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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.
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Sales Activity
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Population
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 9,758 as of May 2026. This showed a decrease from the 2021 Census figure of 9,801 people, a drop of 43 individuals (0.4%). The change was inferred from ABS' estimated resident population of 9,751 in June 2025 and an additional 21 validated new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a density ratio of 2,154 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration primarily drove population growth in the area during recent periods.
AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch used VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group were applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, a significant population increase in the top quartile of statistical areas was forecast, with Reservoir - North West expected to gain 3,272 persons, reflecting a total growth of 33.5% over the 16 years based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
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 five years from FY18 to FY22, North West Reservoir averaged approximately 18 new dwelling approvals annually, totalling 91 homes. As of FY26, 11 approvals have been recorded. The population has declined in recent years, suggesting that new supply has kept pace with demand, offering buyers good choice while new properties are constructed at an average value 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, though building activity has accelerated in recent years. The area's 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 creating a mix of opportunities across price brackets. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition (currently 88.0% houses), indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and demand for more diverse, affordable housing options. With around 455 people per dwelling approval, North West Reservoir shows a developed market.
According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is expected to grow by approximately 3,265 residents through to 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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Reservoir - North West
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
Infrastructure
Reservoir - North West has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally
The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified two projects that are likely to impact this particular area. Notable projects include the Reservoir Leisure Centre Redevelopment, John Fawkner Secondary College Upgrade and Modernisation, Reservoir Suburban Revitalisation Program, and Suburban Rail Loop North. The following list details those projects most relevant to the area.
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INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Suburban Rail Loop North - Broadmeadows Station
A new underground transport super hub at Broadmeadows, part of the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) North segment. The station will serve as a major northern interchange, connecting the Craigieburn line and regional V-Line services with the 90km orbital rail loop. As a transport super hub, it is designed to catalyze urban renewal, supporting a 20-minute neighborhood strategy with increased housing and employment density in the activity centre to accommodate Melbourne's growth toward 2050.
Suburban Rail Loop North
Suburban Rail Loop North (SRL North) is the second major stage of Melbourne's planned 90 km orbital underground metro line, extending from Box Hill to Melbourne Airport. The Victorian Government has confirmed seven new underground stations at Doncaster, Heidelberg, Bundoora, Reservoir, Fawkner, Broadmeadows and Melbourne Airport, providing the first direct rail connection between these northern and north-eastern suburbs and the airport. Broadmeadows is planned as a major super hub linking the SRL with regional Hume corridor services, with around 8,500 regional passengers expected to interchange there each day. SRL North is currently in early planning stages and is expected to be completed between 2043 and 2053. Construction is forecast to support around 5,100 jobs. Project costs are forecast to be in the order of 60 to 132.5 billion AUD depending on staging and scope. The Victorian Liberal-National Opposition has stated it will halt further development of the project if elected at the 2026 state election.
Northern Hospital Redevelopment
The $813 million Northern Hospital Redevelopment is a two-stage expansion of the Epping campus to meet the rising healthcare needs of Melbourne's fast-growing northern growth corridor. Stage 1 is delivering a four-storey Ambulatory Care Centre, which reached structural completion in October 2025 and is on track for opening in mid-2026. The new building will house outpatient, clinical and administration services with a ground link to the existing hospital. Stage 2, with John Holland appointed as Managing Contractor in October 2025, will deliver a new seven-level emergency department and inpatient unit tower fronting Cooper Street. The expanded ED will include a dedicated paediatric zone, a specialised mental health and alcohol and other drugs hub, an emergency observation unit, additional inpatient beds and more car parking. Early Works packages were advertised in late 2025, with Main Works packages being released progressively through early 2026. Once fully operational in late 2029, the redevelopment will provide nearly 200 emergency treatment spaces and support an additional 30,000 emergency patients each year. Both stages are expected to support up to 2,200 jobs during construction.
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.
Reservoir Suburban Revitalisation Program
Major government initiative to enhance the social, cultural, and economic vitality of Reservoir through comprehensive community-led projects including streetscape improvements, employment programs, community events, infrastructure upgrades, public art installations, business support programs, and safety initiatives. The program has delivered over 25 individual projects across the suburb.
Assembly Broadmeadows
Assembly Broadmeadows is a 60-hectare masterplanned commercial and industrial estate on the former Ford manufacturing site in Campbellfield. The precinct is being delivered as a next-generation business park for manufacturing, logistics, technology, transport, warehousing and large-format retail, with strong Sydney Road and Barry Road frontage, direct freight-network access and proximity to Upfield Station. Construction has commenced and the development is planned as a staged employment precinct supporting thousands of jobs.
Suburban Rail Loop North - Fawkner Station
The Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) North is a proposed underground rail line connecting Box Hill to Melbourne Airport. Fawkner is identified as a key location for a future underground station, providing a critical interchange with the existing Upfield line. This stage of the loop aims to transform cross-suburban travel in Melbourne's north, linking major employment, health, and education precincts while driving urban renewal through increased housing density and jobs in station precincts.
