Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie

SA2

Greater Melbourne / Essendon

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Statistical Area (SA2) Boundary Analysis

This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.

SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).

Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.

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Sales ActivityProperty Sales Trends in Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie

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DemographicsPopulation Growth in Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie

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Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie has an estimated 17,121 residents, up from 16,042 at the 2021 Census — a change of 1,079 people, or 6.7%. 373 new addresses have been validated here since Census night. Overseas migration accounts for 96.4% of that increase. That puts 3,501 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.

Detail

Based on calculations by AreaSearch, the resident count of Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie stands at approximately 17,121 in May 2026. This represents an addition of 1,079 individuals (6.7%) from the 2021 Census, which registered 16,042 residents. This shift is determined using the ABS June 2025 estimated resident population of 17,119 alongside 373 validated new addresses identified after the Census. This population scale translates to 3,501 persons per square kilometer, placing the locality in the highest quarter of all evaluated Australian areas. The post-census growth of 6.7% lags behind the wider SA3 region (9.0%) by 2.3 percentage points, showing solid regional competitiveness.

International migration was the primary driver of this expansion, accounting for roughly 96.4% of the total population increase during the recent timeframe. Projections released in 2024 by the ABS and Geoscience Australia, using 2022 as a baseline, are utilized for each SA2 region. For locations lacking this direct coverage, estimates rely on the 2023 Victorian State Government LGA projections, adjusted using a weighted aggregation method to translate LGA population growth to the SA2 level. The age structure growth patterns derived from these models are also applied to the years 2032 through 2041. Future demographic forecasts suggest this area will experience population expansion exceeding the national median, increasing by 2,468 individuals by 2041 compared to the latest annual ERP numbers, showing a total growth of 14.4% over the 16 years.

Frequently Asked Questions - Population

What is the latest population estimate for the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2?
Total population for the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 was estimated to be approximately 17,121 as at May 26. This is based upon an estimated resident population of 17,119 from the ABS up to June 2025.
How has the population in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 changed since 2021?
The essendon (west) - aberfeldie sa2 has added approximately 1,079 people and shown a 6.73% increase from the 16,042 people recorded at the 2021 Census period.
What is the population density in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2?
The population density in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 is estimated at 3,501 persons per square kilometer based on the latest population estimate.
How much has the population grown over the past 10 years in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2?
Over the past 10 years, the population in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 has shown a compound annual growth rate of 0.6% per annum.
What are the main drivers of population growth in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2?
Population growth in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 is driven by: Overseas migration (96.4%), Natural increase (3.6%), Interstate migration (0.0%). The primary driver is Overseas migration, contributing 96.4% of overall population gains.

Residential SupplyHousing Development & Building Approvals in Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie

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581 new dwellings have been approved in Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie over the past five years, an average of 116 a year. That places the area in the 51st percentile for residential development activity nationally, about 7 approvals per 1,000 residents a year. Of the 110 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 30% were detached houses and the rest townhouses or apartments. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 72, well below that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this SA2 boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.

Detail

Approximately 116 residential units receive building approval annually in Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie, with 581 homes authorized over the 5 financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, and 66 during the current FY-26 period. Because the local population grew by an average of only 0.3 individuals per completed home during the 5 financial years between FY-21 and FY-25, residential supply is keeping pace with or outstripping demand, offering home buyers more choices while allowing for population growth that could exceed baseline forecasts. Newly approved builds carry an average construction cost of $621,000, illustrating that developers are prioritizing high-end, premium properties.

Furthermore, commercial building approvals total $495,000 for the current financial year, demonstrating a very quiet commercial construction sector. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie records about three-quarters the building activity per person while it places among the 56th percentile of areas assessed nationally. Recent construction comprises 30.0% detached houses and 70.0% townhouses or apartments. This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points and suits downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This marks a significant departure from existing housing patterns (currently 54.0% houses), suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. With around 282 people per dwelling approval, Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie shows a developing market. Looking forward, the population of Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie is projected to rise by 2,466 people by 2041, according to recent quarterly figures from AreaSearch. If current building rates persist, the volume of incoming housing should easily accommodate this growth, ensuring balanced conditions for purchasers and potentially enabling expansion beyond the current formal projections.

