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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
Sales Activity
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
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Sales Detail
Population
West Melbourne lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends
As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of West Melbourne is around 10,133. This reflects an increase of 2,108 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,025. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 9,918 following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 100 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,568 persons per square kilometer, above the national average assessed by AreaSearch. West Melbourne's growth rate of 26.3% since the 2021 census exceeded both the national average (9.9%) and state averages, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 82.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth being positive factors.
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, adjusted 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. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, West Melbourne is predicted to experience exceptional growth in the top 10 percent of national statistical areas over the period to 2041, with an expected expansion of 5,888 persons reflecting a gain of 56.0% in total population over the 17 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
Recent residential development output has been above average within West Melbourne when compared nationally
Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, West Melbourne has seen approximately 196 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 984 homes. As of FY-26198 approvals have been recorded. On average, around 2.3 people per year moved to the area for each new home constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating solid demand that supports property values. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $585,000, suggesting developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties.
In FY-26, $47.0 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Melbourne, West Melbourne records 80.0% more construction activity per person, creating greater choice for buyers though building activity has slowed in recent years. This is significantly above the national average, indicating robust developer interest in the area. Recent development has been entirely comprised of townhouses or apartments, focusing on higher-density living which creates more affordable entry points and suits downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. The location currently has approximately 748 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market. Future projections estimate West Melbourne adding 5,673 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate).
Present construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Infrastructure
West Melbourne has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally
Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 137 projects that may impact the area. Notable projects include Errol Street Private Hospital, Abbotsford Street Social Housing, West End Mixed-Use Precinct, and WOBO North Melbourne. The following list details those most relevant.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Errol Street Private Hospital
An 8-level private hospital facility located within the Parkville Biomedical Precinct. The development includes 223 overnight beds, 10 ICU beds, 7 operating theatres, and comprehensive medical services including imaging, pathology, and specialist consulting suites. The project was fast-tracked via the Victorian Government Development Facilitation Program to bolster healthcare infrastructure near the Royal Women's and Royal Children's Hospitals.
Elysium Fields
A $1.7 billion biosphere-inspired wellness precinct in Docklands featuring 1,100 luxury apartments, a 200-plus room luxury hotel, and Australia's largest Saint Haven private wellness club. The development includes the Elysian Reverse Ageing Medical Clinic, ancient bathhouses, and extensive public gardens under a futuristic glass dome. Built across multiple towers, the project integrates advanced health technologies like cryotherapy, MRI diagnostics, and circadian lighting within residential units. Early construction works on the first stage commenced in early 2025 with Hamilton Marino appointed as the lead builder.
Australian Institute for Infectious Disease (AIID)
A $650 million state-of-the-art infectious disease research facility spanning 15 storeys in the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct. The institute will house over 1,000 researchers and feature high-containment PC3 laboratories, a human infection challenge unit, robotic biobanking, and the Cumming Global Centre for Pandemic Therapeutics. The project is a collaboration between the University of Melbourne, Doherty Institute, and Burnet Institute, supported by the Victorian Government to enhance Australia's sovereign pandemic response capabilities.
Arden Precinct Urban Renewal
The Arden Precinct is a 45-hectare urban renewal project in North Melbourne designed to transform underutilised industrial land into a high-density innovation and employment hub. Anchored by the Arden Metro Station, which officially opened on November 30, 2025, the precinct is slated to accommodate 34,000 jobs and 20,000 residents by 2050. Key features include a focus on life sciences, digital technology, and health sectors, complemented by the planned relocation of the Royal Melbourne and Royal Women's Hospitals. The development includes over 8 hectares of green open space, a new government primary school, and approximately 15,000 to 20,000 dwellings delivered over a 30-year timeline.
Level Crossing Removal Project
State-wide program to remove 110 level crossings across metropolitan Melbourne by 2030, with 88 already removed. The project aims to deliver safer roads, reduce congestion, and provide more reliable train services by rebuilding or upgrading 54 stations and creating over 31 MCGs of new community open space.
Queen Victoria Market Precinct Renewal
A transformative multi-stage program to modernize Australia's largest 19th-century market. The flagship southern precinct, Gurrowa Place, is a $1.7 billion mixed-use development delivered by Lendlease and Scape. It features three towers providing build-to-rent apartments, student accommodation, and affordable housing. Key elements include the 1.8-hectare Market Square public park replacing the current open-air car park, restoration of the heritage Franklin Street Stores into retail and hospitality, and a new 220-space basement car park. Heritage shed restorations and core trader facilities were largely completed by 2024, with site works for the southern towers commencing in 2026.
Victoria Harbour Precinct
A major urban renewal precinct in Docklands delivering a mix of residential, commercial, and retail spaces. Current active phases include the Collins Wharf waterfront neighbourhood (featuring Ancora, Regatta, and Aluna residences) and a major Build-to-Rent tower at 899 Collins Street. The precinct aims to deliver over 2,300 new homes in its current construction wave.
