Essendon North

Population growth drivers in Essendon North are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

As of Feb 2026, Essendon North's population is estimated at around 3,621, reflecting a 550 person increase from the 2021 Census figure of 3,071. This growth (17.9%) was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 3,479 in June 2024 and validated new addresses since the Census date. The suburb's population density is 4,960 persons per square kilometer, placing it within the top 10% nationally according to AreaSearch. Essendon North's growth exceeded both national (9.9%) and state averages since the 2021 Census. Overseas migration contributed approximately 93.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch projects future growth based on ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024, with a base year of 2022 for covered SA2 areas and VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections adjusted to SA2 levels for uncovered areas.

By 2041, Essendon North is projected to expand by 544 persons, reflecting an increase of 11.1% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Essendon North according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Essendon North has experienced around 23 dwellings receiving development approval annually over the past five financial years ending FY-25. This totals an estimated 115 homes. So far in FY-26, which began on July 1st 2025 and ends June 30th 2026, 13 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years, an average of only 0.3 people per year moved to the area for each dwelling built.

This indicates that new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, offering ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings developed in Essendon North over these five years was $1,178,000, demonstrating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. Additionally, $33,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year FY-26. This figure demonstrates the area's predominantly residential nature.

Compared to Greater Melbourne, Essendon North records 19.0% less building activity per person while it places among the 70th percentile of areas assessed nationally for new building activity. New building activity shows 45.0% detached dwellings and 55.0% townhouses or apartments. This skew toward compact living offers affordable entry pathways, attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. At around 185 people per approval, Essendon North reflects a developing area with a population growth projection. Population forecasts indicate Essendon North will gain 402 residents through to 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate released in Q2 2025. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified zero projects likely to influence this area. Notable projects include LUMA Sunshine North, Airport Toyota Expansion, Textron Aviation Hangar 83, and Niddrie (Keilor Road) Activity Centre Structure Plan, with the following list detailing 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.

Employment performance in Essendon North has been broadly consistent with national averages

Essendon North has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate was 4.2% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 4.9%. As of December 2025, 2,031 residents are employed, and the unemployment rate is 0.5% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

Workforce participation is similar to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%. Notably, 33.2% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and construction. The area has a particularly high concentration in public administration & safety, with employment levels at 1.5 times the regional average.

However, retail trade has limited presence, with 8.2% employment compared to the regional average of 9.8%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 4.9%, while labour force increased by 4.7%, resulting in a slight decrease in unemployment rate. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced lower employment growth and a rise in unemployment rate during this period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Essendon North's employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

The suburb of Essendon North had a median income among taxpayers of $65,049 and an average income of $102,481 in the financial year 2023. These figures are higher than those for Greater Melbourne, which were $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. By September 2025, based on a Wage Price Index growth of 8.25%, these incomes are estimated to be approximately $70,416 (median) and $110,936 (average). According to the 2021 Census, individual earnings in Essendon North stood at the 81st percentile nationally ($1,031 weekly), while household income ranked at the 47th percentile. The predominant income cohort comprised 33.2% of locals (1,202 people) earning between $1,500 and 2,999 per week, similar to the surrounding region where 32.8% fell into this range. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 83.2% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 47th percentile nationally. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 7th decile.

Essendon North features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Essendon North, as per the latest Census data, 30.8% of dwellings were houses while 69.3% were other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This differs from Melbourne metropolitan area's figures which showed 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Essendon North stood at 27.4%, with mortgaged properties at 26.0% and rented ones at 46.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, aligning with Melbourne metro's average, while the median weekly rent was $360 compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390 respectively. Nationally, Essendon North's median mortgage repayments were higher at $2,000 than Australia's average of $1,863, but its median rents were lower at $360 compared to the national figure of $375.

Essendon North features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 56.3% of all households, including 23.9% couples with children, 21.4% couples without children, and 9.4% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 43.7%, with lone person households making up 39.9% and group households comprising 3.6%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 39.0%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 57.1%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 25.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (10.3%) and graduate diplomas (3.6%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 27.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 10.4% and certificates at 16.9%.

Educational participation is high, with 26.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 7.8% in primary education, 6.8% in tertiary education, and 6.1% pursuing secondary education.

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

Essendon North has 11 active public transport stops offering a mix of light rail and bus services. These stops are served by 7 different routes, collectively facilitating 3,097 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents typically located 182 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commutes are outward-bound. Car remains the primary mode of transport at 76%, while train usage stands at 10%. Vehicle ownership averages 0.8 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 33.2% of residents work from home, potentially reflecting COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 442 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 281 weekly trips per individual stop.

Essendon North'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

Health data for Essendon North shows positive outcomes overall. Mortality rates and health conditions are largely in line with national benchmarks. Common health conditions are relatively low among the general population but higher among older, at-risk cohorts.

Private health cover is exceptionally high, with approximately 67% of the total population (2,431 people) having it, compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues affecting 8.7% of residents and arthritis impacting 7.5%, while 71.6% report being completely free of medical ailments. This compares to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. The area has a higher proportion of seniors, with 18.5% aged 65 and over (669 people), compared to 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than the broader population.

Essendon North 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 North has a higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 32.1% of its residents born overseas and 30.3% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Essendon North, accounting for 53.8% of the population. Hinduism is notably overrepresented, comprising 5.7% compared to the Greater Melbourne average of 4.4%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (18.9%), Australian (16.3%), and Italian (12.0%), which is significantly higher than the regional average of 5.2%. Other ethnic groups with notable differences include Hungarian (0.5% vs regional 0.3%), Polish (1.2% vs 0.8%), and Maltese (2.1% vs 1.1%).

Essendon North's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Essendon North is close to Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years, similar to the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Essendon North has a higher percentage of residents aged 65-74 (9.5%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (8.5%). Between the 2021 Census and present, the age group of 75 to 84 has increased from 4.5% to 6.1%, while the 55 to 64 cohort rose from 10.2% to 11.3%. Conversely, the 35 to 44 cohort declined from 16.1% to 14.8%, and the 5 to 14 group decreased from 9.7% to 8.5%. By 2041, Essendon North is projected to experience significant shifts in its age composition. Leading this demographic shift, the 75 to 84 age group is expected to grow by 48%, reaching 326 people from 220. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above comprising 59% of projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 age groups.