Altona

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

Altona's population, as of November 2025, is approximately 14,689. This figure represents an increase of 1,133 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 13,556. The growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 14,232 in June 2024 and an additional 269 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 830 persons per square kilometer, which aligns with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Altona's growth rate of 8.4% since the 2021 census exceeds the SA3 area's growth rate of 7.1%, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 75.6% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary population growth for the area.

AreaSearch adopts 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 uses the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted employing 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. Future demographic trends project an above median population growth for statistical areas nationally. By 2041, Altona is expected to grow by 2,090 persons based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total gain of 11.1% over the 17-year period.

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

Altona has recorded approximately 123 residential properties granted approval each year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, a total of 616 homes were approved, with an additional 40 approved in FY-26 up to now. The average number of new residents arriving per new home over these five years is approximately 0.6 per year.

This indicates that supply has been meeting or exceeding demand, providing greater buyer choice while supporting potential for population growth above projections. The average construction value of new homes over this period is $430,000, which is moderately above regional levels, suggesting an emphasis on quality construction. In the current financial year, there have been $145.8 million in commercial approvals, indicating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Altona has similar development levels per person, preserving market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas. New development consists of 30.0% detached dwellings and 70.0% medium and high-density housing.

This trend towards 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 composition, which is currently 64.0% houses, indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options. Altona reflects a developing area with approximately 146 people per approval. Looking ahead, it is estimated that Altona will grow by 1,633 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Altona has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

The performance of an area can be significantly influenced by changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 23 such projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. Notable projects include Maidstone Street Level Crossing Removal (Altona), Level Crossing Removal - Maidstone Street Altona, Altona / Racecourse Road Ford Crossing Rebuild, and Altona Pier Redevelopment. The following list details those likely 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.

AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Altona performing better than 85% of local markets assessed across Australia

Altona has a well-educated workforce with professional services being strongly represented. The unemployment rate is 2.3% as of September 2025, which is below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 5.4%. There are 8,226 residents in work, and workforce participation is similar to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. The dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services. Altona has a notable concentration in public administration & safety, with employment levels at 1.5 times the regional average.

However, health care & social assistance is under-represented, with only 11.3% of Altona's workforce compared to 14.2% in Greater Melbourne. The ratio of 0.6 workers for each resident indicates a level of local employment opportunities above the norm. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 5.4%, while labour force increased by 5.8%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.4 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.0% over the same period. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, with a state unemployment rate of 4.7%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts suggest growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.4% over ten years for Altona, based on its current employment mix.

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

Altona SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $64,896 and an average income of $80,630 in the financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. These figures are notably high compared to Greater Melbourne's median income of $54,892 and average income of $73,761 during the same period. Based on a Wage Price Index growth rate of 12.16% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $72,787 (median) and $90,435 (average). In the 2021 Census, personal income ranked at the 72nd percentile ($945 weekly), while household income was at the 56th percentile. Income brackets showed that 28.5% of Altona's community earned between $1,500 and $2,999 (4,186 individuals). After housing expenses, 85.1% of income remained for other costs. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 7th decile.

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

Altona's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 63.9% houses and 36.1% other dwellings. Compared to Melbourne metro's 68.7% houses and 31.3% other dwellings, Altona had a lower proportion of houses and a higher proportion of other dwellings. Home ownership in Altona stood at 38.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.1% and rented ones at 30.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,200, exceeding Melbourne metro's average of $2,167. The median weekly rent in Altona was $390, compared to Melbourne metro's $386. Nationally, Altona's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 67.2% of all households, including 28.7% couples with children, 27.5% couples without children, and 9.8% single parent families. Non-family households account for 32.8%, with lone person households at 30.6% and group households comprising 2.4%. The median household size is 2.3 people, smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.5.

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

The area's educational profile is notable regionally with university qualification rates at 35.5% for residents aged 15+, exceeding the Australian average of 30.4% and the SA4 region's rate of 32.0%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 22.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.5%) and graduate diplomas (4.1%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 29.8% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 11.0% and certificates for 18.8%.

Educational participation is high, with 26.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 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

Altona has 76 active public transport stops, served by a mix of train and bus routes. These stops are covered by 9 individual routes, offering a total of 5,361 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 190 meters to the nearest stop.

The service frequency across all routes is 765 trips per day, equating to roughly 70 weekly trips per stop.

Altona's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Health data shows relatively positive outcomes for Altona residents, who experience a standard level of common health conditions across both young and old age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 60% of the total population (8,784 people). The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 7.8 and 7.7% of residents respectively. A total of 69.0% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.7% across Greater Melbourne. As of 2016, 20.5% of Altona's population is aged 65 and over (3,011 people), higher than the 17.8% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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's cultural diversity was notable, with 29.2% of its population born overseas and 20.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Altona, accounting for 49.5% of the population. However, Islam was overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, making up 2.0% versus 5.3%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (23.7%), Australian (20.1%), and Irish (8.8%). Certain ethnic groups showed notable divergences: Maltese at 4.5% in Altona compared to 3.4% regionally, Croatian at 1.3% versus 1.4%, and Macedonian at 0.9% versus 1.4%.

Altona's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Altona is 42 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and Australia's national average of 38 years. The 45-54 age group constitutes 15.0% of the population in Altona, compared to Greater Melbourne. Meanwhile, the 25-34 age group makes up 9.5%, which is less prevalent than in Greater Melbourne. According to data from the 2021 Census, the 15-24 age group has increased from 8.2% to 9.6%. Conversely, the 25-34 age group has decreased from 11.6% to 9.5%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Altona. Notably, the 55-64 age group is expected to grow by 33%, reaching a population of 2,265 from 1,706. Conversely, the 25-34 and 0-4 age groups are projected to experience population declines.