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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Altona Meadows's population is around 18,835 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 356 people (1.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 18,479 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 18,793 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 22 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,787 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 77.2% 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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of statistical areas across the nation is expected, with the area expected to grow by 1,643 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, recording a gain of 8.5% in total over the 17 years.

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 around 25 residential properties granted approval annually, with 125 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 13 so far in FY-26. As the area has experienced population decline, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, creating a well-balanced market with good buyer choice, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $295,000, aligned with broader regional development. There have also been $19.7 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating steady commercial investment activity.

When measured against Greater Melbourne, Altona Meadows shows substantially reduced construction (86.0% below regional average per person). This scarcity of new homes typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. This activity is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. Recent construction comprises 61.0% standalone homes and 39.0% townhouses or apartments, showing an expanding range of medium-density options creating a mix of opportunities across price brackets, from traditional family housing to more affordable compact alternatives. This marks a significant departure from existing housing patterns (currently 85.0% houses), suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. The location has approximately 764 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market.

Looking ahead, Altona Meadows is expected to grow by 1,601 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). 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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 13 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Central Avenue Duplication and Upgrade, Point Cook Community Hospital, Greening the Pipeline, and Somerdale Heights, 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 Meadows has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Altona Meadows features a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation, an unemployment rate of 5.0%, and 3.7% estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 10,166 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 0.3% above Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (67.4% compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%). Based on Census responses, a high 26.6% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in transport, postal & warehousing, with employment levels at 1.7 times the regional average. Conversely, professional & technical services show lower representation at 6.5% versus the regional average of 10.1%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 3.7% while the labour force increased by 4.3%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.5 percentage points. This compares to Greater Melbourne, where employment grew by 2.4%, the labour force expanded by 2.8%, and unemployment rose 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Altona Meadows. 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 Meadows's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 12.9% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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 FY-23, the Altona Meadows SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $55,837 with the average level standing at $62,694. This is lower than average on a national basis and compares to levels of $57,688 and $75,164 across Greater Melbourne respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $60,444 (median) and $67,866 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Altona Meadows, between the 34th and 39th percentiles. Income analysis reveals 34.3% of the population (6,460 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, mirroring the region where 32.8% occupy this bracket. After housing, 85.6% of income remains for other expenses and 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

Dwelling structure within Altona Meadows, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 85.1% houses and 14.9% 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 Meadows was well beyond that of Melbourne metro, at 38.5%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (34.3%) or rented (27.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Melbourne metro average at $1,700, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $341, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390. Nationally, Altona Meadows's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 70.5% of all households, comprising 31.5% couples with children, 24.1% couples without children, and 13.7% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 29.5%, with lone person households at 27.0% and group households comprising 2.5% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 people 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (24.2%) substantially below the Greater Melbourne average of 37.0%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 16.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 31.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.7%) and certificates (21.0%).

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

Public transport analysis reveals 46 active transport stops operating within Altona Meadows, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 6 individual routes, collectively providing 788 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 261 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 88%, with 7% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling. A high 26.6% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 112 trips per day across all routes, equating 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, and the rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~9,492 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 mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 8.5% and 8.0% of residents, respectively, while 67.8% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 21.6% of residents aged 65 and over (4,062 people), which is higher than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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 scores highly on cultural diversity, with 34.9% of its population born overseas and 33.3% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Altona Meadows is Christianity, which makes up 55.2% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Islam, which comprises 4.7% 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 Meadows are Australian, comprising 18.8% of the population, English, comprising 18.6% of the population, and Other, comprising 10.7% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Maltese is notably overrepresented at 6.1% of Altona Meadows (vs 1.1% regionally), Macedonian at 2.1% (vs 0.7%) and Croatian at 1.6% (vs 0.7%).

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

At 41 years, Altona Meadows's median age is significantly above the Greater Melbourne average of 37 and somewhat older than the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Greater Melbourne average, the 65 - 74 cohort is notably over-represented (11.8% locally), while 15 - 24 year-olds are under-represented (9.4%). Following the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 5.0% to 7.3% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 13.3% to 12.3%. Demographic modeling suggests Altona Meadows's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 75 to 84 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 40%, adding 541 residents to reach 1,913. Demographic aging continues as residents 65 and older represent 68% of anticipated growth. On the other hand, population declines are projected for the 15 to 24 and 25 to 34 cohorts.