St Albans - South

An assessment of population growth drivers in St Albans - South reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, St Albans - South's population is around 17,906 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 452 people (2.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 17,454 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 17,764 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 141 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 2,860 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, St Albans - South has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a 0.1% compound annual growth rate, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 92.3% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilizing the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. As we examine future population trends, an above-median population growth of national statistical areas is projected, with the area expected to grow by 2,804 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 14.9% in total over the 17 years.

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

St Albans - South has experienced around 47 dwellings receiving development approval per year, totalling 238 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 18 approvals have been recorded. With population declining over recent years, development activity has been adequate in relative terms, which is a positive for buyers, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $265,000—below regional norms—reflecting more affordable housing options for purchasers. Additionally, $112.6 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity.

When measured against Greater Melbourne, St Albans - South has 11.0% less new development (per person) and places among the 18th percentile of areas assessed nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing dwellings. This is likewise lower than the national average, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. New development consists of 22.0% detached houses and 78.0% townhouses or apartments. This skew toward compact living offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing (currently 80.0% houses), indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options. The location has approximately 931 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market.

Looking ahead, St Albans - South is expected to grow by 2,662 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Building activity is keeping pace with growth projections, though buyers may experience heightened competition as the population grows.

St Albans - South has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 49thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 26 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Sunshine Energy Park, Sunshine Health, Wellbeing and Education Precinct, St Albans Activity Centre Precinct Structure Plan, and St Albans SDA Housing, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 assessment indicates St Albans - South faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

St Albans - South has a skilled workforce, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, an unemployment rate of 8.8%, and 3.6% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 8,168 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 4.1% above Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation lags significantly (58.9% compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%). Based on Census responses, a low 13.5% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. The area has a particular employment specialization in manufacturing, with an employment share of 1.9 times the regional level. Conversely, professional & technical services show lower representation at 4.8% versus the regional average of 10.1%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 3.6% alongside the labour force increasing by 4.3%, resulting in unemployment rising by 0.6 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne, where employment rose by 2.4%, the labour force grew by 2.8%, and unemployment rose 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within St Albans - South. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to St Albans - South's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.8% over five years and 12.5% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the St Albans - South SA2's median income among taxpayers is $44,684, with an average of $49,717. This is below the national average, and compares to Greater Melbourne's median of $57,688 and average of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $48,370 (median) and $53,819 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in St Albans - South all fall between the 2nd and 15th percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 28.8% of the community (5,156 individuals), mirroring regional levels where 32.8% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.0% of income remaining, ranking at the 15th percentile.

St Albans - South is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within St Albans - South, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 80.0% houses and 20.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within St Albans - South was higher than that of Melbourne metro, at 37.1%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (27.3%) or rented (35.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Melbourne metro average at $1,500, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $323, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390. Nationally, St Albans - South's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

St Albans - South features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 72.6% of all households, comprising 31.8% couples with children, 20.5% couples without children, and 17.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 27.4%, with lone person households at 21.9% and group households comprising 5.4% of the total. The median household size of 2.9 people is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Educational outcomes in St Albans - South fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (22.8%) substantially below the Greater Melbourne average of 37.0%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 16.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 26.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.2%) and certificates (16.0%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 33.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.1% in primary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 7.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 56 active transport stops operating within St Albans - South, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 10 individual routes, collectively providing 5,258 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 253 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 79%, with 14% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling. A relatively low 13.5% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 751 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 93 weekly trips per individual stop.

St Albans - South's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Health data indicates relatively positive outcomes for St Albans - South residents, with AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions showing results broadly in line with national benchmarks. The prevalence of common health conditions is quite low among the general population, though higher than the national average across older, at-risk cohorts. The rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~8,236 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are diabetes and arthritis, impacting 6.6% and 6.3% of residents, respectively, while 74.0% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents are notably healthy with low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 20.7% of residents aged 65 and over (3,702 people), which is higher than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, though they rank lower nationally than the broader population.

St Albans - South is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

St Albans - South is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country, with 64.8% of its population born overseas and 79.0% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in St Albans - South is Christianity, which makes up 43.1% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Buddhism, which comprises 20.5% of the population, substantially higher than the Greater Melbourne average of 4.2%.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in St Albans - South are Vietnamese, comprising 29.2% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 1.9%, Other, comprising 18.2% of the population, and Chinese, comprising 9.1% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Maltese is notably overrepresented at 3.7% of St Albans - South (vs 1.1% regionally), Croatian at 2.3% (vs 0.7%) and Filipino at 4.4% (vs 1.3%).

St Albans - South's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The 38-year median age in St Albans - South is close to Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and similarly equivalent to the Australian median of 38. Relative to Greater Melbourne, St Albans - South has a higher concentration of 65 - 74 residents (10.5%) but fewer 35 - 44 year-olds (11.9%). Since the 2021 Census, the 65 to 74 age group has grown from 9.7% to 10.5% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 11.8% to 10.6%. By 2041, St Albans - South is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the 55 to 64 group will grow by 27% (548 people), reaching 2,615 from 2,066. Meanwhile, the 5 to 14 group will contract by 54 residents.