Windsor (Vic.)

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

The population of Windsor (Vic.), based on ABS updates and AreaSearch validations, is estimated at around 7,617 as of February 2026. This reflects an increase of 344 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,273. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 7,589 residents following examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024 and validation of 66 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 7,185 persons per square kilometer, placing Windsor among the top 10% of locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 91.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch's projections for Windsor are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and VIC State Government Regional/LGA projections from 2023 adjusted to SA2 levels. Future trends project above median population growth nationwide, with Windsor expected to grow by 1,775 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 28.8% 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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Windsor has seen around 33 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years ending June 2021. This totals an estimated 166 homes. As of April 2026, 10 approvals have been recorded in this financial year. During this period, population has fallen slightly, but housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, maintaining a balanced market with good buyer choice.

The average expected construction cost value for new dwellings is $802,000, indicating developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY-26, there have been $231,000 in commercial approvals, suggesting minimal commercial development activity. Recent construction comprises 2.0% detached houses and 98.0% townhouses or apartments, favoring compact living which offers affordable entry pathways for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers.

Windsor has approximately 102 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low-density market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Windsor is projected to add 2,191 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 38 projects that may impact this region. Notable projects 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 likely to be 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.

AreaSearch analysis indicates Windsor maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Windsor's workforce is highly educated, with the technology sector notably represented. The unemployment rate was 4.9% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 4.2% over the past year, according to AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. In September 2025, 5,859 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%, which was 0.3% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate.

Workforce participation in Windsor was 86.1%, significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. Census responses indicated that 49.2% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. The dominant employment sectors were professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Windsor had a particularly high concentration in professional & technical jobs, with levels at 1.7 times the regional average, while manufacturing showed lower representation at 3.1% compared to the regional average of 7.2%.

The ratio of workers to residents was 0.6, indicating ample local employment opportunities. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 4.2%, and labour force grew by 4.9%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.6 percentage points in Windsor. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment rise by 3.0%, labour force grow by 3.3%, and unemployment increase by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Windsor's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.2% over five years and 14.4% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Windsor's median income among taxpayers is $67,065. The average income is $99,370. Nationally, this is exceptionally high. In Greater Melbourne, the median income is $57,688 and the average is $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Windsor's median income would be approximately $72,598 by September 2025, with an average of around $107,568. Census data shows individual earnings in Windsor are at the 94th percentile nationally ($1,278 weekly), but household income ranks lower at the 66th percentile. Income analysis reveals that 32.1% of individuals (2,445 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999 per week, reflecting regional patterns where 32.8% fall into this range. Economic strength is evident with 31.0% of households earning over $3,000 weekly, supporting elevated consumer spending. High housing costs consume 17.8% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 64th percentile. 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 contrast, Melbourne metro had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Windsor was at 17.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 23.3% and rented ones at 59.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,145, exceeding Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent was $411, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Windsor's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents exceeded 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%. 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% have university qualifications, compared to the Australian average of 30.4% and Victoria's 33.4%. The majority of these are bachelor degrees (38.5%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (13.2%) and graduate diplomas (3.9%). Vocational pathways account for 22.2%, with advanced diplomas at 11.1% and certificates also at 11.1%.

Currently, 24.9% of the population is actively engaged in formal education. This includes 11.7% in tertiary education, 3.3% in primary education, and 3.1% pursuing 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, serving a mix of lightrail and buses. These stops are served by 8 routes, facilitating 7,571 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 143 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward using various modes: car (54%), train (15%), and walking (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 across all routes averages 1,081 trips per day, 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

Health data shows positive outcomes for Windsor residents. Mortality rates and health conditions are largely in line with national benchmarks. Common health conditions have low prevalence across both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 66% of the total population, compared to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues (10.8%) and asthma (8.4%), while 71.1% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Under-65 population has better than average health outcomes. The area has 14.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1,073 people). Health outcomes among seniors are above average, broadly in line with national rankings for the general population.

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 found in the census conducted on Tuesday 9 June 2016, showed a higher level of cultural diversity compared to most other local areas. Specifically, 22.9% of Windsor residents spoke a language other than English at home, and 34.9% were born overseas. Christianity was identified as the predominant religion in Windsor, with 31.5% of people adhering to it.

However, Judaism was notably more prevalent in Windsor compared to Greater Melbourne, making up 2.7% of the population versus a regional average of 1.0%. When considering ancestry based on parents' country of birth, the top three groups were English (24.8%), Australian (17.4%), and Other (11.7%). Notable differences in ethnic group representation included Polish at 1.5% (versus 0.8% regionally), Russian at 0.8% (versus 0.4%), and Greek at 4.9% (versus 2.7%).

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

Windsor's median age is 33, which is younger than Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and Australia's national median age of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Windsor has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 years (35.4%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 years (3.2%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national figure of 14.4%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the proportion of residents aged 25 to 34 has increased from 34.0% to 35.4%, while the proportion of those aged 45 to 54 has decreased from 10.4% to 9.0%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes in Windsor. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 23%, adding 625 residents to reach a total of 3,322. Meanwhile, the 15-24 age group is projected to grow by a modest 5% (an increase of 37 people).