Frequently Asked Questions - Development

How many dwelling approvals have occurred in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 recently?
Dwelling approval activity in the the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 area has seen 123 residential approvals over the past two financial years, based on AreaSearch's SA2 aggregation method. The Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2's current population of 17,121 has been supported by 116 approvals on average over recent years.
How does the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2's development activity compare to the broader region?
The Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 has seen 0.71 approvals per 100 people in recent years, compared to 0.9 approvals in the broader region. This means that one dwelling has been approved for every 282 people in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2, compared to one for every 125 in the broader region.
Is the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 keeping up with housing demand?
With the population expected to increase by 2,466 people by 2041, around 1,233 new dwellings will be necessary. Recent approval levels may be insufficient to meet these forecasts, considering the census average of 2.0 persons per dwelling.
What has been the trend in development approvals over the past five years in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2?
Looking at development activity over the past five years, the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2's approval levels have been significantly below the yearly average of 116, showing a notable downturn in recent development.
How many dwellings will be needed to accommodate future population growth in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2?
The population in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 is expected to grow by 2,466 people by 2041, necessitating approximately 1,233 new dwellings. This calculation is based on the current census average of 2.0 persons per dwelling in the area.
How does recent development compare to population growth in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2?
Over the past five years, the population in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 has grown by approximately 3,460 people, while 581 residential approvals were recorded. This equates to a ratio of 6.0 people added for each new dwelling approval. This high ratio suggests strong population growth relative to housing supply, potentially indicating unmet housing demand.
Are there opportunities for residential developers in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2?
With dwelling approval activity running at an average of 116 approvals per year and a population of 17,121, the market appears to be reasonably balanced between supply and demand, presenting moderate opportunities for well-positioned developments. With the population expected to increase by 2,466 people by 2041, around 1,233 new dwellings will be necessary. Current approval trends may be insufficient to meet forecast demand, indicating strong development opportunities.
Approvals Pipeline Development applications near Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie

Development applications around Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie

Development approvals is a new addition to AreaSearch. We’re actively expanding council coverage and refining the dataset — details and statuses for some councils may be partial. Check back regularly for the latest pipeline.
Application search is not available in Victoria. AreaSearch holds 24 applications for Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie, but they are a record of past activity rather than a current register. Victoria has no state-wide planning portal and its council coverage is uneven, so we have switched the search off here rather than return partial answers. We are currently investigating a solution. No credits are charged for Victorian applications, and building approvals from the ABS and the major projects we track are unaffected.

SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.

Project PipelineInfrastructure & Major Projects in Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie

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AreaSearch tracks one current infrastructure or development project inside Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie, worth an estimated $114 million. A further 80 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $16.8 billion. 13 are already under construction and 18 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities, precincts & urban renewal and transport & logistics. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.

Detail

Local infrastructure projects, planning initiatives, and major works have a significant impact on local property markets. AreaSearch has identified 7 projects expected to influence the area, with the most relevant including LUMA Sunshine North, Buckley Street Level Crossing Removal, Airport Toyota Expansion, and the Maribyrnong River Master Plan Implementation.

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

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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure

What are some of the major infrastructure and planning changes likely to influence the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2?
Key infrastructure and planning changes likely to influence the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 include: LUMA Sunshine North (Construction); Buckley Street Level Crossing Removal (Completed); Airport Toyota Expansion (Construction); Maribyrnong River Master Plan Implementation (Planning); and Niddrie (Keilor Road) Activity Centre Structure Plan (Approved). These projects represent significant developments that will shape the area's future infrastructure landscape.
What types of infrastructure projects are impacting the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2?
Infrastructure development impacting the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 spans multiple sectors including Communities, Precincts & Urban Renewal, Residential Development, and Transport & Logistics, among others.
What is the scale of infrastructure investment impacting the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2?
Infrastructure investment analysis indicates substantial capital deployment exceeding $8.7 billion in projects that will impact the extended area, with a notable concentration of investment within the immediate the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 vicinity.
How does the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2's infrastructure development compare to other areas?
The Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 shows moderate infrastructure development relative to national averages, with opportunities for future growth and investment.
Buckley Street Level Crossing Removal
Category: Transport & Logistics
Stage: Completed | Est. Comp: 2018
Source / Links: Link 1   Link 2  

Removal of level crossing at Buckley Street, Essendon with new elevated rail bridge. Part of Victoria's Level Crossing Removal Program to improve traffic flow and safety. Includes new landscaping and improved pedestrian access.

Transport & Logistics

Rosemont Townhomes
Category: Residential Development
Stage: Construction | Est. Comp: 2027
Source / Links: Link 1   Link 2  

Rosemont introduces a collection of 42 modern townhomes in a hidden pocket of Keilor East, positioned on undulating topography with private courtyards and secondary living spaces. Designed by Jesse Ant Architects, each home features refined materials, modern elegance, light-filled environments, Miele appliances, stone benchtops, and a choice of dark or light color schemes.

Residential Development

Maribyrnong River Master Plan Implementation
Category: Environmental & Disaster Management
Stage: Planning | Est. Comp: 2028
Source / Links: Link 1   Link 2  

Comprehensive restoration and improvement of Maribyrnong River corridor through Avondale Heights. Includes flood protection, habitat restoration, recreational facilities, walking and cycling paths, and community spaces. Enhancing environmental and recreational values.

