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This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
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Reservoir - North West has an estimated 9,758 residents, down from 9,801 at the 2021 Census. The population has thinned by an average 1.2% a year over five years, slower than 94% of areas nationally. That puts 2,154 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to the analysis by AreaSearch, the population of Reservoir - North West is estimated to be approximately 9,758 in May 2026. This represents a decline of 43 individuals (0.4%) relative to the 2021 Census, which documented 9,801 residents. This shift is calculated using the June 2025 ABS estimated resident population of 9,751 alongside 21 validated new addresses registered after the Census date. The resulting population density stands at 2,154 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the typical average across the national locations analyzed by AreaSearch. Recent population gains were almost exclusively driven by overseas migration.
Projections from ABS/Geoscience Australia released in 2024, using 2022 as the base year, are adopted by AreaSearch for each SA2 area. For SA2 areas lacking this data, projections are derived from the 2023 VIC State Government Regional/LGA releases, adjusted using a weighted aggregation method of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. The age group growth rates from these aggregations are applied to all areas for the period from 2032 to 2041. Based on recent annual ERP numbers, demographic forecasts point to substantial population gains within the nation's top quartile of statistical areas, with this specific locality projected to grow by 3,272 residents by 2041, representing a total increase of 33.5% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
91 new dwellings have been approved in Reservoir - North West over the past five years, an average of 18 a year. That is 1.9 approvals per 1,000 residents. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 16, broadly in line with that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this SA2 boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
An average of approximately 18 new dwelling approvals annually has been recorded in Reservoir - North West, resulting in 91 homes over the last 5 financial years. In FY-26, 15 approvals have been documented. Because the population has been contracting recently, the new housing supply has likely satisfied local demand, presenting options to buyers, with new properties built at an average value of $544,000, pointing to developer activity concentrated in high-end, premium housing. Relative to Greater Melbourne, Reservoir - North West exhibits low development volumes, tracking 76.0% below the regional per capita average.
This restricted supply generally bolsters demand and prices for existing homes, even though construction has accelerated recently. This activity level also sits below the national average, reflecting the established character of the area and indicating potential planning constraints. New housing approvals consist of 58.0% standalone homes and 42.0% attached dwellings, displaying a growing selection of medium-density choices that span various price ranges, from standard family homes to smaller, affordable alternatives. This is a clear departure from the current housing stock, which is 88.0% houses, showing a reduction in developable land, shifting lifestyle preferences, and a demand for more varied, lower-cost housing. With 454 people for every dwelling approval, Reservoir - North West is a mature market. Projections indicate that Reservoir - North West will add 3,265 residents by 2041, based on the most recent quarterly estimate from AreaSearch. If the pace of construction remains unchanged, the volume of new housing may fall short of population growth, which could intensify buyer competition and drive up property prices.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Reservoir - North West
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 73 current infrastructure and development projects close to Reservoir - North West, worth an estimated $241.7 billion. 11 are already under construction and 18 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities, precincts & urban renewal and sports & recreation. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local infrastructure projects, planning choices, and major developments have a significant influence on local performance. AreaSearch has identified a total of 2 key projects that are expected to affect the area. Notable projects include the Reservoir Leisure Centre Redevelopment, the John Fawkner Secondary College Upgrade and Modernisation, the Reservoir Suburban Revitalisation Program, and Suburban Rail Loop North, with details on the most significant ones provided below.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Thomastown Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)
AusNet is developing a 300MW/600MWh Battery Energy Storage System to support Victoria's renewable energy transition. Located approximately 17 kilometres north of Melbourne CBD, this grid-scale BESS will store excess renewable energy and respond to high demand periods. The planning permit has been approved by the Minister for Planning and AusNet is currently satisfying permit conditions ahead of a planned late 2026 construction commencement. The project includes hardstand construction, access roads, acoustic walls, security fences, and approximately 200 metres of connection assets to the adjacent Thomastown Terminal Station, covering approximately 2.33 hectares.Terminal Station upgrades are also included.
John Fawkner Secondary College Upgrade and Modernisation
A $14.5 million upgrade and modernisation of John Fawkner Secondary College in Fawkner, delivering a new science and visual arts building and a new food technology building. The project also includes demolition of ageing blocks, services upgrades, landscaping, and minor refurbishment works. Funded through the Victorian School Building Authority, with an initial $50,000 planning allocation in the 2020-21 State Budget followed by $14.5 million for construction in the 2023-24 State Budget. Works started in late 2020 and are forecast to finish in mid-2026.
Goosnargh Housing Development
95 new homes on former Swainson House Farm site in Goosnargh, rural Preston. Planning application under review with traffic impact concerns.
