Windsor (Vic.)

An assessment of population growth drivers in Windsor reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As of Feb 2026, the population of the suburb of Windsor (Vic.) is estimated at around 7,617. This reflects an increase of 344 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,273 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 7,589 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 66 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 7,185 persons per square kilometer, placing Windsor (Vic.) in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 91.0% 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, and for areas not covered, utilising the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Anticipating future population dynamics, AreaSearch expects the suburb of Windsor (Vic.) to grow by 12 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a decrease of 0.2% in total over the 17 years.

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

Windsor recorded approximately 33 residential properties granted approval annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Around 169 homes were approved over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, with an additional 10 approved in FY-26 so far. Despite population decline, development activity has been adequate relative to other areas.

New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $802,000, indicating a focus on the premium market. In FY-26, there have been $231,000 in commercial approvals, suggesting minimal commercial development activity. New development consists of 2.0% detached dwellings and 98.0% attached dwellings, offering affordable entry pathways for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers.

Windsor reflects a low density area with around 100 people per approval. Stable or declining population forecasts may lead to less housing pressure in the future, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Windsor has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 38 projects likely impacting the region. Notable initiatives include Essex Street Public Housing Redevelopment, Prahran Market Restoration, Chapel Street Precinct Improvement Plan, and Prahran Town Hall Cultural Hub. The following list details 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 performance in Windsor has been broadly consistent with national averages

Windsor's workforce is highly educated with significant representation in the technology sector. The unemployment rate was 5.0% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 3.9%. As of December 2025, there were 5,912 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 5.0%, which is 0.2% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

Workforce participation in Windsor was 87.2%, well above Greater Melbourne's 71.3%. According to Census responses, 49.2% of residents worked from home. Employment is concentrated in professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and retail trade sectors. Windsor has a particular specialization in professional & technical employment with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level.

Manufacturing's presence is limited at 3.1%, compared to the regional average of 7.2%. The worker-to-resident ratio was 0.6 as per the Census, indicating above-normal local employment opportunities. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 3.9% while labour force grew by 4.6%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 0.6 percentage points. In Greater Melbourne, employment grew by 2.4%, labour force expanded by 2.8%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Windsor's employment should increase by 7.2% over five years and 14.4% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation of industry-specific projections against the local employment profile.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

Windsor suburb has a median taxpayer income of $67,065 and an average income of $99,370 based on the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This places it in the top percentile nationally compared to Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $72,598 (median) and $107,568 (average), accounting for an 8.25% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. According to Census 2021 income data, individual earnings rank at the 94th percentile nationally ($1,278 weekly), while household income ranks at the 66th percentile. Income distribution shows that 32.1% of Windsor's population (2,445 individuals) falls within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, which is consistent with broader trends across regional levels showing 32.8% in the same category. The suburb has a substantial proportion of high earners, with 31.0% earning above $3,000 per week, indicating strong economic capacity throughout the district. Housing costs consume 17.8% of income, but despite this, disposable income ranks at the 64th percentile nationally, and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Windsor features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Windsor's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 12.6% houses and 87.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Melbourne metro had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Windsor was 17.2%, with the rest being mortgaged (23.3%) or rented (59.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,145, higher than Melbourne metro's $2,000. The median weekly rent was $411, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Windsor's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,145 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were higher at $411 compared to the national figure of $375.

Windsor features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 43.1% of all households, including 10.4% couples with children, 26.4% couples without children, and 4.6% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 56.9%, with lone person households at 44.8% and group households comprising 12.2% of the total. The median household size is 1.8 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Windsor shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Windsor's educational attainment is notably higher than national averages. Among residents aged 15 and above, 55.6% hold university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and Victoria's 33.4%. This high level of educational attainment positions Windsor favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 38.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (13.2%) and graduate diplomas (3.9%).

Vocational pathways account for 22.2% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 11.1% and certificates also at 11.1%. A significant portion of the population, 24.9%, is actively pursuing formal education. This includes 11.7% in tertiary education, 3.3% in primary education, and 3.1% in secondary education.

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

Windsor has 25 active public transport stops, offering a mix of lightrail and bus services. These stops are served by 8 different routes, collectively facilitating 7,571 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 143 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Windsor's residential nature. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 54%, followed by train at 15% and walking at 13%. Vehicle ownership averages 0.5 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 49.2% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 1,081 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 302 weekly trips per stop.

Windsor's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Windsor's health data shows positive outcomes, aligning with national benchmarks. Common health conditions are low across all age groups. Private health cover is high at 66%, compared to Melbourne's 56.7% and Australia's 55.7%.

Mental health issues (10.8%) and asthma (8.4%) are the most prevalent conditions, with 71.1% of residents reporting no medical ailments, slightly lower than Melbourne's 72.6%. Under-65s have better health outcomes. Windsor has a higher proportion of seniors at 16.3%, compared to Melbourne's 15.1%. Senior health outcomes are above average, matching national rankings.

Windsor 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

Windsor's population, as per the 2016 Census, had a higher proportion speaking languages other than English at home, with 22.9%, compared to most local markets. Overseas-born residents comprised 34.9%. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 31.5%.

Judaism was overrepresented in Windsor at 2.7% compared to Greater Melbourne's 1.0%. The top three ancestry groups were English (24.8%), Australian (17.4%), and Other (11.7%). Notable differences existed in the representation of Polish (Windsor: 1.5%, regional: 0.8%), Russian (Windsor: 0.8%, regional: 0.4%), and Greek (Windsor: 4.9%, regional: 2.7%) ethnic groups.

Windsor hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

Windsor's median age is 34 years, which is lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Windsor has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (34.6%), but fewer residents aged 5-14 (3.6%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.4%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the population of those aged 65 to 74 has increased from 6.0% to 7.5%, while the percentage of those aged 55 to 64 has decreased from 8.2% to 6.1%, and the percentage of those aged 35 to 44 has dropped from 16.4% to 15.0%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes for Windsor, with the 85+ cohort projected to grow by 71%, adding 183 residents to reach a total of 442. Conversely, population declines are projected for those aged 55-64 and 15-24 years.