Footscray

Footscray lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population of the Footscray statistical area (Lv2) is around 21,123. This reflects an increase of 3,992 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 17,131. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 20,756 following examination of ABS ERP data release in June 2024, and an additional 1,932 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 4,085 persons per square kilometer, placing Footscray (SA2) in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth rate of 23.3% since the 2021 Census exceeded both national average (9.7%) and state averages. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 79.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth were positive factors.

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 adjusted using weighted aggregation method for areas not covered by the former data. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, Footscray (SA2) is predicted to increase by 16,936 persons to reach a total population of 38,059 by 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 78.4% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Footscray among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Footscray has seen approximately 501 new homes approved annually, with a total of 2,507 homes approved between financial years FY-21 to FY-25 and an additional 15 approved in FY-26. Each dwelling constructed over the past five financial years accommodates an average of 1.1 new residents per year. The average construction value for new dwellings is $436,000, which is slightly higher than the regional average.

Commercial approvals have reached $1.658 billion in FY-26, indicating significant local commercial activity. New developments consist predominantly of medium and high-density housing (99.0%), with only 1.0% being detached houses. This shift from the current housing pattern of 32.0% houses suggests decreasing developable land availability and a response to changing lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. Footscray's population growth is projected to result in an increase of 55 people per approval, with an estimated gain of 16,569 residents by 2041.

Construction pace is currently keeping up with population growth, but increasing competition among buyers is expected as the population continues to rise.

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

Local infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 50 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects include New Footscray Hospital, Joseph Road Precinct, Footscray Station Precinct Upgrade, and Existing Footscray Hospital Site Redevelopment. 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.

Employment conditions in Footscray remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Footscray has a highly educated workforce with professional services showing strong representation. The unemployment rate was 5.8% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 5.3%.

As of September 2025, there are 14,284 residents employed while the unemployment rate is 1.2% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation is fairly standard at 68.7%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. The area has a notable concentration in accommodation & food services with employment levels at 1.5 times the regional average.

However, construction has limited presence with only 5.0% of employment compared to the regional average of 9.7%. The ratio of 0.9 workers per resident indicates substantial local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 5.3%, while the labour force grew by 6.0%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.6 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne where employment rose by 3.0% and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points during the same period. State-level data from 25-Nov shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Footscray's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

The suburb of Footscray had an income level below the national average according to AreaSearch data aggregated from ATO records for the financial year ending June 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Footscray was $54,151, with an average income of $66,186. For Greater Melbourne, these figures were $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth from June 2023 to September 2025, estimated median and average incomes in Footscray would be approximately $58,618 and $71,646 respectively. According to census data, personal income ranked at the 69th percentile ($916 weekly), while household income was at the 51st percentile. In terms of income distribution, 34.3% of Footscray's population (7,245 individuals) fell within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to the surrounding region where 32.8% were in this category. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 81.4% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 48th percentile. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 7th decile.

Footscray features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a predominantly rental market

In Footscray, as per the latest Census, 31.6% of dwellings were houses while 68.4% consisted of other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. Home ownership in Footscray stood at 14.7%, with 27.7% of dwellings being mortgaged and 57.6% rented out. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,940, and the median weekly rent was $355. Nationally, Footscray's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower than the national figure of $375.

Footscray features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a median household size of 2.1 people

Family households constitute 52.1% of all households, including 15.9% couples with children, 25.9% couples without children, and 8.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 47.9%, with lone person households at 37.6% and group households comprising 10.3%. The median household size is 2.1 people.

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

Footscray's educational attainment is notably higher than national averages. Among residents aged 15+, 50.6% hold university qualifications compared to Australia's 30.4% and Victoria's 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 30.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (15.2%) and graduate diplomas (4.6%). Vocational pathways account for 21.7%, with advanced diplomas at 10.0% and certificates at 11.7%.

Educational participation is high, with 31.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes tertiary education (13.0%), primary education (5.3%), and secondary education (3.2%).

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

Footscray has 129 active public transport stops. These include train, light rail, and bus services. There are 30 individual routes operating in total.

These routes facilitate 16,207 weekly passenger trips collectively. The average distance from residents to the nearest transport stop is 132 meters, indicating excellent accessibility. On average, there are 2,315 trips per day across all routes, which equates to around 125 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Footscray is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Footscray shows better-than-average health outcomes, with lower prevalence of common conditions among its general population compared to national averages.

However, it has higher rates in older, at-risk cohorts. Approximately 53% (~11,197 people) have private health cover, slightly above the average SA2 area's rate. Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 12.2% and 8.1% of residents respectively. About 70.0% report no medical ailments, higher than Greater Melbourne's 0%. The area has 9.9% (2,091 people) aged 65 and over. Seniors face specific health challenges requiring additional attention compared to the broader population.

Footscray is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Footscray's population has high cultural diversity, with 42.2% speaking a language other than English at home and 45.0% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion in Footscray, comprising 27.2%. Buddhism is notably overrepresented at 9.2%, compared to None% across Greater Melbourne.

The top three ancestry groups are English (18.0%), Other (16.0%), and Australian (14.8%). Vietnamese, Spanish, and Macedonian ethnicities are also notable for their higher representation in Footscray compared to the regional average of None%.

Footscray hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

Footscray's median age is 34 years, which is lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and Australia's national average of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Footscray has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (29.4%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (6.2%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.5%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the proportion of residents aged 15-24 has increased from 11.0% to 13.1%, while those aged 35-44 have risen from 18.4% to 19.7%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 55-64 has decreased from 8.4% to 7.4%. Population forecasts for the year 2041 suggest substantial demographic changes in Footscray, with the strongest projected growth in the 25-34 age group, expected to grow by 60%, adding 3,729 residents to reach a total of 9,940.