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 per AreaSearch's analysis, stands at around 16,321 by August 2025. This figure represents an increase of 1,390 individuals, a 9.3% rise since the 2021 Census which recorded 14,931 inhabitants. The change is inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 15,974 in June 2024 and an additional 548 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 1,008 persons per square kilometer, which aligns with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Altona North's growth rate of 9.3% since the 2021 census surpassed both its SA3 area's average (7.0%) and the national average, indicating it as a region with notable population growth. Overseas migration contributed approximately 72.6% of overall population gains during recent periods in Altona North.

AreaSearch is employing 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 the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusting them using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. In terms of demographic trends and future population projections, the area is expected to experience significant population increase, with an anticipated growth of 5,031 persons by 2041 based on current population numbers. This would result in a total gain of 28.3% over the seventeen-year period.

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

Altona North has seen around 266 new homes approved annually. Development approval data from the ABS shows 1,334 homes approved over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, with an additional 17 approved so far in FY-26. On average, 0.4 people have moved to the area per dwelling built over these years. This supply meets or exceeds demand, offering greater buyer choice and supporting potential population growth above projections.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $443,000, aligning with regional trends. In FY-26 alone, there have been $171.3 million in commercial approvals, indicating robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Altona North has 87.0% more building activity per person. This activity has slowed in recent years but remains substantially higher than the national average, suggesting strong developer confidence in the location. New building activity comprises 16.0% detached dwellings and 84.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a significant shift from existing housing patterns (currently 67.0% houses). This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers, likely 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 the area will gain 4,624 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 has identified 39 projects that could impact this region. Notable initiatives include Altona North Strategic Site, Haven Altona North, The Fabric, and another project also named The Fabric. The following details projects likely to be most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Altona North has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Altona North has a well-educated workforce with professional services prominently represented. The unemployment rate was 4.5% in June 2025, which is 0.1% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.9%. There were 8,270 residents employed as of June 2025, with workforce participation at 58.2%, significantly lagging behind Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Key employment sectors include construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Construction stands out with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

In contrast, health care & social assistance employs only 11.0% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 14.2%. The worker-to-resident ratio is 0.8, indicating substantial local employment opportunities. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 4.9%, labour force by 5.8%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 0.8 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne had employment growth of 3.5% and a 0.5 percentage point unemployment increase over the same period. State-level data from Sep-25 shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.08% year-on-year, adding 39,880 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%, slightly higher than the national rate of 4.5%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth at 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 these figures are illustrative extrapolations based on national trends.

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

Altona North's median income among taxpayers was $60,940 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $74,917 during the same period. This compares to Greater Melbourne's median income of $54,892 and average income of $73,761 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.11% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Altona North would be approximately $67,101 (median) and $82,491 (average) as of March 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Altona North rank modestly, between the 49th and 50th percentiles. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 30.0% of residents (4,896 people). 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 a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Altona North's dwelling structure, as reported in the latest Census, consisted of 66.7% houses and 33.3% other dwellings. In comparison, Melbourne metro had 68.7% houses and 31.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Altona North was at 34.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.4% and rented ones at 33.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, aligning with Melbourne metro's average. The median weekly rent figure was $400, compared to Melbourne metro's $386. Nationally, Altona North's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,167 versus Australia's $1,863 average, while rents were also higher at $400 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 account for 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 aligns with 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. 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 seven schools operates within Altona North, educating approximately 3,169 students as of the latest available data. The educational mix includes four primary, one secondary, and two 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. Altona North demonstrates above-average socio-educational conditions (ICSEA: 1059). 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 transport stops operating within its boundaries. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 11 individual routes in operation. Collectively, these routes facilitate 5,203 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of public transport is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 157 meters from the nearest transport stop. On average, service frequency across all routes is 743 trips per day, 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.

Private health cover is very high at approximately 57% of the total population (9,319 people), compared to 60.9% across Greater Melbourne. 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 the 70.7% figure across Greater Melbourne. As of June 2021, 16.9% of Altona North's population is aged 65 and over (2,761 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges requiring more attention 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, making up 47.0% of people. Islam is overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, comprising 16.0% of Altona North's population versus 5.3%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (16.7%), Australian (16.3%), and Other (11.7%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences: Lebanese at 7.2% compared to 2.1%, Maltese at 2.9% compared to 3.4%, and Croatian at 1.5% compared to 1.4%.

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

Altona North has a median age of 37, matching Greater Melbourne and closely resembling Australia's median age of 38. The population aged 85 and over comprises 3.8%, slightly higher than the Greater Melbourne figure. Conversely, those aged 15 to 24 make up 9.8% of Altona North's population. 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 substantial changes in Altona North's age structure, with the 45 to 54 group expected to grow by 47%, reaching a total of 2,864 individuals from its current figure of 1,953.