Environmental & Disaster Management

Hart Industrial Precinct
Category: Business Parks & Technology Hubs
Stage: Construction | Est. Comp: 2027
Source / Links: Link 1   Link 2  

A 30 hectare aviation, commercial and light industrial precinct in the north-east section of Essendon Fields. Stage 1 is over 60 percent complete, with more than 100000 square metres of total site area delivered and about 64000 square metres of development-ready land remaining. Operational facilities include Autex Acoustics at 121-131 Global Avenue, Modscape at 112-120 Global Avenue, Dutton Wholesale at 1 Challenger Court and temporary Modscape module storage at 117 Global Avenue. Civil infrastructure including the Global Avenue extension, services and stage 1 retarding basin is complete, while landscaping, boundary interface works and stage 2 retarding basin works are ongoing.Further warehouses and a cafe are planned subject to market demand.

Business Parks & Technology Hubs

Moonee Valley Racing Club Grandstand & Clubhouse Redevelopment
Category: Sports & Recreation
Stage: Construction | Est. Comp: 2027
Source / Links: Link 1   Link 2  

A $200 million redevelopment of the Moonee Valley Racecourse. Construction commenced in late 2025. The project features a new grandstand Event Centre, re-oriented racetrack, an 83-room boutique residential hotel, rooftop bar, wellness centre, and infield activation. Demolition and civil works are currently underway, with completion anticipated for the 2027 Cox Plate.

Sports & Recreation

299 Pascoe Vale Road Mixed-Use Precinct
Category: Communities, Precincts & Urban Renewal
Stage: Approved | Est. Comp: 2028
Source / Links: Link 1   Link 2  

Approved mixed-use precinct at 299-311 Pascoe Vale Road, Essendon. The scheme is planned around the 20-minute neighbourhood concept and includes a six-storey mixed-use first stage with about 25000 sqm of retail, supermarkets, food and beverage premises, cinema and entertainment uses, gym, medical, veterinary, childcare, office and major basement car parking. A later residential stage is planned as two buildings ranging from about seven storeys on Pascoe Vale Road to about eleven storeys near the rail corridor.The design includes a green plaza, pedestrian-friendly streetscape, solar PV, rainwater harvesting and EV charging.

Communities, Precincts & Urban Renewal

191 Rosamond Road Mixed-Use Development
Category: Communities, Precincts & Urban Renewal
Stage: Approved | Est. Comp: 2028
Source / Links: Link 1   

Mixed-use development featuring two towers of 14 and 16 storeys with 622 apartments, commercial spaces at ground level, and amenities including co-working space, wellness centre, gym, and recreational areas. Located opposite Highpoint Shopping Centre in a major retail and transport precinct.

Communities, Precincts & Urban Renewal

Niddrie (Keilor Road) Activity Centre Structure Plan
Category: Communities, Precincts & Urban Renewal
Stage: Approved | Est. Comp: 2051
Source / Links: Link 1   Link 2  

The Niddrie (Keilor Road) Activity Centre Plan establishes a long-term framework to deliver approximately 3,400 new dwellings by 2051. Finalised under Amendment GC252 in April 2025, the plan facilitates higher-density mixed-use development within the core, featuring building heights of 8 to 12 storeys on key opportunity sites. It introduces a streamlined 'deemed to comply' planning process and new infrastructure funding systems effective from January 2027 to accelerate housing delivery near existing tram and bus services along the Keilor Road corridor.

Communities, Precincts & Urban Renewal

Jobs & IndustryEmployment Trends in Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie

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10,378 residents of Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie are employed, from a labour force of 10,744. Unemployment sits at 3.4%, with participation at 73.1%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.8% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 13,785, about 81% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.

Detail

The local workforce in Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie is highly credentialed, with notable representation in professional fields, an unemployment rate of just 3.4%, and an estimated job growth of 4.1% over the prior year. By March 2026, the employed population numbered 10,378, with an unemployment rate 1.4 percentage points below the Greater Melbourne level of 4.8%. Workforce engagement is standard, with 73.1% participation compared to 70.2% across Greater Melbourne. Census records indicate that 37.4% of employed residents worked from home, though this figure was likely influenced by pandemic containment measures.

