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

Westmeadows' population is estimated at 6,854 as of Feb 2026, reflecting an increase of 352 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a growth rate of 5.4%. The current resident population stands at 6,820, with 63 new addresses validated since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,416 persons per square kilometer. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 83.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in Jun 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, it utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using a method of weighted aggregation to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on these projections, Westmeadows is forecasted to experience significant population growth, with an increase of 2,267 persons expected by 2041. This reflects a total increase of 32.6% over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval data for Westmeadows shows approximately 27 residential properties granted approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 136 homes. In FY-2026 so far, 16 approvals have been recorded. The population has declined in recent years, yet housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, creating a balanced market with good buyer choice. New properties are constructed at an average value of $440,000, higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development.

Commercial approvals this financial year totalled $4.6 million, indicating limited commercial development focus. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Westmeadows has markedly lower building activity, 68.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. Recent construction comprises 45.0% standalone homes and 55.0% townhouses or apartments, offering affordable entry pathways and attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This shift reflects decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles requiring more diverse housing options. The area has approximately 387 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established location.

Population forecasts estimate Westmeadows will gain 2,233 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

AreaSearch has identified a total of 26 projects that could impact the area, with key ones being the Gladstone Park Shopping Centre Refurbishment and Expansion, The Parks Gladstone Park, Greenvale to Attwood Shared Path Project, and 9 Tindale Court, Attwood. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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

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Employment performance in Westmeadows has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Westmeadows has a skilled workforce with notable representation in the construction sector. The unemployment rate was 6.0% as of December 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 0.5% over the past year. This figure is based on AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

In Westmeadows, 3,326 residents were employed in December 2025, while the unemployment rate was 1.2% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%. The workforce participation rate lagged behind Greater Melbourne at 61.7%. According to Census responses, 22.5% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Dominant employment sectors include construction, health care & social assistance, and education & training.

Westmeadows shows strong specialization in transport, postal & warehousing with an employment share 1.8 times the regional level. However, professional & technical services have limited presence at 5.6% compared to the regional rate of 10.1%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparing working population and resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 0.5%, while labour force decreased by 1.0%, leading to a 1.4 percentage point decrease in unemployment rate. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment growth of 2.4% and labour force growth of 2.8%, with a slight increase in unemployment at 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest future demand within Westmeadows could follow these patterns: national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Westmeadows' employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.8% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not account for localized population projections.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

The suburb of Westmeadows has an income level below the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Westmeadows is $54,242 and the average income stands at $64,056. These figures compare to those for Greater Melbourne of $57,688 (median) and $75,164 (average). Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $58,717 (median) and $69,341 (average). Census data shows household, family and personal incomes in Westmeadows rank modestly, between the 27th and 39th percentiles. Income brackets indicate that 34.3% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually, consistent with broader metropolitan trends showing 32.8% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.9% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 39th percentile.

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

Westmeadows' dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 76.9% houses and 23.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). In contrast, Melbourne metro had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Westmeadows stood at 34.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 39.2% and rented ones at 26.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, lower than Melbourne metro's $2,000. Median weekly rent in Westmeadows was $360, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Westmeadows' mortgage repayments were below 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 account for 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 constitute 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 2.6.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 19.5%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 35.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.9%) and certificates (23.8%). Educational participation is high, with 26.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 8.7% in primary, 7.0% in secondary, and 4.3% in tertiary education.

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.

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

Westmeadows has 38 active public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by nine different routes that together facilitate 2,134 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is considered good, with residents' average proximity to the nearest stop being 273 meters. As a predominantly residential zone, most inhabitants commute outward. Car remains the primary mode of transportation at 90%, while train usage stands at 5%. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 22.5% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 304 trips daily, translating to roughly 56 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 based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across all age groups but more so among older cohorts.

Private health cover is at approximately 52% of the total population (~3,576 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (8.9%) and mental health issues (8.0%). Around 66.5% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among the working-age population are typical. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 20.6%, compared to 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, ranking lower nationally than the broader population.

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 compared to most local areas, with 30.0% of its population born overseas and 31.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Westmeadows, making up 55.0% of its population. Notably, Islam was overrepresented, comprising 11.9%, compared to Greater Melbourne's average of 5.6%.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (19.5%), English (19.2%), and Other (16.5%). Significant differences existed in the representation of certain ethnicities: Italian at 10.6% (regional average 5.2%), Maltese at 2.5% (1.1%), and Lebanese at 2.5% (0.8%).

Westmeadows's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Westmeadows is 39 years, which is higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and close to the national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, the 75-84 age group is over-represented in Westmeadows at 8.0%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 14.5%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 75-84 age group has increased from 6.0% to 8.0% of Westmeadows' population, and the 25-34 age group has decreased from 15.6% to 14.5%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Westmeadows, with the 45-54 age group expected to grow by 45%, reaching 1,106 people from 760.