Bundoora - West

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Bundoora - West's population is around 6815 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 629 people (10.2%) since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 6186 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6806 from the ABS as of June 2025 and an additional 66 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2662 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Bundoora - West's growth of 10.2% since the 2021 census exceeded both the state average (9.3%) and the national average. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 91.1% 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 utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing 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 demographic trends, exceptional growth is predicted over the period with the area expected to increase by 2782 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 40.7% in total over the 16 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 over the past five financial years, totalling 106 homes. As of FY-26, 19 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years, an average of 2.5 new residents per year was gained for each dwelling built, indicating strong demand that supports property values. New homes are being constructed at an average expected cost of $178,000, which is below regional norms and offers more affordable housing options.

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 than the regional average, with 76.0% fewer approvals per person, which generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. This level is also below national averages, 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 shift from the area's existing housing composition (currently 79.0% houses) indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects 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 2,773 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 2,773 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). 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 40% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified ten projects that may impact this region. Notable projects include M80 Ring Road Completion, Research and Development Centre, Mill Park Secondary College Performing Arts Centre, and Norris Bank Reserve Upgrade. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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

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The employment landscape in Bundoora - West shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Bundoora - West has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 3.7% as of December 2025, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.8%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.2%.

As of December 2025, 3,583 residents were employed with an unemployment rate of 1.1% below Greater Melbourne's rate. Workforce participation in Bundoora - West was 62.7%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. A moderate 21.9% of residents worked from home based on Census responses, considering Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

Retail trade has a strong specialization with an employment share of 1.2 times the regional level. Conversely, professional & technical services show lower representation at 6.7% compared to the regional average of 10.1%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 1.2% while labour force increased by 1.3%, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable. By comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 2.4% and labour force growth of 2.8%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% expansion over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Bundoora - West's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

The median taxpayer income in Bundoora - West SA2 is $48,021 and the average is $58,482 according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is lower than national averages; Greater Melbourne's median income is $57,688 with an average of $75,164. By March 2026, estimates suggest the median will be approximately $52,641 and the average $64,108, based on a 9.62% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. Census data indicates incomes in Bundoora - West fall between the 17th and 30th percentiles nationally. The $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 32.2% of individuals (2,194 people), consistent with broader regional trends at 32.8%. Housing affordability pressures are severe; only 83.5% of income remains, ranking at the 29th 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). This compares to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bundoora - West stood at 42.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.9% and rented dwellings at 29.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,900, below the Melbourne metro average of $2,000. The median weekly rent was $380, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Bundoora - West's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute 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 2.6.

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

In Bundoora, as of 2021, 30.5% of residents aged 15 and above hold university degrees, compared to Greater Melbourne's 37.0%. The most common qualifications are bachelor degrees (18.4%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 28.5% of residents holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (10.8%) and certificates (17.7%). Educational participation is high, with 26.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 7.5% in tertiary education, 6.7% in primary education, and 5.0% pursuing secondary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 7.5% in tertiary education, 6.7% in primary education, and 5.0% pursuing secondary education.

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 individual routes, collectively facilitating 3,384 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 328 meters from the nearest stop. The area, predominantly residential, sees most residents commuting outward, with car being the dominant mode at 87%. Average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.3. According to the 2021 Census, 21.9% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 483 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 199 weekly trips per stop.

Bundoora - West's residents are extremely healthy with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Bundoora - West. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were low among the general population, but higher than the national average among older, at-risk cohorts. Private health cover was found to be very low, at approximately 48% of the total population (around 3,284 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions were arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 8.8 and 7.6% of residents respectively. However, 69.1% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. The under-65 population demonstrated better than average health outcomes. The area had 22.6% of residents aged 65 and over (around 1,538 people), higher than the 15.0% in Greater Melbourne but lower nationally than the broader population.

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. Christianity is the predominant religion in Bundoora-West, comprising 54.5% of its population. Islam is overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, making up 4.7% of Bundoora-West's population versus the regional average of 5.6%.

The top three parental ancestry groups are Australian (14.1%), English (13.3%), and Other (12.8%). Notably, Greek, Macedonian, and Croatian ethnicities are overrepresented in Bundoora-West compared to Greater Melbourne: Greeks comprise 6.5% versus the regional average of 2.7%, Macedonians 3.8% versus 0.7%, and Croatians 1.8% versus 0.7%.

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

The median age in Bundoora-West was 39 years as of 2021, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and close to the national average of 38. The area had a notably higher proportion of individuals aged 75-84 (8.7%) compared to Greater Melbourne, while those aged 5-14 were under-represented at 8.3%. Post-census data showed a decrease in median age from 40 to 39 years between 2016 and 2021. The population aged 15-24 grew from 11.3% to 13.9%, while the 25-34 cohort increased from 16.7% to 18.3%. Conversely, the 55-64 age group declined from 11.3% to 9.5% and the 45-54 group dropped from 11.1% to 9.3%. By 2041, Bundoora-West is projected to see significant shifts in its age composition, with the 25-34 group expected to grow by 33%, reaching 1,656 individuals from 1,244.