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 approximately 16,695 as of May 2026. This figure represents an increase of 1,764 people from the 2021 Census total of 14,931. The growth is inferred from ABS estimated resident population data and validated new addresses since June 2025. The population density was around 1,031 persons per square kilometer. Altona North's growth rate of 11.8% since the 2021 Census exceeded both its SA3 area (6.8%) and the state average. Interstate migration contributed approximately 44.2% to this growth.

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 employs VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusting using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Altona North is projected to gain approximately 4,750 persons, reflecting a total increase of 27.2% over the 16-year period.

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

Altona North has approved approximately 266 new homes annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 1,334 homes were approved, with an additional 144 approved so far in FY-26. On average, about 0.4 people moved to the area for each dwelling built over these five financial years.

This suggests that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choices and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average expected construction cost of new properties was around $258,000, which is lower than regional levels, offering more affordable housing options. In FY-26, Altona North has registered approximately $171.3 million in commercial approvals, indicating strong local business investment. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Altona North has 86.0% more building activity per person, providing buyers with greater choice and reflecting robust developer confidence in the location. The new building activity consists of approximately 16.0% detached dwellings and 84.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a significant shift from the current housing pattern of 67.0% houses. With around 94 people per approval, Altona North is considered a developing area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the population is forecasted to grow by approximately 4,548 residents by 2041.

With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favorable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Altona North has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 44thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 29 projects likely influencing the region. Notable projects include The Fabric Altona North, Spotswood Yards Precinct, Altona North Strategic Site, and Mobil Melbourne Terminal Conversion. Below is a list detailing 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 an educated workforce with professional services well-represented. The unemployment rate was 5.0% as of December 2021, with estimated employment growth of 3.3%. By December 2025, the unemployment rate was 4.8%, 0.2% above Greater Melbourne's rate.

Workforce participation was 64.9%, below Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. Census responses showed 33.5% worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment is concentrated in construction (1.3 times the regional level), health care & social assistance (11.0%), and retail trade. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 3.3%, labour force by 4.4%, leading to a 1.0 percentage point unemployment rise.

In contrast, Greater Melbourne had employment growth of 2.4% and labour force growth of 2.8%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project total employment growth of 6.6% 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 extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Altona North SA2 has an exceptionally high national income level based on latest ATO data compiled by AreaSearch for financial year ended 30 June 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Altona North SA2 was $62,462, with an average income of $80,649. This compares to Greater Melbourne's figures of $57,688 and $75,164 respectively for the same period. Using Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year ended 30 June 2023, estimated current incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $68,471 (median) and $88,407 (average). The 2021 Census data 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 (5,008 people) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket, similar to the surrounding region where 32.8% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.1% of income remaining after housing costs, 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 above-average rates of outright home ownership

Altona North's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 66.7% houses and 33.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Altona North was at 34.5%, with the rest being mortgaged (32.4%) or rented (33.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, above Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent was $400, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Altona North's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,167 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were also higher at $400 against the national figure of $375.

Altona North has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average 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 make up the remaining 30.7%, with lone person households at 27.5% and group households comprising 3.1% of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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

In Altona North, 29.9% of residents aged 15 and above hold university degrees, compared to Greater Melbourne's 37.0%. The most common qualification is bachelor degrees at 20.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.2%) and graduate diplomas (3.1%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 27.3% of residents holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (10.0%) and certificates (17.3%). Educational participation is 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 good compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Altona North has 124 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These are serviced by 11 different routes that collectively facilitate 2,817 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents typically located just 157 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 85%, while only 6% use trains. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, a high 33.5% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 402 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 22 weekly trips per stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

Health performance in Altona North is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts

Altona North faces significant health challenges as per AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across all age groups but more so among older cohorts.

Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 60% of the total population (9,933 people), compared to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues and asthma, affecting 7.4% and 7.1% of residents respectively. 70.6% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 16.2% of residents aged 65 and over (2,697 people), higher than the 15.0% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than 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 overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, comprising 16.0% of Altona North's population compared to the regional average of 5.6%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (16.7%), Australian (16.3%), and Other (11.7%). Notably, Lebanese (7.2%) Maltese (2.9%) and Croatian (1.5%) ethnicities are overrepresented in Altona North compared to regional averages of 0.8%, 1.1%, and 0.7% respectively.

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 years. The population aged 85 and above comprises 3.6%, higher than Greater Melbourne's percentage. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 age group is less prevalent at 9.8%. Between 2021 and present, the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 15.9% to 17.1% of the population. Conversely, the 75 to 84 cohort has decreased from 7.1% to 5.8%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Altona North's age structure. Notably, the 45 to 54 group is expected to grow by 43%, adding 873 people to reach a total of 2,900 from its current figure of 2,026.