Abbotsford Street Social Housing
Redevelopment of 112 outdated homes into 340+ new homes including 127 social homes, 85 affordable homes, and 128+ private dwellings. Features universal design, community facilities, and sustainable building practices.
Employment
Employment performance in West Melbourne exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators
West Melbourne has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 4.2% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 5.3%. As of December 2025, 7,411 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.8%, 0.6% below Greater Melbourne's rate.
Workforce participation was 83.5%, higher than Greater Melbourne's 71.3%. Census responses showed that 43.6% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. The leading employment industries were professional & technical, accommodation & food, and health care & social assistance. Professional & technical services had employment levels at 1.9 times the regional average.
However, construction was under-represented with only 4.5% of West Melbourne's workforce compared to Greater Melbourne's 9.7%. The ratio of workers to residents was 0.7, indicating a level of local employment opportunities above the norm. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 5.3%, while labour force increased by 4.8%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment grow by 2.4% with a rise in unemployment of 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within West Melbourne. These projections estimate national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to West Melbourne's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.1% over ten years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis
The suburb of West Melbourne had a median taxpayer income of $53,328 and an average income of $71,318 in financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is higher than the national average, with Greater Melbourne's median income being $57,688 and average income $75,164. By September 2025, estimates suggest median income would be approximately $57,728 and average income $77,202, based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023. Individual earnings rank at the 83rd percentile nationally ($1,058 weekly), while household income ranks at the 52nd percentile. The dominant earnings bracket is $1,500 - 2,999, with 35.4% of residents (3,587 people). This pattern is similar to regional levels, where 32.8% occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 79.7% of income remaining, ranking at the 47th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
West Melbourne features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region
In West Melbourne, as per the latest Census evaluation, dwelling structures comprised 1.2% houses and 98.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Melbourne metro's structure of 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in West Melbourne was at 12.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 21.1% and rented ones at 66.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,106, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $388, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, West Melbourne's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
West Melbourne features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size
Family households account for 47.7% of all households, including 11.2% that are couples with children, 30.6% composed of couples without children, and 4.0% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 52.3%, with lone person households making up 39.0% and group households comprising 13.3%. The median household size is 1.9 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
The educational profile of West Melbourne exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics
West Melbourne has a notably higher educational attainment compared to broader benchmarks. As of 2021, 62.6% of its residents aged 15 years and above hold university qualifications, surpassing the national average of 30.4% and the Victorian state average of 33.4%. This high level of educational attainment is predominantly composed of bachelor degrees (37.9%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (21.0%) and graduate diplomas (3.7%). Vocational pathways account for a significant portion as well, with advanced diplomas at 9.2% and certificates at 8.0%.
Educational participation in the area is notably high, with 35.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education programs. This includes 18.1% pursuing tertiary education, 3.4% primary education, and 3.1% secondary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
Transport servicing is high compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
West Melbourne has 50 active public transport stops serving a mix of train, light rail, and bus services. These stops are covered by 29 individual routes that facilitate 21,676 weekly passenger trips in total. The area's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents on average located just 111 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential zone, most commuting is outward-bound. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 34%, followed by walking at 22% and train at 19%. Vehicle ownership averages 0.3 per dwelling, lower than the regional average.
According to the 2021 Census, 43.6% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency across all routes averages 3,096 trips per day, equating to approximately 433 weekly trips per stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
West Melbourne's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups
West Melbourne shows excellent health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment.
Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are very low across all age groups. Private health cover is high at approximately 55%, covering about 5,574 people. The most common conditions are mental health issues (8.6%) and asthma (6.7%). Around 80.5% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Only 4.6% of residents are aged 65 and over (466 people), lower than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Senior health outcomes align with national rankings, mirroring those of the general population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
West Melbourne is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics
West Melbourne has a population where 48.5% speak a language other than English at home, with 56.3% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion, comprising 24.7%. Buddhism, at 5.7%, is overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne's 4.2%.
The top three ancestry groups are Chinese (17.4%), Other (16.8%), and English (15.3%). Notably, Korean (2.1%) and Spanish (0.8%) are also overrepresented.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
West Melbourne hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide
West Melbourne has a median age of 32 years, which is younger than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and significantly lower than the national average of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, West Melbourne has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (37.9%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (4.2%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is well above the national average of 14.4%. According to data from the 2021 Census, the percentage of residents aged 35-44 has increased from 17.2% to 19.3%, while the percentage of those aged 25-34 has decreased from 40.5% to 37.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests that West Melbourne's age profile will significantly change. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 40%, adding 1,526 residents to reach a total of 5,367.