West Footscray

Population growth drivers in West Footscray are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of West Footscray's population is estimated at around 13,020 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,291 people (11.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,729 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 12,900, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 125 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3,472 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. West Footscray's 11.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 72.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises 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, a significant population increase in the top quartile of national statistical areas is forecast, with the suburb expected to grow by 3,543 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 26.3% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within West Footscray when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows West Footscray had approximately 49 residential properties approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 248 homes. As of FY-26, there have been 12 approvals recorded so far. Each dwelling built has resulted in an average of 2 new residents per year between FY-21 and FY-25. The average construction cost value for new homes is $431,000.

This financial year, West Footscray has seen $50.7 million in commercial approvals. Compared to Greater Melbourne, West Footscray's building activity is 66.0% lower per person. Recent construction comprises 26.0% standalone homes and 74.0% townhouses or apartments, indicating a shift from the area's existing housing composition of 59.0% houses. There are approximately 281 people per dwelling approval in West Footscray. By 2041, West Footscray is projected to gain around 3,423 residents. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

Population forecasts indicate West Footscray will gain 3,423 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 26 projects that could affect this region. Notable ones include West Footscray Community Facilities Plan, Barkly Village, Perri Melbourne Data Centre (WEFO Woolstores), and 590-596 Barkly Street Development. 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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Employment performance in West Footscray exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

West Footscray has a highly educated workforce with professional services being strongly represented. The unemployment rate in the area was 4.1% as of December 2025, which is below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%. There was an estimated employment growth of 3.5% over the past year based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data.

As of December 2025, 8,249 residents were in work and the unemployment rate was 0.7% below Greater Melbourne's rate. Workforce participation was higher than standard at 80.3%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%. According to Census responses, 42.7% of residents worked from home. The dominant employment sectors were health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services.

There was particularly strong specialization in public administration & safety with an employment share of 1.5 times the regional level. However, construction had limited presence at 7.2% compared to the regional level of 9.7%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. During the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 3.5% and labour force increased by 4.4%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.8 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 2.4%, labour force growth of 2.8%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to West Footscray's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, although this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

The suburb of West Footscray had a median income among taxpayers of $59,588 and an average income of $71,176 in the financial year 2023, according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This compares to Greater Melbourne's figures of $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates for West Footscray would be approximately $64,504 (median) and $77,048 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals that incomes in West Footscray cluster around the 71st percentile nationally. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 captures 31.8% of the community (4,140 individuals), consistent with broader trends across the metropolitan region showing 32.8% in the same category. High housing costs consume 16.3% of income, placing disposable income at the 64th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

West Footscray displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure in West Footscray, as per the latest Census, consisted of 59.0% houses and 41.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in West Footscray was at 22.2%, with the rest either mortgaged (36.2%) or rented (41.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,129, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in West Footscray was $351, lower than Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, West Footscray's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 63.0% of all households, including 28.0% couples with children, 24.3% couples without children, and 9.2% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 37.0%, with lone person households at 28.9% and group households comprising 8.1%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Educational achievement in West Footscray places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

West Footscray's educational attainment is notably higher than national and regional averages. Among residents aged 15+, 46.4% hold university qualifications compared to Australia's 30.4% and the SA4 region's 32.0%. This high level of educational attainment, led by bachelor degrees at 28.2%, positions West Footscray favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. Postgraduate qualifications account for 13.5% and graduate diplomas make up 4.7%.

Vocational pathways are also significant, with advanced diplomas at 9.9% and certificates at 13.2%. Educational participation is high, with 30.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.4% in primary education, 7.6% in tertiary education, and 5.4% pursuing secondary education.

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

West Footscray has 56 active public transport stops operating within its boundaries. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totaling 10 individual routes that collectively facilitate 3,934 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 157 meters from the nearest transport stop. The area is primarily residential, with most residents commuting outward. Car remains the dominant mode of transportation at 69%, followed by train at 15% and bus at 6%. Vehicle ownership averages 0.9 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a high 42.7% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 562 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 70 weekly trips per individual stop.

West Footscray's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

West Footscray's health metrics align closely with national benchmarks, as assessed by AreaSearch using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Common health conditions are seen at a standard level across both young and old age cohorts. Private health cover is very high, with approximately 55% of the total population (~7,154 people) having it. The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues (10.1%) and asthma (8.5%). Conversely, 71.6% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among the working-age population are typical. West Footscray has a lower proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 10.9% (1,419 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. National rankings for health outcomes are broadly in line with the general population.

West Footscray was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

West Footscray has a high level of cultural diversity, with 35.4% of its population born overseas and 34.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in West Footscray, comprising 33.8% of the population. However, Buddhism is more prevalent here compared to Greater Melbourne, making up 6.4% versus 4.2%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (19.6%), Australian (18.6%), and Other (12.6%). Notably, Vietnamese (6.1%) Croatian (1.2%), and Macedonian (0.9%) ethnic groups are overrepresented in West Footscray compared to regional averages of 1.9%, 0.7%, and 0.7% respectively.

West Footscray's population is younger than the national pattern

West Footscray's median age in 2021 was 35 years, which is younger than Greater Melbourne's 37 and Australia's national average of 38. The age group of 35-44 had strong representation at 20.0%, higher than Greater Melbourne's percentage but lower than the national average of 14.3%. The 15-24 age group was less prevalent at 10.2% compared to Greater Melbourne. Between 2021 and present, the 15-24 age group has grown from 8.9% to 10.2%, while the 25-34 cohort has declined from 22.5% to 19.9%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate that West Footscray's 45-54 age group is projected to increase by 677 people (40%), growing from 1,705 to 2,383. The 5-14 age cohort is expected to grow modestly by 7%, adding 95 people.