Altona North

Population growth drivers in Altona North are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Altona North's population was around 16,335 as of November 2025. This showed an increase of 1,404 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 14,931. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 15,983 in June 2024 and an additional 550 validated new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a density ratio of 1,009 persons per square kilometer. Altona North's growth of 9.4% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA3 area's 7.1% and the national average. Overseas migration contributed approximately 72.6% 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 by this data, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using 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. By 2041, the area is forecasted to grow by 5,031 persons based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 28.2% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Altona North among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Altona North has seen approximately 266 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 1,334 homes were approved, with a further 90 approved in FY-26 as of current data. On average, about 0.4 people have moved to the area each year for every dwelling built during these five financial years.

This indicates that new supply has kept pace with or exceeded demand, providing ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction cost value of new properties in Altona North is around $258,000, which is below regional levels, suggesting more accessible housing choices for buyers. In the current financial year, approximately $171.3 million worth of commercial approvals have been registered, indicating robust local business investment. When compared to Greater Melbourne, Altona North has seen 87.0% more building activity per person, offering buyers greater choice and reflecting strong developer confidence in the location. However, it should be noted that building activity has slowed in recent years. The new building activity in Altona North is composed of approximately 16.0% detached dwellings and 84.0% townhouses or apartments. This shift towards higher-density living creates more affordable entry points and caters to downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers.

This marks a significant departure from the existing housing pattern, which is currently around 67.0% houses. This change may be due to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences, as well as housing affordability needs. With approximately 94 people per approval, Altona North reflects a developing area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, the population is forecasted to gain around 4,610 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 29 projects likely to impact the region. Notable ones are Altona North Strategic Site, The Fabric Altona North, Mobil Melbourne Terminal Conversion, and Stockland Haven. Below is a list of 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 North has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Altona North has a well-educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 4.7% as of September 2025.

Over the past year, employment growth was estimated at 4.9%. There were 8,278 residents employed by September 2025, with an unemployment rate matching Greater Melbourne's 4.7%, but workforce participation lagged at 58.2% compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Employment is concentrated in construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. The area has a particularly strong specialization in construction, employing 1.3 times the regional level.

However, health care & social assistance employs only 11.0% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 14.2%. There is a substantial employment opportunity ratio of 0.8 workers per resident. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 4.9%, while labour force increased by 5.8%, resulting in an unemployment rise of 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. National employment forecasts from May-25 estimate a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Altona North's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not consider localized population projections.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

Altona North SA2 has a high national income level according to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest ATO data for financial year 2022. The median income among taxpayers is $60,940 and the average income stands at $74,917. These figures compare to Greater Melbourne's median income of $54,892 and average income of $73,761 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $68,350 (median) and $84,027 (average). The 2021 Census shows household, family, and personal incomes in Altona North rank modestly, between the 49th and 49th percentiles. Income brackets indicate that 30.0% of residents (4,900 people) fall into the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket, mirroring the surrounding region where 32.8% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.1% of income remaining, ranking at the 49th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Altona North displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Altona North's dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 66.7% houses and 33.3% other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and others. This compares to Melbourne metropolitan area's 68.7% houses and 31.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Altona North was at 34.5%, similar to Melbourne metro's rate. Mortgaged dwellings accounted for 32.4%, while rented ones were 33.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,167, aligning with Melbourne metro's average. The median weekly rent figure stood at $400, compared to Melbourne metro's $386. Nationally, Altona North's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents surpassed the national figure of $375.

Altona North has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 69.3% of all households, including 30.6% couples with children, 24.6% couples without children, and 12.3% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 30.7%, with lone person households at 27.5% and group households comprising 3.1%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which aligns with Greater Melbourne's average.

The educational profile of Altona North exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Altona North's residents aged 15+ have 29.9% with university degrees, compared to Greater Melbourne's 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 20.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.2%) and graduate diplomas (3.1%). Vocational credentials are held by 27.3%, including advanced diplomas (10.0%) and certificates (17.3%). Educational participation is high, with 27.9% currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 9.9% in primary, 6.3% in secondary, and 4.8% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.9% in primary education, 6.3% in secondary education, and 4.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Altona North has 124 active public transport stops. These are served by buses on 11 different routes, offering a total of 5,203 weekly passenger trips. The average distance to the nearest stop for residents is 157 meters.

On average, there are 743 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 41 weekly trips per individual stop.

Altona North's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Altona North's health metrics are close to national benchmarks. Common health conditions among its general population are somewhat typical but higher than the national average among older cohorts.

Approximately 57% of Altona North's total population (~9,327 people) has private health cover, compared to Greater Melbourne's 60.9%. The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, affecting 7.4% and 7.1% of residents respectively. 70.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, similar to Greater Melbourne's 70.7%. As of 2021, 16.9% of Altona North's residents are aged 65 and over (2,763 people). Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than those in the broader population.

Altona North 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 North has high cultural diversity, with 37.3% of its population born overseas and 43.9% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion in Altona North, comprising 47.0% of the population. Islam is overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne's average, making up 16.0% of Altona North's population.

The top three ancestry groups are English (16.7%), Australian (16.3%), and Other (11.7%). Notably, Lebanese (7.2%) and Maltese (2.9%) are overrepresented compared to regional averages while Croatian is slightly higher at 1.5%.

Altona North's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Altona North has a median age of 37, matching Greater Melbourne's figure and closely resembling Australia's median age of 38. The population aged 85 and above constitutes 3.8%, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's percentage. Conversely, the 15 to 24 age group makes up 9.8% of Altona North's population, lower than the Greater Melbourne figure. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of residents aged 35 to 44 has increased from 15.9% to 16.8%. Meanwhile, the percentage of those aged 75 to 84 has decreased from 7.1% to 6.2%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant changes in Altona North's age distribution. Notably, the 45 to 54 age group is projected to grow by 46%, reaching a population of 2,864 from its current figure of 1,955.