Niddrie - Essendon West
Statistical Area - sa2

Population growth drivers in Niddrie - Essendon West are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Niddrie-Essendon West's population is approximately 7,953 as of August 2025. This figure represents an increase of 493 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 7,460. The growth is inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 7,925 in June 2024 and 58 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,840 persons per square kilometer, placing Niddrie-Essendon West in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch's assessment. The area's growth rate of 6.6% since the 2021 census exceeds the SA3 area average of 4.0%, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 63.1% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving this growth.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, they utilize 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 the years 2032 to 2041. Based on these trends, an above median population growth is projected for Niddrie-Essendon West, with an expected increase of 1,031 persons by 2041, representing a total gain of 12.6% over the 17-year period.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Niddrie - Essendon West when compared nationally

Niddrie-Essendon West has seen approximately 77 new home approvals annually. The Australian Bureau of Statistics produces development approval data on a financial year basis, totalling 388 approvals across the past five financial years from FY20 to FY25, with one recorded so far in FY26. On average, 1.0 new resident arrives per new home approved over these five years, indicating that new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average dwelling value is $645,000, moderately above regional levels, suggesting an emphasis on quality construction.

There have been $9.0 million in commercial approvals this financial year, reflecting the area's residential character. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Niddrie-Essendon West shows moderately higher new home approvals, totalling 29.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period, balancing buyer choice with support for current property values. New development consists of 30.0% standalone homes and 70.0% attached dwellings, focusing on higher-density living to create more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers, marking a considerable change from the current housing mix (currently 66.0% houses). With around 163 people per dwelling approval, Niddrie-Essendon West exhibits characteristics of a growth area. Future projections indicate that Niddrie-Essendon West will add approximately 1,003 residents by 2041.

Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Niddrie - Essendon West has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Area infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. Six projects identified by AreaSearch may impact the region. Notable projects comprise LUMA Sunshine North, Airport Toyota Expansion, Textron Aviation Hangar 83, and Valley Lake Estate. The following details projects likely most relevant:.

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

AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Niddrie - Essendon West performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Niddrie - Essendon West has a well-educated workforce with professional services being strongly represented. The unemployment rate is 2.1% and there was an estimated employment growth of 3.9% in the past year as of June 2025.

There are 5,012 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.6%, which is below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation is 68.5%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Key industries include construction, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Construction employs 1.3 times the regional level while health care & social assistance employs 11.5% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 14.2%.

Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 3.9%, labour force by 4.3%, resulting in unemployment rising by 0.4 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne had employment growth of 3.5% and an unemployment rise of 0.5 percentage points. State-level data to Sep-25 shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.08% year-on-year with a state unemployment rate of 4.7%. National forecasts suggest employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.4% over ten years in Niddrie - Essendon West, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

Niddrie-Essendon West's median income among taxpayers was $61,953 and average income was $81,129 in financial year 2022, according to AreaSearch data aggregated from the latest ATO figures. This compares to Greater Melbourne's median of $54,892 and average of $73,761. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.11% since then, current estimates would be approximately $68,216 for median income and $89,331 for average income as of March 2025. Census 2021 data shows Niddrie-Essendon West's household, family, and personal incomes rank between the 77th and 80th percentiles nationally. The largest income segment comprises 29.9% earning $1,500-$2,999 weekly (2,377 residents), consistent with broader trends in the surrounding region at 32.8%. Higher earners make up a substantial presence with 35.2% exceeding $3,000 weekly, indicating strong purchasing power within the community. Housing accounts for 14.1% of income while strong earnings rank residents within the 82nd percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Niddrie - Essendon West displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The latest Census revealed that dwellings in Niddrie - Essendon West were 65.5% houses and 34.5% other dwellings, compared to Melbourne metro's 75.8% houses and 24.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Niddrie - Essendon West was at 37.8%, with the rest either mortgaged (37.8%) or rented (24.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,400, above Melbourne metro's average of $2,167. The median weekly rent was $435, higher than Melbourne metro's $410. Nationally, Niddrie - Essendon West's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents substantially above the national figure of $375.

Niddrie - Essendon West has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 72.5% of all households, including 38.0% couples with children, 21.8% couples without children, and 11.3% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 27.5%, with lone person households at 24.6% and group households making up 2.7%. The median household size is 2.6 people, aligning with the Greater Melbourne average.

The educational profile of Niddrie - Essendon West exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 35.1%, exceeding both the SA4 region average (27.7%) and Australia's national average (30.4%). Bachelor degrees are the most common at 23.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.8%) and graduate diplomas (3.8%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 29.2% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (11.7%) and certificates (17.5%).

Educational participation is high, with 29.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.1% in primary education, 8.9% in secondary education, and 6.3% pursuing tertiary education. The area has four schools with a combined enrollment of 3,211 students. It demonstrates above-average socio-educational conditions (ICSEA: 1060). Educational provision is split between two primary and two secondary institutions. As an education hub, the area offers 40.4 school places per 100 residents, significantly higher than the regional average of 24.1, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

The analysis shows that as of Niddrie - Essendon West there are 40 operational transport stops offering both lightrail and bus services. These stops serve 10 different routes in total, carrying out 5345 weekly passenger trips combined. The accessibility of public transport is deemed good with residents generally located around 207 meters away from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 763 daily trips across all routes, which amounts to approximately 133 weekly trips per individual stop.

Niddrie - Essendon West's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis shows strong health performance in Niddrie - Essendon West, with low prevalence of common conditions across young and old age groups. Private health cover rate is high at approximately 61%, compared to 58.6% in Greater Melbourne and 55.3% nationally. Asthma and arthritis are the most common conditions, affecting 7.2% and 7.0% respectively.

73.0% of residents report no medical ailments, higher than Greater Melbourne's 70.1%. The area has 16.6% seniors (aged 65+), lower than Greater Melbourne's 21.9%. Senior health outcomes are above average and align with the general population's profile.

Niddrie - Essendon 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

Niddrie-Essendon West, surveyed in June 2016, had a higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 21.3% of its population born overseas and 22.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 65.5%, slightly lower than Greater Melbourne's 66.4%. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (19.4%), English (18.3%), and Italian (15.0%).

Notably, Croatian (2.0%) and Maltese (2.8%) populations were equally represented compared to regional averages, while Polish (1.2%) was slightly higher than the regional average of 1.1%.

Niddrie - Essendon West's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Niddrie-Essendon West has a median age of 40, which is slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and Australia's average of 38 years. The 55-64 cohort is notably over-represented in Niddrie-Essendon West at 13.0%, compared to the Greater Melbourne average, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 11.8%. Between 2021 and present, the 15-24 age group has increased from 12.8% to 14.1%, and the 55-64 cohort has risen from 12.0% to 13.0%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has declined from 15.9% to 14.2%, and the 5-14 age group has dropped from 12.4% to 11.2%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Niddrie-Essendon West's age profile. The 55-64 cohort is projected to expand by 329 people (32%), growing from 1,035 to 1,365. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 50% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic trend. Meanwhile, the 5-14 and 0-4 age cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.