Sunshine West

Sunshine West has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Sunshine West's population is approximately 18,887 as of February 2026. This figure reflects an increase of 329 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 18,558. The change is inferred from ABS estimated resident population data: 18,790 in June 2024 and an additional 142 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,456 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Sunshine West's growth rate has been resilient at 0.1% compound annual growth rate, outpacing its SA3 area. Overseas migration contributed approximately 81.5% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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 uses VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted employing weighted aggregation methods. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on these projections, Sunshine West is expected to have an above median population growth rate, expanding by 3,620 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 18.6% in total over the 17-year period.

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

Sunshine West has received approximately 53 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 268 homes. As of FY-26, there have been 17 recorded approvals. The population decline in recent years has maintained adequate housing supply relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice. New properties are constructed at an average value of $277,000, below the regional average, offering more affordable housing options.

In FY-26, Sunshine West has seen $62.2 million in commercial development approvals, indicating strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Sunshine West maintains similar construction rates per person, consistent with the broader area's market balance. However, this activity is below average nationally, suggesting possible planning constraints and maturity of the area. New building activity comprises 32.0% standalone homes and 68.0% townhouses or apartments, promoting higher-density living suitable for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This shift differs from the existing housing stock, which is currently 83.0% houses, indicating decreasing developable sites and changing lifestyles. Sunshine West's population is forecasted to grow by 3,523 residents by 2041, potentially outpacing current development rates if they continue, leading to increased competition among buyers and stronger price growth.

Population forecasts indicate Sunshine West will gain 3,523 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Sunshine West has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 49thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified a total of 22 projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects include 10-12 Marchant Crescent in Sunshine West, the Sunshine Superhub and Albion Station Upgrade, Vietnamese Museum Australia, and Derrimut Industrial Precinct Expansion. The following list details those most relevant.

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.

The labour market performance in Sunshine West lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Sunshine West has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate was 8.6% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 4%. As of September 2025, 8,903 residents were employed, while the unemployment rate stood at 4.0%, above Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%.

Workforce participation lagged significantly at 61.4% compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. According to Census responses, 20.0% of residents worked from home. Employment was concentrated in health care & social assistance, transport, postal & warehousing, and manufacturing. The area had a particular specialization in transport, postal & warehousing, with an employment share 2.1 times the regional level.

Conversely, professional & technical representation was lower at 5.9% compared to the regional average of 10.1%. The ratio of workers per resident stood at 0.6 as of the Census, indicating a level of local employment opportunities above the norm. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 4.0%, labour force by 5.2%, resulting in an unemployment rise of 1.1 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Sunshine West. These projections estimate national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Sunshine West's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.5% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released on June 2023, Sunshine West SA2's median income among taxpayers is $50,195. The average income for the area is $57,337. This is below the national average. In comparison, Greater Melbourne has a median income of $57,688 and an average of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates project Sunshine West's median income to be approximately $54,336 and the average to be around $62,067 by September 2025. Census data indicates individual incomes lag at the 7th percentile with a weekly income of $565, while household income performs better at the 30th percentile. Distribution data shows that 31.5% of the community (5,949 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band, mirroring regional levels where 32.8% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Sunshine West, with only 84.5% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 30th percentile.

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

Sunshine West's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census data, consisted of 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Sunshine West was at 40.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.6% and rented ones at 28.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,700, below Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure was $346, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Sunshine West had lower mortgage repayments ($1,700 vs $1,863) and rents ($346 vs $375).

Sunshine West features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households make up 74.0% of all households, consisting of 33.1% couples with children, 22.3% couples without children, and 16.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 26.0%, with lone person households at 21.5% and group households comprising 4.5% of the total. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 23.2%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 16.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Vocational credentials are also common, with 25.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.1%) and certificates (16.5%). Educational participation is high, with 29.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 9.0% in primary education, 7.4% in secondary education, and 5.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Sunshine West has 99 active public transport stops, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 16 different routes, collectively facilitating 3,960 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 184 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 84%, while trains account for 9%. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 20% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 565 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 40 weekly trips per stop.

Health outcomes in Sunshine West are marginally below the national average with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Sunshine West's health indicators show below-average outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The level of common health conditions among its general population is somewhat typical but higher than the national average among older cohorts. Private health cover rate is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~8,990 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 56.7% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are asthma (7.0%) and arthritis (6.8%), while 71.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. Sunshine West has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 19.4%, with 3,665 people, compared to Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than the broader population.

Sunshine 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

Sunshine West has a population where 54.3% were born overseas, with 66.2% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Sunshine West, comprising 49.2% of its population. Buddhism is notably higher here compared to Greater Melbourne's average, making up 12.7%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (21.1%), Vietnamese (17.6%), and Australian (10.6%). Notably, Maltese (4.8%), Macedonian (2.6%), and Croatian (1.4%) ethnicities are overrepresented compared to regional averages.

Sunshine West's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Sunshine West is 38 years, close to Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and equivalent to Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Sunshine West has a higher proportion of residents aged 75-84 (7.5%) but fewer individuals aged 5-14 (9.9%). Between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, the percentage of residents aged 75-84 increased from 6.7% to 7.5%, while the percentage of those aged 5-14 decreased from 11.1% to 9.9%. By 2041, Sunshine West's age composition is expected to change significantly. The 55-64 age group is projected to grow by 31%, adding 665 people and reaching a total of 2,788 from the previous count of 2,122. The 5-14 age group is expected to grow by 1%, with an increase of just 16 residents.