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 6790 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 604 people (9.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6186 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6742 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 63 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2652 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Bundoora - West's 9.8% growth since census positions it within 0.1 percentage points of the national average (9.9%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 88.4% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising 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 from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Moving forward with demographic trends, exceptional growth, placing in the top 10 percent of national statistical areas, is predicted over the period with the area expected to increase by 2894 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting recording a gain of 41.9% 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 averaged approximately 21 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 106 homes. In Financial Year 26, 18 approvals have been recorded to date. 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 cost of $178,000, below regional norms, offering more affordable housing options for purchasers.

This financial year has seen $12.5 million in commercial approvals, reflecting moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Bundoora - West records markedly lower building activity, at 77.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. The area's level is also below national average, indicating maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent construction consists of 38.0% standalone homes and 62.0% medium to high-density housing, creating more affordable entry points and suiting downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This shift from the existing housing composition (currently 79.0% houses) suggests decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles and demand for diverse, affordable housing options. Bundoora - West has a population density of around 826 people per approval, indicating a mature, established area.

According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, the area is expected to grow by 2,846 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 moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Local infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified ten projects expected to impact this region. Notable projects include M80 Ring Road Completion, Research and Development Centre, Mill Park Secondary College Performing Arts Centre, Norris Bank Reserve Upgrade. The following list details those likely 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.

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

Bundoora - West has a well-educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 3.4% and there was an estimated employment growth of 1.1% in the past year. As of September 2025, 3,558 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.2% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%.

Workforce participation lags at 62.8%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. According to Census responses, 21.9% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. The area has a strong specialization in retail trade with an employment share of 1.2 times the regional level.

Conversely, professional & technical services have lower representation at 6.7%, compared to the regional average of 10.1%. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 1.1% while labour force increased by 0.5%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Bundoora - West's employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to its current employment mix.

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 the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is lower than average on a national basis compared to Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $51,983 (median) and $63,307 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Bundoora - West all fall between the 17th and 30th percentiles nationally. The data shows that 32.2% of the community earns $1,500 - 2,999 (2,186 individuals), consistent with broader trends across regional levels showing 32.8% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe with only 83.5% of income remaining, ranking at the 29th percentile nationally. 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

In Bundoora - West, as per the latest Census data, 78.6% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 21.3% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments and other types. This is in contrast to Melbourne metro's dwelling structure which was 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 ones at 29.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,900, lower than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure for Bundoora - West was $380 compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Bundoora - West's median monthly mortgage repayment exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while its median weekly rent surpassed 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% of the total. 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

Educational qualifications in Bundoora show that 30.5% of residents aged 15+ have university degrees, compared to Greater Melbourne's 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 18.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are held by 28.5% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 10.8% and certificates at 17.7%. Educational participation is high, with 26.6% 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

Public transport analysis shows 17 active transport stops operating within Bundoora - West. These comprise a mix of light rail and buses serviced by 5 individual routes, providing a total of 3,384 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 328 meters from the nearest stop. As primarily residential, most commute outward; car remains dominant at 87%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 21.9% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 483 trips daily 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 shows strong health performance in Bundoora - West. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are low among the general population but higher than national averages for older, at-risk cohorts. Private health cover is very low, at approximately 48% of the total population (around 3,272 people), compared to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 8.8% and 7.6% of residents respectively. 69.1% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Under-65 population shows better than average health outcomes. The area has 23.2% of residents aged 65 and over (1,575 people), higher than Greater Melbourne's 15.1%, but lower than the national average.

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 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, accounting for 54.5% of people. However, Islam is overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, comprising 4.7% versus 3.6%.

The top three ancestry groups are Australian (14.1%), English (13.3%), and Other (12.8%). Notably, Greek (6.5%) and Macedonian (3.8%) populations are higher in Bundoora-West compared to Greater Melbourne's averages of 2.7% and 0.7%, respectively.

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. The 75-84 age group is over-represented at 8.8% compared to the Greater Melbourne average, while the 5-14 age group is under-represented at 8.3%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 15-24 age group has grown from 11.3% to 13.9%, the 45-54 cohort has declined from 11.1% to 9.2%, and the 55-64 group has dropped from 11.3% to 9.9%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Bundoora-West, with the 25-34 age group expected to grow by 34% (403 people), reaching 1,590 from 1,186.