Essendon West

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

The Essendon West statistical area's population is estimated at around 1,723 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 164 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,559 people. The change was inferred from the resident population of 1,693 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 31 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,672 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Essendon West's growth rate of 10.5% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's growth rate of 7.3%, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 63.0% of overall 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 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises 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 applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Anticipating future population dynamics, an above median population growth is projected for the Essendon West (SA2), with the area expected to expand by 225 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 9.3% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Essendon West recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Essendon West has seen approximately 21 dwelling approvals annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 106 homes were approved, with an additional 13 approved so far in FY-26. On average, 0.6 people have moved to the area for each dwelling built over these years, indicating supply meeting or exceeding demand.

The average construction cost value of new properties is $645,000, suggesting a focus on premium segment development. This financial year has seen $3.0 million in commercial approvals registered, showing limited commercial development focus compared to residential activity. Essendon West's building activity per person is 94.0% higher than Greater Melbourne's average, providing ample buyer choice despite recent moderation in development activity. This high level of developer interest is significantly above the national average. New development consists of 30.0% standalone homes and 70.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a shift from the current housing pattern of 67.0% houses. This denser development trend caters to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. With around 114 people per approval, Essendon West reflects a developing area with projected resident growth of 160 by 2041 based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate.

Current development rates should comfortably meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

Essendon West 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 one major project likely impacting this region. Key projects include LUMA Sunshine North, Niddrie (Keilor Road) Activity Centre Structure Plan, North Essendon Activity Centre Plan, and Maribyrnong River Master Plan Implementation. The following details those most relevant:.

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AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Essendon West performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Essendon West has a highly educated workforce with significant representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate was 1.0% over the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.8%.

As of September 2025, 1,037 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.7%, below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation was 67.6%, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Employment is concentrated in construction (strong specialization), professional & technical services, and education & training. Health care & social assistance has limited presence with 9.6% employment compared to the regional average of 14.2%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 1.8%, labour force grew by 1.8%, while unemployment remained essentially unchanged. In comparison, Greater Melbourne saw employment grow by 3.0% and labour force expand by 3.3%. State-level data to November 25 shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%, slightly higher than the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Essendon West's employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch reports that Essendon West had a median taxpayer income of $65,612 and an average income of $85,920 in financial year 2023. These figures are among the highest in Australia, compared to Melbourne's median of $57,688 and average of $75,164. By September 2025, adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 8.25%, estimated incomes would be approximately $71,025 (median) and $93,008 (average). Census 2021 data shows Essendon West's household, family, and personal incomes rank between the 81st and 85th percentiles nationally. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 30.0% of residents (516 people), similar to Melbourne's 32.8%. High weekly earnings exceed $3,000 for 36.9% of households, indicating strong consumer spending. Housing accounts for 14.9% of income, and residents rank in the 85th percentile for disposable income. Essendon West's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Essendon West displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure in Essendon West, as per the latest Census, consisted of 67.0% houses and 33.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 75.8% houses and 24.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Essendon West was at 36.4%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (36.5%) or rented (27.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,682, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,167. Median weekly rent in Essendon West was recorded at $450, compared to Melbourne metro's $410. Nationally, Essendon West's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Essendon West has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 71.3% of all households, including 40.3% couples with children, 18.9% couples without children, and 10.5% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 28.7%, with lone person households at 25.6% and group households comprising 3.3% of the total. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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

Educational attainment in Essendon West is notably higher than broader benchmarks. As of the latest data, 37.9% of residents aged 15 and above hold university qualifications, compared to 27.7% in the SA4 region and 30.4% nationwide. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 25.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.0%) and graduate diplomas (3.8%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 28.0% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas account for 12.5%, while certificates make up 15.5%.

Educational participation is high in the area, with 30.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.5% in secondary education, 8.4% in primary education, and 7.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis indicates eight active transport stops operating within Essendon West, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by five individual routes, collectively providing 1546 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 163 meters from the nearest transport stop.

Service frequency averages 220 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 193 weekly trips per individual stop.

Essendon West's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Essendon West.

Both young and old age cohorts saw low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover was exceptionally high at approximately 61% of the total population (1,045 people). The most common medical conditions in the area were asthma and arthritis, impacting 7.6 and 6.3% of residents respectively. Seventy-three point three percent declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.1% across Greater Melbourne. Seventeen percent of residents were aged 65 and over (292 people), lower than the 21.9% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors were particularly strong, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Essendon West was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Essendon West has a higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 21.5% of its population born overseas and 23.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Essendon West, accounting for 66.0% of people, slightly lower than Greater Melbourne's 66.4%. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (19.9%), English (18.8%), and Italian (13.6%).

Notably, Maltese (2.3%) and Croatian (1.3%) populations are higher in Essendon West compared to regional averages of 2.8% and 2.0%, respectively, while Sri Lankan population is also notably higher at 0.9%.

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

The median age in Essendon West is 39 years, which is higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and very close to Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, the 45-54 age cohort is notably over-represented in Essendon West at 15.8%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 10.7%. According to data from the 2021 Census, the 15-24 age group has grown from 14.6% to 15.9% of Essendon West's population. Conversely, the 45-54 age cohort has declined from 17.1% to 15.8%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Essendon West. The 55-64 age group is expected to grow by 28%, reaching 261 people from a base of 203. Residents aged 65 and older will represent 56% of the population growth during this period. Meanwhile, the 0-4 and 5-14 age groups are anticipated to experience population declines.