Avondale Heights

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

As of February 2026, the population of Avondale Heights is estimated at around 13,513. This reflects an increase of 1,125 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,388. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population as 12,822 in June 2024, based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS and validation of an additional 52 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,497 persons per square kilometer, placing Avondale Heights in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's population growth of 9.1% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's growth rate of 7.3%. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population gains during this period.

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 these projections, Avondale Heights is expected to increase its population by just below the median of national statistical areas, reaching a total of 14,625 persons by 2041, reflecting an increase of 3.1% over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Avondale Heights recorded approximately 84 residential properties granted approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 424 homes. As of FY-26, 40 approvals have been recorded. This results in about 0.5 new residents per year per dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, suggesting new supply is meeting or exceeding demand, offering ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts.

The average construction value of new homes is $592,000, indicating developers are focusing on the premium market with high-end developments. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Avondale Heights has similar development levels per person, supporting market stability aligned with regional patterns. New building activity shows 32.0% standalone homes and 68.0% attached dwellings, representing a shift from the area's existing housing composition of 77.0% houses. This trend suggests decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles and demand for diverse, affordable housing options. With around 197 people per dwelling approval, Avondale Heights exhibits characteristics of a growth area.

Future projections estimate an addition of 421 residents by 2041, suggesting current construction levels should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 11 projects that could impact the area. Key projects include Reimagining Avondale Heights, Military Road and Clarendon Street Intersection Upgrade, Anthem Essendon, and Thomas Holmes Street Affordable Housing. 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.

AreaSearch assessment positions Avondale Heights ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Avondale Heights has a well-educated workforce with professional services being strongly represented. The unemployment rate is 2.5% as of AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, 6,238 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.2% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

Workforce participation in Avondale Heights is at 59.7%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's 71.3%. According to Census responses, 30.6% of residents work from home, potentially impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns. The dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Finance & insurance shows strong specialization with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level.

Conversely, professional & technical employs only 8.7% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparing working population and resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in May-25, labour force decreased by 0.8% and employment decreased by 0.3%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate of 0.5 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne saw employment growth of 2.4%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Avondale Heights's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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, Avondale Heights had a median income among taxpayers of $54,773 and an average income of $69,956. These figures are slightly above the national averages of $57,688 and $75,164 respectively for Greater Melbourne. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates suggest a median income of approximately $59,292 and an average income of around $75,727 as of September 2025. The 2021 Census data indicates that household income ranks at the 40th percentile ($1,587 weekly) while personal income is at the 22nd percentile. In Avondale Heights, 26.9% of the population (3,634 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, similar to the surrounding region where 32.8% occupy this bracket. After housing costs, 85.3% of income remains for other expenses. The area's 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

In Avondale Heights, as per the latest Census, 77.0% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 23.1% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This contrasts with Melbourne metro's figures of 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 average of $2,000. The median weekly rent was $400, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Avondale Heights' mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and 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, which aligns with the Greater Melbourne average.

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

In Avondale Heights, 29.6% of residents aged 15 and above hold university degrees, compared to the regional benchmark of 37.0% in Greater Melbourne. This indicates potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 21.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 5.8% and graduate diplomas at 2.4%. Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 26.0% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 9.3% and certificates at 16.7%.

A significant 24.8% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, including 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 7 different routes that together facilitate 1,990 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 239 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward, primarily by car (88%), with only 5% using 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 per day 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 AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions. The prevalence of common health conditions is quite low among the general population but higher than the national average for older, at-risk cohorts.

Approximately 54% (~7,361 people) of Avondale Heights residents have private health cover, compared to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (9.1%) and mental health issues (7.0%). About 67.7% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. There are 26.8% (~3,621 people) of residents aged 65 and over, higher than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but 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 in Avondale Heights are Italian (19.7%), Australian (13.0%), and Other (12.5%).

Notably, Croatian (3.0%) is overrepresented compared to the regional average of 0.7%, as are Vietnamese (6.0% vs 1.9%) and Greek (5.9% vs 2.7%).

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 median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Avondale Heights has a higher proportion of residents aged 75-84 (10.7%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (9.9%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 15-24 increased from 9.5% to 10.2%, while the population aged 25-34 decreased 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 49%, reaching 1,025 people from 689. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 55% 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.