Westmeadows

Westmeadows lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for Westmeadows and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, as of November 2025, the suburb's estimated population is around 6,727. This reflects an increase of 225 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,502. The change is inferred from the resident population of 6,695, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 63 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,389 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 83.0% 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, adjusting 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 projected demographic shifts, a significant population increase is forecast for Westmeadows, with an expected growth of 2,250 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 31.4% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Westmeadows, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Westmeadows has recorded approximately 23 residential properties granted approval annually over the past five financial years ending FY-25, totalling an estimated 119 homes. As of June 2026, six approvals have been recorded in Westmeadows. The population decline over recent years has maintained adequate housing supply relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice. New properties are constructed at an average value of $440,000, aligning with broader regional development trends.

In FY-26, there have been $6.7 million in commercial approvals, indicating limited commercial development focus compared to the Greater Melbourne region where Westmeadows records markedly lower building activity (72.0% below regional average per person). This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties, with activity also under the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. New development consists of 44.0% detached dwellings and 56.0% townhouses or apartments, indicating a trend towards denser development to provide accessible entry options appealing to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition (currently 77.0% houses), suggesting decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and demand for more diverse, affordable housing options. Westmeadows shows characteristics of a low density area with around 274 people per dwelling approval. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Westmeadows is expected to grow by 2,112 residents through to 2041. Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Looking ahead, Westmeadows is expected to grow by 2,112 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.

Westmeadows has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 25 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects include Gladstone Park Shopping Centre Refurbishment and Expansion, The Parks Gladstone Park, Greenvale to Attwood Shared Path Project, and 9 Tindale Court, Attwood. Below is a list of projects most relevant to the area.

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

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The labour market performance in Westmeadows lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Westmeadows has a skilled workforce with notable representation in the construction sector. The unemployment rate was 7.0% as of an unspecified past year, with estimated employment growth of 4.1%.

As of June 2025, 3,416 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate was 2.4% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation in Westmeadows lagged at 57.6%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Leading employment industries among residents included construction, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area had particular specialization in transport, postal & warehousing, with an employment share of 1.8 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services had limited presence at 5.6%, compared to the regional average of 10.1%. Over a 12-month period ending in June 2025, employment increased by 4.1% alongside labour force growth of 4.1%, keeping unemployment relatively stable. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment grow by 3.5%, labour force expand by 4.0%, and unemployment rise by 0.5 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in Sep-22, projected national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Westmeadows's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.8% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

Westmeadows's median income among taxpayers in financial year 2022 was $54,242. The average income stood at $64,056 during the same period. In comparison, Greater Melbourne's median and average incomes were $54,892 and $73,761 respectively. Based on a Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Westmeadows would be approximately $60,838 (median) and $71,845 (average) as of September 2025. According to Census 2021 income data, household, family, and personal incomes in Westmeadows rank modestly, between the 27th and 39th percentiles. Income analysis reveals that 34.3% of Westmeadows' population (2,307 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to the metropolitan region where 32.8% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Westmeadows, with only 83.9% of income remaining, ranking at the 39th percentile.

Westmeadows is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in Westmeadows, as per the latest Census, consisted of 76.9% houses and 23.1% other dwellings (including semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compared to Melbourne metro's 87.6% houses and 12.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Westmeadows was higher at 34.6%, with the rest being mortgaged (39.2%) or rented (26.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, below Melbourne metro's average of $1,834. The median weekly rent figure was $360, compared to Melbourne metro's $369. Nationally, Westmeadows' mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Westmeadows has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 72.2% of all households, including 29.6% couples with children, 25.6% couples without children, and 15.7% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 27.8%, with lone person households at 25.6% and group households comprising 2.1%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 3.2.

Educational attainment in Westmeadows aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is significantly lower than the Greater Melbourne average, at 19.5% compared to 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent among residents with higher education qualifications, at 13.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Vocational credentials are held by 35.7% of residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas making up 11.9% and certificates 23.8%. Educational participation is notably high, with 26.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 8.7% in primary education, 7.0% in secondary education, and 4.3% pursuing tertiary education. Westmeadows Primary School serves the local community within Westmeadows, with an enrollment of 458 students as of a recent report. The school focuses exclusively on primary education, with ICSEA score indicating typical Australian school conditions (999). Secondary educational options are available in surrounding areas. Local school capacity is limited, with only 6.8 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 17.5, leading many families to travel for schooling.

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

Transport analysis shows 38 active transport stops operating within Westmeadows. These stops serve a mix of buses. They are serviced by 9 individual routes, collectively providing 3532 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 273 meters from the nearest transport stop. Service frequency averages 504 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 92 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Westmeadows is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts

Westmeadows faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across various age groups but to a notably higher degree among older cohorts. Approximately 52% of Westmeadows' total population (~3,510 people) has private health cover, compared to Greater Melbourne's average of 49.1%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 8.9% and 8.0% of residents respectively. Conversely, 66.5% of residents reported being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 76.3% in Greater Melbourne. Westmeadows has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 19.7%, with 1,325 people falling into this age group, compared to 10.8% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than the broader population due to presenting challenges.

Westmeadows 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

Westmeadows had a higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 30.0% of its residents born overseas and 31.5% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Westmeadows, accounting for 55.0% of the population. Islam was present but lower than the Greater Melbourne average, comprising 11.9%.

In terms of ancestry, Australian was the top group at 19.5%, higher than the regional average of 13.7%. English ancestry followed closely at 19.2%, also higher than the regional average of 11.3%. Other ancestry made up 16.5%, notably lower than the regional average of 36.9%. Notable differences were seen in Italian (10.6% vs regional 6.8%), Maltese (2.5% vs 1.8%), and Lebanese (2.5% vs 4.2%) ethnic groups.

Westmeadows's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Westmeadows is 39, which is higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and close to the national average of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Westmeadows has a notably higher proportion of people aged 75-84 (7.4% locally) and a lower proportion of people aged 15-24 (11.3%). According to post-2021 Census data, the 75-84 age group grew from 6.0% to 7.4%, while the 65-74 cohort declined from 10.9% to 9.9%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Westmeadows. Notably, the 75-84 age group is expected to grow by 72%, adding 357 people and reaching a total of 855 from its current figure of 497. The 0-4 age group will experience more modest growth of 6%, with an increase of 26 residents.