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Sales Activity
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Population
Sunshine West has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends
As of November 2025, the estimated population of Sunshine West is around 18,770, showing an increase of 218 people since the 2021 Census. The ABS ERP estimate for surrounding areas applied to Sunshine West by AreaSearch in June 2024 was 18,712, with an additional 103 validated new addresses contributing to this growth. This results in a population density of 1,969 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Sunshine West has exhibited resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 0.1%, outperforming its SA3 area. Overseas migration primarily drove this growth, accounting for approximately 82.0% 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.
For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, applying adjustments using weighted aggregation methods to reach SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on these projected demographic shifts, Sunshine West is expected to have above median population growth in Australian statistical areas. By 2041, the suburb's population is projected to expand by 3,613 persons, reflecting an increase of 19.3% over the 17-year period.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Sunshine West, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally
Sunshine West has seen approximately 40 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years ending FY26, totalling around 204 homes. By June 2026, eight approvals had been recorded. The area's population decline in recent years has maintained adequate housing supply relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice. New properties are constructed at an average cost of $355,000, below the regional average, indicating more affordable housing options.
In FY26, Sunshine West recorded $50.9 million in commercial development approvals, demonstrating strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Sunshine West has about three-quarters the building activity per person and ranks at the 35th percentile nationally, suggesting limited buyer choices and supporting demand for existing homes. This lower-than-average national activity reflects the area's maturity and potential planning constraints. New building activity in Sunshine West consists of 32.0% standalone homes and 68.0% townhouses or apartments, favouring higher-density living to create more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a significant shift from the area's existing housing composition, currently 83.0% houses, indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles. Sunshine West has around 473 people per approval, suggesting a mature market.
According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is forecasted to gain 3,624 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Infrastructure
Sunshine West 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 identified 17 projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones are Derrimut Industrial Precinct Expansion, Derrimut Logistics Hub by Charter Hall, Ballarat Road Upgrade - Derrimut Section, and the development at 10-12 Marchant Crescent, Sunshine West. The following details those most relevant.
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Sunshine Priority Precinct Vision 2050
The Sunshine Priority Precinct Vision 2050 is the long-term urban renewal strategy to establish Sunshine as Melbourne's western CBD and capital of the west. It leverages major transport investments, including the $4.1 billion Sunshine Superhub (part of the Melbourne Airport Rail project) and the $80 million Albion Station redevelopment, to accommodate significant growth. The vision anticipates the population more than doubling (up to 43,000 additional residents by 2051, targeting a total population around 70,000), 20,000 to 50,000 new jobs (centered on health, education, technology, and manufacturing sectors), up to 26,000 new homes, and $8-20 billion in total investment potential over the next 30 years. Key associated planning and development projects include the Sunshine Station Precinct Masterplan (released Oct 2022, with $143 million committed for stage one works), the Albion Quarter Structure Plan (developing in 2024-2025), and the Sunshine Energy Park Vision Plan.
Sunshine Superhub and Albion Station Upgrade
Major redevelopment of Sunshine Station to create a transport superhub and deliver a new Albion Station, enabling the Melbourne Airport Rail and future Melton line electrification. The works span over 6km from West Footscray to Albion, and include two new dedicated regional platforms, an extended concourse, three new rail bridges, upgraded tracks, new signalling, and realigned passenger and freight lines. The project is a joint investment by the Australian and Victorian governments to increase capacity to over 40 trains per hour, providing a key connection point between regional, metropolitan, and airport rail services. The initial works package is expected to be awarded in early 2026, with major works beginning in early 2026 and completion by 2030. Planning consultation for the Superhub is ongoing, with concept designs for Sunshine Station expected later in 2025.
Sunshine Mental Health and Wellbeing Centre
A new 52-bed acute mental health facility at Western Health's Sunshine Hospital in St Albans, designed to provide care and treatment for residents of Melbourne's western suburbs in a modern and safe setting. It responds to a key recommendation from the Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System and includes features such as single person bedrooms with ensuites, a sensory room, internal courtyards, enclosed garden areas, multi-functional rooms, spiritual rooms, staff and family lounges, and treatment rooms.
Luma Sunshine North
Master-planned all-electric sustainable community by Development Victoria on the former City West Water site in Sunshine North. Delivering ~300 energy-efficient townhouses (1-4 bedrooms, 7+ star NatHERS, 5kW solar + battery storage). Stage 1 (86 homes) completed and residents moved in 2025. Stage 2 (85 homes) under construction, expected completion late 2026. Stage 3 (125 homes) in detailed planning, construction to commence 2028 with overall completion 2029. Includes completed 3,600sqm Willowbark Park, future bridge over Stony Creek, planned local retail and affordable housing via Priority Access program.
Albion Quarter Structure Plan
The Albion Quarter Structure Plan is a long-term vision led by the Victorian Department of Transport and Planning to transform the industrial area around the upgraded Albion Station into a vibrant mixed-use precinct. It will deliver next-generation employment, innovation hubs, community services and new housing, capitalising on the Metro Tunnel Project (opened 2025) and the broader Sunshine Super Hub vision for Melbourne's central-west.
Vietnamese Museum Australia
Australia's first museum dedicated to preserving and sharing the story of Vietnamese refugee settlement in Australia. The three-storey building, designed by Konzepte Melbourne, features a wave-like facade and bamboo exterior details symbolizing the journey to freedom. Estimated cost $20 million, with funding including $10M Federal, $8.7M State, and community contributions. It will house over 100,000 stories on veterans, refugees, and Vietnamese Australians, as part of the Multicultural Museums Victoria network. Construction progressing steadily, with completion expected in May 2026.
