West Footscray

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

The population of West Footscray is estimated at around 12,962 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,233 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,729 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 12,826 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 120 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3,456 persons per square kilometer, placing West Footscray in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's growth rate of 10.5% since the 2021 census exceeded the state average of 9.3%. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing 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 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 with adjustments made 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, West Footscray is forecasted to experience significant population increase, growing by 3,233 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 23.9% in total over the 16-year period.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within West Footscray when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis shows West Footscray granted around 49 residential property approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 248 homes. As of FY-26, 16 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25 accommodated approximately 1.8 new residents annually. However, this figure has risen to 10.1 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting growing popularity and potential undersupply. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $431,000.

This year, West Footscray has seen $50.7 million in commercial approvals, indicating strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Melbourne, West Footscray records significantly lower building activity, with 65.0% fewer approvals per person. Recent construction comprises 26.0% standalone homes and 74.0% townhouses or apartments, reflecting decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles. The location has approximately 280 people per dwelling approval, indicating potential for growth. Population forecasts suggest West Footscray will gain 3,097 residents by 2041. 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 3,097 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

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 26 such projects that are likely to impact the area. Notable among these are the West Footscray Community Facilities Plan, Barkly Village, Perri Melbourne Data Centre (WEFO Woolstores), and the development at 590-596 Barkly Street. The following list details those projects deemed most relevant.

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

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.

Employment performance in West Footscray exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

West Footscray has a highly educated workforce with professional services well represented. The unemployment rate was 4.1% in December 2025, below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.5%.

Residents' participation in the workforce is high at 81.0%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. A significant proportion of residents work from home, with 42.7% doing so according to Census responses. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services. Public administration & safety shows strong specialization in the area, with an employment share of 1.5 times the regional level.

However, construction has limited presence at 7.2% compared to the regional average of 9.7%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census data on working population vs resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 3.5%, labour force grew by 4.4%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 0.8 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne saw 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 potential future demand within West Footscray. National employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to West Footscray's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only and does not account for localized 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 AreaSearch data aggregated from the latest ATO figures. These figures compare to Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164 for the same period. By March 2026, based on a 9.62% growth in wages since financial year 2023, estimated incomes would be approximately $65,320 (median) and $78,023 (average). Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in West Footscray are around the 71st percentile nationally. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 captures 31.8% of West Footscray's community, with a total of 4,121 individuals, which aligns with metropolitan trends where 32.8% fall into the same category. Housing costs consume 16.3% of income in West Footscray, but despite this, disposable income remains at the 64th percentile nationally. The suburb'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

The dwelling structure in West Footscray, as per the latest Census, consisted of 59.0% houses and 41.0% other dwellings. In Melbourne metro, this was 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in West Footscray stood at 22.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 36.2% and rented ones at 41.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,129, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000. The median weekly rent figure for West Footscray was $351, while Melbourne metro recorded $390. Nationally, West Footscray's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,129 versus the Australian average of $1,863. Rents in West Footscray were lower at $351 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 account for 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 averages. Among residents aged 15 and above, 46.4% have university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 32.0% in the SA4 region. This high level of educational attainment positions West Footscray favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 28.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (13.5%) and graduate diplomas (4.7%).

Vocational pathways account for 23.1% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 9.9% and certificates at 13.2%. Educational participation is high in West Footscray, 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

Public transport analysis shows 56 active transport stops operating in West Footscray. These are mixed bus stops serviced by 10 routes, providing 3934 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is excellent with residents typically located 157 meters from the nearest stop. Most commute outward due to its residential nature. Cars dominate at 69%, followed by train at 15% and bus at 6%. Vehicle ownership averages 0.9 per dwelling, below regional average.

42.7% work from home (2021 Census). Service frequency averages 562 trips daily across all routes, about 70 weekly trips per stop.

West Footscray's residents are healthier than average 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 data shows positive outcomes, aligning with national benchmarks for mortality rates and health conditions.

Common health issues are seen across both young and old age groups. Private health cover is high, at approximately 55% of the total population (around 7,122 people). Mental health issues and asthma are the most common conditions, affecting 10.1 and 8.5% of residents respectively. About 71.6% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among working-age individuals are typical. The area has 10.6% of residents aged 65 and over (1,373 people), lower than the 15.0% in Greater Melbourne, with national rankings generally in line with the overall 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. The dominant religion in West Footscray is Christianity, making up 33.8% of the population. However, Buddhism is notably overrepresented, comprising 6.4% of the population compared to 4.2% across Greater Melbourne.

Regarding ancestry, the top three groups are English (19.6%), Australian (18.6%), and Other (12.6%). There are also notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Vietnamese is overrepresented at 6.1% (compared to 1.9% regionally), Croatian at 1.2% (vs 0.7%), and Macedonian at 0.9% (vs 0.7%).

West Footscray's population is younger than the national pattern

West Footscray's median age was 35 years as of an unspecified date, which is younger than Greater Melbourne's median age of 37 and the national average of 38 years. The percentage of residents aged 25 to 34 stood at 20.5%, higher than Greater Melbourne's figure but lower than the national average of 14.6%. Meanwhile, the 75 to 84 age group made up 3.0% of West Footscray's population. Between 2021 and an unspecified later date, the percentage of residents aged 15 to 24 increased from 8.9% to 11.3%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 age group decreased from 22.5% to 20.5%, and the 55 to 64 age group fell from 9.4% to 8.3%. Population forecasts for West Footscray indicate significant demographic shifts by the year 2041. The 45 to 54 age cohort is projected to grow by 596 people, increasing from 1,633 to 2,230 residents. Meanwhile, the 5 to 14 age group is expected to expand by a modest 5%, adding 76 people to its total population.