The primary employment fields for working residents are healthcare and social assistance, professional and technical services, and construction. Public administration and safety is a local specialty, with a job share 1.3 times the regional average. In contrast, manufacturing employs a lower share of the workforce at 5.4% compared to the regional baseline of 7.2%. The area is predominantly residential and provides few local jobs relative to the size of its resident workforce, as demonstrated by the comparison of local workers to resident employees in Census data. AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS statistics shows that over the 12-month period, the local employed population expanded by 4.1% while the overall labour force grew by 3.8%, resulting in a 0.3 percentage point decrease in the unemployment rate. This compares favorably to Greater Melbourne, which saw employment rise by 2.1% and the labour force by 2.3%, leading to a 0.2 percentage point increase in unemployment. Industry employment projections released by Jobs and Skills Australia in May-25 offer additional context on future labour needs. These five and ten-year forecasts have been applied to the local workforce composition to model potential employment trends. Globally, national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though individual sectors vary widely. Projecting these industry-specific shifts onto the local job mix suggests employment in Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie will expand by 6.8% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, representing a simple weighted model that does not account for local population projections.

Frequently Asked Questions - Employment

What is the employment situation in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2?
As of March 2026, the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 has approximately 10,378 employed residents with an unemployment rate of 3.4%. This healthy unemployment rate suggests a well-functioning labour market. Employment performance is above the national median, showing positive labour market dynamics.
How does the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2's unemployment rate compare to the broader region?
As of March 2026, the unemployment rate in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 stands at 3.4%, which is 1.4 percentage points below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%. This lower unemployment rate suggests stronger local employment conditions. For comparison, the national unemployment rate is 4.2%.
What are the major employment sectors in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2?
The employment landscape in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 is dominated by several key sectors. The largest employers are health care & social assistance (13.0% of employment), professional & technical (10.8%), and construction (10.1%). The relatively diverse employment base, with the top three sectors comprising 33.9% of jobs, provides economic resilience. Other significant employers include retail trade and education & training.
How has employment changed recently in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2?
Over the past year to March 2026, the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 has experienced employment growth, with total employment increasing while the labour force increased. As a result, the unemployment rate has fall. By comparison, Greater Melbourne saw employment increased and its unemployment rate rose.
What is the workforce participation rate in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2?
The workforce participation rate in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 is 73.1%, which represents the proportion of working-age residents who are either employed or actively seeking work. This high participation rate indicates strong workforce engagement and economic vitality. The local rate leading the Greater Melbourne average of 70.2%, showing similar workforce dynamics to the broader region.
Which industries are over-represented in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2's employment market?
The essendon (west) - aberfeldie sa2 shows notable specialization in public administration & safety, which employs 7.6% of the local workforce compared to 5.7% regionally. This moderate specialization indicates some local strength in the sector.
What are the employment growth prospects for the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2?
Based on Jobs and Skills Australia projections applied to the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2's industry mix, employment is expected to grow by 6.8% over the next five years and 13.7% over ten years. This exceeds the national forecast of 6.6% over five years, suggesting the area's industry composition is well-positioned for future growth. Steady growth is anticipated across multiple sectors, providing diverse employment opportunities.
How does the job market in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 compare nationally?
The essendon (west) - aberfeldie sa2's employment market shows above-average performance nationally, placing in the top half of areas assessed. Employment indicators suggest healthy labour market conditions relative to other regions. Recent job advertisement trends show the broader employment region saw a 8.9% decline, ranking 34.0th out of 37 regions nationally.
What employment opportunities exist for skilled workers in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2?
Skilled workers will find excellent opportunities in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2, with knowledge-intensive sectors comprising 41.8% of local employment. Key sectors for skilled workers include health care & social assistance (13.0%), professional & technical (10.8%), and education & training (9.6%). With projected employment growth of 6.8% over five years, demand for skilled workers is expected to remain strong.

EarningsHousehold Income in Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie

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Median household income in Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie is $2,195 a week (about $114,000 a year), with median personal income at $1,019 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $67,198 a year against an average of $95,322. The average runs 42% above the median, a wider spread than most areas and a sign of a concentrated group of high earners. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.

Detail

The latest postcode-level ATO statistics for financial year 2023 show that household incomes in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 are among the highest in the country, with a median of $67,198 and an average of $95,322. These numbers exceed the Greater Melbourne median of $57,688 and average of $75,164. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates for March 2026 stand at roughly $73,662 for the median and $104,492 for the average. Census data from 2021 confirms that household, family, and individual incomes are positioned between the 77th and 80th percentiles nationally.

The largest income bracket contains 29.0% of local residents (4,965 people) earning between $1,500 - 2,999, mirroring the wider region where this group makes up 32.8% of the population. A high proportion of residents (36.4%) earn more than $3,000 per week, indicating affluent enclaves that support local businesses. Housing costs represent 13.4% of income, and strong earnings place local residents in the 80th percentile for disposable funds, with a SEIFA economic index ranking in the 8th decile.

