Altona

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Altona's population is around 14,665 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,109 people (8.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 13,556 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 14,233 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 299 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 829 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Altona has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a 1.1% compound annual growth rate, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 75.6% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 is utilising 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. As we examine future population trends, an above-median population growth of Australian statistical areas is projected, with the area expected to expand by 2,090 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 11.3% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Altona among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Altona has experienced around 123 dwellings receiving development approval annually, totalling 616 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 47 approvals have been recorded. At an average of just 0.6 new residents per year arriving per new home over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, offering ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. New dwellings are developed at an average construction value of $430,000—slightly above the regional average—suggesting a focus on quality developments. Additionally, $145.8 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, suggesting robust local business investment.

Compared to Greater Melbourne, Altona maintains similar construction rates (per person), preserving market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas. Recent construction comprises 30.0% standalone homes and 70.0% townhouses or apartments. This trend toward denser development provides accessible entry options and appeals to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing (currently 64.0% houses), indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options. With around 146 people per dwelling approval, Altona shows characteristics of a growth area.

Future projections show Altona adding 1,657 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Altona has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 23 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Maidstone Street Level Crossing Removal (Altona), Level Crossing Removal - Maidstone Street Altona, Altona / Racecourse Road Ford Crossing Rebuild, and Altona Pier Redevelopment, 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.

Altona ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Altona possesses a well-educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation, an unemployment rate of just 2.4%, and 4.0% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 8,213 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 2.3% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%, and workforce participation is on par with Greater Melbourne's 71.3%. Based on Census responses, a high 40.1% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services. The area has a particular employment specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level. In contrast, health care & social assistance employs just 11.3% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 14.2%. 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, employment levels increased by 4.0% and the labour force increased by 4.5%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 2.4% and labour force growth of 2.8%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Altona. 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 Altona's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.4% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Altona SA2 is extremely high nationally, with the median assessed at $67,816 while the average income stands at $83,362. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne's figures of a median income of $57,688 and an average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $73,411 (median) and $90,239 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, personal income ranks at the 72nd percentile ($945 weekly), while household income sits at the 56th percentile. Income brackets indicate the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 28.5% of the community (4,179 individuals), consistent with broader trends across the area showing 32.8% in the same category. After housing, 85.1% of income remains for other expenses and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Altona displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within Altona, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 63.9% houses and 36.1% 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 Altona was higher than that of Melbourne metro, at 38.3%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (31.1%) or rented (30.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Melbourne metro average at $2,200, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $390, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390. Nationally, Altona's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceed the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 67.2% of all households, comprising 28.7% couples with children, 27.5% couples without children, and 9.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 32.8%, with lone person households at 30.6% and group households comprising 2.4% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Altona shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

The area's educational profile stands out regionally, with university qualification rates (35.5% of residents aged 15+) exceeding the Australian average of 30.4% and that of the SA4 region (32.0%), reflecting the community's emphasis on higher education. Bachelor degrees lead at 22.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.5%) and graduate diplomas (4.1%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 29.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.0%) and certificates (18.8%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.7% in primary education, 6.3% in secondary education, and 4.8% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is good compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Public transport analysis reveals 76 active transport stops operating within Altona, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 10 individual routes, collectively providing 3,658 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 190 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 82%, with 10% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A high 40.1% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 522 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 48 weekly trips per individual stop.

Altona's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Health outcomes data demonstrates outstanding results across Altona, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Younger cohorts in particular see very low prevalence of common health conditions, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 61% of the total population (8,916 people). This compares to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 7.8% and 7.7% of residents, respectively, while 69.0% 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 21.1% of residents aged 65 and over (3,094 people), which is higher than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, though they rank lower nationally than the broader population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Altona was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Altona was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 29.2% of its population born overseas and 20.2% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Altona is Christianity, which makes up 49.5% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Islam, which comprises 2.0% of the population, compared to 5.6% across Greater Melbourne.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Altona are English, comprising 23.7% of the population, Australian, comprising 20.1% of the population, and Irish, comprising 8.8% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Maltese is notably overrepresented at 4.5% of Altona (vs 1.1% regionally), Croatian at 1.3% (vs 0.7%) and Macedonian at 0.9% (vs 0.7%).

Altona's median age exceeds the national pattern

The 42-year median age in Altona is significantly above Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and similarly considerably older than Australia's 38 years. The 45 - 54 age group shows strong representation at 15.0% compared to Greater Melbourne, whereas the 25 - 34 cohort is less prevalent at 9.1%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 8.2% to 9.9% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 6.5% to 7.7%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 11.6% to 9.1%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Altona. Leading the demographic shift, the 55 to 64 group will grow by 30% (524 people), reaching 2,265 from 1,740. Conversely, the 25 to 34 and 0 to 4 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.