Essendon

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

As of Nov 2025, Essendon's population is estimated at around 22,416. This reflects an increase of 1,176 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 21,240. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of resident population at 22,261 following examination of ABS ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 227 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3,639 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 91.0% 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 for areas not covered by this data, adjusted employing weighted aggregation method. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking ahead, Essendon is expected to grow by 2,659 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 12.8% in total over the 17 years.

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

Essendon averaged approximately 115 new dwelling approvals per year based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Between FY-21 and FY-25, an estimated 579 homes were approved, with a further 26 approved in FY-26. On average, 0.6 new residents arrived per new home over the past five financial years, indicating that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand.

The average construction value of new properties was $845,000, suggesting a focus on the premium segment. This year, Essendon has seen $1.7 million in commercial approvals, reflecting its residential nature. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Essendon shows around 60% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 54th percentile nationally. New development consists of 25.0% standalone homes and 75.0% attached dwellings, offering affordable entry pathways for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This represents a significant shift from the current housing mix, which is currently 47.0% houses.

Essendon has around 298 people per dwelling approval, indicating characteristics of a low density area. By 2041, Essendon is projected to grow by approximately 2,878 residents, and at current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand.

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

Local infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 24 projects likely impacting the region. Key initiatives include LUMA Sunshine North, Buckley Street Level Crossing Removal, 881 Mt Alexander Road in Essendon, and Moonee Valley Racing Club Grandstand & Clubhouse Redevelopment. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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The employment environment in Essendon shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Essendon has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate was 3.8% as of June 2025, which is below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 6.5%, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of June 2025, 14,242 residents were in work with a workforce participation rate of 69.0%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. The area has particular employment specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level.

Manufacturing is under-represented, with only 4.9% of Essendon's workforce compared to 7.2% in Greater Melbourne. Employment levels increased by 6.5% and labour force increased by 7.1% during the year to June 2025, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.6 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest that Essendon's employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to Essendon's employment mix.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released on June 30, 2022, Essendon had a median income among taxpayers of $64,159 and an average income of $103,222. Nationally, these figures place Essendon in the top percentile. In Greater Melbourne, the median and average incomes were $54,892 and $73,761 respectively. By September 2025, estimated median and average incomes would be approximately $71,961 and $115,774 based on a 12.16% Wage Price Index growth since June 2022. Census 2021 data shows Essendon's household, family, and personal incomes rank between the 74th and 84th percentiles nationally. Income distribution in Essendon sees 30.3% of individuals earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, compared to 32.8% across Melbourne. Notably, 34.6% earn above $3,000 weekly. Housing expenses account for 14.0% of income, with residents ranking in the 76th percentile for disposable income. Essendon's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Essendon displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Essendon, as per the latest Census evaluation, 47.2% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 52.8% being semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types of dwellings. This is compared to Melbourne metropolitan area's figures of 42.6% houses and 57.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Essendon stood at 33.1%, with mortgaged properties making up 30.3% and rented dwellings comprising 36.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,275, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,200. The median weekly rent in Essendon was recorded at $380, compared to Melbourne metro's $370. Nationally, Essendon's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were above the national figure of $375.

Essendon features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 63.8% of all households, including 31.3% couples with children, 23.6% couples without children, and 7.7% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 36.2%, with lone person households at 32.3% and group households comprising 4.0%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.3.

Educational achievement in Essendon places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

Educational attainment in Essendon is significantly higher than national benchmarks, with 45.1% of residents aged 15 years or older holding university qualifications compared to Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 29.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (10.9%) and graduate diplomas (4.8%). Vocational pathways account for 24.0% of qualifications among those aged 15 years or older, with advanced diplomas making up 11.3% and certificates 12.7%. Educational participation is high, with 28.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 8.1% in primary education, 8.0% in tertiary education, and 7.7% pursuing secondary education. Essendon has a robust network of seven schools educating approximately 3,715 students as of the latest data available. The area demonstrates significant socio-educational advantages with an ICSEA score of 1120. The educational mix includes two primary schools, three secondary schools, and two K-12 schools. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs with 16.6 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 12.4, indicating that Essendon serves as an educational center for the broader region. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments please refer to parent campus.

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

Transport analysis indicates 121 active transport stops operating within Essendon, comprising a mix of train, light rail, and bus services. These stops are served by 22 individual routes, collectively facilitating 11,516 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 162 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 1,645 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 95 weekly trips per stop.

The level of general health in Essendon is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Essendon shows better-than-average health results, with both younger and older age groups experiencing low rates of common health issues. Around 67% (15,117 people) have private health cover, higher than the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent conditions are asthma (7.8%) and mental health concerns (7.5%). About 71.9% report no medical ailments, similar to Greater Melbourne's 72.0%. Around 18.0% (4,034 people) are aged 65 or over, higher than Greater Melbourne's 16.0%. Seniors' health outcomes align with the general population's profile, both being above average.

Essendon was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Essendon's population shows higher cultural diversity, with 25.5% born overseas and 24.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Essendon at 57.0%, compared to 50.0% across Greater Melbourne. The top three ancestry groups are English (19.8%), Australian (17.6%), and Italian (12.1%).

Some ethnic groups have notable differences: Maltese at 1.9% vs regional 1.6%, Croatian at 1.2% vs 1.0%, Greek at 3.7% vs 3.2%.

Essendon's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Essendon is 39 years, which is higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and close to the national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Essendon has a notably higher proportion of people aged 65-74 (9.7% locally) but fewer people aged 35-44 (13.2%). Post-2021 Census data shows that the 75 to 84 age group grew from 4.5% to 5.6% of Essendon's population, while the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 10.9% to 10.0%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Essendon. The 75 to 84 age group is expected to grow by 70%, reaching 2,133 people from 1,255. Residents aged 65 and older are anticipated to represent 56% of the population growth, while the 25 to 34 and 0 to 4 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.