Preston - West

Population growth drivers in Preston - West are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Preston-West's population was around 13,500 as of November 2025. Between the 2021 Census and this date, there was an increase of 804 people, a growth rate of 6.3%. The ABS estimated resident population in June 2024 was 13,470, with an additional 59 validated new addresses since the Census date contributing to this increase. This results in a population density ratio of 3,781 persons per square kilometer, placing Preston-West in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, ending in June 2024, Preston-West had a compound annual growth rate of 0.8%, outperforming its SA3 area. Overseas migration accounted for approximately 83.2% of overall population gains during this period.

AreaSearch's projections are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 for areas not covered by the former, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. For all areas, growth rates by age group are applied across years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Preston-West is forecasted to increase its population by 5,432 persons, reflecting a total gain of 40.0% over the 17-year period based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Preston - West recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Preston-West has averaged approximately 49 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 248 homes. As of FY-26, 23 approvals have been recorded. The average population increase per year for each dwelling built in Preston-West between FY-21 and FY-25 was 0.9 people, indicating that new supply has kept pace with or exceeded demand. The average construction cost value of new properties is $341,000.

In the current financial year, there have been $7.7 million in commercial approvals, suggesting Preston-West's residential character. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Preston-West records significantly lower building activity, 51.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. New development consists of 28.0% detached houses and 72.0% attached dwellings, reflecting a trend towards denser development that provides accessible entry options appealing to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This represents a considerable change from the current housing mix, which is currently 60.0% houses. With around 293 people per dwelling approval, Preston-West shows a developing market with future projections estimating an addition of 5,402 residents by 2041 (based on 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.

Preston - West has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 44thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 23 projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Preston Crossing, North East Link Project, Preston Central Activity Centre Structure Plan, and Northland Shopping Centre Redevelopment. Below is a list detailing those most relevant.

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.

AreaSearch analysis indicates Preston - West maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Preston - West has a highly educated workforce with strong professional services representation. Its unemployment rate is 3.6%, showing an estimated employment growth of 0.7% over the past year as of September 2025.

There are 8,117 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.1% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation is 67.8%, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services, with a specialization in education & training at 1.4 times the regional level. Construction shows lower representation at 7.0% compared to the regional average of 9.7%.

Employment opportunities appear limited locally based on Census data comparison of working population versus resident population. In the 12-month period ending September 2025, employment increased by 0.7%, labour force by 0.4%, and unemployment fell by 0.3 percentage points. Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.0%, labour force growth of 3.3%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points during the same period. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Preston - West's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

The median taxpayer income in Preston - West SA2 was $58,911, with an average of $72,849, according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2022. This is notably higher than Greater Melbourne's median income of $54,892 and average income of $73,761 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates suggest a median income of approximately $66,075 and an average income of $81,707 as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, incomes in Preston - West cluster around the 65th percentile nationally. Income distribution data indicates that 31.8% of locals (4,293 people) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 category, reflecting a pattern seen in the broader area where 32.8% occupy this range. After housing expenses, 85.0% of income remains for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Preston - West displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Preston-West's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 60.2% houses and 39.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This is similar to Melbourne metro's dwelling structure, which also had 60.2% houses and 39.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Preston-West was higher than Melbourne metro at 33.4%. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (31.7%) or rented (34.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area, as of the latest data, was $2,144, exceeding Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure for Preston-West was recorded at $400, compared to Melbourne metro's $371. Nationally, Preston-West's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 66.6% of all households, including 32.2% couples with children, 22.8% couples without children, and 10.1% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 33.4%, with lone person households at 26.4% and group households comprising 7.0%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.4 people.

Educational achievement in Preston - West places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

Preston-West has a higher proportion of residents aged 15 and above with university qualifications than Australia and its SA4 region. Specifically, 44.7% of Preston-West residents have such qualifications, compared to the national average of 30.4% and the SA4 regional average of 32.8%. This educational advantage is reflected in various qualification types: bachelor degrees at 28.3%, postgraduate qualifications at 11.4%, and graduate diplomas at 5.0%. Vocational pathways are also prevalent, with advanced diplomas accounting for 10.1% and certificates for 12.4% of qualifications among those aged 15 and above.

Educational participation is notably high in Preston-West, with 29.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.9% in primary education, 7.2% in tertiary education, and 6.6% pursuing secondary education.

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

Preston - West has 51 operational public transport stops. These are a mix of lightrail and bus services. Nine routes serve these stops, collectively facilitating 4,770 weekly passenger trips.

Residents have excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 181 meters to the nearest stop. Service frequency is 681 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 93 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Preston - West is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Preston - West shows healthier than average results with low prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups. Approximately 56% (~7,560 people) have private health cover, compared to Greater Melbourne's 52.6%.

Mental health issues affect 9.6% of residents, while asthma impacts 7.9%. About 70.4% report no medical ailments, similar to Greater Melbourne's 70.2%. Around 14.3% (1,931 people) are aged 65 and over. Seniors' health outcomes are above average, mirroring the general population's profile.

Preston - 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

Preston-West was found to have a higher cultural diversity compared to most local markets, with 30.9% of its population born overseas and 32.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Preston-West, comprising 39.9% of its population. Notably, Islam is overrepresented in Preston-West, making up 6.1% compared to the Greater Melbourne average of 6.1%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (18.1%), Australian (17.0%), and Italian (12.1%). There are also notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Greeks are overrepresented at 6.0% compared to the regional average of 6.1%, Macedonians are underrepresented at 1.3% versus 2.1%, and Lebanese are slightly underrepresented at 1.6% compared to 1.8%.

Preston - West's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Preston-West is 38 years, close to Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and equivalent to Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Preston-West has a higher proportion of residents aged 45-54 (14.7%) but fewer residents aged 15-24 (10.9%). Between the 2021 Census and present, the 15-24 age group has increased from 10.0% to 10.9%, while the 0-4 age group has decreased from 5.7% to 4.7%. By 2041, Preston-West's age composition is projected to change significantly. The 45-54 age group is expected to grow by 53%, adding 1,058 people and reaching a total of 3,043 from the previous figure of 1,984.