwood Green, Burwood Brickworks Shopping Centre, and Suburban Rail Loop East. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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

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

Ashwood's workforce is highly educated with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 4.3% as of September 2025, which is 0.4% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.3%.

Workforce participation in Ashwood is similar to Greater Melbourne's rate of 71.0%. According to Census responses, 43.9% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training. Professional & technical services show a notable concentration with levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

Conversely, construction employs only 7.6% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 9.7%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 4.3%, labour force grew by 4.6%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment rise by 3.0% and unemployment increase by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 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 these are illustrative extrapolations and do not account for localised population projections.

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

In financial year 2023, Ashwood suburb had a median income of $53,564 and an average income of $74,092 among taxpayers. Nationally, the average incomes were $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. By September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $57,983 and average income around $80,205, based on an 8.25% growth since financial year 2023. According to Census 2021 data, incomes in Ashwood cluster around the 57th percentile nationally. Income distribution shows that 24.4% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly. The area exhibits affluence with 32.4% earning over $3,000 per week. Housing costs consume 17.8% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 58th percentile nationally. Ashwood'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

As of the latest Census, Ashwood's dwelling structure consisted of 58.3% houses and 41.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Ashwood was at 30.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.1% and rented ones at 37.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,600, above Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Ashwood was $391, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Ashwood's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher than 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 comprise the remaining 31.9%, with lone person households at 27.7% and group households making up 4.2%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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

Ashwood's educational attainment exceeds broader standards significantly. Among residents aged 15+, 46.2% hold university qualifications compared to the SA4 region's 29.8% and Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees dominate at 29.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (13.2%) and graduate diplomas (4.0%). Vocational pathways account for 22.0% of qualifications among those aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 10.0% and certificates at 12.0%.

Educational participation is notably 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

Ashwood has 30 active public transport stops, all bus services. There are seven routes operating a total of 1,572 weekly passenger trips. Residents have good accessibility to these stops, with an average distance of 250 meters to the nearest one. Most residents commute outward from Ashwood, predominantly by car (82%). Train use is at 9%. The area has an average vehicle ownership of 1.2 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 43.9% of residents work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 224 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 52 weekly trips per individual stop.

Ashwood's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia 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 metrics are close to national benchmarks, according to AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

The level of common health conditions among Ashwood's general population is somewhat typical but higher than the national average among older cohorts. Private health cover in Ashwood is very high at approximately 56% of the total population (about 4,264 people). The most common medical conditions are mental health issues and asthma, affecting 8.8% and 7.3% of residents respectively. About 70.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. The under-65 population in Ashwood demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 18.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1,376 people), which is higher than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than those of 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 dominant religion in Ashwood, making up 43.5% of people there. However, Judaism is overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, comprising 0.7% versus 1.0%.

The top three represented ancestry groups are English (19.3%), Australian (16.7%), and Chinese (15.1%), which is significantly higher than the regional average of 6.5%. Notably, Sri Lankan (1.1%) and Polish (1.1%) ethnicities are overrepresented in Ashwood compared to their regional averages of 0.8% each, while Russian ethnicity is also slightly overrepresented at 0.6% versus 0.4%.

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 and close to the national average of 38. The 85+ cohort is over-represented at 3.6% locally compared to Greater Melbourne's average. Conversely, the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 13.8%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 15-24 age group has grown from 11.8% to 13.0%, while the 25-34 cohort has declined from 14.6% to 13.8%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes for Ashwood, with the 45-54 age group expected to grow by 46%, reaching 1,425 people from 973.