Reservoir - North West

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 reflected an increase of 111 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,801 people. The change was inferred from ABS estimated resident population of 9,834 in June 2024 and 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 population growth 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, it utilized VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 with adjustments made via weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group were applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Forecasts indicated a significant population increase in the top quartile of statistical areas nationally, with Reservoir - North West expected to gain 3,300 persons by 2041 based on latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total growth of 32.5% over the 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

Reservoir North West has averaged approximately 18 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years up until FY26. This totals to 91 homes approved during this period. As of now, in FY26, there have been 7 approvals recorded.

The population in the area has declined recently, suggesting that new supply has likely kept pace with demand, providing good options for buyers. The average expected construction cost value of new properties is $544,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment by developers. When compared to Greater Melbourne, Reservoir North West 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 level of development 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, offering a range of medium-density options. This creates opportunities across various price brackets, from traditional family housing to more affordable compact alternatives. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition, which is currently 88.0% houses. This change indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options. With approximately 455 people per dwelling approval, Reservoir North West shows a developed market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, the area is expected to grow by 3,222 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.

Reservoir - North West has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% 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 likely to impact this particular 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 most relevant to the area.

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

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Employment drivers in Reservoir - North West are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Reservoir - North West has a skilled workforce with the construction sector being particularly prominent. The unemployment rate was 5.5% in September 2024.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 0.8%. As of September 2025, 4,497 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 5.5%, which is 0.8% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation in Reservoir - North West lags behind Greater Melbourne at 51.2% compared to 64.1%. Key industries for employment among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

The area specializes in construction with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level. Conversely, professional & technical services have lower representation at 7.3% compared to the regional average of 10.1%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. In the year to September 2025, employment levels increased by 0.8% while labour force decreased by 0.0%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate by 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.0%, labour force growth of 3.3%, and an increase in unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data as of 25-Nov shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. National employment forecasts from May-25 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 employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.1% over ten years.

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

The Reservoir North West SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $44,314 and an average income of $52,456 in the financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is lower than the national average, with Greater Melbourne having a median income of $54,892 and an average income of $73,761 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% from financial year 2022 to September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $49,703 and average income $58,835 by that date. In 2021 Census figures, individual incomes were at the 9th percentile ($580 weekly), while household incomes were at the 32nd percentile. Income distribution shows that 29.9% of locals (2,963 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income category, a pattern also seen in the broader area where 32.8% occupy this range. After housing costs, 85.6% of income remains for other expenses.

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). In comparison, Melbourne metro had 60.2% houses and 39.8% other dwellings. The home ownership level in Reservoir - North West was 51.0%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (28.0%) or rented (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 recorded at $371, similar to Melbourne metro's figure of $371. Nationally, Reservoir - North West's median monthly mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while median weekly 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 account for the remaining 26.1%, with lone person households at 22.8% and group households at 3.3%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is 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 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, with advanced diplomas at 9.2% and certificates at 17.7%. Educational participation is 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.

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

Reservoir - North West has 68 active public transport stops operating within its boundaries. These stops serve a mix of bus routes totaling five individual lines. Together, these routes facilitate 2,462 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents on average located 179 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 351 trips per day across all routes, resulting in 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

North West Reservoir faces significant health challenges, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% (around 4579 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 52.6%. Nationally, the average is 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (10.2%) and mental health issues (6.8%). Around 68.3% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly lower than Greater Melbourne's 70.2%. In North West Reservoir, 24.6% of residents are aged 65 and over (around 2441 people), higher than Greater Melbourne's 15.2%. Health outcomes among seniors in the area present 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 high cultural diversity, with 40.7% of its population born overseas and 52.9% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the main religion in Reservoir-North West, practiced by 64.9%, 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%), Lebanese (5.2%), and Macedonian (2.2%) ethnicities are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 6.1%, 1.8%, and 2.1% respectively.

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 the national average of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 75-84 make up 10.2% of the population, while those aged 25-34 comprise 13.1%. Between 2021 and present, the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 12.5% to 13.5%, while the 65 to 74 cohort has decreased from 10.4% to 9.1%. By 2041, projections indicate that the 45 to 54 age cohort will increase significantly, growing by 571 people (48%) from 1,190 to 1,762.