Avondale Heights

Avondale Heights has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Avondale Heights' population is estimated at around 13,513 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,125 people (9.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,388 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 12,822 estimated by AreaSearch 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 2,497 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Avondale Heights' 9.1% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's 7.3%, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of 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 any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising 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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of national statistical areas is expected, with the suburb expected to increase by 1,101 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 3.0% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Avondale Heights when compared nationally

Avondale Heights recorded approximately 84 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years ending FY25. This totals an estimated 424 homes. As of FY26, 42 approvals have been recorded.

On average, 0.5 new residents per year per dwelling were constructed between FY21 and FY25. The average construction value of these dwellings was $592,000. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Avondale Heights has similar development levels per person. New building activity shows 32% standalone homes and 68% attached dwellings. With around 197 people per dwelling approval, Avondale Heights is considered a growth area.

Future projections estimate an addition of 410 residents by 2041.

Avondale Heights has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Eleven projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area significantly. Key initiatives include Reimagining Avondale Heights, Military Road and Clarendon Street Intersection Upgrade, Anthem Essendon, and Thomas Holmes Street Affordable Housing.

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

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AreaSearch analysis indicates Avondale Heights maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Avondale Heights has a well-educated workforce with professional services being strongly represented. The unemployment rate was 3.1% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.2%. As of September 2025, 6,275 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.5% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%.

Workforce participation lagged at 60.4%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. A high 30.6% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment was concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Finance & insurance showed notable concentration with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average, while professional & technical had lower representation at 8.7%.

The area offered limited local employment opportunities. In the 12-month period ending September 2025, employment increased by 1.2% alongside labour force increasing by 1.6%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.4 percentage points. This contrasted with Greater Melbourne's employment growth of 3.0%, labour force expansion of 3.3%, and unemployment increase of 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 estimated national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Avondale Heights' employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, though this was a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Avondale Heights had a median taxpayer income of $54,773 and an average of $69,956. These figures are slightly above the national averages of $57,688 and $75,164 in Greater Melbourne respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated median and average incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $59,292 and $75,727 respectively. The 2021 Census ranks Avondale Heights' household income at the 40th percentile ($1,587 weekly) and personal income at the 22nd percentile. Income analysis reveals 26.9% of residents (3,634 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to the regional average of 32.8%. After housing expenses, 85.3% of income remains for other costs. Avondale Heights' SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Avondale Heights is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Avondale Heights' dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 77.0% houses and 23.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Avondale Heights stood at 49.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.1% and rented ones at 20.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, higher than Melbourne metro's $2,000. Median weekly rent in Avondale Heights was $400, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Avondale Heights' mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Avondale Heights has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 74.7% of all households, including 34.8% couples with children, 26.5% couples without children, and 11.9% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 25.3%, with lone person households at 23.2% and group households making up 2.1%. The median household size is 2.6 people, aligning with Greater Melbourne's average.

Avondale Heights performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

Educational qualifications in Avondale Heights lag behind regional benchmarks. Among residents aged 15 and above, 29.6% hold university degrees, compared to 37.0% in Greater Melbourne. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 21.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 5.8% and graduate diplomas at 2.4%. Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 26.0% of residents holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 9.3% and certificates at 16.7%.

A significant portion of the population is actively pursuing education, with 24.8% enrolled in formal education programs. This includes 8.7% in primary education, 6.4% in secondary education, and 4.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Avondale Heights has 45 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by seven different routes that together facilitate 1,990 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents typically residing 239 meters from the nearest stop. Most Avondale Heights residents commute outwards, primarily using cars (88%), while 5% use trains. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling in the area. According to the 2021 Census, a high proportion of residents work from home (30.6%), which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 284 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 44 weekly trips per individual stop.

Avondale Heights's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Avondale Heights residents have relatively positive health outcomes, according to area-specific data. Mortality rates and health conditions are broadly aligned with national averages, although certain conditions are more prevalent among older, at-risk cohorts.

Private health cover is high, with approximately 54% of Avondale Heights' total population (~7,361 people) having it, compared to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 9.1% and 7.0% of residents respectively. However, 67.7% of residents claim to be completely free from medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 26.8%, with 3,621 people, compared to 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. While health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, they rank lower nationally than the broader population.

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

Avondale Heights has a high level of cultural diversity, with 41.4% of its population born overseas and 48.8% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Avondale Heights, accounting for 67.3% of people, compared to 43.0% across Greater Melbourne. The top three ancestry groups are Italian (19.7%), Australian (13.0%), and Other (12.5%).

Notably, Croatian (3.0%) Vietnamese (6.0%), and Greek (5.9%) ethnicities are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.7%, 1.9%, and 2.7% respectively.

Avondale Heights hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Avondale Heights is 45 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Avondale Heights has a higher proportion of residents aged 75-84 (10.8%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (9.9%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 15-24 grew from 9.5% to 10.2%, while the population aged 25-34 declined from 11.1% to 9.9%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Avondale Heights' age structure. The 85+ age group is expected to grow by 50%, reaching 1,012 people from 675. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 54% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 0-4 and 5-14 age groups are projected to decrease in number.