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 18,835 as of Feb 2026. This reflects a growth of 356 people (1.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 18,479. The increase is inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 18,793 in June 2024 and an additional 22 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,787 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 77.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, AreaSearch uses VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on projected demographic shifts and latest annual ERP population numbers, the area is expected to grow by 1,643 persons to 2041, reflecting an 8.5% increase 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 granted approximately 25 residential properties approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 125 homes were approved, with another 12 approved so far in FY-26. Despite population decline, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, creating a balanced market with good buyer choice.

New properties are constructed at an average cost of $295,000, aligning with broader regional development. This financial year has seen $19.7 million in commercial approvals, indicating steady commercial investment activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Altona Meadows shows substantially reduced construction, 86.0% below the regional average per person, which typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. This activity is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent construction comprises 61.0% standalone homes and 39.0% townhouses or apartments, expanding medium-density options and creating a mix of housing opportunities across price brackets. This marks a significant shift from existing housing patterns, which are 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. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Altona Meadows is expected to grow by 1,601 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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 13 projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include Central Avenue Duplication and Upgrade, Point Cook Community Hospital, Greening the Pipeline, and Somerdale Heights. The following list details those 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.

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 4.8% in the past year, which saw an estimated employment growth of 5.0%. As of September 2025, there are 10,195 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.9%, 0.2% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%.

Workforce participation is lower at 67.5%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. A high proportion of residents work from home, with 26.6% doing so according to Census responses. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade sectors. The area has a notable concentration in transport, postal & warehousing employment, at 1.7 times the regional average.

However, professional & technical employment shows lower representation at 6.5%, compared to the regional average of 10.1%. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 5.0% while labour force grew by 5.4%, resulting in a rise in unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. This compares with Greater Melbourne's employment growth of 3.0%, labour force expansion of 3.3%, and an increase in unemployment rate of 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Altona Meadows' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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 ended June 2023, Altona Meadows SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $55,837. The average income stood at $62,694. This is lower than the national average and compares to levels of $57,688 and $75,164 across Greater Melbourne respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% from financial year ended June 2023 to September 2025, current estimates would be approximately $60,444 for median income and $67,866 for average income as of September 2025. From the Census conducted in August 2021, household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Altona Meadows, between the 34th and 39th percentiles. Income analysis reveals that 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 costs, 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

In Altona Meadows, as per the latest Census evaluation, 85.1% of dwellings were houses, with 14.9% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This differs from Melbourne metro's composition of 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Altona Meadows stood at 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 in Altona Meadows was $341, compared to 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 account for 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 make up 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 stands at 24.2%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common, with 16.5% of residents holding one. Postgraduate qualifications and graduate diplomas follow, at 5.0% and 2.7% respectively. Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 31.7% of residents aged 15 and above possessing them, including advanced diplomas (10.7%) and certificates (21.0%).

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

Transport servicing is low 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 collectively facilitate 788 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 261 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most commuting is outward-bound. Car remains the dominant mode of transportation at 88%, while train usage stands at 7%. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 26.6% of residents work from home, a figure possibly influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The 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. The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~9,492 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues impacting 8.5% of residents and arthritis affecting 8.0%, while 67.8% declared themselves 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 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. The predominant religion in Altona Meadows is Christianity, which accounts 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%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Australian (18.8%), English (18.6%), and Other (10.7%). Notably, Maltese (6.1%) is overrepresented compared to the regional average of 1.1%, as are Macedonian (2.1% vs 0.7%) and Croatian (1.6% vs 0.7%) groups.

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

Altona Meadows has a median age of 41 years, which is 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 (11.8% locally) and an under-representation of the 15-24 age group (9.4%). According to the 2021 Census, the 75-84 age group grew from 5.0% to 7.3% of the population, while the 45-54 cohort declined from 13.3% to 12.3%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Altona Meadows' age profile. The 75-84 cohort is projected to grow by 40%, adding 541 residents to reach a total of 1,913. Residents aged 65 and older are expected to represent 68% of the population growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 15-24 and 25-34 age groups.