Frequently Asked Questions - Income

What is the median taxable income in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2?
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to March 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 is approximately $73,662. The official ATO data from FY-23 recorded a median of $67,198.
What is the average taxable income in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2?
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to March 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 is approximately $104,492. The official ATO data from FY-23 recorded an average of $95,322.
How does the median taxable income in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 compare to the region?
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to March 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 is approximately $73,662 compared to $63,238 in Greater Melbourne. The official ATO data from FY-23 shows $67,198 and $57,688 respectively.
How does the average taxable income in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 compare to the region?
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to March 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 is approximately $104,492 compared to $82,395 in Greater Melbourne. The official ATO data from FY-23 shows $95,322 and $75,164 respectively.
What are the main income cohorts in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 according to the 2021 Census?
As per the 2021 Census, the income bracket containing the largest proportion (~29.0% / 4,965 persons) of the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2's population is the $1,500 - 2,999 cohort.
How do the main income cohorts in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 compare to the region?
The largest income cohort in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 is the $1,500 - 2,999 group, representing about 29.0% of the population. In comparison, Greater Melbourne's largest income cohort is the $1,500 - 2,999 group, representing 32.8% of its population, according to the 2021 Census.
What is the median household income in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 according to the 2021 Census?
The 2021 Census data indicates that the median household income in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 is $2,195/wk.
What is the median family income in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 according to the 2021 Census?
According to the 2021 Census, the median family income in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 is $2,926/wk.
What is the median personal income in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 according to the 2021 Census?
The 2021 Census shows that the median personal income in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 is $1,019/wk.
How does the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2's income rank nationally?
AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 is extremely high nationally, with the median assessed at $67,198 while the average income stands at $95,322. This contrasts to Greater Melbourne's figures of a median income of $57,688 and an average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $73,662 (median) and $104,492 (average) as of March 2026.
What is the disposable income in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2?
The estimated disposable income in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 is $8,240 per year according to AreaSearch analysis.
How does the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2's disposable income compare to the region?
The essendon (west) - aberfeldie sa2's disposable income is $8,240 compared to $6,948 for Greater Melbourne, based on AreaSearch analysis.

Housing StockHousing & Dwellings in Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie

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Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie had 6,055 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 54% detached houses and 28% apartments. 32% are owned with a mortgage, 30% rented and 38% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $382 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,400 a month. Rent absorbs 17.4% of household income here and mortgage repayments 25.2%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.

Detail

According to the latest Census, residential structures in Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie consisted of 54.2% detached houses and 45.8% multi-unit dwellings like townhouses and apartments, compared to 67.9% houses and 32.1% multi-unit dwellings across metropolitan Melbourne. Home ownership rates are high, with outright owners making up 37.6% of households, while the rest are paying off mortgages (32.3%) or renting (30.0%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $2,400 is higher than the Melbourne metropolitan average of $2,000, while the median weekly rent of $382 is slightly below the metropolitan average of $390.

Locally, mortgage obligations are higher than the national median of $1,863, and rents also exceed the Australian average of $375.

Frequently Asked Questions - Housing

What percentage of homes are owned vs rented in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2?
In the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2, 37.6% of homes are owned outright, 32.3% are owned with a mortgage, and 30.0% are rented.
What percentage of dwellings in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 are houses?
According to the latest data, 54.2% of dwellings in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 are houses.
What percentage of dwellings in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 are apartments or units?
In the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2, 28.3% of dwellings are apartments or units, with an additional 17.3% being semi-detached dwellings.
What is the level of outright home ownership in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2?
Outright home ownership in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 stands at 37.6%, compared to 30.7% in Greater Melbourne.
What is the median monthly mortgage repayment in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2?
The median monthly mortgage repayment in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 is $2,400, compared to $2,000 in Greater Melbourne.
What is the median weekly rent in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2?
The median weekly rent in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 is $382, compared to $390 in Greater Melbourne.
What is the distribution of rental prices in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2?
In the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2, 1.8% of rentals are $0-149/week, 31.1% are $150-349/week, 57.8% are $350-649/week, 7.7% are $650-949/week, and 1.6% are $950+/week.
What is the average monthly housing cost in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2?
The aggregate monthly housing cost in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 is $1,271, which represents the average monthly cost across all housing types.
What percentage of income do residents spend on housing in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2?
In the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2, households with mortgages typically spend 25.2% of their income on mortgage repayments, while renters spend 17.4% of their income on rent.
How crowded are homes in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2?
The average persons per bedroom ratio in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 is 0.9, indicating the level of household density.
How does housing affordability in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 compare to the region?
Housing affordability in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 shows mortgage holders spending 25.2% of income on repayments (vs 24.3% regionally), while renters spend 17.4% of income on rent (vs 20.5% regionally).
What types of dwellings are most common in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2?
The dwelling mix in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 consists of 54.2% detached houses, 17.3% semi-detached dwellings, 28.3% apartments, and 0.2% other dwelling types.
What is the weighted average housing cost based on tenure mix in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2?
Given the tenure profile of the area, the weighted average monthly housing cost is approximately $1,271. This accounts for outright owners paying no housing costs, mortgage holders paying $2,400/month, and renters paying $1,654/month.
How affordable is housing in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 relative to local incomes?
Housing in Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie consumes approximately 13.4% of median household income ($9,504 monthly), indicating costs are highly affordable. The generally accepted benchmark is that housing should not exceed 30% of household income.
How do proposed developments compare to existing housing types in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2?
Recent development applications in Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie show attached dwellings contributing 35% of approvals compared to 46% of existing stock, while detached houses represent 65% of applications versus 54% of current dwellings. This suggests development patterns consistent with existing housing mix. This area is seeing substantial increases in dwelling density compared to most Australian locations.