Western Rail Plan
The Western Rail Plan is an umbrella program to deliver a faster, high-capacity rail network for Melbourne's growing western suburbs and regional connections. Key components include the Sunshine Superhub upgrades (realigning tracks from West Footscray to Albion to enable >40 trains/hour), preparation for Melbourne Airport Rail integration, and future electrification/extension of metro services to Melton and Wyndham Vale. Geelong Fast Rail components have been discontinued by the Commonwealth; focus is now on capacity enhancements and electrification planning via ongoing business cases and detailed design (supported by $130m joint funding). Works on the Sunshine Superhub are due to commence early 2026 for completion around 2030.
Ballarat Road Upgrade - Derrimut Section
Major upgrade of Ballarat Road through Derrimut including road widening, improved intersections, dedicated cycling lanes, and enhanced pedestrian crossings. The project aims to improve traffic flow and safety for the increasing volume of vehicles using this corridor.
Employment
The labour market performance in Sunshine West lags significantly behind most other regions nationally
Sunshine West has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate was 8.0% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 4.9%.
As of June 2025, 9,122 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 3.4% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation in Sunshine West lags at 53.1%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, transport, postal & warehousing, and manufacturing. The area has a high specialization in transport, postal & warehousing (2.1 times the regional level), but professional & technical services show lower representation at 5.9% versus the regional average of 10.1%.
Employment opportunities locally appear limited, as indicated by the census working population vs resident population count. In the 12-month period ending June 2025, employment increased by 4.9%, labour force by 5.7%, and unemployment rose by 0.7 percentage points in Sunshine West. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 3.5% and labour force growth of 4.0%, with a 0.5 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Sunshine West's employment mix, local employment is estimated to increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.5% over ten years, though these are simple weighted extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not account for localized population projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment
AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Sunshine West had a median income of $47,258 and an average of $54,744. This is below the national average. Greater Melbourne, meanwhile, had a median income of $54,892 and an average of $73,761. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, estimates for September 2025 would be approximately $53,005 (median) and $61,401 (average). Census data reveals individual incomes lag at the 7th percentile ($565 weekly), while household income performs better at the 30th percentile. Distribution data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 31.5% of Sunshine West's community (5,912 individuals). This is similar to regional levels where 32.8% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Sunshine West, with only 84.5% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 30th percentile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Sunshine West is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership
Sunshine West's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 81.3% houses and 18.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Sunshine West stood at 40.6%, with the rest being mortgaged (30.6%) or rented (28.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,700, aligning with Melbourne metro's average, while median weekly rent was $346, also matching Melbourne metro figures. Nationally, Sunshine West's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,700 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were lower at $346 than the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Sunshine West features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size
Family households account for 74.1% of all households, including 33.1% couples with children, 22.3% couples without children, and 16.6% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 25.9%, with lone person households at 21.5% and group households comprising 4.5%. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.9.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
Educational outcomes in Sunshine West fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment
The university qualification rate in Sunshine West is 23.2%, significantly lower than the Greater Melbourne average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 16.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 25.6% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas account for 9.1% and certificates for 16.5%. Educational participation is high, with 29.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.
This includes 9.0% in primary education, 7.4% in secondary education, and 5.5% pursuing tertiary education. Sunshine West has a robust network of 10 schools educating approximately 3,603 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 976) and balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes 5 primary, 3 secondary, and 2 K-12 schools. School capacity exceeds residential needs, with 19.2 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 14.2, indicating Sunshine West serves as an educational center for the broader region. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
Transport servicing is good compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
Sunshine West has 89 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These are served by 19 different routes, together facilitating 5,303 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents on average located 184 meters from the nearest stop.
Service frequency averages 757 trips per day across all routes, equating to about 59 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
Sunshine West'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 shows relatively positive health outcomes for Sunshine West residents. The prevalence of common health conditions is quite low among the general population but higher than the national average among older, at-risk cohorts.
Private health cover rate is very low, approximately 49% of the total population (~9,112 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions are asthma and arthritis, affecting 7.0% and 6.8% of residents respectively, while 71.9% report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 73.5% across Greater Melbourne. The area has 18.9% of residents aged 65 and over (3,547 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges that require more attention than the broader population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
Sunshine West is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics
Sunshine West has a culturally diverse population, with 54.3% born overseas and 66.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the main religion in Sunshine West, making up 49.2%. Buddhism comprises 12.7%, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's 12.5%.
Top ancestry groups are Other (21.1%), Vietnamese (17.6%), and Australian (10.6%). Notably, Maltese (4.8%) and Macedonian (2.6%) are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 4.6% and 2.5%, respectively. Greek ethnicity is also notably represented at 4.8%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Sunshine West's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms
The median age in Sunshine West is 38 years, close to Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and equivalent to Australia's median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Sunshine West has a higher percentage of residents aged 75-84 (7.4%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (10.1%). Between the 2021 Census and the present day, the 75-84 age group has increased from 6.7% to 7.4%, while the 5-14 age group has decreased from 11.1% to 10.1%. By 2041, Sunshine West's age composition is expected to change significantly. The 55-64 age group is projected to grow by 33%, reaching 2,777 people from the current 2,083. Meanwhile, the 5-14 age group is expected to decrease by 4 residents.