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 Nov 2025, the estimated population of the Westmeadows statistical area (Lv2) is around 6,854. This reflects an increase of 352 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,502. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 6,820 in June 2024, based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS, and an additional 63 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,416 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed 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, adjusted 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 these projections, a significant population increase is forecast for the Westmeadows (SA2) by 2041. The area is expected to grow by 2,251 persons over this period, reflecting an increase of 29.0% in total population.

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 numbers shows Westmeadows recorded approximately 27 residential properties approved annually over the past five financial years ending June 2021, totalling an estimated 136 homes. As of July 2021, 15 approvals have been recorded in FY-26. The population has declined recently, yet 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 68.0% lower building activity per person. Recent construction comprises 43.0% standalone homes and 57.0% townhouses or apartments, a shift from the area's existing housing composition of 77.0% houses, suggesting decreasing developable sites and changing lifestyles. The location has approximately 387 people per dwelling approval, reflecting an established area with a population forecast to grow by 1,986 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 1,986 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 influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 26 projects likely to impact 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 those most relevant.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

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

Westmeadows has a skilled workforce with notable representation in the construction sector. Its unemployment rate was 7.3% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 1.1% over the past year.

The area had 3,306 residents employed while its unemployment rate was 2.6% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation in Westmeadows lagged at 57.6%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Dominant employment sectors among residents include construction, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area shows strong 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%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by the Census working population count versus resident population. During the year to September 2025, employment levels increased by 1.1% and labour force increased by 1.1%, keeping unemployment relatively stable at 7.3%. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with unemployment rising to 5.0%. State-level data from VIC up to 25-Nov shows employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project 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, although this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does 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 latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Westmeadows is $54,242, with an average income of $64,056. These figures compare to Greater Melbourne's median and average incomes of $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 shows 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 (2,350 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

The dwelling structure in Westmeadows, as per the latest Census, consisted of 76.9% houses and 23.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Melbourne metro had 87.6% houses and 12.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Westmeadows was at 34.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 39.2% and rented ones at 26.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,733, lower than Melbourne metro's $1,834. The median weekly rent figure was $360, compared to Melbourne metro's $369. Nationally, Westmeadows's 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 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 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.

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 9 different routes that together facilitate 2,134 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is deemed good, with residents on average being located 273 meters from their nearest transport stop.

On a daily basis, there are an average of 304 trips across all routes, which translates to approximately 56 weekly trips per individual bus 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 age groups, particularly amongst older cohorts. Approximately 52% of Westmeadows' total population (~3,576 people) has private health cover, compared to Greater Melbourne's average of 49.5%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 8.9% and 8.0% of residents respectively. Sixty-six point five percent of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 76.3% across Greater Melbourne. Nineteen point eight percent of Westmeadows' population is aged 65 and over (1,357 people), higher than the 10.8% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention 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 has 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 is the predominant religion in Westmeadows, accounting for 55.0% of its population. Islam, however, is overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne's average, making up 11.9% of Westmeadows' population.

In terms of ancestry, Australian is the top group at 19.5%, followed by English at 19.2%, and Other at 16.5%. Italian (10.6%), Maltese (2.5%), and Lebanese (2.5%) ethnic groups are notably overrepresented in Westmeadows compared to regional averages.

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

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 (7.5% locally) but fewer people aged 15-24 (11.3%). According to post-2021 Census data, the 75-84 age group grew from 6.0% to 7.5%, 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 group is projected to grow by 66%, adding 340 people and reaching a total of 855 from 514. The 0-4 age group is expected to grow at a more modest rate of 4%, with an increase of just 18 residents.