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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
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Watsonia North has an estimated 3,785 residents. The population has thinned by an average 0.7% a year over five years, slower than 93% of areas nationally. That puts 2,610 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to investigations of ABS demographic releases for the wider region, alongside recent address updates verified by AreaSearch since the Census, the suburb of Watsonia North has an estimated residency of 3,785 individuals as of May 2026. This represents a marginal contraction of 14 people (0.4%) compared to the 2021 Census, which documented 3,799 residents. This shift is calculated from a resident count of 3,784, determined by AreaSearch using the latest ABS ERP data from June 2025 and ongoing address monitoring. Such a population size results in a density of 2,610 persons per square kilometer, placing the locality in the top quartile of areas assessed nationwide.
Recent demographic expansion was chiefly fueled by overseas migration, which accounted for approximately 51.0% of the overall population gains. For each SA2 region, AreaSearch adopts the demographic projections published by ABS and Geoscience Australia in 2024 using 2022 as their baseline. In cases where SA2 figures are unavailable, estimations rely on the 2023 Victoria State Government Regional/LGA projections, adjusted via a weighted aggregation methodology to translate LGA trends to SA2 levels. The age cohort growth projections derived from these processes are extended to cover the period from 2032 to 2041. Based on these projected demographic changes, a significant population surge within the highest quartile of statistical regions nationwide is anticipated, with the suburb of Watsonia North projected to grow by 1,197 residents by 2041, representing a total expansion of 31.6% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
The suburb of Watsonia North has recorded no approvals for new residential dwellings over the preceding five-year timeframe. This reflects a fully developed, established locality with minimal vacant land available for residential construction. For prospective purchasers, this scarcity of new housing inventory generally bolsters local real estate values, channeling purchasing activity primarily toward pre-existing properties. Compared to the broader Greater Melbourne region, residential building activity in the suburb of Watsonia North is substantially lower. This restricted volume of new completions tends to bolster demand and sustain values for pre-existing houses.
The level of construction also tracks below the national average, highlighting the mature nature of the locality and pointing to potential zoning or planning limitations.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Watsonia North
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 58 current infrastructure and development projects close to Watsonia North, worth an estimated $14.5 billion. 10 are already under construction and 18 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans transport & logistics, residential development and sports & recreation. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Changes in local infrastructure, major civic works, and planning developments represent significant drivers of neighborhood change. AreaSearch has identified a total of 3 major projects that are anticipated to influence the local area. Key developments include the Diamond Creek Community Infrastructure Master Plan, Diamond Creek Township Streetscape Improvements, the completion of the M80 Ring Road, and upgrades to the Hurstbridge Rail Line (Watsonia-Eltham), with the main projects of interest outlined below.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
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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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
106-126 Main Street Greensborough Affordable Housing
A 17-storey mixed-use development fast-tracked under the Victorian Government Development Facilitation Program. The project delivers 211 affordable dwellings, ground-level retail, and commercial spaces. Managed by HousingFirst, it features communal areas and improved pedestrian links near the Greensborough train station. While a planning permit (PA2503550) was issued by the Department of Transport and Planning, construction start dates are yet to be confirmed as of May 2026.
Diamond Creek Township Streetscape Improvements
Streetscape improvements throughout Diamond Creek township including tree planting, improved lighting, pedestrian infrastructure, and public realm enhancements to support local business and community amenity. Part of the Diamond Creek Major Activity Centre Structure Plan.
M80 Ring Road Completion
Final stage of the M80 Ring Road upgrade, completing the link between Plenty Road, Greensborough and the North East Link tunnels in Watsonia. The project delivers 14 km of new lanes, express lanes connecting to the North East Link, and major new interchanges at Plenty Road and Grimshaw Street. Key features include two landscaped bridges at Elder Street and Watsonia Road, a new accessible overpass at Macorna Street, and over 10 km of walking and cycling paths.It utilizes smart freeway technology and is designed to remove approximately 19,000 vehicles per day from local roads.
Diamond Creek Community Infrastructure Master Plan
Master plan project providing long-term direction for community infrastructure delivery in Diamond Creek. Includes a Community Hub with a library, creative spaces, and a Neighbourhood House, plus an Aquatic, Health and Fitness Centre. Currently in Phase B.2b, targeting exhibition of the final Draft Master Plan between September 2025 and June 2026.
Hurstbridge Rail Line Upgrades (Watsonia-Eltham)
A major upgrade of the Hurstbridge line integrated with the North East Link project. Key milestones include the completion of Melbourne's third longest rail tunnel at Watsonia (500 metres) in late 2025 and the rebuilding of the Grimshaw Street Bridge. The project encompasses track duplication, new stations at Greensborough and Montmorency, and extensive signalling and power upgrades. Final finishing works and rail corridor improvements are continuing into mid-2026 to enhance service frequency and reliability for Melbourne's northeast.
