Altona Meadows

Altona Meadows is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Altona Meadows' population is approximately 18,800 as of May 2026. This figure represents an increase of 321 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 18,479. The change is inferred from ABS estimates: 18,783 in June 2025 and an additional 27 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,783 persons per square kilometer, higher than average national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 86.3% of overall population gains recently.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, it utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on these projections, Altona Meadows is expected to grow by 1,538 persons to 2041, reflecting an 8.1% increase over the 16-year period.

The level of residential development activity in Altona Meadows is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Altona Meadows has recorded approximately 25 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 125 homes were approved, with an additional 20 approved so far in FY-26. Despite experiencing population decline, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a well-balanced market with good buyer choice.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $295,000, aligning with broader regional development trends. In the current financial year, there have been $19.7 million in commercial approvals, indicating steady commercial investment activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Altona Meadows shows substantially reduced construction, with 86.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new homes typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Nationally, this activity is also below average, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent construction comprises 61.0% standalone homes and 39.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a significant departure from existing housing patterns (currently 85.0% houses).

This suggests diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. The location has approximately 764 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Altona Meadows is expected to grow by 1,521 residents through to 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

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

The performance of an area can significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 13 such projects that are likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Central Avenue Duplication and Upgrade, Point Cook Community Hospital, Greening the Pipeline, and Somerdale Heights. The following list details those projects most likely to be 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.

Altona Meadows has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Altona Meadows has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate was 5.0% as of December 2021. Employment growth over the past year is estimated at 3.7%.

As of December 2025, there are 10,166 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 5.1%, which is 0.3% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%. Workforce participation in Altona Meadows is lower at 67.7%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. According to Census responses, 26.6% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

The area has a notable concentration in transport, postal & warehousing, with employment levels at 1.7 times the regional average. However, professional & technical services show lower representation at 6.5%, compared to the regional average of 10.1%. Over the year to December 2025, employment increased by 3.7% while labour force increased by 4.3%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment grow by 2.4%, labour force expand by 2.8%, and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia suggest that Altona Meadows' employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, Altona Meadows SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $55,837 and an average income of $62,694. These figures are lower than the national averages of $57,688 and $75,164 for Greater Melbourne respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $61,209 (median) and $68,725 (average). From the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Altona Meadows rank modestly, between the 34th and 39th percentiles. Income analysis shows that 34.3% of the population, equating to 6,448 individuals, fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to the regional average of 32.8%. After housing costs, 85.6% of income remains for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

Altona Meadows is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Altona Meadows' dwelling structure as of the latest Census showed 85.1% houses and 14.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). Compared to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings, Altona Meadows had a higher proportion of houses. Home ownership in the area was 38.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 34.3% and rented ones at 27.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,700, lower than Melbourne metro's $2,000. Median weekly rent was $341, less than Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Altona Meadows' mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863 and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Altona Meadows has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 70.5% of all households, including 31.5% couples with children, 24.1% couples without children, and 13.7% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 29.5%, with lone person households at 27.0% and group households comprising 2.5%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Educational attainment in Altona Meadows aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 24.2%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 16.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 31.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.7%) and certificates (21.0%). Educational participation is high at 26.0%, comprising primary education (8.4%), secondary education (6.3%), and tertiary education (4.7%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.4% in primary education, 6.3% in secondary education, and 4.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in Altona Meadows shows that there are 46 active transport stops currently operating within the area. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 6 individual routes providing service to the community. The combined weekly passenger trips facilitated by these routes amount to 788. The accessibility of public transport in Altona Meadows is rated as good, with residents typically located an average distance of 261 meters from their nearest transport stop. As a predominantly residential area, most residents commute outward for work or other purposes. The dominant mode of transportation among these residents is the car, used by 88% of them, while only 7% opt for the train.

On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling in Altona Meadows. According to the 2021 Census, a high proportion of residents, specifically 26.6%, work from home, which may be reflective of the COVID-19 conditions during that period. The service frequency across all routes averages 112 trips per day, translating to approximately 17 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Altona Meadows is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Altona Meadows faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~9,475 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne (as of 2021).

Nationally, this figure stands at 55.7%. The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 8.5% and 8.0% of residents respectively, as of AreaSearch's report dated March 2022. Conversely, 67.8% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. However, the area has a higher proportion of seniors, with 20.9% of residents aged 65 and over (3,925 people), compared to 15.0% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population, as per the Australian Bureau of Statistics data from June 2021.

Altona Meadows was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Altona Meadows has a high level of cultural diversity, with 34.9% of its population born overseas and 33.3% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion in Altona Meadows, accounting for 55.2% of the population. However, Islam is overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, making up 4.7% of Altona Meadows' population versus 5.6%.

The top three ancestry groups are Australian (18.8%), English (18.6%), and Other (10.7%). Notably, Maltese (6.1% vs regional 1.1%), Macedonian (2.1% vs regional 0.7%), and Croatian (1.6% vs regional 0.7%) are overrepresented in Altona Meadows.

Altona Meadows's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Altona Meadows has a median age of 41 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and slightly older than Australia's median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Altona Meadows has an over-representation of the 65-74 cohort (11.7% locally) and an under-representation of the 15-24 age group (9.6%). According to the 2021 Census, the 75-84 age group grew from 5.0% to 6.9%, while the 45-54 cohort declined from 13.3% to 12.2%. By 2041, demographic modeling indicates that Altona Meadows' age profile will change significantly. The 75-84 cohort is projected to grow by 40%, adding 516 residents to reach a total of 1,819. Residents aged 65 and older are expected to represent 67% of the population growth. Conversely, population declines are anticipated for the 15-24 and 25-34 age groups.