Airport West

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Airport West's population is around 9,133 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 960 people (11.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,173 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 8,647 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 161 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 2,455 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Airport West's 11.7% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (7.3%) and the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 64.1% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking at population projections moving forward, a population increase just below the median of national areas is expected, with the area expected to grow by 916 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 4.7% in total over the 17 years.

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

Airport West has recorded around 75 residential properties granted approval annually, with 376 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 58 so far in FY-26. With an average of only 0.7 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply is meeting or surpassing demand, providing greater buyer choice and supporting potential for population growth above projections, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $357,000. Additionally, $10.6 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating steady commercial investment activity.

When measured against Greater Melbourne, Airport West shows moderately higher development activity (32.0% above regional average per person over the 5 year period), balancing buyer choice with support for current property values. New development consists of 33.0% detached dwellings and 67.0% attached dwellings. This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points and suits downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a considerable change from the current housing mix (currently 63.0% houses), reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. At around 133 people per approval, Airport West reflects a developing area.

Looking ahead, Airport West is expected to grow by 430 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Airport West has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 48thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 13 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Hart Precinct, Textron Aviation Hangar 83, Essendon Fields, and Airport Toyota Expansion, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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

Airport West features a well-educated workforce with diverse sector representation, an unemployment rate of just 2.7%, and relative employment stability over the past year. As of December 2025, 4,897 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 2.1% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%. Based on Census responses, a high 30.9% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are construction, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area has a particular employment specialization in construction, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level. In contrast, professional & technical services employ just 6.8% of local workers, which is below Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. The ratio of 0.6 workers for each resident, as at the Census, indicates a level of local employment opportunities above the norm.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, the labour force decreased by 0.8% while employment declined by 0.3%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.5 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne, where employment rose by 2.4%, the labour force grew by 2.8%, and unemployment rose 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Airport West. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Airport West's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.1% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Airport West SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $64,747 with the average level standing at $77,391. This is very high nationally and compares to levels of $57,688 and $75,164 across Greater Melbourne respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $70,089 (median) and $83,776 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Airport West cluster around the 57th percentile nationally. Distribution data shows the predominant cohort spans 31.4% of locals (2,867 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, aligning with the broader area where this cohort likewise represents 32.8%. High housing costs consume 15.4% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 52nd percentile and 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

Dwelling structure within Airport West, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 62.6% houses and 37.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Airport West was well beyond that of Melbourne metro, at 39.0%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (32.4%) or rented (28.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Melbourne metro average at $2,085, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $401, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390. Nationally, Airport West's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are exceeding the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 65.7% of all households, comprising 28.7% couples with children, 23.7% couples without children, and 11.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 34.3%, with lone person households at 31.4% and group households comprising 2.8% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people 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

Educational qualifications in Airport West trail regional benchmarks, with 28.3% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 37.0% in Greater Melbourne. This gap highlights potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees lead at 19.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.6%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 31.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.0%) and certificates (20.8%).

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

Public transport analysis reveals 57 active transport stops operating within Airport West, comprising a mix of light rail and buses. These stops are serviced by 13 individual routes, collectively providing 8,212 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 201 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 88%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling. A high 30.9% of residents work from home (2021 Census; 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 demonstrates above-average health outcomes, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population, though higher than the national average across older, at-risk cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very high, at approximately 58% of the total population (~5,297 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 8.0% and 7.5% of residents, respectively, while 69.5% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 19.5% of residents aged 65 and over (1,778 people), which is higher than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, though they 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 is more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 25.9% of its population born overseas and 26.9% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Airport West is Christianity, which makes up 64.8% of people in Airport West. This compares to 43.0% across Greater Melbourne.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Airport West are Australian, comprising 18.6% of the population, English, comprising 17.8% of the population, and Italian, comprising 17.8% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 5.2%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Maltese is notably overrepresented at 3.0% of Airport West (vs 1.1% regionally), Croatian at 1.4% (vs 0.7%) and Greek at 4.3% (vs 2.7%).

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

The 39-year median age in Airport West is somewhat higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and similarly very close to the 38-year national average. Compared to the Greater Melbourne average, the 75 - 84 cohort is notably over-represented (7.2% locally), while 15 - 24 year-olds are under-represented (9.3%). Post-2021 Census data shows the 5 to 14 age group has grown from 10.0% to 11.6% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 12.6% to 11.0%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Airport West. Leading the demographic shift, the 55 to 64 group will grow by 15% (153 people), reaching 1,197 from 1,043. On the other hand, both the 5 to 14 and 0 to 4 age groups will see reduced numbers.