St Helena Place
A master-planned residential community featuring approximately 240 homes in St Helena, combining quiet family living with connectivity to urban amenities, including quality schools, shopping centres, wildlife reserves, and parklands.
St Helena Place
Master planned community in Melbourne's north east delivering around 240 new homes with parks, wetlands and open space. First residents have moved in and sales are ongoing, with a site sales office operating at the address and staged construction continuing.
Mill Park Place Framework
The Mill Park Place Framework outlines a shared vision for the future development of Mill Park, guiding stakeholders including government bodies, developers, community groups, and residents. It focuses on key opportunities identified by the community to shape and improve local spaces, such as streets, public spaces, parks, community precincts, infrastructure, and built form, with changes introduced gradually over time. The framework aligns with Victorian State Government and City of Whittlesea policies, including the Plan for Victoria, Whittlesea 2040: A Place for All, and the Plenty Valley Structure Plan.It addresses opportunities and challenges under four themes: greener spaces, connected places, thriving community and culture, and land use and built form, with key directions and initiatives for implementation.
2,105 residents of Watsonia North are employed, from a labour force of 2,171. Unemployment sits at 3.0%, with participation at 69.2%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.8% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 2,883, about 76% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The suburb of Watsonia North is home to a highly qualified workforce, with strong representation in key service sectors, a jobless rate of just 3.0%, and an estimated job growth of 1.6% over the preceding year based on aggregated regional statistics. Active workers numbered 2,105 as of March 2026, with an unemployment rate that sits 1.7% below the Greater Melbourne benchmark of 4.8%, while labor participation aligns closely with the metropolitan average of 70.2%. Census records indicate that a significant proportion of working residents, specifically 33.9%, operated from home, though this figure likely reflects the influence of pandemic-related restrictions.
The primary employment sectors for local citizens are health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. The local workforce has a notable concentration in building and construction, employing people at 1.3 times the regional average rate. Conversely, hospitality and food services employ only 4.0% of local workers, which is lower than the Greater Melbourne average of 6.4%. As a predominantly residential enclave, local job opportunities appear restricted, as shown by comparing the number of working residents to local workplace positions. According to analysis of SALM and ABS statistics for the surrounding region, the latest 12-month period saw local employment rise by 1.6% while the labor force expanded by 2.5%, leading to a 0.9 percentage point increase in the unemployment rate. Over the same timeframe, Greater Melbourne saw employment rise by 2.1% and the labor force grow by 2.3%, resulting in a 0.2 percentage point increase in jobless numbers. Workforce projections released by Jobs and Skills Australia in May-25 provide further context for future employment demand in the suburb of Watsonia North. These five and ten-year forecasts have been mapped against the local industry profile to estimate future trends. While national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, trends vary widely by sector. Applying these industry weightings locally indicates that employment for residents of the suburb of Watsonia North is projected to increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, representing a basic extrapolation based on industry mix without accounting for local population shifts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Watsonia North is $2,069 a week (about $108,000 a year), with median personal income at $830 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $55,975 a year against an average of $66,796. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
The suburb of Watsonia North exhibits a median annual taxpayer income of $55,975 and an average of $66,796, according to the latest postcode-level ATO statistics aggregated for the 2023 financial year. These figures sit slightly below the national averages, contrasting with a median of $57,688 and an average of $75,164 across Greater Melbourne. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index increase of 9.62% since the 2023 financial year, current estimated values would be approximately $61,360 for the median and $73,222 for the average as of March 2026. The 2021 Census placed household, family, and individual incomes in the area around the 62nd percentile nationally.
The most common income band contains 32.1% of households earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly (1,214 residents), which is very similar to the metropolitan average of 32.8%. High-income earners are also well represented, with 31.4% of households receiving more than $3,000 weekly, pointing to robust local spending capacity. After meeting housing costs, residents retain 88.2% of their income, and the suburb is positioned in the 7th decile of the SEIFA index for income.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Watsonia North had 1,368 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 98% detached houses and 0% apartments. 41% are owned with a mortgage, 12% rented and 46% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $401 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,050 a month. Rent absorbs 19.4% of household income here and mortgage repayments 22.9%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Residential property types in the suburb of Watsonia North at the time of the latest Census consisted of 98.3% separate houses and 1.7% semi-detached options, units, or other dwelling types, compared to the Melbourne metropolitan split of 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. The rate of outright home ownership stood at 46.4%, substantially higher than the Melbourne metropolitan average, with remaining properties either mortgaged (41.2%) or rented (12.4%). The median monthly home loan repayment was $2,050, higher than the Melbourne metropolitan average of $2,000, while the median weekly rent was $401, compared to $390 across the metro area.
