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This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
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Airport West has an estimated 8,810 residents, up from 8,173 at the 2021 Census — a change of 637 people, or 7.8%. Growth has averaged 1.0% a year over five years. 176 new addresses have been validated here since Census night. Overseas migration accounts for 53.9% of that increase. That puts 2,368 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to AreaSearch data, the population of Airport West stands at approximately 8,810 as of Aug 2026. This figure represents a rise of 637 individuals, which corresponds to a 7.8% increase compared to the 2021 Census count of 8,173 residents. The adjustment derives from the ABS estimate of 8,783 residents recorded as of June 2025, supplemented by 176 newly verified addresses registered after the Census date. With a density of 2,368 people per square kilometer, the area ranks within the top quarter of national locations evaluated by AreaSearch. The 7.8% expansion since the 2021 census outperformed the SA3 region average of 4.9%, establishing Airport West as a leading growth area locally.
Overseas migration accounted for roughly 53.9% of the recent population gains, while natural growth and interstate migration also contributed positively to the overall rise. Population projections for each SA2 district are sourced from 2024 ABS/Geoscience Australia models utilizing a 2022 baseline, supplemented where necessary by 2023 Victorian State Government Regional/LGA forecasts adjusted via weighted population growth aggregations from LGA to SA2 tiers. Age-specific growth trajectories from these models are similarly applied across all locations for 2032 to 2041. Over the coming years, demographic expansion is anticipated to track slightly under the national median across statistical areas, with projections indicating an addition of 860 persons through to 2041 based on the most recent annual ERP figures, translating to an overall rise of 9.5% across the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
436 new dwellings have been approved in Airport West over the past five years, an average of 87 a year. That places the area in the 73rd percentile for residential development activity nationally, about 10 approvals per 1,000 residents a year. Of the 87 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 32% were detached houses and the rest townhouses or apartments. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this SA2 boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Over the past 5 financial years (between FY-22 and FY-26), Airport West recorded 436 homes approved for construction, maintaining a steady pace of roughly 87 new dwelling approvals per annum. With an influx averaging only 1 people annually for each home constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-22 and FY-26), residential development has matched or outstripped demand, expanding buyer choice and creating capacity for population expansion beyond baseline expectations, with new dwellings carrying an average expected construction cost of $437,000. Furthermore, commercial building approvals reached $10.6 million during this financial year, reflecting a moderate level of non-residential development activity.
Per capita building activity in Airport West runs 50.0% above the regional average over the 5 year period compared to Greater Melbourne, sustaining local demand while ensuring adequate options for purchasers. Recent residential approvals comprise 68.0% townhouses or apartments and 32.0% detached dwellings. This shift toward medium and higher-density living provides more accessible price points that appeal to first-time purchasers, downsizers, and property investors. It contrasts sharply with the established local housing stock, where standalone houses account for 63.0%, highlighting land constraints and an evolving demand for diverse, affordable dwelling options. Recording approximately 103 people per dwelling approval, the suburb displays clear growth corridor traits. According to the most recent AreaSearch quarterly estimate, population projections suggest an increase of 833 residents in Airport West through to 2041. If prevailing construction momentum continues, residential supply should easily accommodate incoming demand, fostering favorable conditions for buyers and allowing the community to absorb population growth beyond projected numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Airport West
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 12 current infrastructure and development projects inside Airport West, worth an estimated $700 million. A further 53 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $30.9 billion. 14 are already under construction and 16 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, transport & logistics and communities, precincts & urban renewal. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Infrastructure upgrades, major developments, and regional planning initiatives serve as primary determinants of local growth and performance. In Airport West, AreaSearch has identified 12 key projects positioned to influence the area, led by major ventures such as Textron Aviation Hangar 83, Hart Precinct, Airport Toyota Expansion, and Essendon Fields, with key details provided below.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Hart Industrial Precinct
A 30 hectare aviation, commercial and light industrial precinct in the north-east section of Essendon Fields. Stage 1 is over 60 percent complete, with more than 100000 square metres of total site area delivered and about 64000 square metres of development-ready land remaining. Operational facilities include Autex Acoustics at 121-131 Global Avenue, Modscape at 112-120 Global Avenue, Dutton Wholesale at 1 Challenger Court and temporary Modscape module storage at 117 Global Avenue. Civil infrastructure including the Global Avenue extension, services and stage 1 retarding basin is complete, while landscaping, boundary interface works and stage 2 retarding basin works are ongoing.Further warehouses and a cafe are planned subject to market demand.
17-25 Earl Street Airport West Development
Residential development project in Airport West on Earl Street. Part of ongoing residential densification in the Airport West area near transport links and Westfield shopping centre.
