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 is approximately 8,803 as of May 2026. This figure indicates a growth of 630 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 8,173. The increase is derived from an estimated resident population of 8,783 in June 2025 and 172 new addresses validated after the Census date. This results in a population density of 2,366 persons per square kilometer, placing Airport West in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch's assessments. The area's 7.7% growth since the 2021 census outpaces the SA3 area's 4.9%, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 53.9% of overall population gains, although all factors including natural growth and interstate migration were positive contributors.

AreaSearch uses 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 employs the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Airport West is projected to increase by just below the median of national areas, with an expected growth of 860 persons, reflecting a total increase of 9.5% over the 16-year period based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

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

Airport West has approved approximately 75 residential properties annually. Between Financial Year 21 (FY-21) and FY-25, a total of 376 homes were approved, with an additional 87 approved in FY-26 so far. The average annual population increase due to new dwellings over these years was 0.7 people per dwelling.

This suggests that supply is meeting or exceeding demand, offering greater buyer choice while supporting potential population growth above projections. New properties are constructed at an average cost of $357,000. In FY-26, commercial approvals totaling $10.6 million have been registered, indicating steady commercial investment activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Airport West shows moderately higher development activity, with a 31.0% increase per person over the past five years. This balance supports buyer choice while maintaining current property values.

New developments consist of 33.0% detached dwellings and 67.0% attached dwellings, reflecting a shift towards higher-density living to create more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a significant change from the current housing mix, which is predominantly houses (63.0%). Airport West reflects a developing area with approximately 133 people per approval. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Airport West is expected to grow by 840 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering favorable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Airport West has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 49thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified twelve projects that may impact this region. Notable projects include Hart Precinct, Textron Aviation Hangar 83, Essendon Fields, and Airport Toyota Expansion. The following details projects expected to have the greatest relevance.

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

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Employment conditions in Airport West demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Airport West has an educated workforce with diverse industry representation. As of December 2025, its unemployment rate was 2.7%. Over the past year, it maintained relative employment stability.

In December 2025, 4,897 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.1% lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.8%. Workforce participation was similar to Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. According to Census responses, 30.9% of residents worked from home. Key industries for employment include construction, health care & social assistance, and education & training.

Construction is particularly prominent, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level. Professional & technical services employed only 6.8% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. The ratio of 0.6 workers per resident indicates above-average local employment opportunities. Between December 2024 and December 2025, Airport West's labour force decreased by 0.8%, while employment declined by 0.3%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment rise by 2.4% and the labour force grow by 2.8%, with a 0.3 percentage point increase in unemployment. 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 Airport West's industry mix suggests local employment could increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023 shows Airport West SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $64,747 and an average level of $77,391. These figures are high nationally compared to Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $70,976 (median) and $84,836 (average). Census data indicates household, family, and personal incomes in Airport West are around the 57th percentile nationally. Income distribution shows that 31.4% of locals (2,764 people) fall into the $1,500 - $2,999 category, similar to the broader area where this cohort also 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 above-average rates of outright home ownership

Airport West's dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 62.6% houses and 37.4% other types (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Melbourne metro had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Airport West was at 39.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.4% and rented ones at 28.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,085, exceeding Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent in Airport West was $401, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Airport West's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents exceeded 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 at 31.4% and group households comprising 2.8%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne 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 lower university degree holders among residents aged 15 and above at 28.3%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 19.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.6%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Vocational credentials are held by 31.8% of residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 11.0% and certificates at 20.8%. A significant 24.0% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, including 7.9% in primary, 5.7% in secondary, and 4.4% in tertiary education.

A substantial 24.0% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 7.9% in primary education, 5.7% in secondary education, and 4.4% pursuing 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, offering a mix of light rail and bus services. These stops are served by 13 different routes, collectively providing 8,212 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 201 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature, with car being the dominant mode at 88%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 30.9% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 1,173 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 144 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Airport West is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Airport West shows superior health outcomes according to AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

The prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population but higher than the national average for older, at-risk cohorts. Approximately 58% (~5,105 people) of the population has private health cover, which is very high. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 8.0% of residents) and asthma (7.5%), while 69.5% report no medical ailments compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes for those under 65 are better than average. The area has 19.0% of residents aged 65 and over (1,674 people), higher than the 15.0% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally 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, surveyed in 2016, had a population where 25.9% were born overseas and 26.9% spoke a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, with 64.8%, compared to 43.0% across Greater Melbourne (2011 Census). The top three ancestry groups were Australian (18.6%), English (17.8%), and Italian (17.8%), significantly higher than the regional average of 5.2%.

Notably, Maltese (3.0%) was overrepresented compared to the region's 1.1%, Croatian (1.4%) outnumbered the regional average of 0.7%, and Greek (4.3%) also exceeded its regional representation of 2.7%.

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. The 75-84 age cohort is over-represented in Airport West at 7.0%, compared to the Greater Melbourne average, while the 15-24 age group is under-represented at 9.4%. According to data from the 2021 Census, the 5-14 age group has grown from 10.0% to 11.2% of the population. Conversely, the 45-54 age cohort has declined from 12.6% to 11.2%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Airport West. The 55-64 age group is expected to grow by 20%, increasing from 1,002 people to 1,205. However, both the 25-34 and 0-4 age groups are projected to decrease in number.