Melton West

Melton West lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Melton West's population is around 22,742 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,534 people (7.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 21,208 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 22,691 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 54 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 939 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Melton West has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a 3.1% compound annual growth rate, outpacing the SA4 region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 63.9% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a significant population increase in the top quartile of Australian statistical areas is forecast, with the area expected to expand by 8,485 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 37.1% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Melton West when compared nationally

Melton West has experienced around 73 dwellings receiving development approval each year, totalling 367 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 40 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 4.6 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand significantly exceeds new supply, which usually results in price growth and increased buyer competition, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $207,000—below the regional average—suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. Additionally, $12.3 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, indicating steady commercial investment activity.

When measured against Greater Melbourne, Melton West records markedly lower building activity (87.0% below regional average per person). This scarcity of new homes typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. This activity is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. New building activity shows 92.0% standalone homes and 8.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated count of 619 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Population forecasts indicate Melton West will gain 8,434 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Melton West 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, 33 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Hopkins Road Level Crossing Removal - Truganina, Western Freeway Upgrade (Melton to Caroline Springs), Harkness Memorial Park, and Masjid Tawheed Melton Community Hub, 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.

Employment drivers in Melton West are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Melton West has a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with the construction sector a particular standout in terms of representation, an unemployment rate of 8.6%, and 3.0% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 11,186 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 3.8% above Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%. Based on Census responses, a moderate 16.7% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise construction, retail trade, and health care & social assistance. The area shows particularly strong specialization in transport, postal & warehousing, with an employment share of 2.2 times the regional level. Conversely, professional & technical services show lower representation at 3.6% versus the regional average of 10.1%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 3.0% alongside the labour force increasing by 4.4%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 2.4% and labour force growth of 2.8%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Melton West. 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 Melton West's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.6% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Melton West SA2's median income among taxpayers is $55,656, with an average of $63,093. This is below the national average, and compares to Greater Melbourne's median of $57,688 and average of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $60,248 (median) and $68,298 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Melton West, between the 33rd and 42nd percentiles. Distribution data shows the predominant cohort spans 39.0% of locals (8,869 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, mirroring regional levels where 32.8% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.6% of income remaining, ranking at the 41st percentile.

Melton West is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Dwelling structure within Melton West, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 93.9% houses and 6.1% 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 Melton West was lagging that of Melbourne metro, at 22.2%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (51.6%) or rented (26.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Melbourne metro average at $1,625, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $340, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390. Nationally, Melton West's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are less than the national figure of $375.

Melton West features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 79.0% of all households, comprising 39.7% couples with children, 20.7% couples without children, and 17.7% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 21.0%, with lone person households at 18.7% and group households comprising 2.3% of the total. The median household size of 3.0 people is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Educational outcomes in Melton West fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (16.8%) substantially below the Greater Melbourne average of 37.0%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 11.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 38.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.0%) and certificates (27.4%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 34.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.5% in primary education, 9.5% in secondary education, and 3.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 87 active transport stops operating within Melton West, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 13 individual routes, collectively providing 3,201 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 255 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward, and the car remains the dominant mode at 93%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. Some 16.7% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 457 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 36 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Melton West is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts

Melton West faces significant health challenges, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~11,461 people). This compares to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, impacting 9.3% and 8.8% of residents, respectively, while 70.1% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 11.4% of residents aged 65 and over (2,599 people), which is lower than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, though they rank lower nationally than the broader population.

Melton West was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Melton West is more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 30.7% of its population born overseas and 29.2% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Melton West is Christianity, which makes up 49.8% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Other, which comprises 4.1% of the population, compared to 2.3% across Greater Melbourne.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Melton West are Australian, comprising 22.5% of the population, English, comprising 21.3% of the population, and Other, comprising 15.3% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Maltese is notably overrepresented at 4.1% of Melton West (vs 1.1% regionally), Samoan at 1.8% (vs 0.3%) and Serbian at 0.8% (vs 0.4%).

Melton West's young demographic places it in the bottom 15% of areas nationwide

With a median age of 33, Melton West is materially younger than the Greater Melbourne figure of 37 and is substantially under Australia's 38 years. Relative to Greater Melbourne, Melton West has a higher concentration of 5 - 14 residents (16.3%) but fewer 25 - 34 year-olds (12.4%). Since the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 12.7% to 14.6% of the population. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 15.0% to 12.4%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Melton West. The 45 to 54 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 54%, adding 1,489 residents to reach 4,259.