HouseholdsHousehold Composition in Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie

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Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie counted 6,055 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 6,462 today, averaging 2.5 people each. 37% are couples with children, against 23% couples without children. 28% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.4 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.

Detail

Families make up 69.3% of local households, consisting of couples with children (36.7%), couples without children (22.6%), and single parents (9.0%). Non-family households account for the remaining 30.7%, with single-person households at 27.9% and shared group houses at 2.8%. The median household size is 2.5 residents, which is slightly smaller than the metropolitan Melbourne average of 2.6.

Frequently Asked Questions - Households

How many households are in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2?
As of the 2021 Census, the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 had 6,055 households. Based on population growth patterns, this has grown by approximately 6.7% to an estimated 6,462 households today.
What is the typical household size?
The median household size in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 is 2.5 people. This compares to 2.6 in Greater Melbourne and reflects the area's household composition mix.
What types of households are most common?
Family households dominate at 69.3% of all households. The remaining households consist of lone person households (27.9%), group households (2.8%), and other household types (0.0%).
How are families structured in the area?
Among the 4,196 family households, 36.7% are couples with children, 22.6% are couples without children at home, and 9.0% are single parent families. This mix shapes local demand for schools, family services, and housing types.
How does the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 compare to regional household patterns?
Compared to Greater Melbourne, the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 shows distinct household patterns. This higher proportion of single-person households drives demand for smaller dwellings and different community services.
What is the average family size?
Families in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 have an average of 1.4 children, matching the Greater Melbourne average of 1.4. This influences local demand for child-related services and larger family homes.
What are the marriage patterns in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2?
Marriage patterns reveal 48.8% of the adult population are currently married, while 37.2% have never married. This compares to 47.0% married and 38.0% never married across Greater Melbourne.
How significant are single-person households?
Single-person households represent 27.9% of all households in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2, similar to the regional average of 24.8%. This affects demand for smaller dwellings and single-person accommodation.
Are shared living arrangements common?
Group households (unrelated people sharing) account for 2.8% of households, well below the Greater Melbourne average of 4.3%. This low rate suggests limited student or young professional shared accommodation.
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EducationSchools & Education in Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie

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40.9% of adults in Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie hold a university qualification, including 26.9% with a bachelor degree and 9.6% with postgraduate qualifications, higher than 82% of areas nationally. A further 14.7% hold a vocational qualification. 8 schools serve the area, with 3,058 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,101 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.

Detail

Educational attainment shows some regional discrepancies, with 40.9% of residents holding a university qualification, which is lower than the SA4 average of 57.1%. Bachelor degrees are the most common tertiary qualification at 26.9%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 9.6% and graduate diplomas at 4.4%. Vocational and technical credentials are held by 25.6% of residents aged 15 and over, with 10.9% holding advanced diplomas and 14.7% holding certificates. Schooling participation is high, with 29.6% of the population enrolled in an educational program. This is split between 8.9% in high schools, 8.5% in primary schools, and 7.6% in university or vocational training.

Frequently Asked Questions - Education

What percentage of people in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 have university qualifications?
40.9% of people aged 15 and over in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 have university qualifications, compared to 37.0% in the broader region.
What percentage of people in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 have no formal qualifications?
33.7% of people aged 15 and over in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 have no formal qualifications, compared to 35.2% regionally.
How does the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2's education level compare to national averages?
The essendon (west) - aberfeldie sa2 ranks in the 82th percentile nationally for education based on AreaSearch's analysis of qualification and performance metrics.
What types of qualifications are most common in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2?
The most common qualifications in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 are: Bachelor Degree (26.9%), Certificate (14.7%), Advanced Diploma (10.9%).
What proportion of the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2's population is currently attending educational institutions?
29.6% of the population in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 is currently engaged in formal education, with 8.5% in primary school, 8.9% in secondary school, 7.6% at university.
What is the ICSEA score for schools in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2?
The average ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) score for schools in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 is 1101, indicating above-average socio-educational advantage compared to the national average of 1000.
How many schools are located within the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2?
There are 8 schools within the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2, with a combined enrollment of approximately 3,058 students.
What types of schools are available in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2?
The essendon (west) - aberfeldie sa2 includes 4 primary schools, 4 secondary schools.

