Sunshine West

Sunshine West has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

The estimated population of the suburb of Sunshine West is around 18,635 as of February 2026. This figure reflects an increase of 83 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 18,552 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 18,538 following examination of the ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 114 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,955 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Sunshine West's 0.4% growth since census positions it within 2.2 percentage points of the SA3 area (2.6%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing 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 released in 2023, adjusting them employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering these projections, an above median population growth is projected for the suburb of Sunshine West, with an expected expansion of 3,439 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 17.9% over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Sunshine West has received around 37 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 186 homes. As of FY-26, 11 approvals have been recorded. The 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 expected construction cost value of $355,000.

This financial year, Sunshine West has registered $34.0 million in commercial approvals, indicating strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Sunshine West records approximately 66% of the building activity per person and ranks among the 33rd percentile nationally, suggesting limited buyer choices and supporting demand for existing homes. This lower-than-average national activity reflects the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New building activity comprises 32.0% standalone homes and 68.0% townhouses or apartments, indicating a shift towards higher-density living to create more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a significant change from the existing housing stock, which is currently 83.0% houses. At around 491 people per approval, Sunshine West indicates a mature market.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Sunshine West is forecasted to gain 3,342 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.

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

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure projects. AreaSearch has identified a total of 17 such projects that could potentially impact this particular area. Among these key projects are Derrimut Industrial Precinct Expansion, Derrimut Logistics Hub (Charter Hall), Ballarat Road Upgrade - Derrimut Section, and the development at 10-12 Marchant Crescent, Sunshine West. The following list provides details on those projects likely to have the most relevance.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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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 9.1% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.2%. As of December 2025, 8,838 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 4.3%, above Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

Workforce participation was at 62.1%, lower than Greater Melbourne's 71.3%. Approximately 20% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, transport, postal & warehousing, and manufacturing. The area specializes in transport, postal & warehousing, with an employment share 2.1 times the regional level, but has lower professional & technical representation at 5.9%.

Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population. Over a 12-month period ending December 2025, employment increased by 2.2% while labour force rose by 4.1%, leading to an unemployment rise of 1.7 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 2.4% and labour force growth of 2.8%, with a smaller unemployment increase of 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Sunshine West. These projections indicate national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Sunshine West's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.5% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023 shows Sunshine West's median income among taxpayers is $47,258. The average income is $54,744. This is below the national average. Greater Melbourne's median income is $57,688 with an average of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Sunshine West would be approximately $51,157 (median) and $59,260 (average) as of September 2025. 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 the community (5,870 individuals). This mirrors regional levels where 32.8% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.5% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 30th percentile.

Sunshine West is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Sunshine West's dwelling structures, 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 figures of 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Sunshine West stood at 40.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.6% and rented ones at 28.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,700, below Melbourne metro's average of $2,000, while the median weekly rent was $346, lower than Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Sunshine West's mortgage repayments were less than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were under the national figure of $375.

Sunshine West features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-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 make up the remaining 25.9%, consisting of 21.5% lone person households and 4.5% group households. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Educational outcomes in Sunshine West fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 23.2%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's 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 prevalent, with 25.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.1%) and certificates (16.5%). Educational participation is high, with 29.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 9.0% in primary, 7.4% in secondary, and 5.5% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably 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.

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 stops are served by 12 individual routes, collectively facilitating 3,373 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 184 meters from the nearest stop. As of the 2021 Census, 20% of residents work from home, potentially due to COVID-19 conditions. Most residents commute outward; car remains the dominant mode at 84%, while train accounts for 9%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling.

Service frequency averages 481 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 37 weekly trips per stop.

Sunshine West's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Sunshine West's health metrics are close to national benchmarks, with mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence being typical of the general population, albeit somewhat higher among older cohorts. Private health cover is very low at approximately 49% (9,047 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 56.7% and the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and arthritis, affecting 7.0% and 6.8% of residents respectively, while 71.9% report no medical ailments, slightly lower than Greater Melbourne's 72.6%.

Under-65 population health outcomes are better than average. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 19.9% (3,708 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, ranking lower nationally than the broader population.

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 population where 54.3% were born overseas, with 66.2% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Sunshine West, comprising 49.2% of its population. Buddhism is notably higher at 12.7%, compared to Greater Melbourne's average of 4.2%.

In terms of ancestry, 'Other' comprises 21.1%, Vietnamese 17.6%, and Australian 10.6% of Sunshine West's population. Notably, Maltese (4.8%), Macedonian (2.6%), and Greek (4.8%) groups are overrepresented compared to regional averages.

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 and equivalent to Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Sunshine West has a higher proportion of residents aged 75-84 (7.8%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (10.2%). Between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, the proportion of residents aged 75-84 increased from 6.7% to 7.8%, while the proportion of those aged 5-14 decreased from 11.1% to 10.2%. By 2041, Sunshine West's age composition is expected to change notably. The 55-64 age group will grow by 31%, reaching 2,519 residents from 1,919, while the 5-14 age group is projected to decrease by 2 residents.