Reservoir - North West
Statistical Area - sa2

An assessment of population growth drivers in Reservoir - North West reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Reservoir - North West's population was around 9,912 as of Nov 2025. This showed an increase of 111 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,801. The change was inferred from ABS estimated resident population of 9,834 in June 2024 and additional 22 validated new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a density ratio of 2,188 persons per square kilometer, above national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration primarily drove this growth.

AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For uncovers areas, it used VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 with adjustments made via weighted aggregation to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group were applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the area is forecasted to increase by 3,300 persons, a gain of 32.5% over 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Reservoir - North West, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Over the past 5 financial years ending June 2021, North West Reservoir averaged approximately 18 new dwelling approvals annually, totalling 91 homes. As of FY-26, recorded approvals stand at 6. The area's population has declined in recent years, suggesting that new supply has likely kept pace with demand, offering buyers good choice.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $544,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment. Compared to Greater Melbourne, North West Reservoir has significantly less development activity, 76.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings. However, building activity has accelerated in recent years. The area's development level is also under the national average, suggesting its established nature and potential planning limitations. New development consists of 58.0% standalone homes and 42.0% attached dwellings, showing an expanding range of medium-density options.

This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition, currently 88.0% houses. With around 455 people per dwelling approval, North West Reservoir shows a developed market. Looking ahead, the area is expected to grow by 3,222 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

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

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified two projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include the Reservoir Leisure Centre Redevelopment, John Fawkner Secondary College Upgrade and Modernisation, Suburban Rail Loop North, and Reservoir Suburban Revitalisation Program. The following list details those projects likely to be most relevant:.

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

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Employment performance in Reservoir - North West has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Reservoir - North West has a skilled workforce with the construction sector being notably represented. The unemployment rate was 5.0% in June 2024 and decreased to 3.6% by June 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.2%. As of June 2025, 4,594 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%, standing at 8.1%. Workforce participation in Reservoir - North West lags behind Greater Melbourne's, with a rate of 51.2% compared to 64.1%. The key industries for employment among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Construction is particularly specialized, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level. Conversely, professional & technical services show lower representation at 7.3%, below the regional average of 10.1%. AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data shows that during the year to June 2025, employment levels increased by 3.2% while labour force grew by 1.4%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 1.7 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Reservoir - North West's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.3% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

Reservoir North West had median taxpayer income of $44,314 and average income of $52,456 in financial year 2022. This was below national averages. Greater Melbourne's median income was $54,892 with an average of $73,761 during the same period. By September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $49,703 and average around $58,835 based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. According to 2021 Census figures, individual incomes were at the 10th percentile ($580 weekly), while household income was at the 32nd percentile. Income distribution showed that 29.9% of locals (2,963 people) earned between $1,500 and $2,999 per week, similar to broader area patterns where 32.8% fell within this range. After housing expenses, 85.6% of income remained for other expenditures.

Reservoir - North West is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Reservoir - North West's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 87.5% houses and 12.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 60.2% houses and 39.8% other dwellings. The home ownership rate in Reservoir - North West was 51.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.0% and rented ones at 21.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,000, aligning with Melbourne metro's average. The median weekly rent figure was $371, also matching Melbourne metro's figure. Nationally, Reservoir - North West's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower than the national figure of $375.

Reservoir - North West has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 73.9% of all households, including 32.8% couples with children, 27.2% couples without children, and 12.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 26.1%, with lone person households at 22.8% and group households comprising 3.3%. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 23.6%, significantly lower than the SA3 area average of 37.9%. Bachelor degrees are the most common, at 15.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Vocational credentials are held by 26.9% of residents aged 15 and above, including advanced diplomas (9.2%) and certificates (17.7%). Current educational participation is high at 26.1%, with 8.0% in primary education, 6.6% in secondary education, and 5.7% pursuing tertiary education.

The area's four schools have a combined enrollment of 965 students, operating under typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 997) and providing balanced educational opportunities. Educational provision is split between two primary and two secondary institutions.

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

The Reservoir - North West area has 68 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by five different routes that together facilitate 2,462 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to these transport services is rated as excellent, with residents on average being located just 179 meters from the nearest stop.

On a daily basis, there are an average of 351 trips across all routes, which equates to approximately 36 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Reservoir - North West is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Reservoir Northwest faces significant health challenges. Common health conditions are prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population, which consists of around 4,579 people.

This compares to 52.6% in Greater Melbourne and the national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 10.2% and 6.8% of residents respectively. Approximately 68.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 70.2% in Greater Melbourne. Around 24.6% of residents are aged 65 and over, totaling approximately 2,441 people, which is higher than the 15.2% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Reservoir - North West is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Reservoir-North West has a high level of cultural diversity, with 40.7% of its population born overseas and 52.9% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Reservoir-North West, accounting for 64.9% of the population, compared to 45.0% across Greater Melbourne. The top three ancestry groups are Italian (29.9%), Australian (12.4%), and Other (12.0%).

Notably, Greek (6.1%) is overrepresented in Reservoir-North West compared to the regional average of 6.1%. Similarly, Lebanese (5.2%) and Macedonian (2.2%) are also overrepresented compared to their respective regional averages of 1.8% and 2.1%.

Reservoir - North West hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Reservoir-North West is 43 years, which is higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and exceeds the national average of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 75-84 are particularly prominent at 10.2%, while those aged 25-34 are comparatively smaller at 13.1% compared to Greater Melbourne. Between 2021 and present, the population aged 35-44 has grown from 12.5% to 13.5%. Conversely, the population aged 65-74 has declined from 10.4% to 9.1%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate that the age cohort of 45-54 is expected to increase significantly by 571 people (48%), growing from 1,190 to 1,762.