Altona North
Statistical Area - sa2

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, as of November 2025, is approximately 16,335. This figure represents an increase of 1,404 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 14,931. The growth was inferred from the ABS estimated resident population of 15,983 in June 2024 and an additional 550 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,009 persons per square kilometer, similar to averages seen across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Altona North's growth rate of 9.4% since the 2021 census exceeds both the SA3 area average of 7.1% and the national average, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 72.6% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 uses VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusting with a weighted aggregation method from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Based on demographic trends and latest population numbers, Altona North is forecasted to grow by 5,031 persons by 2041, recording a total gain of 28.2% over the 17-year period.

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 and an additional 71 have been approved in FY-26 so far. On average, about 0.4 people per year moved to the area for each dwelling built during these years.

This suggests that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction cost of new properties was around $258,000, which is lower than regional levels, indicating more affordable housing options for buyers. In FY-26 alone, $171.3 million worth of commercial approvals have been registered, indicating robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Altona North has 87.0% more building activity per person, offering buyers greater choice. However, building activity has slowed in recent years. Nationally, the area's building activity is substantially higher, suggesting strong developer confidence in the location. New building activity in Altona North consists 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 change from the existing housing pattern, which is currently 67.0% houses. This trend may be due to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences. Altona North reflects a developing area with around 94 people per approval. Population forecasts indicate that the area will gain approximately 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 very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 29 projects likely impacting the region. Notable initiatives include Altona North Strategic Site, Spotswood Yards Precinct, The Fabric at Altona North, and Elements Williamstown North. Below are details on projects expected to be 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 4.5% as of June 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.9%. There were 8,270 residents employed while the unemployment rate was 0.1% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation in Altona North lagged behind Greater Melbourne, with a rate of 58.2% compared to 64.1%. Employment is concentrated in construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade.

Construction shows strong specialization with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level. Health care & social assistance employs 11.0% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 14.2%. The ratio of 0.8 workers per resident indicates substantial local employment opportunities. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 4.9%, labour force increased by 5.8%, leading to an unemployment rise of 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 3.5% and labour force growth of 4.0%, with a 0.5 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Altona North's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.4%% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

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

Altona North has a high national income level, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest ATO data for financial year 2022. The median income among taxpayers in Altona North is $60,940, with an average income of $74,917. This compares to Greater Melbourne's figures of $54,892 and $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). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Altona North rank modestly, between the 49th and 50th 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 in Altona North, 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 dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, comprised 66.7% houses and 33.3% 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 North was at 34.5%, similar to Melbourne metro. Dwellings were either mortgaged (32.4%) or rented (33.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, aligning with Melbourne metro's average. Median weekly rent was $400, compared to Melbourne metro's $386. Nationally, Altona North's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,167 against the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were also higher at $400 over the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 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 make up 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 matches the Greater Melbourne average.

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

Educational qualifications in Altona North trail regional benchmarks, with 29.9% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 37.0% in Greater Melbourne. This gap highlights potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees lead at 20.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.2%) and graduate diplomas (3.1%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 27.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (10.0%) and certificates (17.3%).

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. A robust network of 7 schools operates within Altona North, educating approximately 3,169 students while the area demonstrates above-average socio-educational conditions (ICSEA: 1059). The educational mix includes 4 primary, 1 secondary, and 2 K-12 schools. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs (19.4 places per 100 residents vs 15.3 regionally), indicating the area serves as an educational center for the broader region. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments please refer to parent campus.

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 via 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 translates 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, with common health conditions among its general population being somewhat typical but higher than the national average among older cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 57% (~9,327 people), compared to 60.9% across Greater Melbourne.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 7.4 and 7.1% of residents respectively. 70.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, similar to the 70.7% figure for Greater Melbourne. The area has 16.9% of residents 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 a high level of cultural diversity, with 37.3% of its population born overseas and 43.9% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Altona North, accounting for 47.0% of people. Islam is notably overrepresented, comprising 16.0%, compared to Greater Melbourne's average of 5.3%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (16.7%), Australian (16.3%), and Other (11.7%). Some ethnic groups show significant differences: Lebanese at 7.2% in Altona North versus 2.1% regionally, Maltese at 2.9% versus 3.4%, and Croatian at 1.5% versus 1.4%.

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

Altona North has a median age of 37, which is equal to Greater Melbourne's figure and comparable to Australia's median age of 38. The percentage of the population aged 85 and over in Altona North is 3.8%, higher than Greater Melbourne's rate. Conversely, the 15-24 age group makes up 9.8% of Altona North's population, lower than Greater Melbourne's figure. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of the population aged 35 to 44 has increased from 15.9% to 16.8%. During this same period, the percentage of those aged 75 to 84 has decreased from 7.1% to 6.2%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Altona North's age structure. Notably, the 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 46%, reaching a total of 2,864 people from its current size of 1,955.