Sunshine West

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Sunshine West's population is estimated at around 18,635 as of February 2026. This reflects an increase of 83 people (0.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 18,552 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 18,538 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 114 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,955 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Sunshine West has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 0.1%, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 82.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For 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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth is projected for the suburb, with an expected expansion of 3,613 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 20.2% in total over the 17 years.

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 36 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years ending June 2021. This totals around 183 homes. As of FY-26, there have been 10 recorded approvals. The population decline in recent years has maintained adequate housing supply relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with diverse buyer options.

New properties are constructed at an average cost of $355,000. In the current financial year, Sunshine West has registered $34.0 million in commercial approvals, indicating robust commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Sunshine West records around 65% of building activity per capita and ranks among the 33rd percentile nationally. This suggests more limited buyer choices compared to other areas, potentially supporting demand for existing homes. The area's new building activity consists of approximately 33.0% standalone homes and 67.0% townhouses or apartments, reflecting a shift towards higher-density living options. Sunshine West currently has around 505 people per approval, indicating a mature market.

Population forecasts estimate an increase of 3,759 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially leading to increased competition among buyers and stronger price growth.

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 potentially affecting the region. Notable projects include Derrimut Industrial Precinct Expansion, Derrimut Logistics Hub by Charter Hall, Ballarat Road Upgrade - Derrimut Section, and 10-12 Marchant Crescent, Sunshine West. 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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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 8.6% as of September 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4%.

There are 8,890 residents in work, but the unemployment rate is higher than Greater Melbourne's by 4.0%, indicating room for improvement. Workforce participation lags behind Greater Melbourne's rate at 62.2% compared to 71.0%. Home-based workers comprise a moderate 20.0% of residents, considering Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Key employment sectors include 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 professional & technical services show lower representation at 5.9% compared to the regional average of 10.1%. Limited local employment opportunities are suggested by Census data comparing working population and resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 4.0%, labour force grew by 5.2%, leading to an unemployment rise of 1.1 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with a smaller unemployment increase of 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May-25) project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but industry-specific projections suggest Sunshine West's employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.5% over ten years.

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

In AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023, Sunshine West had a median income among taxpayers of $47,258 and an average of $54,744. This was below the national average. In Greater Melbourne, the median was $57,688 and the average was $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year ended June 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $51,157 (median) and $59,260 (average). Census data showed individual incomes at the 7th percentile were $565 weekly, while household income was at the 30th percentile. Income distribution revealed that 31.5% of individuals earned between $1,500 and $2,999, similar to regional levels where 32.8% fell into this bracket. Housing affordability pressures were 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

In Sunshine West, as per the latest Census evaluation, 82.6% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 17.4% comprising semi-detached properties, apartments, and other dwelling types. This contrasts with 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 making up 30.6% and rented dwellings comprising 28.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,700, lower than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Sunshine West was recorded at $346, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Sunshine West's median monthly mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Sunshine West features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 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 account for the remaining 25.9%, with lone person households at 21.5% and group households making up 4.5%. The median household size is 2.8 people, 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 at 29.9%, with 9.0% in primary education, 7.4% in secondary education, and 5.5% pursuing 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 different routes that collectively facilitate 3,373 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 184 meters from the nearest stop. As primarily residential, most commuters travel outward. Car remains the dominant mode at 84%, while train accounts for 9%. Average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.3.

According to the 2021 Census, 20% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 481 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 37 weekly trips per individual 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. The prevalence of common health conditions among its residents is somewhat typical but higher than the national average for older cohorts. Approximately 49% (~9,047 people) of Sunshine West's total population has private health cover, compared to Greater Melbourne's 56.7% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are asthma (7.0%) and arthritis (6.8%), while 71.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. The under-65 population has better than average health outcomes. Sunshine West has 19.4% (3,615 people) of its residents aged 65 and over, higher than Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank 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, and 66.2% speak a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 49.2% of Sunshine West's population. Buddhism is significantly higher in Sunshine West at 12.7%, compared to Greater Melbourne's average of 4.2%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (21.1%), Vietnamese (17.6%), and Australian (10.6%). Notably, Maltese (4.8%) and Macedonian (2.6%) populations are higher than the regional averages of 1.1% and 0.7%, respectively. Greek population is also notably higher at 4.8% compared to the regional average of 2.7%.

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 (7.5%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (9.9%). Between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, the proportion of residents aged 75-84 grew from 6.7% to 7.5%, while the proportion of residents aged 5-14 declined from 11.1% to 9.9%. By 2041, Sunshine West's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 55-64 age group is projected to grow by 33%, adding 689 people and reaching a total of 2,777 from the current 2,087. The 5-14 age group is expected to grow by 3%, with an increase of 46 residents.