Upfield Line Duplication and Extension to Roxburgh Park
A staged proposal to duplicate, extend and electrify the Upfield rail line in Melbourne's northern suburbs. Stage one duplicates the single-track section between Gowrie and Upfield stations to lift service frequency and reliability. Stage two reopens, duplicates and electrifies the existing freight corridor from Upfield through to Roxburgh Park, including a grade-separated junction beneath the standard gauge interstate line and the Craigieburn line near Somerton Road. Future stages would extend electrified suburban services through to Craigieburn and Wallan, with new stations proposed at Beveridge and Cloverton to serve the rapidly growing Northern Growth Corridor. In February 2025 the Federal Government committed 7.05 million dollars towards a business case for upgrades on the Craigieburn, Upfield and Northern Growth Corridor lines, with the Federal Coalition separately pledging 2 million dollars for a scoping study. The 2025-26 Victorian State Budget did not allocate funding to the project. Advocacy is led by the Northern Councils Alliance, comprising Mitchell Shire, Banyule, Darebin, Hume, Merri-bek, Nillumbik and Whittlesea councils.
Employment
Employment drivers in Reservoir - North West are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia
The Reservoir - North West area has a skilled workforce with notable representation in the construction sector. The unemployment rate was 5.9% as of December 2021, with an estimated employment growth of 0.9% over the past year. As of December 2025, there are 4,521 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 6.9%, which is 1.1% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.
Workforce participation in Reservoir - North West is lower at 58.2%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. According to Census responses, 24.5% of residents work from home. The key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Employment specialization in construction is high, with a share of 1.3 times the regional level.
Conversely, professional & technical services show lower representation at 7.3%, compared to the regional average of 10.1%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 0.9% while labour force increased by 1.1%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 2.4% and labour force growth of 2.8%, with a rise in unemployment of 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Reservoir - North West's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment
The Reservoir North West SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $47,558 and an average income of $55,652 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is lower than the national average, with Greater Melbourne having a median income of $57,688 and an average income of $75,164 during the same period. By March 2026, based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62%, estimated incomes would be approximately $52,133 (median) and $61,006 (average). In 2021 Census figures, individual incomes were at the 9th percentile ($580 weekly), while household income was at the 32nd percentile. Income distribution shows that 29.9% of locals (2,917 people) fell into the $1,500 - 2,999 category, similar to the broader area where 32.8% occupied this range. After housing costs, 85.6% of income remained for other expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
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 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. The home ownership level in Reservoir - North West was 51.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.0% and rented dwellings at 21.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,000, aligning with Melbourne metro's average, while the median weekly rent was $371 compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Reservoir - North West's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were lower than the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Reservoir - North West has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size
Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 26.1%, with lone person households at 22.8% and group households making up 3.3%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which aligns with the Greater Melbourne average.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
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 most prevalent 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, with advanced diplomas accounting for 9.2% and certificates for 17.7%. Educational participation is notably high, with 26.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.
This includes 8.0% in primary education, 6.6% in secondary education, and 5.7% pursuing tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
The analysis of public transport in Reservoir - North West shows that there are 68 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 5 individual routes providing 1,382 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport in the area is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 179 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward using various modes of transportation. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 86%, while train usage accounts for 8% of commutes. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.4.
According to the 2021 Census, 24.5% of residents work from home, which may be partly due to COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 197 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 20 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
The level of general health in Reservoir - North West is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts
North West Reservoir demonstrates better-than-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population but higher than the national average in older, at-risk cohorts. Private health cover is very low, with approximately 47% of the total population (~4,625 people) having it, compared to Greater Melbourne's 56.7% and the national average of 55.7%.
The most common medical conditions are arthritis (10.2%) and mental health issues (6.8%). 68.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Under-65s have better-than-average health outcomes. The area has 24.3% of residents aged 65 and over (2,368 people), higher than Greater Melbourne's 15.0%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than the broader population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
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 notable 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, comprising 64.9%, compared to 43.0% across Greater Melbourne. The top three ancestry groups are Italian (29.9%), Australian (12.4%), and Other (12.0%).
Notably, Greek (6.1%) and Lebanese (5.2%) populations are overrepresented in Reservoir-North West compared to regional averages of 2.7% and 0.8%, respectively. Macedonian representation is also higher at 2.2%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Reservoir - North West's median age exceeds the national pattern
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 years. The age profile shows that those aged 75-84 are particularly prominent at 9.8%, while the 25-34 age group is smaller at 13.3% compared to Greater Melbourne. Between 2021 and present, the 55 to 64 age group has grown from 10.5% to 11.4% of the population, while the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 10.4% to 8.9%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate that the 45 to 54 age cohort is expected to rise significantly, increasing by 591 people (50%) from 1,170 to 1,762.