Altona Meadows
Statistical Area - sa2

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 was around 18,479 people as of Aug 2021. By Aug 2025, the population is estimated to be approximately 18,815, reflecting an increase of 336 people (1.8%) since the 2021 Census. This change is inferred from ABS data indicating an estimated resident population of 18,793 as of June 2024 and an additional 21 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is around 1,785 persons per square kilometer, higher than average national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 77.2% of overall 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, they utilise VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusting using 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, Altona Meadows is expected to grow by approximately 1,643 persons to 2041, representing an increase of around 8.6% over the 17-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 26 residential properties granted approval annually. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis, with 134 homes approved over the past five financial years (FY-20 to FY-25), and 1 recorded so far in FY-26. The area has experienced population decline, yet development activity has been adequate relative to demand, maintaining a balanced market with good buyer choice. New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost of $388,000, below regional norms, offering more affordable housing options.

Commercial development approvals totalled $19.7 million in FY-26, indicating balanced commercial development activity compared to Greater Melbourne, where Altona Meadows has significantly less development activity (87.0% below the regional average per person). Recent construction comprises 61.0% detached houses and 39.0% medium and high-density housing, marking a shift from existing housing patterns (currently 85.0% houses), suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences. The location has approximately 764 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market. By 2041, Altona Meadows is expected to grow by 1,621 residents. If current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Looking ahead, Altona Meadows is expected to grow by 1,621 residents through to 2041. Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Altona Meadows has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 15 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones are Jubilee, Western Rail Plan, Central Avenue Duplication and Upgrade, and Nevida Estate. The following details those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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

Altona Meadows has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation, an unemployment rate of 4.6%, and an estimated employment growth of 5.7% over the past year (as of June 2025). In this period, 10,434 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate aligned with Greater Melbourne's at 4.6%.

Workforce participation was lower at 59.4% compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Residents' employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Notably, transport, postal & warehousing has high representation, at 1.7 times the regional average. Conversely, professional & technical services show lower representation at 6.5% compared to the regional average of 10.1%.

The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data comparing working population and resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 5.7%, while labour force grew by 5.8%, leading to a slight rise in unemployment rate by 0.1 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne saw employment grow by 3.5%, labour force expand by 4.0%, and unemployment rise by 0.5 percentage points. State-level data from Sep-25 shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.08% year-on-year, adding 39,880 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. Nationally, the unemployment rate was 4.5%, and employment growth outpaced the national average of 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Altona Meadows' employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.2% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2022, Altona Meadows had a median income among taxpayers of $51,989 with the average level standing at $59,472. This is lower than national averages which were $54,892 and $73,761 across Greater Melbourne respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.11% from June 2022 to March 2025, current estimates would be approximately $57,245 (median) and $65,485 (average). From the Census conducted in August 2021, incomes rank modestly in Altona Meadows, with household, family, and personal incomes all between the 34th and 40th percentiles. Income analysis shows 34.3% of the population, equating to 6,453 individuals, fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to the regional average of 32.8%. After housing expenses, 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 per the latest Census, consisted of 85.1% houses and 14.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 68.7% houses and 31.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Altona Meadows was at 38.5%, with the rest being mortgaged (34.3%) or rented (27.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,700, below Melbourne metro's average of $2,167. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $341, compared to Melbourne metro's $386. Nationally, Altona Meadows' mortgage repayments were lower than 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 fairly typical 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 comprise the remaining 29.5%, with lone person households at 27.0% and group households making up 2.5%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which matches the Greater Melbourne average.

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

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

Altona Meadows' three schools have a combined enrollment of 1,164 students, serving typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1035) with balanced educational opportunities. These schools focus on primary education only, with secondary options available nearby. Local school capacity is limited at 6.2 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 15.3, leading many families to travel for schooling.

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

Altona Meadows has 46 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by six different routes that together facilitate 1,890 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is assessed as good, with residents on average situated 261 meters from the nearest stop.

Across all routes, there are an average of 270 trips per day, which amounts to approximately 41 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, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~9313 people), compared to 60.9% across Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues impact 8.5% of residents, with arthritis affecting 8.0%.

However, 67.8% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.7% in Greater Melbourne. The area has 20.6% of residents aged 65 and over (3877 people), higher than the 17.8% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges broadly inline with the general population's health profile.

Altona Meadows is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Altona Meadows has high cultural diversity, with 34.9% of its population born overseas and 33.3% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Altona Meadows, comprising 55.2% of its population. Islam is overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, making up 4.7% versus 5.3%.

The top three ancestry groups are Australian (18.8%), English (18.6%), and Other (10.7%). Notably, Maltese (6.1%) and Croatian (1.6%) populations are higher than the regional averages of 3.4% and 1.4%, respectively. Serbian population is also relatively high at 1.2%.

Altona Meadows's median age exceeds the national pattern

Altona Meadows' median age is 41 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and slightly older than Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Altona Meadows has a notably over-represented cohort of residents aged 65-74 (11.5%), while those aged 15-24 are under-represented (9.5%). According to the 2021 Census, the percentage of residents aged 75-84 increased from 5.0% to 6.8%. Conversely, the percentage of residents aged 45-54 decreased from 13.3% to 12.5%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Altona Meadows' age profile will change significantly. The cohort aged 75-84 is projected to grow by 49%, adding 627 residents to reach a total of 1,913. Residents aged 65 and older are expected to represent 71% of the population growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for those aged 0-4 and 15-24 years.