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

The population of Westmeadows is estimated at approximately 6,854 as of February 2026. This figure represents an increase of 352 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,502. The current resident population is estimated to be around 6,820, based on AreaSearch's analysis of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 63 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density of 1,416 persons per square kilometer, which is higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The primary driver for this growth was 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 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch employs the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusting them 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. Based on these projections, Westmeadows is forecasted to experience significant population growth, with an increase of 2,244 persons expected by the year 2041. This projected increase reflects a total rise of approximately 29.0% 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

Westmeadows recorded approximately 27 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years ending June 2021. This totals an estimated 136 homes. In the financial year 2025-26, 15 approvals have been recorded as of now. The population has declined in recent years, but housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, maintaining 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. This financial year, there have been $4.6 million in commercial approvals, indicating limited commercial development focus compared to Greater Melbourne, where Westmeadows records markedly lower building activity (68.0% below the regional average per person). Recent construction comprises 43.0% standalone homes and 57.0% townhouses or apartments, a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition of 77.0% houses. This change reflects decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles requiring more diverse, affordable housing options. The location has approximately 387 people per dwelling approval, reflecting an established area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Westmeadows is forecasted to gain 1,985 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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 26 projects likely affecting the area. Major initiatives include Gladstone Park Shopping Centre Refurbishment and Expansion, The Parks Gladstone Park, Greenvale to Attwood Shared Path Project, and 9 Tindale Court, Attwood. Relevant projects are detailed below.

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

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Employment drivers in Westmeadows are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Westmeadows has a skilled workforce with the construction sector being particularly prominent. The unemployment rate was 7.2% in September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 1.3% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation. As of that date, 3,320 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 2.6% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%.

Workforce participation in Westmeadows lagged significantly at 62.9%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. Census responses indicated that a moderate 22.5% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The dominant employment sectors among residents were construction, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Westmeadows showed strong specialization in transport, postal & warehousing with an employment share of 1.8 times the regional level.

Meanwhile, professional & technical had limited presence at 5.6%, compared to the regional level of 10.1%. The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 1.3% and labour force increased by 1.2%, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.0%, labour force growth of 3.3%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 could offer further insight into potential future demand within Westmeadows. These projections estimated national employment expansion at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates varied significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Westmeadows's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.8% over ten years, though it was noted that this was a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and did not take into account localised 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 Australian Taxation Office data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. In Westmeadows, the median income among taxpayers is $54,242, and the average income stands at $64,056. These figures compare to those of Greater Melbourne, which are $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Westmeadows would be approximately $58,717 (median) and $69,341 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals that household, family, and personal incomes in Westmeadows all rank modestly, between the 27th and 39th percentiles. Income brackets indicate that the $1,500 - $2,999 earnings band captures 34.3% of the community (2,350 individuals), consistent with broader trends across the metropolitan region showing 32.8% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Westmeadows, 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

Dwelling structure in Westmeadows, as evaluated at the latest Census, consisted of 76.9% houses and 23.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Westmeadows was at 34.6%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (39.2%) or rented (26.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,733, below Melbourne metro's average of $2,000, and weekly rent was $360 compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Westmeadows's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 couples with children (29.6%), couples without children (25.6%), and single parent families (15.7%). Non-family households make up 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 - advanced diplomas at 11.9% and certificates at 23.8%. Educational participation is high, with 26.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 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 of which are bus stops. These stops are served by nine different routes that together facilitate 2,134 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically living 273 meters from the nearest stop. In this primarily residential area, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the dominant mode of transportation at 90%, while trains account for just 5%. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 22.5% of residents work from home, a figure which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 304 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 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 as assessed by AreaSearch's mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat 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), slightly higher than the average SA2 area and lower than Greater Melbourne's 56.7%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (8.9%) and mental health issues (8.0%). 66.5% 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. Westmeadows has a higher proportion of seniors, with 20.3% aged 65 and over (1,391 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank 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 than most local markets, 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, comprising 55.0% of the population. However, Islam was significantly overrepresented, making up 11.9%, compared to the Greater Melbourne average of 5.6%.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (19.5%), English (19.2%), and Other (16.5%). Notably, Italian (10.6% vs regional 5.2%), Maltese (2.5% vs 1.1%), and Lebanese (2.5% vs 0.8%) ethnic groups were overrepresented in Westmeadows.

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

The median age in Westmeadows is 39 years, which is slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and close to the national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Westmeadows has a notably higher proportion of people aged 75-84 (7.9% locally), while those aged 25-34 are under-represented (14.5%). According to post-2021 Census data, the 75-84 age group has increased from 6.0% to 7.9%, and the 25-34 cohort has decreased from 15.6% to 14.5%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Westmeadows. The 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 59%, adding 317 people and reaching a total of 859 from the current 541. The 0-4 age group is expected to grow by 9%, with an increase of 35 residents.