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

Ashwood's population is estimated at around 7,603 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 449 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,154 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 7,504 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 52 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,981 persons per square kilometer, placing Ashwood in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. 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, and VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 adjusted employing weighted aggregation for areas not covered by the former data. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, Ashwood is forecasted to grow by 2,581 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 32.6% 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 allocated from statistical area data shows Ashwood had approximately 33 new homes approved annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 165 homes were approved, with an additional 10 approved so far in FY-26. Over the past five financial years, about 1.5 people moved to the area per dwelling built on average. However, this figure has intensified to 5.9 people per dwelling over the last 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 with high-end developments. This year, $19.1 million in commercial approvals have been registered, signifying balanced commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Ashwood has 16.0% less new development per person and ranks among the 57th percentile of areas assessed nationally.

New development comprises 57.0% standalone homes and 43.0% medium and high-density housing, offering choices across price ranges from spacious family homes to more accessible compact options. With around 271 people per dwelling approval, Ashwood exhibits characteristics of a low density area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Ashwood is projected to gain 2,482 residents by 2041. If current development rates persist, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

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 identified five projects likely impacting the area. Major projects include Ashburton Library and Community Centre, Ashwood Green, Burwood Brickworks Shopping Centre, and Suburban Rail Loop East. The following details projects likely 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 performance in Ashwood has been broadly consistent with national averages

Ashwood has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate was 4.4% as of December 2025, below Greater Melbourne's 4.8%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.0%.

As of December 2025, 4,243 residents were employed with an unemployment rate of 0.4% lower than Greater Melbourne's. Workforce participation was similar to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%. A high 43.9% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training.

The area has a notable concentration in professional & technical jobs, with levels at 1.4 times the regional average, while construction employs only 7.6% of local workers compared to Greater Melbourne's 9.7%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by the difference between working population and resident population counts. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 4.0%, labour force grew by 4.5%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.5 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne's figures of 2.4% employment growth, 2.8% labour force growth, and a 0.3 percentage point increase in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Ashwood. These projections estimate national employment expansion 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 a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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 2023, Ashwood had a median income among taxpayers of $53,564. The average income stood at $74,092. This is higher than national averages and compares to levels of $57,688 and $75,164 across Greater Melbourne respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $57,983 (median) and $80,205 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Ashwood cluster around the 57th percentile nationally. Distribution data shows 24.4% of the population fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, mirroring surrounding regions where 32.8% occupy this bracket. The area demonstrates considerable affluence with 32.4% earning over $3,000 per week. High housing costs consume 17.8% of income, though strong earnings place disposable income at the 58th percentile and 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

Ashwood's dwellings, as per the latest Census, 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%, similar to Melbourne metro, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.1% and rented ones at 37.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Ashwood was $2,600, higher than the Melbourne metro average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Ashwood was $391, slightly above Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Ashwood's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 make up the remaining 31.9%, with lone person households at 27.7% and group households comprising 4.2% of the total. 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

Educational attainment in Ashwood is notably higher than broader benchmarks. As of 2021, 46.2% of residents aged 15 and above hold university qualifications, compared to the SA4 region's 29.8% and Australia's 30.4%. This educational advantage is largely due to Bachelor degrees held by 29.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 13.2% and graduate diplomas at 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% of residents currently enrolled in formal education as of the latest data. 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

Public transport analysis shows 30 active transport stops operating within Ashwood, consisting of a mix of bus services. These stops are served by 7 individual routes, collectively facilitating 1,572 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 250 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a predominantly residential area, most residents commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 82%, with 9% using train services. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, a high 43.9% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 224 trips per day across all routes, translating to 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 closely align with national benchmarks according to AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

The level of common health conditions among Ashwood residents is somewhat typical of the general population but higher than the national average among older cohorts. Private health cover is very high in Ashwood, with approximately 56% of the total population (~4,264 people) having it. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in Ashwood, impacting 8.8% and 7.3% of residents respectively. 70.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. Ashwood has 18.3% of residents aged 65 and over (1,391 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'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 dominant religion, comprising 43.5%. Judaism is overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, making up 0.7% of Ashwood's population versus 1.0%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (19.3%), Australian (16.7%), and Chinese (15.1%), which is significantly higher than the regional average of 6.5%. Notable overrepresentations include Sri Lankan at 1.1% compared to 0.8%, Polish at 1.1% versus 0.8%, and Russian at 0.6% against 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 years and close to the national average of 38 years. The percentage of the population aged 85 and above is notably higher in Ashwood at 3.6%, compared to the Greater Melbourne average. Conversely, the proportion of individuals aged 25-34 is lower at 13.9%. According to post-2021 Census data, the age group of 15-24 has increased from 11.8% to 13.1%, while the 5-14 age group has decreased from 11.6% to 10.9%. Population forecasts for the year 2041 suggest significant demographic changes in Ashwood, with the 45-54 age group projected to grow by 44%, reaching a total of 1,397 individuals from the current figure of 973.