Airport West
Statistical Area - sa2

Population growth drivers in Airport West are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Airport West's population was around 8,689 as of August 2025. This reflected an increase of 516 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,173 people. The growth was inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 8,673 in June 2024 and an additional 120 validated new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a population density ratio of 2,335 persons per square kilometer, placing Airport West in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth rate of 6.3% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's growth rate of 4.0%, indicating it was a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 64.1% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary population growth for Airport West.

AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year for each SA2 area. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilized VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusting them employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group were applied across all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Based on projected demographic shifts, Airport West is expected to have a population increase just below the median of statistical areas across the nation by 2041. The area is projected to gain an additional 916 persons by 2041 based on the latest population numbers, recording a total growth of 10.1% 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, a total of 376 homes were approved, with an additional 18 approved so far in FY26. On average, over these five years, each new home has accommodated around 0.7 new residents per year.

This suggests that supply is meeting or exceeding demand, offering greater buyer choice and supporting potential population growth above projections. The average construction value of new properties is $425,000, aligning with regional trends. In FY26, commercial approvals totaling $10.6 million have been registered, indicating steady commercial investment activity in Airport West. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Airport West has recorded elevated construction levels, at 32.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. This maintains good buyer choice while supporting existing property values.

New building activity in Airport West shows a skew towards compact living, with 33.0% detached houses and 67.0% townhouses or apartments. This departure from the current housing pattern of 63.0% houses suggests diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. With around 133 people per dwelling approval, Airport West exhibits characteristics of a growth area. Looking ahead, it is expected that Airport West will grow by approximately 874 residents through to 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Airport West has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified thirteen projects potentially affecting this region. Notable initiatives include Hart Precinct, Textron Aviation Hangar 83, Essendon Fields, and Airport Toyota Expansion. The following details projects likely most relevant:.

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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 assessment positions Airport West ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Airport West has an educated workforce with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate was 3.2% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 4.1%.

As of June 2025, 5,001 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.1%, below Greater Melbourne's 4.6%. Workforce participation is at 64.1%, similar to Greater Melbourne. Employment is concentrated in construction (1.4 times the regional level), health care & social assistance, and education & training. Professional & technical services have lower representation, at 6.8% compared to Greater Melbourne's 10.1%.

The worker-to-resident ratio of 0.6 indicates above-average local employment opportunities. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 4.1%, while labour force grew by 4.4%, raising the unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. In Greater Melbourne, employment grew by 3.5%, labour force expanded by 4.0%, and unemployment rose by 0.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Airport West's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 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's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that income in Airport West is well above average nationally. The median assessed income was $61,285 and the average income stood at $74,643. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne's figures of a median income of $54,892 and an average income of $73,761. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $68,737 (median) and $83,720 (average) as of September 2025. The 2021 Census revealed that household, family and personal incomes in Airport West cluster around the 58th percentile nationally. The earnings profile shows that the predominant cohort spans 31.4% of locals (2,728 people) with incomes ranging from $1,500 to $2,999, reflecting patterns seen in the region where 32.8% similarly occupy this range. High housing costs consume 15.4% of income, however strong earnings still place disposable income at the 53rd 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 housing structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 62.6% houses and 37.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 75.8% houses and 24.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Airport West was at 39.0%, with the rest being mortgaged (32.4%) or rented (28.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,085, below Melbourne metro's average of $2,167. The median weekly rent figure 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 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 percent of all households, including 28.7 percent couples with children, 23.7 percent couples without children, and 11.9 percent single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 34.3 percent, with lone person households at 31.4 percent and group households making up 2.8 percent of the total. 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's residents aged 15 and above have lower university degree holders compared to Greater Melbourne, with 28.3% versus 37.0%. The most common qualification is bachelor degrees at 19.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.6%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 31.8% of residents holding them, specifically advanced diplomas (11.0%) and certificates (20.8%). A significant portion of the population is actively pursuing education, totaling 24.0%.

This includes 7.9% in primary, 5.7% in secondary, and 4.4% in tertiary education. Airport West has three schools with a combined enrollment of 1,025 students, serving distinct age groups, and demonstrating above-average socio-educational conditions (ICSEA: 1067). However, local school capacity is limited at 11.8 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 24.1, leading many families to travel outside Airport West for schooling.

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 both lightrail and bus services. There are 13 different routes operating in total, which together facilitate 7,769 weekly passenger trips.

The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically residing just 201 meters away from the nearest stop. On average, there are 1,109 daily trips across all routes, equating 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. The level of common health conditions among its general population is somewhat typical but higher than the national average among older cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 56% of the total population (~4,909 people), compared to 58.6% across Greater Melbourne. The most common medical conditions in the area 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. The area has 19.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1,663 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.

Airport West 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

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, accounting for 64.8% of people, compared to 66.4% across Greater Melbourne. The top three ancestry groups in Airport West are Australian (18.6%), English (17.8%), and Italian (17.8%).

Notably, Maltese (3.0%) are overrepresented compared to the regional average (2.8%), as are Croatian (1.4%, vs 2.0%) and Greek (4.3%, vs 5.0%).

Airport West's population is slightly older than the national pattern

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 7.1%, compared to Greater Melbourne's average. Conversely, the 15-24 age group is under-represented at 9.2%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 5-14 age group has increased from 10.0% to 11.3% of the population. Meanwhile, the 45-54 age cohort has decreased from 12.6% to 11.0%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Airport West. Notably, the 55-64 age group is projected to grow by 21%, reaching 1,197 people from 991. However, both the 25-34 and 0-4 age groups are expected to decrease in number.