West Footscray

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

As of February 2026, the estimated population of West Footscray is around 13,020. This reflects an increase of 1,291 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,729. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 12,900 residents following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 125 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 3,472 persons per square kilometer, placing West Footscray in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's population growth of 11.0% since the 2021 census exceeded the national average of 9.9%, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 72.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving West Footscray's growth.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted using 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, with an expected growth of 3,538 persons by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 26.7% 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 in West Footscray shows around 51 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 256 homes. As of FY-26, three approvals have been recorded. On average, two new residents per dwelling constructed were noted between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating balanced supply and demand with stable market conditions. However, recent data shows this has intensified to 9.7 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, reflecting quality-focused development.

In FY-26, there have been $50.7 million in commercial approvals, indicating strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Melbourne, West Footscray records markedly lower building activity, with 64.0% below the regional average per person, generally supporting stronger demand and values for established properties. Recent construction comprises 24.0% standalone homes and 76.0% townhouses or apartments, offering affordable entry pathways and attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition of 59.0% houses. The location has approximately 258 people per dwelling approval, indicating room for growth. Population forecasts indicate West Footscray will gain 3,471 residents through to 2041.

Should current construction levels persist, housing supply may 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 to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 26 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives 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 well represented. The unemployment rate was 3.8% as of September 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 5.2%.

Residents' employment participation is high at 80.7%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. As of Census responses in September 2025, 42.7% of residents worked from home. Dominant sectors include health care & social assistance and education & training. Public administration & safety shows strong specialization with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level.

Construction has limited presence at 7.2%, compared to 9.7% regionally. Employment opportunities locally appear limited, indicated by Census working population vs resident population count. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 5.2% while the unemployment rate rose by 0.5 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May-25, project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to West Footscray's employment mix suggests local employment growth of 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, though this is an illustrative extrapolation not accounting 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 higher than average national income level according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers was $59,588 and the average income stood at $71,176. These figures compared to Greater Melbourne's of $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $64,504 (median) and $77,048 (average) as of September 2025. Census data revealed household, family and personal incomes in West Footscray clustered around the 71st percentile nationally. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 captured 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 consumed 16.3% of income, placing disposable income at the 64th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed 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 evaluated at the Census conducted on 9 August 2016, comprised 59.0% houses and 41.0% other dwellings. In comparison, Melbourne metropolitan area had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in West Footscray was at 22.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 36.2% and rented dwellings at 41.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,129, while the median weekly rent was $351. Nationally, West Footscray's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863 as of June 2021, and rents were lower than the national figure of $375 during the same period.

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 comprise the remaining 37.0%, with lone person households at 28.9% and group households making up 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

In West Footscray, educational attainment is notably high among residents aged 15 and above, with 46.4% holding university qualifications. This figure surpasses the national average of 30.4% and the SA4 region's average of 32.0%. The area's strong educational advantage is evident in its Bachelor degree holders (28.2%), postgraduate qualifications (13.5%), and graduate diplomas (4.7%). Vocational pathways are also significant, with 23.1% of residents aged 15 and above holding advanced diplomas or certificates (13.2%).

Educational participation is high, with 30.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes primary education (9.4%), tertiary education (7.6%), and secondary education (5.4%).

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, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 10 different routes that together facilitate 3934 weekly passenger trips. Residents have excellent access to transport, with an average distance of 157 meters to the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards from this primarily residential area. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 69%, while trains account for 15% and buses for 6%. The area has a lower-than-average vehicle ownership rate, with 0.9 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 42.7% of residents work from home, which may be due to COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, there are an average of 562 trips per day, equating to approximately 70 weekly trips per 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 are close to national benchmarks, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Common health conditions are seen across both young and old age cohorts at a fairly standard level. Private health cover is very high, impacting approximately 55% of the total population (around 7,154 people). The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, affecting 10.1 and 8.5% of residents respectively. Conversely, 71.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 10.7% of residents aged 65 and over (1,393 people), which is lower than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. 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, accounting for 33.8% of the population. However, Buddhism is more prevalent in West Footscray compared to Greater Melbourne, with 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%) and Croatian (1.2%) populations are higher in West Footscray compared to the regional average of 1.9% and 0.7%, respectively. Additionally, Macedonian ancestry is slightly overrepresented at 0.9%.

West Footscray's population is younger than the national pattern

West Footscray's median age is 35 years, which is slightly younger than Greater Melbourne's 37 and somewhat younger than Australia's national average of 38 years. The age group of 35-44 has strong representation at 20.0%, compared to Greater Melbourne's percentage, while the 15-24 cohort is less prevalent at 10.2%. This concentration in the 35-44 age group is well above the national average of 14.3%. Between 2021 and the present, the 15-24 age group has grown from 8.9% to 10.2% of West Footscray's population. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort has declined from 22.5% to 19.9%. By 2041, demographic changes are projected for West Footscray. The 45-54 age group is expected to increase significantly by 681 people (40%), rising from 1,705 to 2,387. Meanwhile, the 5-14 cohort is projected to grow modestly by 8% (111 people).