Schools Detail

AmenitiesServices & Amenities in Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie

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Getting AroundTransport & Commuting in Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie

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Public transport in Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie reaches 67 stops on 11 routes, timetabled for about 5,400 services a week. The typical home sits about 190 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.3 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.

Detail

The local public transport network contains 67 stops, including light rail and buses, serviced by 11 routes that provide 5,415 passenger trips per week. Accessibility is high, with the average home located 187 meters from a transit stop. Most working residents travel out of the area for work, with 82% commuting by private car and 7% by train. The average number of vehicles per household is 1.3. Working from home was recorded for 37.4% of residents in the 2021 Census, reflecting pandemic-era conditions. Transit services average 773 daily trips across the network, which equates to roughly 80 weekly departures per stop.

Frequently Asked Questions - Transport

How many public transport stops are in Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie?
There are 67 public transport stops within the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2.
How frequent are the transport services in Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie?
the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 has 5,415 weekly trips across 11 routes, averaging 773 trips per day.
How far are residents from public transport in Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie?
On average, residential properties are 187 meters from the nearest transport stop.

Transport Stops Detail

HealthcareHealth Services in Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie

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72.8% of residents in Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie report no long-term health condition. 5.0% need daily assistance with core activities, and 68.7% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.1 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.

Detail

Health indicators in Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie show positive outcomes, with low rates of mortality and chronic disease across both younger and older demographics. Private health insurance coverage is high, with approximately 69% of residents (11,762 people) covered, compared to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%. Asthma affects 7.2% of residents and arthritis affects 6.8%, making them the most common health issues, though 72.8% of the population reported no chronic conditions, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents display good overall health. Residents aged 65 and over make up 17.9% of the population (3,064 people), higher than the Greater Melbourne share of 15.0%.

Health indicators for senior residents are positive, with national scores matching the wider community.

Frequently Asked Questions - Health

How many people in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 have private health insurance?
Around 68.7% of people in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 are covered by private health insurance, which compares to 56.7% in the broader region of Greater Melbourne.
What percentage of the population requires ongoing medical assistance in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2?
In the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2, 5.0% of the population is identified as requiring ongoing medical assistance. This figure is slightly different from the regional average, where 5.5% of people in Greater Melbourne require similar assistance.
How prevalent is asthma in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2?
7.2% of people in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 are diagnosed with asthma. In comparison, 7.3% of the population across Greater Melbourne is affected by asthma.
What percentage of people have diabetes in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2?
Diabetes affects 3.4% of the the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 population, while in the surrounding region, 4.1% of people are diagnosed with diabetes.
What is the percentage of people with heart disease in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2?
3.5% of people in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 have heart disease. Across the region of Greater Melbourne, 3.1% of the population is affected by heart disease.
How does the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 compare to the region in terms of overall private health coverage?
In the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2, 68.7% of the population are estimated to have private health insurance. Comparatively, Greater Melbourne sees an estimated private health coverage rate of 56.7%.

Ancestry & LanguageCultural Diversity in Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie

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Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie is largely Australian-born, at 75.7% of residents, with 24.9% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (18.6%) and Australian (18.0%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.

Detail

Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie shows higher cultural diversity than most Australian suburbs, with 24.3% of the population born outside Australia and 24.9% speaking a language other than English at home. The most common religious affiliation is Christianity, chosen by 61.0% of residents, compared to 43.0% across Greater Melbourne. The top ancestries reported are English at 18.6%, Australian at 18.0%, and Italian at 14.0%, which is higher than the regional average of 5.2%. Other notable backgrounds include Greek at 4.1% (compared to 2.7% regionally), Maltese at 2.3% (compared to 1.1% regionally), and Croatian at 1.5% (compared to 0.7% regionally).

Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity

What is the level of cultural diversity in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2?
Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 24.3% of its population born overseas and 24.9% speaking a language other than English at home.
What is the most common religion in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2?
The main religion in Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie was found to be Christianity, which makes up 61.0% of people in Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie. This compares to 43.0% across Greater Melbourne.
What are the top countries of origin in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2?
In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie are English, comprising 18.6% of the population, Australian, comprising 18.0% of the population, and Italian, comprising 14.0% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 5.2%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Croatian is notably overrepresented at 1.5% of Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie (vs 0.7% regionally), Maltese at 2.3% (vs 1.1%) and Greek at 4.1% (vs 2.7%).
How does the percentage of people born overseas compare to the regional average?
24.3% of the the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 population was born overseas, compared to 37.3% regionally.
What percentage of the the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 population speaks a language other than English at home?
24.9% of the population in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 speaks a language other than English at home, compared to 35.9% in the wider region.
How many people in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 identify as Australian Aboriginal?
0.3% of the the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 population identifies as Australian Aboriginal, compared to 0.5% in the region.
What is the citizenship status of the population in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2?
88.8% of the the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 population holds citizenship, compared to 81.1% in the wider region.

