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, as of February 2026, is approximately 9,133 people. This figure represents an increase of 960 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 8,173. The increase is inferred from the estimated resident population of 8,647 in June 2024 and an additional 161 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,455 persons per square kilometer, placing Airport West in the upper quartile compared to other locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth rate of 11.7% since the 2021 census exceeds both the SA3 area average (7.3%) and the national average. Overseas migration contributed approximately 64.1% of Airport West's population gains during recent periods.

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 a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on these projections, Airport West is expected to experience population growth just below the national median by 2041. The area is projected to gain an additional 916 persons by that year, reflecting a total increase of 4.7% over the 17-year period.

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

Airport West has recorded approximately 75 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25376 homes have been approved, with a further 51 approved so far in FY-26. The average number of people moving to the area per dwelling built over this period is 0.7.

New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $357,000. This financial year has seen $10.6 million in commercial approvals registered, indicating steady commercial investment activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Airport West shows moderately higher development activity, with a 32.0% increase per person over the five-year period. New development consists 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 currently 63.0% houses.

Airport West reflects a developing area, with approximately 133 people per approval. Looking ahead, Airport West is expected to grow by 430 residents through to 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Current development patterns suggest that 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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 13 projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Hart Precinct, Textron Aviation Hangar 83, Essendon Fields, and Airport Toyota Expansion. The following details those expected 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.

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

Airport West has an educated workforce with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate was 3.2% as of September 2025, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.7%. Employment grew by 1.4% in the past year.

4,931 residents were employed in September 2025, with a workforce participation rate matching Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. Home workership was high at 30.9%, considering Covid-19 impacts. Key industries are construction, healthcare & social assistance, and education & training. Construction employment is particularly high, at 1.4 times the regional level.

Professional & technical services employ only 6.8% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. The worker-to-resident ratio was 0.6 in the Census, indicating ample local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 1.4%, labour force grew by 1.6%, and unemployment rose by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment rise by 3.0% and unemployment increase by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, issued in May-25, project a 6.6% growth over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Airport West's employment mix suggests local employment should grow 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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, Airport West SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $64,747 with an average level standing at $77,391. These figures are high nationally compared to levels of $57,688 and $75,164 across Greater Melbourne respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Airport West would be approximately $70,089 (median) and $83,776 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals that household, family, and personal incomes in Airport West cluster around the 57th percentile nationally. Income distribution shows that the predominant cohort spans 31.4% of locals (2,867 people) with incomes ranging from $1,500 to $2,999, similar to the broader area where this cohort also represents 32.8%. High housing costs consume 15.4% of income in Airport West, yet 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 dwelling 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 67.9% houses and 32.1% 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, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure was $401, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Airport West's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 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 account for the remaining 34.3 percent, comprising 31.4 percent lone person households and 2.8 percent group households. 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+ have 28.3% with university degrees, compared to Greater Melbourne's 37.0%. This indicates potential for educational development. 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+, with advanced diplomas at 11.0% and certificates at 20.8%.

Currently, 24.0% of the population is engaged in formal education: 7.9% in primary, 5.7% in secondary, 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, consisting of both lightrail and bus services. These are served by 13 different routes that facilitate a total of 8,212 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically residing 201 meters from their nearest transport stop. As it is primarily residential, most commuting is outward-bound, with cars being the dominant mode at 88%. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, a high proportion of residents, 30.9%, work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The 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 better-than-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 but higher than the national average among older, at-risk cohorts. Approximately 58% (~5,297 people) of the total population has private health cover, which is very high compared to other areas. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 8.0 and 7.5% of residents respectively. About 69.5% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Under-65s in the area have better-than-average health outcomes. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 19.5% (1,778 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than those of 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's population was more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 25.9% born overseas and 26.9% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity dominated Airport West's religious landscape, comprising 64.8%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 43.0%. The top three ancestry groups in Airport West 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%) surpassed the regional average of 0.7%, and Greek (4.3%) also exceeded Greater Melbourne's 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 7.2%, compared to Greater Melbourne's average, while the 15-24 age group is under-represented at 9.3%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 5-14 age group has increased from 10.0% to 11.6% of the population, while the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 12.6% to 11.0%. By 2041, forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Airport West. Notably, the 55-64 age group is expected to grow by 15%, adding 153 people and reaching a total of 1,197 from 1,043. Conversely, both the 5-14 and 0-4 age groups are projected to have reduced numbers.