Essendon West

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Essendon West's population is estimated at around 1,724 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 165 people (10.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,559 people. The change is 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 1,673 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Essendon West's 10.6% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (7.3%), along with the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed 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 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. Anticipating future population dynamics, an above median population growth of national statistical areas is projected, with the suburb expected to expand by 227 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 11.4% 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 data. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 105 homes were approved, with an additional 13 approved in FY-26 so far. On average, about 0.6 people have moved to the area per dwelling built over these years.

This suggests that supply is meeting or exceeding demand, offering more buyer choices and potentially supporting population growth above projections. The average construction cost value of new properties is approximately $645,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment. In FY-26, commercial approvals totalled $3.0 million, suggesting limited commercial development focus compared to residential activity. Essendon West has experienced 92.0% more building activity per person than Greater Melbourne, providing ample buyer choice. However, recent periods have seen a moderation in development activity. This high level of developer interest is significantly above the national average. New developments consist of 32.0% standalone homes and 68.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a shift from the current housing pattern of 67.0% houses.

This trend towards denser development caters to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers, suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. With around 114 people per approval, Essendon West reflects a developing area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, the suburb is projected to add 196 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, creating good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population 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 a single project likely to impact the area: LUMA Sunshine North. Other key projects include Niddrie's Keilor Road Activity Centre Structure Plan, North Essendon's Activity Centre Plan, and Maribyrnong River Master Plan Implementation. 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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AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Essendon West performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Essendon West has an educated workforce with strong professional services representation. Its unemployment rate is 0.8%, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.8%. Employment stability was maintained over the past year.

As of December 2025, 1,032 residents are employed, with a 4.0% lower unemployment rate compared to Greater Melbourne. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Melbourne at 71.3%. However, 37.4% of residents work from home, which could be influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key employment industries include construction, professional & technical services, and education & training.

Construction stands out with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level. Conversely, health care & social assistance is under-represented at 9.6%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 14.2%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work. Between December 2024 and December 2025, Essendon West's labour force decreased by 0.4% alongside a 0.1% employment decline, leading to a 0.3 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne's employment rise of 2.4%, labour force growth of 2.8%, and unemployment increase of 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Essendon West's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, though this is a simplified 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's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2023 indicates Essendon West had a median taxpayer income of $65,612 and an average income of $85,920. These figures are among the highest in Australia, compared to Melbourne-wide averages of $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. By September 2025, estimated median and average incomes would be approximately $71,025 and $93,008 based on an 8.25% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. Census 2021 data shows Essendon West's household, family, and personal incomes rank between the 81st and 85th percentiles nationally. Income distribution reveals that 30.0% (517 individuals) earn $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, consistent with metropolitan trends at 32.8%. Notably, 36.9% earn above $3,000 weekly, reflecting prosperity driving local economic activity. Housing accounts for 14.9% of income, with residents ranking in the 85th percentile for disposable income and the area's SEIFA income ranking placing it in the 9th decile.

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

In Essendon West, as per the latest Census, 67.0% of dwellings were houses while 33.1% consisted of other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compares to Melbourne metropolitan area's figures of 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Essendon West stood at 36.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 36.5% and rented ones at 27.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,682, higher than Melbourne's average of $2,000. Weekly rent median was $450 compared to Melbourne's $390. Nationally, Essendon West's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and 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 comprise the remaining 28.7%, with lone person households at 25.6% and group households at 3.3%. 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 high, with 37.9% of residents aged 15 years and over holding university qualifications as of 2021, compared to the SA4 region's 27.7% and Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 25.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.0%) and graduate diplomas (3.8%). Vocational credentials are also common, with 28.0% of residents aged 15 years and over holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 12.5% and certificates for 15.5%. Educational participation is high, with 30.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education as of the latest available data.

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

Essendon West has eight active public transport stops, all offering bus services. These stops are served by five different routes, collectively facilitating 1546 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is highly rated, with residents typically living just 163 meters from the nearest stop. Predominantly residential, most Essendon West commuters travel outward; cars remain the primary mode of transport at 86%, while trains account for 6%. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling stands at 1.5, exceeding regional averages. According to the 2021 Census, 37.4% of residents work from home, potentially due to COVID-19 conditions.

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

Essendon West's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

AreaSearch's assessment shows excellent health outcomes in Essendon West. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are low, especially among younger residents.

Approximately 61% of Essendon West's total population (1,046 people) has private health cover, higher than Greater Melbourne's 56.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (7.6%) and arthritis (6.3%), with 73.3% of residents reporting no medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Essendon West has 17.5% of its population aged 65 and over (301 people), higher than Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. While health outcomes among seniors are strong, they rank lower nationally than those of the broader population.

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 had 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 was the predominant religion in Essendon West, accounting for 66.0% of people, compared to 43.0% across Greater Melbourne. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (19.9%), English (18.8%), and Italian (13.6%), with Italians being more represented than the regional average of 5.2%.

Notably, Maltese (2.3%) Croatian (1.3%), and Sri Lankan (0.9%) groups were also overrepresented compared to their regional averages of 1.1%, 0.7%, and 0.8% respectively.

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

The median age in Essendon West is 39 years, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and close to Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, the proportion of people aged 45-54 years is notably higher in Essendon West at 15.7% compared to the Greater Melbourne average, while those aged 25-34 years are under-represented at 10.6%. According to data from the 2021 Census, the proportion of people aged 15-24 years has increased from 14.6% to 16.3%, and those aged 55-64 years have risen from 10.8% to 11.9%. Conversely, the proportion of people aged 45-54 years has decreased from 17.1% to 15.7%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Essendon West. Notably, the number of people aged 55-64 years is expected to grow by 30%, reaching 267 from 205. However, both age groups 0-4 and 5-14 are projected to decrease.