18-22 Howes Street Apartments by Artisan Architects
84-unit residential development featuring 1 and 2 bedroom apartments across two buildings of 5 and 6 storeys on a 1400sqm site. Designed by Artisan Architects with landscape design by Human Habitats. Includes 91 car parking spaces and mixed use office space. Development application has been granted, with completion estimated for early 2027.
12 Howes Street Airport West Apartments
30-unit residential apartment project at 12 Howes Street, Airport West. Proposal indicates a 4-storey, ~17 m building with rooftop terrace, approx. 30 car spaces and 5 bicycle spaces. Local government is Moonee Valley City Council.
19-21 Louis Street Airport West
Small-scale residential development in Airport West providing additional housing stock in established suburban area. Part of local planning to increase housing density near transport corridors.
Westfield Airport West Redevelopment & Upgrades
Completed redevelopment and upgrade works at Westfield Airport West, featuring a major new fresh food precinct (opened mid-2022) with expanded dining options and entry upgrades. The centre is anchored by Coles, Woolworths, Aldi, Kmart, Target, and a Village Cinemas complex. Recent works focused on modernizing the retail mix and improving amenity.
Essendon Fields
A $500-million 20-year masterplan is underway to develop greenfield areas near Melbourne's CBD and Tullamarine airport. This plan includes road extensions, warehouses, amenities, and public spaces for the workforce.
11 Ian Crescent Townhouses by DKO Architecture
Boutique development of 10 architecturally designed townhouses by DKO Architecture on 2,559 sqm site. 3-bedroom residences with direct access to AJ Davis Reserve and parkland. Prices ranging from $990,000 to $1,030,000.
4,923 residents of Airport West are employed, from a labour force of 5,052. Unemployment sits at 2.6%, with participation at 69.4%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.4% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The local labour market in Airport West features a qualified workforce, cross-industry representation, and steady performance over the prior year, holding an unemployment rate of only 2.6%. There were 4,923 residents in active employment as of March 2026, while the jobless rate sat 2.2% below the Greater Melbourne level of 4.8%, accompanied by a participation rate generally in line with Greater Melbourne's 70.1%. Census records indicated that 30.9% of employed locals conducted their work from home, though pandemic lockdown restrictions at the time should be noted. Local workforce participation is centered predominantly in construction, health care & social assistance, and education & training.
Construction demonstrates a notable local concentration, with resident employment running 1.4 times the regional proportion. On the other hand, professional & technical occupations make up 6.8%, sitting below the regional benchmark of 10.1%. A Census-recorded ratio of 0.6 workers per resident indicates a higher level of local job availability than typically observed. Analysis of SALM and ABS data by AreaSearch indicates that over a twelve-month span, employment rose by 0.1%, while the labour force shrank by 0.6%, leading to a 0.6 percentage point decline in the unemployment rate. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced a 2.1% rise in employment, a 2.3% growth in the labour force, and a 0.2 percentage point increase in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia’s national employment forecasts, dated Mar-26, provide useful context for anticipating future labour demand in the Airport West region. These forecasts span five and ten-year horizons and have been overlaid with local employment data to project growth trends. Nationally, employment is expected to grow by 6.6% over five years and by 13.7% over ten years, though sectoral growth varies considerably. When these industry-specific forecasts are applied to Airport West’s existing employment composition, local employment is projected to rise by 6.4% over five years and by 13.1% over ten years. It should be noted that this calculation relies on a straightforward weighting extrapolation intended only for illustrative purposes and does not incorporate localized population projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Airport West is $1,761 a week (about $92,000 a year), with median personal income at $883 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $64,747 a year against an average of $77,391. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
Based on AreaSearch's compilation of postcode-level ATO data from financial year 2023, taxpayers in the Airport West SA2 registered a median income of $64,747 and an average income of $77,391. These earnings exceed national norms and surpass the respective Greater Melbourne benchmarks of $57,688 and $75,164. Factoring in a Wage Price Index expansion of 9.62% since financial year 2023, updated figures stand at roughly $70,976 for median earnings and $84,836 for average earnings as of March 2026. Data from the 2021 Census positions local household, personal, and family incomes around the 57th percentile across Australia.