On a national level, local mortgage costs exceed the Australian average of $1,863, and rent prices are higher than the national benchmark of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Watsonia North counted 1,368 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.7 people each. 39% are couples with children, more than in 76% of areas nationally, against 30% couples without children. 18% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.6 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up the vast majority of local households at 80.8%, consisting of 38.7% couples with children, 29.6% couples without children, and 10.9% single-parent households. Non-family households account for the remaining 19.2%, with single-person households at 17.6% and group households representing 2.0% of the total. The median household occupancy of 2.7 people is slightly larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
32.1% of adults in Watsonia North hold a university qualification, including 20.7% with a bachelor degree and 7.6% with postgraduate qualifications, higher than 76% of areas nationally. A further 20.0% hold a vocational qualification. 1 school serves the area, with 563 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,078 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Tertiary qualification rates in the suburb of Watsonia North track slightly below regional averages, with 32.1% of residents aged 15+ holding a higher education degree compared to 41.2% across the wider SA3 region. This difference points to opportunities for future educational growth and vocational training. Bachelor degrees represent the most common qualification at 20.7%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 7.6% and graduate diplomas at 3.8%. Vocational and technical training is well represented, with 31.3% of residents aged 15+ holding qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas (11.3%) and certificates (20.0%). Enrolment in education is quite high, with 25.7% of the local population currently engaged in study.
This group includes 9.1% attending primary schools, 6.6% in secondary schools, and 4.7% enrolled in higher education institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Watsonia North reaches 22 stops on 3 routes, timetabled for about 960 services a week. The typical home sits about 200 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.6 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transit services in the suburb of Watsonia North include 22 active transit stops, which are serviced by bus connections. These stops accommodate 3 separate routes, facilitating a total of 963 weekly passenger journeys. Transport access is highly rated, with residents living an average of 199 meters from the nearest stop. Due to the residential character of the neighborhood, most workers commute out of the area, with private cars being the primary mode of travel for 88% of workers, and trains used by 6%. Household vehicle ownership averages 1.6 cars per dwelling, which is higher than the regional average.
A significant 33.9% of residents worked from home, based on 2021 Census data, which may reflect the impact of pandemic conditions. Transit service frequency averages 137 daily trips across all active routes, which represents approximately 43 weekly services for each individual transit stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
68.5% of residents in Watsonia North report no long-term health condition. 6.3% need daily assistance with core activities, and 53.3% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 4.4 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Residents of the suburb of Watsonia North display favorable health metrics, according to an analysis of death rates and chronic illness prevalence, showing low rates of common health conditions across both younger and older demographics. The level of private health insurance coverage sits just ahead of the average SA2 region at approximately 53% of the population (~2,015 people), compared to 56.7% across the Greater Melbourne area. Arthritis and asthma are the most frequently reported medical diagnoses locally, affecting 8.5% and 7.7% of citizens respectively, while 68.5% of the population reported no chronic medical conditions, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne.
Residents under the age of 65 enjoy better health outcomes than average. The suburb has 22.9% of its population aged 65 and over (866 people), which is higher than the metropolitan average of 15.0%. Health conditions among these older residents are generally favorable, with national rankings aligning with the broader community.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Watsonia North is largely Australian-born, at 77.3% of residents, with 20.8% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (22.6%) and English (20.8%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
The suburb of Watsonia North features a higher level of cultural diversity than most comparable markets, with 22.7% of the population born outside Australia and 20.8% using a non-English language at home. Christianity is the primary religious affiliation, practiced by 56.0% of residents, compared to 43.0% across the Greater Melbourne area. Looking at ancestral backgrounds, the three most common heritages reported in the suburb of Watsonia North are Australian at 22.6% of the population, English at 20.8%, and Italian at 10.5%, the latter being significantly higher than the regional average of 5.2%.
There are also notable concentrations of other ethnic heritages: Macedonian ancestry is reported by 1.7% of the population (compared to 0.7% across the region), Greek by 4.6% (compared to 2.7%), and Croatian by 1.1% (compared to 0.7%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Watsonia North is 41. 22.1% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age in the suburb of Watsonia North is 41 years, which is higher than the Greater Melbourne average of 37 years and older than the national median of 38 years. Compared to metropolitan benchmarks, the 75 - 84 age group has a strong local presence at 8.8%, while the 25 - 34 bracket is smaller at 10.7%. Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 85+ rose from 1.6% to 3.0%, and the 75 to 84 cohort expanded from 7.5% to 8.8%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 demographic shrank from 12.4% to 10.7%.
Long-term projections indicate that the age profile will shift by 2041, with the 75 to 84 cohort expected to grow the fastest, expanding by 61% to add 202 people and reach a total of 536.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Watsonia North
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (3,799 at the 2021 Census → 3,785 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL22722). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.