Footscray
Statistical Area - sa2

Footscray lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Footscray's population was around 22,076 as of Nov 2025. This reflected an increase of 4,945 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 17,131 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 20,756 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 1,932 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equated to a density ratio of 4,441 persons per square kilometer, placing Footscray in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Footscray's growth of 28.9% since the 2021 census exceeded both the national average (8.9%) and the state average. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 79.1% of overall population gains during recent periods.

All drivers including interstate migration and natural growth were positive factors. 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, adjusting 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. Future population dynamics anticipate exceptional growth, with Footscray expected to expand by 16,936 persons to 2041 based on the latest population numbers, an increase of 70.7% in total over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Footscray was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Footscray has recorded approximately 501 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, 2,507 homes have been approved, with an additional 14 approved so far in FY26. On average, 1.1 new residents per year arrived for each new home over these five years, suggesting a balance between supply and demand.

The average cost of developing new dwellings was $275,000, lower than the regional average, indicating more affordable housing options for buyers. This financial year has seen $1630.8 million in commercial approvals registered in Footscray, reflecting strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Footscray records 133.0% more new home approvals per person, providing ample choice for buyers. However, development activity has moderated in recent periods. Recent construction trends show 1.0% detached dwellings and 99.0% townhouses or apartments, a significant shift from the current housing pattern of 32.0% houses. This denser development provides accessible entry options appealing to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. With around 285 people per dwelling approval, Footscray indicates a developing market.

Looking ahead, Footscray is projected to grow by 15,616 residents through to 2041. Development is keeping pace with projected growth, but increasing competition among buyers can be expected as the population expands.

Footscray has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 50 projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include New Footscray Hospital, Joseph Road Precinct, Footscray Station Precinct Upgrade, and Maidstone tram maintenance and stabling facility. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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Footscray has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Footscray has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate is 5.7%, with an estimated employment growth of 5.1% over the past year as of June 2025.

There are 14,065 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 6.7%, which is 1.1% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation in Footscray is 68.7%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. Notably, accommodation & food services have employment levels at 1.5 times the regional average, while construction has limited presence with 5.0% employment compared to the regional average of 9.7%.

The ratio of workers to residents is 0.9, indicating substantial local employment opportunities. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 5.1%, and labour force increased by 5.8%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.7 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.5% with a 0.5 percentage point increase in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Footscray's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.8% over five years and 13.8% over ten years.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

Footscray had a median taxpayer income of $54,151 and an average of $66,186 in the financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This was slightly above the national average, contrasting with Greater Melbourne's median income of $54,892 and average income of $73,761. By September 2025, estimates based on Wage Price Index growth suggest approximately $60,736 (median) and $74,234 (average). Census data shows personal income ranks at the 70th percentile ($916 weekly), while household income is at the 51st percentile. The largest income segment comprises 34.3% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (7,572 residents), similar to the surrounding region where 32.8% are in this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 81.4% of income remaining, ranking at the 48th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Footscray features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Footscray, as per the latest Census evaluation, 31.6% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 68.4% being semi-detached, apartments, or 'other' dwellings. This compares to Melbourne metro's 49.7% houses and 50.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Footscray stood at 14.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.7% and rented dwellings at 57.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,940, below Melbourne metro's average of $2,100. Weekly rent in Footscray was $355, compared to Melbourne metro's $376. Nationally, Footscray's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower than the national figure of $375.

Footscray features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 52.1% of all households, including 15.9% couples with children, 25.9% couples without children, and 8.0% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 47.9%, with lone person households making up 37.6% and group households comprising 10.3%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.4.

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

Footscray's educational attainment exceeds national benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 50.6% hold university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and the SA4 region's 32.0%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 30.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (15.2%) and graduate diplomas (4.6%). Vocational pathways account for 21.7%, with advanced diplomas at 10.0% and certificates at 11.7%.

Educational participation is high, with 31.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.0% in tertiary education, 5.3% in primary education, and 3.2% pursuing secondary education. Footscray has a robust network of 10 schools educating approximately 3,140 students. The area demonstrates above-average socio-educational conditions (ICSEA: 1098). The educational mix includes 5 primary, 4 secondary, and 1 K-12 school.

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

Footscray has 123 active public transport stops. These include train, light rail, and bus services. There are 44 individual routes operating from these stops, collectively serving 22,762 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 131 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 3,251 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 185 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Footscray is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Footscray shows higher health outcomes compared to other areas, with a lower prevalence of common health conditions among its general population. However, it has a higher prevalence than the national average among older and at-risk cohorts.

Approximately 52% of Footscray's total population (~11,567 people) have private health cover, slightly higher than the SA2 area average but lower than Greater Melbourne's 56.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues (affecting 12.2% of residents) and asthma (8.1%), with 70.0% of residents reporting no medical ailments, compared to 72.7% in Greater Melbourne. Footscray has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 10.0% (2,214 people) than Greater Melbourne's 11.4%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors require more attention due to the challenges they face.

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

Footscray has a high level of cultural diversity, with 42.2% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 45.0% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion in Footscray, making up 27.2% of people there. However, Buddhism is notably overrepresented in Footscray compared to Greater Melbourne, comprising 9.2% versus 8.7%.

The top three ancestry groups in Footscray are English (18.0%), Other (16.0%), and Australian (14.8%). There are also notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Vietnamese is overrepresented at 8.0%, Macedonian at 0.7%, and Spanish at 0.7%.

Footscray hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

Footscray's median age is 34 years, which is lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Footscray has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (29.4%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (6.2%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.5%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the proportion of residents aged 15-24 has increased from 11.0% to 13.1%, while the proportion of those aged 35-44 has risen from 18.4% to 19.7%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 55-64 has decreased from 8.4% to 7.4%. Population forecasts for the year 2041 suggest substantial demographic changes in Footscray, with the strongest projected growth in the 25-34 age group, which is expected to grow by 53%, adding 3,449 residents and reaching a total of 9,940.