Footscray

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Footscray's population is around 21,129 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 3,998 people (23.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 17,131 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 20,756 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 1,930 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 4,251 persons per square kilometer, which lies in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch, making land in the area a highly sought resource. Footscray's 23.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%) and the state average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 79.1% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including interstate migration and natural growth, were positive factors.

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. Anticipating future population dynamics, exceptional growth, placing it in the top 10 percent of national areas, is predicted over the period, with the area expected to expand by 16,936 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 78.4% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Footscray among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Footscray has recorded around 501 residential properties granted approval per year, with 2,507 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 15 so far in FY-26. At an average of 1.1 new residents per year arriving per new home over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply and demand seem well-matched, fostering stable market dynamics, while new dwellings are developed at an average value of $275,000—below the regional average—suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. Additionally, $1.631 billion in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating strong commercial development momentum.

Relative to Greater Melbourne, Footscray records 133.0% more new home approvals (per person), which should provide buyers with ample choice, though development activity has moderated in recent periods. This activity is well above average nationally, reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. Recent construction comprises 1.0% detached dwellings and 99.0% townhouses or apartments. This trend toward denser development provides accessible entry options and appeals to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This marks a significant departure from existing housing patterns (currently 32.0% houses), suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. With around 285 people per dwelling approval, Footscray shows a developing market.

Looking ahead, Footscray is expected to grow by 16,563 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Development is keeping a reasonable pace with projected growth, though buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

Footscray has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 49 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the New Footscray Hospital, Joseph Road Precinct, Footscray Station Precinct Upgrade, and the Existing Footscray Hospital Site Redevelopment, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

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

Footscray features a highly educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation, an unemployment rate of 5.9%, and 3.6% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 14,254 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.2% above Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (81.8% compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%). Based on Census responses, a high 41.2% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in accommodation & food, with employment levels at 1.5 times the regional average. Meanwhile, construction has a limited presence with 5.0% employment compared to 9.7% regionally. The ratio of 0.9 workers for each resident, as at the Census, indicates substantial local employment opportunities.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 3.6% while the labour force increased by 4.5%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.8 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 2.4%, labour force growth of 2.8%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Footscray. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Footscray's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.8% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

The Footscray SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $56,703 and an average of $68,765 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is slightly above average nationally, contrasting with Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $61,381 (median) and $74,438 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals personal income ranks at the 69th percentile ($916 weekly), while household income sits at the 51st percentile. Income brackets indicate the largest segment comprises 34.3% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (7,247 residents), mirroring the surrounding region where 32.8% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 81.4% of income remaining, ranking at the 48th percentile and 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

Dwelling structure within Footscray, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 31.6% houses and 68.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Footscray was lagging that of Melbourne metro, at 14.7%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (27.7%) or rented (57.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Melbourne metro average at $1,940, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $355, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390. Nationally, Footscray's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are less 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 dominate at 52.1% of all households, comprising 15.9% couples with children, 25.9% couples without children, and 8.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 47.9%, with lone person households at 37.6% and group households comprising 10.3% of the total. The median household size of 2.1 people is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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

Educational attainment in Footscray significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 50.6% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 30.4% in Australia and 32.0% in the SA4 region. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 30.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (15.2%) and graduate diplomas (4.6%). Vocational pathways account for 21.7% of qualifications among those aged 15+ – advanced diplomas (10.0%) and certificates (11.7%).

Educational participation is notably 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.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 119 active transport stops operating within Footscray, comprising a mix of train, light rail, and buses. These stops are serviced by 29 individual routes, collectively providing 15,950 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 132 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 54%, with 24% by train and 7% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 0.5 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A high 41.2% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 2,278 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 134 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

Health performance in Footscray is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Footscray, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover just leads that of the average SA2 area at approximately 53% of the total population (~11,261 people). This compares to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne.

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be mental health issues and asthma, impacting 12.2 and 8.1% of residents, respectively, while 70.0% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 10.2% of residents aged 65 and over (2,159 people), which is lower than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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 scores highly on cultural diversity, with 42.2% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 45.0% born overseas. The main religion in Footscray is Christianity, which makes up 27.2% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Buddhism, which comprises 9.2% of the population, compared to 4.2% across Greater Melbourne.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Footscray are English, comprising 18.0% of the population, Other, comprising 16.0% of the population, and Australian, comprising 14.8% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Vietnamese is notably overrepresented at 8.0% of Footscray (vs 1.9% regionally), Macedonian at 0.7% (vs 0.7%) and Spanish at 0.7% (vs 0.4%).

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

At 34 years, Footscray's median age is somewhat lower than the Greater Melbourne average of 37 and similarly considerably younger than Australia's 38 years. Relative to Greater Melbourne, Footscray has a higher concentration of 25 - 34 residents (28.8%) but fewer 5 - 14 year-olds (6.2%). This 25 - 34 concentration is well above the national 14.4%. Since the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 11.0% to 12.9% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 18.4% to 20.0%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 30.3% to 28.8%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Footscray. The 25 to 34 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 63%, adding 3,846 residents to reach 9,940.