Age StructureAge Profile of Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie

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The median resident of Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie is 40. 28.3% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.

Detail

The median age of 40 in Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie is higher than the Greater Melbourne figure of 37 and the national average of 38. The 55 - 64 age bracket is over-represented at 13.5%, while the 35 - 44 bracket is under-represented at 12.1%. Since 2021, the 25 to 34 age bracket has grown from 12.1% to 13.8%, while children aged 5 to 14 fell from 11.9% to 10.3%, and the 45 to 54 bracket fell from 15.6% to 14.1%. Projections to 2041 indicate an aging population, with the 55 to 64 bracket expected to increase by 668 people (29%) from 2,316 to 2,985.

Residents aged 65 and over are projected to drive 50% of the area's population growth, while the 0 to 4 and 35 to 44 age brackets are expected to shrink.

Frequently Asked Questions - Age

What is the median age in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2?
According to the latest data, the median age in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 is 40 years.
How does the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2's median age compare to broader areas?
At 40 years, Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie is 3 years older than the Greater Melbourne average (37 years) and 2 years older than the national average (38 years).
What age groups are over-represented in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2?
The most over-represented age group in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 compared to the Greater Melbourne region is the 55 - 64 group, making up 13.5% of the population.
What age groups are under-represented in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2?
The most under-represented age group in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 compared to the Greater Melbourne region is the 35 - 44 group, making up 12.1% of the population.
Are there age groups with notable population variances?
Yes, certain age groups in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 show significant variance compared to the Greater Melbourne region. The most over-represented age group is 85+ year-olds (3.0% vs 2.0%).
What is the percentage of children (0-14 years) in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2?
The percentage of children aged 0-14 years in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 is 14.2%.
What is the percentage of older people (65+ years) in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2?
The percentage of people aged 65 and over in the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 is 17.9%.

Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie

Data currency Refreshed

8 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.

Everything is aggregated to the SA2 boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.

The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section

Section Source & update cycle Currency
Updated within the last 12 months 8 sections
Population ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline
Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline.
Age profile ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline
Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate.
Development & approvals ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline
Property sales & rents Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures
Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026.
Employment ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline
Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census.
Education ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline
Transport ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline
Services & amenities Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures
Annual and financial-year sources 3 sections
Infrastructure projects Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily Jul 2025 about a year ago all 1 projects tracked here
Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Jul 2025.
Income ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline
ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail.
Health ABS, ATO Annual 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline
Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current.
Housing ABS 5-yearly (Census) 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures
Households ABS 5-yearly (Census) 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures
Cultural diversity ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures

"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.

How the numbers are built

Population

The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 373 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (16,042 at the 2021 Census → 17,121 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.

Age profile

Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".

Property sales

Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.

Rents

Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.

Development & infrastructure

Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.

Employment & income

Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.

Education, transport & amenities

School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.

Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.

Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.

Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (206031501). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.

Common questions about this page

Why can the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie SA2 boundary differ from the suburb boundary?
This page uses ABS Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2) boundaries for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP). SA2 areas can differ materially from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, even when they share similar names, because they are defined for different purposes and often use different geographic boundaries.
Where does the data on this Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie page come from?
AreaSearch compiles this page from official and industry sources — including ABS, Geoscience Australia, Valuer General, Provider directories, DEWR, JSA, State Transport Departments and ACARA — then aggregates them to the boundary shown and calculates the rankings, growth rates and benchmarks itself. Property sales come from the state valuation authority, rents from state rental bond lodgements, development applications from council and state planning portals, school data from ACARA, and public transport from state transport departments.
Is the Essendon (West) - Aberfeldie data on this page just from the 2021 Census?
No. Most of this page is maintained well beyond the Census. Sourced entirely from current releases: development & approvals (Jun 2026), property sales & rents (Aug 2026), infrastructure projects (Jul 2025) and services & amenities (Jul 2026). Built on a Census baseline but carrying newer measures on top: population (to May 2026), age profile (to May 2026), employment (to Mar 2026), income (to FY 2023), education (to Aug 2026), transport (to Jul 2026) and health (to 2024). Population and age cohorts in particular are re-based to the latest ABS Estimated Resident Population rather than left at 2021 counts. Only housing, households and cultural diversity remain wholly Census-based, because no more current small-area dataset exists for those measures.

Nearby Areas