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 is approximately 21,001 as of August 2025. This reflects a growth of 3,870 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 17,131. The increase is inferred from an estimated resident population of 20,756 in June 2024 and an additional 1,419 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 4,225 persons per square kilometer, placing Footscray in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth of 22.6% since the 2021 census exceeds both the national average (8.6%) and state averages, indicating significant population growth. Overseas migration contributed approximately 79.1% of overall population gains during recent periods, with interstate migration and natural growth also being positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts 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 uses the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusting with 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 predict exceptional growth for Footscray, with an expected expansion of 16,936 persons by 2041 based on the latest population numbers, indicating a total increase of 79.5% over the 17-year period.

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. Development approval data is produced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on a financial year basis, with 2,507 homes approved over the past five financial years between FY-21 and FY-25, including zero approvals so far in FY-26. On average, 1.1 new residents have been added per year per dwelling constructed over these five years. The average construction cost value of new homes is $436,000, aligning with regional trends.

This financial year has seen $1630.8 million in commercial development approvals, indicating robust commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Footscray has 133.0% more development activity per person, offering buyers ample choice, although building activity has slowed recently. Recent construction comprises 1.0% detached dwellings and 99.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a significant shift from the current housing pattern of 32.0% houses, likely due to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences and affordability needs. With around 285 people per dwelling approval, Footscray exhibits a developing market. By 2041, Footscray is projected to grow by 16,691 residents, with building activity keeping pace with growth projections, potentially leading to increased competition among buyers as the population expands.

Looking ahead, Footscray is expected to grow by 16,691 residents through to 2041. Building activity is keeping pace with growth projections, though buyers may experience heightened competition as the population grows.

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

Local infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 52 projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include New Footscray Hospital, New Footscray Hospital, Joseph Road Precinct, and Footscray Station Precinct Upgrade. Below is a list detailing those most relevant.

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

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 was 5.7% as of June 2021, with an estimated employment growth of 5.1% over the past year.

As of June 2025, 14,065 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 6.7%, which is 1.1% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation in Footscray is 68.7%, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. The area has a notable concentration in accommodation & food services, with employment levels at 1.5 times the regional average.

However, construction has limited presence with only 5.0% of employment compared to the regional average of 9.7%. The ratio of workers to residents, as per the Census, is 0.9, indicating substantial local employment opportunities. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment in Footscray increased by 5.1% while the labour force grew by 5.8%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 0.7 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.5%, labour force growth of 4.0%, and an increase in unemployment rate of 0.5 percentage points. State-level data from Sep-25 shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.08% year-on-year, adding 39,880 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. Nationally, the unemployment rate is 4.5%, and Victoria's employment growth outpaces the national average of 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project a 6.6% increase 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, although these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localised population projections.

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 2022 financial year, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is slightly above the national average, compared to Greater Melbourne's median income of $54,892 and average income of $73,761. By March 2025, estimates based on a 10.11% Wage Price Index growth suggest the median income would be approximately $59,626 and the average income around $72,877. Census data shows personal income ranks at the 70th percentile with weekly earnings of $916, while household income is at the 51st percentile. The largest income segment comprises 34.3% earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly (7,203 residents), similar to the surrounding region where 32.8% fall into this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 81.4% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 48th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

The dwelling structure in Footscray, as per the latest Census, consisted of 31.6% houses and 68.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Melbourne metro had 49.7% houses and 50.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Footscray was at 14.7%, with mortgaged properties at 27.7% and rented ones at 57.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,940, below Melbourne metro's average of $2,100. The median weekly rent figure 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 at $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 47.9%, with lone person households at 37.6% and group households making up 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 residents aged 15+ have a higher proportion of university qualifications (50.6%) compared to Australia (30.4%) and the SA4 region (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% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 10.0% and certificates at 11.7%. Educational participation is high, with 31.0% currently enrolled in formal education: tertiary (13.0%), primary (5.3%), secondary (3.2%).

Footscray has a network of 10 schools educating approximately 3,140 students and demonstrates above-average socio-educational conditions (ICSEA: 1098). The educational mix includes 5 primary, 4 secondary, and 1 K-12 school. Note: for schools with 'n/a' enrolments, refer to parent campus.

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, including train, light rail, and bus services. These stops are served by 44 routes, offering a total of 22,762 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 131 meters to the nearest stop.

Service frequency across all routes is 3,251 trips per day, equating to around 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 better-than-average health outcomes with a low prevalence of common health conditions among its general population. However, this rate is higher than the national average for older and at-risk cohorts.

Private health cover stands at approximately 52% of Footscray's total population (~11,004 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 56.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues (affecting 12.2% of residents) and asthma (8.1%), while 70.0% report no medical ailments, slightly lower than Greater Melbourne's 72.7%. Footscray has a smaller proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 10.0% (2,106 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 11.4%. However, health outcomes among seniors require more attention due to existing challenges.

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's cultural diversity is high, with 42.2% speaking a language other than English at home and 45.0% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion in Footscray, making up 27.2%. Buddhism appears overrepresented at 9.2%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 8.7%.

The top ancestry groups are English (18.0%), Other (16.0%), and Australian (14.8%). Vietnamese, Macedonian, and Spanish groups show notable divergences in representation: Vietnamese is overrepresented at 8.0% versus regional 8.9%, Macedonian at 0.7% versus 1.0%, and Spanish at 0.7% versus 0.5%.

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 years and Australia's median age 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 percentage of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.5%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population of residents aged 15 to 24 has grown from 11.0% to 13.1%, while the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 18.4% to 19.7%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 age group has decreased from 8.4% to 7.4%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate that Footscray's 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to grow by 61%, adding 3,765 residents and reaching a total of 9,940 residents in this age group.