Airport West

Population growth drivers in Airport West are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Airport West's population was approximately 8,780 as of November 2025. This figure reflects an increase of 607 people, representing a 7.4% rise since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 8,173. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 8,675 in June 2024 and an additional 159 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,360 persons per square kilometer, placing Airport West in the upper quartile compared to other locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's 7.4% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's 4.5%, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 64.1% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary population growth.

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, employing weighted aggregation methods to adjust population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on projected demographic shifts, Airport West is expected to increase by just below the median of statistical areas nationally, with an anticipated gain of 916 persons by 2041, reflecting an 8.9% total population increase over the 17-year period.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Airport West when compared nationally

Airport West has seen approximately 75 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 376 homes were approved, with an additional 28 approved so far in FY26. On average, over these five years, each new home has resulted in about 0.7 new residents per year.

This suggests that supply is either meeting or exceeding demand, offering greater buyer choice while supporting potential population growth beyond projections. The average construction value of these new properties was approximately $357,000. In FY26 alone, Airport West has seen around $10.6 million in commercial approvals registered, indicating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Airport West shows moderately higher new home approvals, with a 32.0% increase per person over the five-year period. This balance supports both buyer choice and current property values.

In terms of building activity, approximately 33.0% of new homes are detached houses, while around 67.0% are medium to high-density housing. This shift towards higher-density living creates more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. It also reflects the decreasing availability of developable sites in the area and changing lifestyles that require more diverse and affordable housing options. Airport West currently has around 133 people per approval, indicating a developing area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Airport West is expected to grow by approximately 783 residents by 2041. Given current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand in the foreseeable future, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

Airport West has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified thirteen projects expected to influence the region. Notable initiatives are Hart Precinct, Textron Aviation Hangar 83, Essendon Fields, and Airport Toyota Expansion. The following details projects considered most relevant.

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Employment performance in Airport West exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Airport West has an educated workforce with diverse sector representation and a low unemployment rate of 3.2%. In the past year, there was estimated employment growth of 1.4%.

As of September 2025, 4,931 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.4% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%, and workforce participation on par with Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include construction, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Construction shows strong specialization with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level. Conversely, professional & technical services have lower representation at 6.8% compared to the regional average of 10.1%.

The ratio of 0.6 workers per resident indicates a higher level of local employment opportunities than usual. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 1.4%, labour force grew by 1.6%, leading to an unemployment rise of 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment rise by 3.0%, labour force grow by 3.3%, and unemployment increase by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data from November 25 shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Airport West's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch aggregated latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022. Airport West SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $61,285 and an average level of $74,643. These figures are above national averages of $54,892 and $73,761 respectively in Greater Melbourne. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $68,737 (median) and $83,720 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Airport West cluster around the 57th percentile nationally. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 31.4% of residents (2,756 people), similar to the surrounding region where this cohort represents 32.8%. High housing costs consume 15.4% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 52nd percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Airport West displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Airport West's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census data, consisted of 62.6% houses and 37.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This differed from Melbourne metro's structure, which was 75.8% houses and 24.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Airport West stood at 39.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.4% and rented ones at 28.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,085, lower than Melbourne metro's average of $2,167. The median weekly rent figure for Airport West was $401, compared to Melbourne metro's $410. Nationally, Airport West's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,085 versus the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were also higher at $401 compared to the national figure of $375.

Airport West features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 65.7% of all households, including 28.7% couples with children, 23.7% couples without children, and 11.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 34.3%, with lone person households making up 31.4% and group households comprising 2.8%. The median household size is 2.3 people, smaller than Greater Melbourne's average of 2.6.

The educational profile of Airport West exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Airport West has a lower percentage of residents aged 15 and above with university degrees compared to Greater Melbourne, at 28.3% versus 37.0%. The most common qualification is the bachelor degree, held by 19.7% of residents in this age group. Postgraduate qualifications are held by 5.6%, and graduate diplomas by 3.0%. Vocational credentials are prominent, with 31.8% of residents aged 15 and above holding them.

Advanced diplomas account for 11.0%, while certificates make up 20.8%. A significant portion of the population is actively engaged in education, with 24.0% pursuing formal education. This includes 7.9% in primary education, 5.7% in secondary education, and 4.4% in tertiary education.

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

Airport West has 57 active public transport stops. These include lightrail and bus services. There are 13 routes in total, serving 7,769 weekly passenger trips.

The average distance to the nearest stop for residents is 201 meters. On average, there are 1,109 daily trips across all routes, which amounts to around 136 weekly trips per individual stop.

Airport West's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Airport West's health metrics are close to national benchmarks. Common health conditions among its general population are somewhat typical but higher than the national average among older cohorts.

Private health cover is very high at approximately 56% of the total population (~4,960 people), compared to 58.6% across Greater Melbourne. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, impacting 8.0 and 7.5% of residents respectively. 69.5% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.1% across Greater Melbourne. As of 2021, the area has 19.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1,681 people), which is lower than the 21.9% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges requiring more attention than the broader population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Airport West was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Airport West has a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 25.9% of its population born overseas and 26.9% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Airport West, making up 64.8% of its population, compared to 66.4% across Greater Melbourne. The top three ancestral groups are Australian (18.6%), English (17.8%), and Italian (17.8%).

Notably, Maltese (3.0%) is overrepresented in Airport West compared to the regional average of 2.8%. Similarly, Croatian (1.4%) and Greek (4.3%) groups are also overrepresented compared to their respective regional averages of 2.0% and 5.0%.

Airport West's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Airport West 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, the cohort aged 75-84 is over-represented in Airport West at 7.1%, while those aged 15-24 are under-represented at 9.2%. According to post-2021 Census data, the age group of 5 to 14 has grown from 10.0% to 11.3% of the population, while the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 12.6% to 11.0%. By 2041, forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Airport West, with the 55 to 64 age group expected to grow by 19%, adding 195 people and reaching a total of 1,197 from the current 1,001. Conversely, both the 0 to 4 and 25 to 34 age groups are projected to decrease in number.