Ashwood - Chadstone

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

Ashwood-Chadstone's population is approximately 21,239 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 1,732 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 19,507. The growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 20,947 in June 2024 and an additional 137 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 3,165 persons per square kilometer, placing Ashwood-Chadstone in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch's assessments. Over the past decade, Ashwood-Chadstone has shown resilient growth with a compound annual growth rate of 1.3%, outperforming its SA3 area. Overseas migration contributed approximately 86.7% of overall population gains recently.

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 the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusting them using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Ashwood-Chadstone is projected to increase its population by 6,735 persons, reflecting a total gain of 30.3% over the 17-year period based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Ashwood - Chadstone when compared nationally

Ashwood - Chadstone has seen approximately 98 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling 491 homes. As of FY26, 41 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.4 new residents have arrived per new home each year between FY21 and FY25, indicating balanced supply and demand. However, this figure has increased to 6.7 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting growing demand and tightening supply. The average construction value of new homes is $458,000, slightly above the regional average.

This year alone, $48.7 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, demonstrating strong commercial development momentum. Comparing Ashwood - Chadstone's construction rates with Greater Melbourne shows similar figures per person, supporting market stability. Recent construction consists of 56.0% detached dwellings and 44.0% attached dwellings, offering options across various price points.

The area has approximately 332 people per dwelling approval, suggesting room for growth. By 2041, Ashwood - Chadstone is forecasted to gain 6,443 residents. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Ashwood - Chadstone has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

The performance of a region is significantly impacted by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified nineteen such projects that could potentially affect this area. Notable among these are the Ashburton Library and Community Centre, Suburban Rail Loop East, 65A Power Avenue Social Housing, and Ashwood Green. The following list provides details on those projects most likely to be 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.

Employment conditions in Ashwood - Chadstone demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Ashwood-Chadstone has a highly educated workforce with professional services well represented. The unemployment rate was 3.1% as of September 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.7%.

As of that date, 12,252 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.6% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation was broadly similar to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. Census responses indicated that 40.4% of residents worked from home. Key industries for employment among residents were health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and retail trade.

The area showed strong specialization in professional & technical services, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level. In contrast, construction employed only 7.2% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 9.7%. Employment opportunities locally appeared limited, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. During the year to September 2025, employment levels increased by 4.7%, labour force increased by 4.8%, and unemployment remained essentially unchanged. By comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.0%, labour force growth of 3.3%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Ashwood-Chadstone's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.2% over ten years, though these are simple weighting extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not account for localized population projections.

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

In AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, Ashwood - Chadstone SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $58,423 and an average income of $79,395. Nationally, these figures are extremely high, with Greater Melbourne's levels at $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates for September 2025 would be approximately $63,243 (median) and $85,945 (average). According to Census 2021 income data, Ashwood - Chadstone's household, family, and personal incomes cluster around the 64th percentile nationally. The earnings band of $1,500 - 2,999 captures 28.3% of the community (6,010 individuals), similar to regional levels at 32.8%. High earners above $3,000/week constitute 32.1%, indicating strong economic capacity in the area. Housing costs consume 17.5% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 64th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Ashwood - Chadstone displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Ashwood-Chadstone, as per the latest Census, 58.2% of dwellings were houses while 41.8% consisted of semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This contrasts with Melbourne's metropolitan area where 67.9% were houses and 32.1% were other dwellings. Home ownership in Ashwood-Chadstone stood at 28.3%, lower than Melbourne metro's rate. Mortgaged properties made up 33.5% and rented dwellings accounted for 38.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,500, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Ashwood-Chadstone was $415, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Ashwood-Chadstone's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,500 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Ashwood - Chadstone features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 69.0% of all households, including 32.3% couples with children, 24.1% couples without children, and 11.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 31.0%, with lone person households at 24.7% and group households comprising 6.2% of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Ashwood - Chadstone shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Educational attainment in Ashwood-Chadstone is notably high, with 47.3% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications. This compares to 29.8% in the SA4 region and 30.4% nationally. Bachelor degrees are most common at 29.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (13.8%) and graduate diplomas (3.7%). Vocational pathways account for 22.2% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 10.4% and certificates at 11.8%.

Educational participation is high, with 30.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.6% in tertiary education, 8.4% in primary education, and 6.9% pursuing secondary education.

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

Public transport analysis shows 65 active stops operating within Ashwood-Chadstone area. These are served by 9 routes, providing a total of 2032 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 256 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward, predominantly by car (82%), with 10% using trains. Average vehicle ownership is 1.3 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 40.4% of residents work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 290 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 31 weekly trips per stop.

Ashwood - Chadstone's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Health data shows Ashwood-Chadstone residents have positive health outcomes.

Mortality rates and health conditions are similar to national benchmarks. Common health conditions are low among the general population but higher in older, at-risk groups. Private health cover is high, with 58% of the total population (~12,403 people). Mental health issues and asthma are the most common conditions, affecting 7.5 and 6.9% respectively. 73.7% of residents report no medical ailments compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 15.3% of residents aged 65 and over (3,243 people).

Ashwood - Chadstone is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Ashwood-Chadstone has high cultural diversity, with 44.8% speaking a language other than English at home and 45.2% born overseas. Christianity is the dominant religion, making up 43.3%. Judaism is overrepresented at 0.8%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 1.0%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (16.8%), Chinese (15.9%, significantly higher than the regional average of 6.5%) and Australian (15.0%). Other notable ethnic group representations include Sri Lankan at 1.5% (vs regionally 0.8%), Greek at 5.3% (vs 2.7%) and Korean at 1.2% (vs 0.3%).

Ashwood - Chadstone's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Ashwood-Chadstone has a median age of 36 years, nearly matching Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and modestly under Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Ashwood-Chadstone has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (17.7%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (10.4%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 15-24 has grown from 12.2% to 13.2%, while the percentage of those aged 5-14 has declined from 11.0% to 10.4%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Ashwood-Chadstone's age profile will change significantly. The 45-54 cohort is projected to grow by 42%, adding 1,087 residents and reaching a total of 3,662.