Reservoir Leisure Centre Redevelopment
Darebin City Council is planning the long-term redevelopment of Reservoir Leisure Centre into a modern, inclusive and sustainable aquatic, recreation and wellness hub for Reservoir and the wider Darebin community. Council completed and released the RLC Scoping Study in March 2025, and the current phase is business case development, concept design, stakeholder scoping and an advocacy and funding plan. Earlier options considered include major refurbishment, staged refurbishment and a new build, with potential elements such as improved aquatic facilities, hydrotherapy, gym and fitness areas, community hub functions and health and wellbeing services.
Whittlesea Public Gardens Redevelopment
Multi-stage transformation of the 14.5-hectare Whittlesea Public Gardens into a regional recreation hub. Stage 1 (completed 2022) delivered a major playground and learn-to-ride circuit. Stage 2 (completed 2024) added a 100-metre skate park, basketball courts, and climbing wall. Stage 3 is currently underway to upgrade the dog off-leash area with partitioned zones and sensory elements, alongside future wetland enhancements, walking trails, and the repurposing of the redundant lake into an events lawn. The project is integrated with the adjacent Garden View Estate residential development.
13 Moray Street Fawkner Residential Development
Small-scale residential development in Fawkner as part of the growing housing supply in the area. Located near future SRL station with good access to public transport and local amenities. Listed on Urban.com.au as new off-the-plan development.
4 Alva Court Fawkner Development
Residential development project on Alva Court in Fawkner, contributing to local housing supply within walking distance of future SRL station. Medium density development compatible with neighbourhood character. Listed on Urban.com.au as new off-the-plan development.
Edgars Creek Trail Extension
Extension of Edgars Creek Trail between Thomas Street and Kingsway Drive in Thomastown/Lalor, part of the broader Edgars Creek Corridor Landscape Improvement Plan. Includes shared path construction, creek restoration, native revegetation, and enhancements for community access and safety.
4,542 residents of Reservoir - North West are employed, from a labour force of 4,868. Unemployment sits at 6.7%, with participation at 59.0%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.3% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 7,883, about 81% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Reservoir - North West is characterized by a skilled labor force, with strong representation in the construction sector, an unemployment rate of 6.7%, and an estimated 1.4% growth in employment over the preceding year. As of March 2026, there are 4,542 employed residents, while the unemployment rate is 1.9% higher than the Greater Melbourne average of 4.8%, and labor force participation is lower at 59.0% compared to 70.2% regionally. Census data indicates that 24.5% of working residents worked from home, though this figure may reflect the influence of COVID-19 lockdowns.
The primary employment sectors for residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The workforce shows a clear specialization in construction, with its employment share reaching 1.3 times the regional average. Conversely, professional & technical services are underrepresented, accounting for 7.3% of workers compared to the regional average of 10.1%. A comparison of the Census working population against the resident population suggests that this largely residential area offers few local jobs. Analysis of SALM and ABS statistics by AreaSearch shows that in the year ending March 2026, local employment grew by 1.4% and the labor force expanded by 2.7%, leading to a 1.3 percentage point rise in the unemployment rate. Over the same period, Greater Melbourne saw employment rise by 2.1% and the labor force grow by 2.3%, with its unemployment rate increasing by 0.2 percentage points. National employment projections from May-25 by Jobs and Skills Australia help illustrate potential local trends. These five-year and ten-year forecasts have been applied to the local industry profile to estimate future growth. Although national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, the rates of change vary by industry. Applying these industry projections to the local employment mix suggests Reservoir - North West employment could grow by 6.3% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, representing a simple weighted extrapolation that does not incorporate local population projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Reservoir - North West is $1,442 a week (about $75,000 a year), with median personal income at $580 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $47,558 a year against an average of $55,652. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
Taxpayer income statistics at the postcode level from the ATO, compiled by AreaSearch for financial year 2023, show a median income of $47,558 and an average income of $55,652 in the Reservoir - North West SA2. These figures are below the national averages and compare to a median of $57,688 and an average of $75,164 in Greater Melbourne. Adjusted for a Wage Price Index increase of 9.62% since financial year 2023, estimates for March 2026 are approximately $52,133 for the median and $61,006 for the average. In the 2021 Census, individual incomes were situated at the 9th percentile ($580 weekly), while household incomes were higher at the 32nd percentile.
Income distribution details reveal that the largest bracket contains 29.9% of residents (2,917 people) within the $1,500 - 2,999 range, mirroring the broader metropolitan trend where 32.8% of households are in this category. After paying for housing, residents retain 85.6% of their income for other living costs.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Reservoir - North West had 3,520 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 88% detached houses and 0% apartments. 28% are owned with a mortgage, 21% rented and 51% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $371 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,000 a month. Rent absorbs 25.7% of household income here and mortgage repayments 32.0%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Census data reveals that the housing stock in Reservoir - North West consists of 87.5% standalone houses and 12.5% other dwelling types, such as semi-detached homes and apartments, compared to 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings across metropolitan Melbourne. The home ownership rate of 51.0% in Reservoir - North West is higher than the metropolitan Melbourne level, with mortgaged properties accounting for 28.0% and rented properties making up 21.0%. The median monthly mortgage payment of $2,000 matches the Melbourne metropolitan average, while the median weekly rent is $371, compared to metropolitan averages of $2,000 and $390.
