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

As of Feb 2026, Melton West's population is approximately 22,742, showing an increase of 1,534 people since the 2021 Census. The population in 2021 was reported as 21,208. This growth is inferred from ABS' estimated resident population of 22,691 in June 2024 and the addition of 54 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a density ratio of 939 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages seen across other areas assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Melton West's population growth rate has been 3.1% compound annually, surpassing its SA4 region's average. Natural growth contributed approximately 63.9% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, it employs VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Melton West's population is projected to increase by 8,485 persons, reflecting a total increase of 37.1% over the 17-year period.

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

Melton West has received approximately 73 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 367 homes. As of FY26, 40 approvals have been recorded. On average, 4.6 people moved to the area each year for every dwelling built between FY21 and FY25. This high demand coupled with limited supply typically results in price growth and increased buyer competition.

New properties are constructed at an average cost of $207,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options. In FY26, $12.3 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating steady commercial investment activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Melton West has significantly lower building activity, with 87.0% fewer approvals per person. This scarcity of new homes often strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. The area's building activity is also below the national average, reflecting its maturity and possible planning constraints.

New building activity comprises 92.0% standalone homes and 8.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining Melton West's traditional low-density character focused on family homes. With an estimated 619 people per dwelling approval, Melton West has a quiet, low-activity development environment. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is forecasted to gain 8,434 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 33 projects that may affect the region. Notable initiatives include Hopkins Road Level Crossing Removal in Truganina, Western Freeway Upgrade from Melton to Caroline Springs, development at Harkness Memorial Park, and Masjid Tawheed Melton Community Hub. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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

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Employment performance in Melton West has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Melton West has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. The construction sector is particularly prominent. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate was 8.4%.

Over the past year, there was an estimated employment growth of 4.6%. In September 2025, 11,225 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 3.7% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation was on par with Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. According to Census responses, 16.7% of residents worked from home.

Leading employment industries among Melton West residents include construction, retail trade, and health care & social assistance. The area shows strong specialization in transport, postal & warehousing, with an employment share of 2.2 times the regional level. Conversely, professional & technical services have lower representation at 3.6% compared to the regional average of 10.1%. There appears to be limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the ratio of Census working population to resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 4.6% while labour force grew by 5.6%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.9 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, as of May-25, project national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Melton West's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.6% over ten years. However, these figures are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Melton West SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $55,656 and an average of $63,093. This is below the national average. Greater Melbourne had a median income of $57,688 and an average of $75,164 during this period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $60,248 (median) and $68,298 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Melton West rank modestly between the 33rd and 42nd percentiles. Income distribution data shows that 39.0% of locals (8,869 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 category, similar to regional levels where 32.8% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Melton West, 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

Melton West's dwelling structures were 93.9% houses and 6.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings) as per the latest Census data, compared to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Melton West was at 22.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 51.6% and rented ones at 26.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,625, below Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Melton West was $340, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, mortgage repayments averaged $1,863 and rents were $375.

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

Family households account for 79.0% of all households, including 39.7% couples with children, 20.7% couples without children, and 17.7% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 21.0%, with lone person households at 18.7% and group households comprising 2.3%. The median household size is 3.0 people, which 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's university qualification rate is 16.8%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 38.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.0%) and certificates (27.4%). Educational participation is 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

Melton West has 87 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 13 different routes that together facilitate 3,201 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 255 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Cars remain the dominant mode of transportation at 93%. On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per dwelling, exceeding the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 16.7% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 457 trips per day, 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 conducted between June 2020 and May 2021. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across all age groups but to a considerably higher degree among older cohorts. The rate of private health cover was found to be relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (around 11,461 people), compared to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions were asthma and mental health issues, impacting 9.3 and 8.8% of residents respectively, while 70.1% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents show above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 11.4% of residents aged 65 and over (around 2,599 people), which is lower than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally compared to 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's population shows higher cultural diversity compared to most local markets, with 30.7% born overseas and 29.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Melton West, accounting for 49.8% of its population. Notably, the category 'Other' comprises 4.1%, higher than Greater Melbourne's 2.3%.

Regarding ancestry, Australians make up 22.5%, followed by English at 21.3% and Other at 15.3%. Some ethnic groups are notably more prevalent in Melton West compared to regional averages: Maltese (4.1% vs 1.1%), Samoan (1.8% vs 0.3%), and Serbian (0.8% vs 0.4%).

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

Melton West has a median age of 33, which is lower than Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Melton West has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (16.3%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (12.4%). Between the 2021 Census and present day, the population aged 15-24 has increased from 12.7% to 14.6%, while the 25-34 age group has decreased from 15.0% to 12.4%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic shifts in Melton West, with the 45-54 age cohort projected to grow by 54%, adding 1,489 residents and reaching a total of 4,259.