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

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Westmeadows is around 6,871, reflecting an increase of 369 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a growth rate of approximately 5.7%. The population estimate was derived from AreaSearch's analysis of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 61 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,419 persons per square kilometer, which is higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The primary driver for this population growth was overseas migration, contributing approximately 83.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch's projections for Westmeadows' population are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the 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 from these aggregations are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on these projections, the suburb of Westmeadows is forecasted to experience significant population growth, with an increase of 2,244 persons expected by 2041. This represents a total increase of approximately 32.7% over the 16-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Westmeadows recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Westmeadows recorded around 27 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 136 homes. As of FY-26, 24 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25 gained 2.4 new residents per year. The average construction cost value for new homes is $440,000.

This financial year has seen $4.6 million in commercial approvals, indicating limited commercial development focus compared to Greater Melbourne, where Westmeadows records markedly lower building activity (67.0% below regional average per person). Recent construction comprises 45.0% standalone homes and 55.0% townhouses or apartments, reflecting a shift from the area's existing housing composition of 77.0% houses. The location has approximately 398 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established area with population forecasts expecting Westmeadows to gain 2,244 residents through to 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Population forecasts indicate Westmeadows will gain 2,244 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

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

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 6.1% as of December 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.5%.

As of December 2025, 3471 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.3% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%. Workforce participation in Westmeadows was 64.3%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. According to Census responses, 22.5% of residents worked from home. Dominant employment sectors include construction, health care & social assistance, and education & training.

The area 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 10.1%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 1.5%, while labour force decreased by 0.1%, causing a fall in unemployment rate of 1.5 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 2.4% with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Westmeadows. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Westmeadows' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.8% over ten years.

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. The median income among taxpayers in Westmeadows is $54,242, while the average income stands at $64,056. In comparison, Greater Melbourne's figures are $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. Based on a 9.62% growth since financial year 2023, as indicated by the Wage Price Index, current estimates for Westmeadows would be approximately $59,460 (median) and $70,218 (average) as of March 2026. Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Westmeadows rank modestly, between the 27th and 39th percentiles. Income brackets indicate that 34.3% of the community earns between $1,500 and $2,999 (2,356 individuals), which is 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, ranking at the 39th percentile.

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

In Westmeadows, as per the latest Census evaluation, 76.9% of dwellings were houses while 23.1% comprised semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This differs from Melbourne metro's figures of 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Westmeadows stood at 34.6%, with mortgaged properties at 39.2% and rented dwellings at 26.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, below Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Westmeadows was $360 compared to Melbourne metro's $390. 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 comprise the remaining 27.8%, with lone person households at 25.6% and group households at 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 at 26.9%, with 8.7% in primary education, 7.0% in secondary education, and 4.3% pursuing 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 bus services. There are nine routes operating, collectively providing 2,134 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 273 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily. Car remains the dominant mode of travel at 90%, while train use stands at 5%. Average vehicle ownership is 1.4 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 22.5% of residents work from home, potentially due to COVID-19 conditions. 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 analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across all age groups but more so among older cohorts.

The area has approximately 52% private health cover, slightly higher than the average SA2 area but lower than Greater Melbourne's 56.7%. 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 working-age residents are typical. However, the area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 20.4%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 15.0%. 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, surveyed in 2016, 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, comprising 55.0% of Westmeadows' population in 2016. However, Islam was notably overrepresented, making up 11.9%, compared to Greater Melbourne's average of 5.6%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were Australian (19.5%), English (19.2%), and Other (16.5%). Italian, Maltese, and Lebanese ethnicities were also significantly higher in Westmeadows than regionally: Italian at 10.6% vs 5.2%, Maltese at 2.5% vs 1.1%, and Lebanese at 2.5% vs 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, Westmeadows has a notably higher proportion of individuals aged 75-84 (7.9% locally) but a lower proportion of those aged 25-34 (14.6%). According to post-2021 Census data, the percentage of individuals aged 75-84 has increased from 6.0% to 7.9%, while the percentage of those aged 25-34 has decreased from 15.6% to 14.6%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Westmeadows. Notably, the 45-54 age group is expected to grow by 45%, increasing from 748 people to 1,089.