On a national level, mortgage payments in Reservoir - North West exceed the Australian average of $1,863, whereas rental costs are below the national average of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Reservoir - North West counted 3,520 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.6 people each. 33% are couples with children, against 27% couples without children. 23% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.7 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up the majority of households at 73.9%, which includes couples with children at 32.8%, couples without children at 27.2%, and single-parent families at 12.1%. Non-family households account for 26.1% of the total, with single-person households at 22.8% and group households at 3.3%. The median household size of 2.6 residents is identical to the Greater Melbourne average.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
23.6% of adults in Reservoir - North West hold a university qualification, including 15.6% with a bachelor degree and 5.7% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 17.7% hold a vocational qualification. 4 schools serve the area, with 965 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 997 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
The region presents educational challenges, as the proportion of residents with a university degree (23.6%) is lower than the SA3 average of 37.9%. This scenario provides an opportunity for focused educational programs. Among university graduates, bachelor degrees are the most common at 15.6%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 5.7% and graduate diplomas at 2.3%. Vocational and technical qualifications are common, with 26.9% of residents aged 15 and over holding credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (9.2%) and certificates (17.7%). There is a high level of academic enrollment in the area, with 26.1% of residents currently undertaking formal study.
This student population includes 8.0% in primary schools, 6.6% in secondary schools, and 5.7% in tertiary education programs.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Reservoir - North West reaches 68 stops on 5 routes, timetabled for about 1,400 services a week. The typical home sits about 180 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.4 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Analysis of the public transport network shows 68 active stops in Reservoir - North West, consisting of various bus options. These stops service 5 distinct routes, which accommodate 1,382 weekly passenger trips. Accessibility is high, with residents living an average of 179 meters from the nearest stop. Because the area is mostly residential, most workers travel outside the suburb for employment, with private cars remaining the main mode of travel at 86%, followed by trains at 8%. Average vehicle ownership is 1.4 cars per household. A total of 24.5% of residents worked from home according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by pandemic restrictions.
The average service frequency is 197 trips per day across all transport routes, which translates to approximately 20 weekly trips for each individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
68.3% of residents in Reservoir - North West report no long-term health condition. 10.8% need daily assistance with core activities, and 47.4% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 4.8 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Reservoir - North West displays positive health trends based on mortality statistics and chronic disease data compiled by AreaSearch, showing low rates of common illnesses in the broader population, though older and vulnerable groups experience higher rates than the national average. Private health insurance coverage is low, with approximately 47% of the population (~4,625 people) having cover, compared to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%. Arthritis and mental health conditions are the most prevalent health issues in the area, affecting 10.2% and 6.8% of residents. Meanwhile, 68.3% of the population reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne.
Residents under 65 years of age generally experience better health outcomes than average. The area features a significant senior population, with 24.3% of residents aged 65 and over (2,368 people), compared to 15.0% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes for this older demographic present challenges, although they rank more favorably when compared nationally than the wider local population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
40.7% of Reservoir - North West residents were born overseas and 52.9% speak a language other than English at home, more culturally diverse than 86% of areas nationally. The largest reported ancestries are Italian (29.9%) and Australian (12.4%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
A high level of cultural diversity is present in Reservoir - North West, where 40.7% of the population was born outside Australia and 52.9% speak a language other than English at home. The predominant religion is Christianity, represented by 64.9% of residents, compared to 43.0% across Greater Melbourne. Regarding parental birthplace, the three largest ancestral cohorts in Reservoir - North West are Italian at 29.9%, which is higher than the regional average of 5.2%, Australian at 12.4%, which is lower than the regional average of 18.4%, and Other at 12.0%.
There are also significant differences in other ethnic communities, with Greek residents overrepresented at 6.1% (compared to 2.7% regionally), Lebanese at 5.2% (compared to 0.8%), and Macedonian at 2.2% (compared to 0.7%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Reservoir - North West is 43. 23.8% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age of 43 years in Reservoir - North West is higher than the Greater Melbourne average of 37 and the national average of 38. The age distribution shows a high proportion of people aged 75 to 84 (9.8%), while the 25 to 34 age bracket is relatively small (13.3%) compared to Greater Melbourne. Since 2021, the 55 to 64 cohort has increased from 10.5% to 11.4% of the population, while the 65 to 74 cohort has decreased from 10.4% to 8.9%. Looking toward 2041, projections suggest changes in the age profile, with the 45 to 54 group expected to grow by 591 people (50%), rising from 1,170 to 1,762.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Reservoir - North West
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the SA2 boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 21 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (9,801 at the 2021 Census → 9,758 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (209021524). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.