The most common earnings band is $1,500 - 2,999, capturing 31.4% of residents (2,766 people), which mirrors the 32.8% observed across the wider region. While local housing costs take up 15.4% of income, strong remuneration sustains disposable income at the 52nd percentile, placing the suburb in the 6th decile on the SEIFA income index.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Airport West had 3,438 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 63% detached houses and 2% apartments. 32% are owned with a mortgage, 29% rented and 39% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $401 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,085 a month. Rent absorbs 22.8% of household income here and mortgage repayments 27.3%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
According to the latest Census, the local housing landscape in Airport West consisted of 62.6% houses alongside 37.4% other dwellings including apartments and semi-detached properties, whereas Melbourne metro recorded 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Outright home ownership reached 39.0%, significantly exceeding the Melbourne metro benchmark, with mortgaged properties accounting for 32.4% and rental accommodation making up 28.6%. Typical monthly mortgage repayments stood at $2,085 and median weekly rents were $401, exceeding the Melbourne metro figures of $2,000 and $390 respectively. In a national context, Airport West's mortgage costs substantially exceed the Australian median of $1,863, with rental figures likewise sitting above the national average of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Airport West counted 3,438 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 3,706 today, averaging 2.3 people each. 29% are couples with children, against 24% couples without children. 31% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.4 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families constitute the vast majority of local households at 65.7%, comprising couples with children (28.7%), couples without children (23.7%), and single parent families (11.9%). Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 34.3%, consisting of lone person households (31.4%) and group households (2.8%). The typical household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne benchmark of 2.6.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
28.3% of adults in Airport West hold a university qualification, including 19.7% with a bachelor degree and 5.6% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 20.8% hold a vocational qualification. 3 schools serve the area, with 1,025 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,067 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Tertiary educational attainment in Airport West sits below regional averages, with 28.3% of residents aged 15+ possessing a university degree compared with 37.0% across Greater Melbourne, pointing to opportunities for further academic and professional upskilling. Among degree holders, bachelor degrees represent 19.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 5.6% and graduate diplomas at 3.0%. Vocational qualifications are widely held, with 31.8% of residents aged 15+ possessing technical credentials, divided between certificates (20.8%) and advanced diplomas (11.0%). A significant 24.0% cohort of the local population is enrolled in formal education programs. Within this student base, primary schooling accounts for 7.9%, secondary education comprises 5.7%, and tertiary studies represent 4.4%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Airport West reaches 57 stops on 13 routes, timetabled for about 7,300 services a week. The typical home sits about 200 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.2 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transport connectivity in Airport West is supported by 57 active transit stops spanning bus and lightrail services. These facilities are linked across 13 individual routes that deliver 7,315 weekly passenger trips. Access to the network is favorable, with local dwellings typically situated 201 meters from the nearest transit stop. Given the area's predominantly residential character, outward travel is standard, with private vehicles serving as the primary mode of travel at 88%. Households maintain an average vehicle ownership rate of 1.2 per dwelling. Additionally, 30.9% of employed residents worked from home during the 2021 Census, a figure that may reflect prevailing COVID-19 circumstances.
Across all transit routes, service volume averages 1,045 trips per day, which translates to roughly 128 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
69.5% of residents in Airport West report no long-term health condition. 7.1% need daily assistance with core activities, and 58.0% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 4.8 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
AreaSearch evaluations of mortality statistics and chronic disease rates show favorable health metrics overall in Airport West, characterised by low incidence of common conditions among the wider population, despite elevated rates among vulnerable older cohorts, alongside strong private health insurance coverage extending to approximately 58% of the total population (~5,109 people). Asthma and arthritis represent the most prevalent diagnosed conditions locally, recorded among 7.5% and 8.0% of the community respectively, while 69.5% of residents reported having no long-term medical conditions, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Residents aged under 65 exhibit comparatively strong health profiles.
The community includes 1,657 people aged 65 and over, making up 18.8% of the populace compared to 15.1% across Greater Melbourne. Health metrics for local seniors present specific challenges, tracking below the broader population when benchmarked nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
25.9% of Airport West residents were born overseas and 26.9% speak a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (18.6%) and English (17.8%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Airport West displays elevated cultural diversity relative to most Australian communities, with overseas-born individuals representing 25.9% of residents and 26.9% using a non-English language at home. Christianity forms the dominant religious affiliation, embraced by 64.8% of the local population compared to 43.0% across Greater Melbourne. Regarding reported parental ancestry, the leading backgrounds in Airport West are Australian at 18.6%, English at 17.8%, and Italian at 17.8%, with the Italian representation substantially above the 5.2% regional proportion. Several other ancestral heritages also show distinct concentrations, including Maltese at 3.0% (compared to 1.1% regionally), Croatian at 1.4% (versus 0.7%), and Greek at 4.3% (versus 2.7%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Airport West is 39. 25.1% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The age distribution of Airport West closely mirrors Greater Melbourne across all primary demographic brackets, with the largest divergence across the four broad bands being 3.8 percentage points. The median age is estimated at 39 as at August 2026, identical to the 2021 Census figure and 2 years higher than the Greater Melbourne median of 37 recorded at that Census. Long-term forecasts through 2041 anticipate that growth will be concentrated in senior and retiree demographics (65+), expanding by 414 residents (25%) to 2,071, while cohorts comprising young to middle-aged adults are projected to contract.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Airport West
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Sep 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the SA2 boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Sep 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Sep 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Aug 2026 last month all 12 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Aug 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 6 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 2 months ago all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 176 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (8,173 at the 2021 Census → 8,810 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (210011226). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.