Bundoora - West
Statistical Area - sa2

An assessment of population growth drivers in Bundoora - West reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Bundoora - West's population, as of August 2025, is approximately 6,782. This figure represents a growth of 596 people, an increase of 9.6% since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 6,186. The change is inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 6,742 in June 2024 and an additional 64 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,649 persons per square kilometer, placing Bundoora - West in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth rate of 9.6% since the 2021 census exceeded both the national average (8.6%) and the state average, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 88.4% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. 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. Based on the latest population numbers, exceptional growth is predicted over the period with Bundoora - West expected to increase by 2,894 persons by 2041, recording a gain of 42.1% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Bundoora - West according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Bundoora - West has averaged approximately 21 new dwelling approvals annually. The Australian Bureau of Statistics produces development approval data on a financial year basis, with 106 dwellings approved over the past five financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), and three approvals so far in FY-26. Each dwelling built has resulted in an average of 2.5 new residents per year over these five years, indicating healthy demand that supports property values. New homes are being constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $450,000, aligning with broader regional development trends.

This financial year has seen $12.5 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Bundoora - West records markedly lower building activity, with 77.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent construction comprises 38.0% standalone homes and 62.0% medium and high-density housing, creating more affordable entry points and suiting downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition of 79.0% houses, indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and demand for diverse, affordable housing options. With around 826 people per approval, Bundoora - West shows a mature, established area with an expected population growth of 2,854 residents through to 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Looking ahead, Bundoora - West is expected to grow by 2,854 residents through to 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Bundoora - West has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives greatly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 11 projects that could significantly impact the region. Notable ones include The Belmont Collection, North East Link Project, M80 Ring Road Completion, and Research and Development Centre, with the following list highlighting those most relevant.

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

AreaSearch analysis indicates Bundoora - West maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Bundoora - West has a well-educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 3.2% as of June 2025, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.6%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.5%. There were 3,521 residents employed by June 2025, with an unemployment rate of 1.4% below Greater Melbourne's rate. Workforce participation in Bundoora - West was 56.8%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

Retail trade shows strong specialization with an employment share of 1.2 times the regional level. Conversely, professional & technical services show lower representation at 6.7% versus the regional average of 10.1%. Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 2.5%, while labour force increased by 1.4%, reducing the unemployment rate by 1.1 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.5% and an increase in unemployment by 0.5 percentage points. State-level data for Victoria to Sep-25 shows employment grew by 1.08% year-on-year, with a state unemployment rate of 4.7%. National employment forecasts from May 2025 project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Bundoora - West's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.4% over five years and 13.4% over ten years.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

Bundoora - West had a median taxpayer income of $45,068 and an average of $56,128 in the financial year 2022, according to latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is lower than national averages; Greater Melbourne's median income was $54,892 with an average of $73,761 during the same period. By March 2025, adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 10.11%, estimated incomes would be approximately $49,624 (median) and $61,803 (average). Census data shows that incomes in Bundoora - West fall between the 17th and 30th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 32.2% of the community (2,183 individuals), similar to broader regional trends at 32.8%. Housing affordability pressures are severe; only 83.5% of income remains, ranking at the 30th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Bundoora - West is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in Bundoora - West, as per the latest Census, consisted of 78.6% houses and 21.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 87.2% houses and 12.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bundoora - West was 42.2%, with the rest being mortgaged or rented at 27.9% and 29.8% respectively. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,900, similar to Melbourne metro's average, while median weekly rent was $380 compared to Melbourne metro's $371. Nationally, Bundoora - West's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,900 against Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were also higher at $380 versus the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 67.6% of all households, including 26.7% couples with children, 27.5% couples without children, and 11.8% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 32.4%, with lone person households at 26.2% and group households comprising 6.1%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.9.

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

Educational qualifications in Bundoora - West trail regional benchmarks. As of 2021, 30.5% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees compared to 37.0% in Greater Melbourne. The gap suggests potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 18.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%).

Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 28.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (10.8%) and certificates (17.7%). Educational participation is high, with 26.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education as of the latest census. This includes 7.5% in tertiary education, 6.7% in primary education, and 5.0% pursuing secondary education. As of 2021, Bundoora - West's 3 schools have a combined enrollment reaching 1,133 students while the suburb demonstrates above-average socio-educational conditions (ICSEA: 1063). The educational mix includes 2 primary and 1 K-12 school. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs with 16.7 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 13.1, indicating the area serves as an educational center for the broader region.

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

Bundoora - West has 17 active public transport stops offering a mix of light rail and bus services. These stops are served by five different routes, collectively facilitating 3,212 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically residing 328 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, service frequency stands at 458 trips per day across all routes, amounting to approximately 188 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Bundoora - West are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Bundoora - West shows below-average health outcomes, with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age groups. The area has a very low private health cover rate of approximately 48%, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 8.8% of residents) and mental health issues (7.6%), while 69.1% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.0% across Greater Melbourne. The area has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over, with 22.7%, compared to 13.2% in Greater Melbourne. This aligns with the general population's health profile.

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

Bundoora-West has a high level of cultural diversity, with 45.6% of its population born overseas and 49.2% speaking a language other than English at home. The predominant religion is Christianity, accounting for 54.5% of the population in Bundoora-West. Islam is overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, comprising 4.7% of the population versus 9.1%.

The top three ancestry groups are Australian (14.1%), English (13.3%), and Other (12.8%). Notably, Macedonian (3.8%) and Greek (6.5%) ethnicities are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 4.6% and 4.1%, respectively, while Croatian is also overrepresented at 1.8%.

Bundoora - West's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Bundoora-West is 39 years, which is higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and close to the national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, the 75-84 cohort is notably over-represented at 8.6% locally, while the 5-14 age group is under-represented at 8.4%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 11.3% to 14.0%, while the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 11.1% to 9.4% and the 65 to 74 group has dropped from 12.0% to 10.5%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Bundoora-West, with the 25 to 34 age group expected to grow by 33%, reaching 1,590 people from 1,192.