West Footscray - Tottenham
Statistical Area - sa2

Population growth drivers in West Footscray - Tottenham are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Aug 2025, West Footscray - Tottenham's population is around 12,925. This reflects a growth from the 2021 Census figure of 11,735 people, an increase of 1,190 people (10.1%). The change was inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 12,953 as of June 2024 and an additional 71 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,161 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth rate exceeded both the national average (8.6%) and state average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 72.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future trends forecast a significant population increase in the top quartile of Australian statistical areas, with West Footscray - Tottenham expected to grow by 3,538 persons by 2041 based on latest population numbers, marking a total increase of 27.6% over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within West Footscray - Tottenham when compared nationally

West Footscray - Tottenham has received approximately 53 dwelling approvals per year. The Australian Bureau of Statistics produces development approval data on a financial year basis, totalling 267 approvals from FY-21 to FY-25 and none so far in FY-26. Over the past five financial years, an average of 1.9 new residents arrived per new home. However, this figure has increased to 9.4 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, indicating growing demand. The average construction value of development projects is $431,000, aligning with regional patterns.

This year, $53.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting strong local business investment. Compared to Greater Melbourne, West Footscray - Tottenham has significantly less development activity, at 63.0% below the regional average per person. New developments consist of 24.0% detached houses and 76.0% townhouses or apartments, shifting from the area's current housing composition of 59.0% houses. The location has approximately 324 people per dwelling approval. By 2041, West Footscray - Tottenham is projected to grow by 3,566 residents. If development rates remain constant, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Looking ahead, West Footscray - Tottenham is expected to grow by 3,566 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

West Footscray - Tottenham has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 32 projects likely to affect the region. Notable initiatives include West Footscray Community Facilities Plan, Barkly Village, 713 Barkly Street Townhouses, and 590-596 Barkly Street Development. The following list details those most relevant.

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

AreaSearch analysis places West Footscray - Tottenham well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

West Footscray - Tottenham has an educated workforce with professional services well represented. The unemployment rate was 3.6% in June 2025, below Greater Melbourne's 4.6%.

Employment grew by 5.6% over the past year. 8,318 residents were employed as of June 2025, with an unemployment rate of 3.5%, and workforce participation at 69.8%. Key sectors include health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services. The area specializes in public administration & safety, with employment share 1.5 times the regional level.

However, construction shows lower representation at 7.2% versus the regional average of 9.7%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Employment increased by 5.6% over a year, while labour force grew by 5.8%, leading to an unemployment rise of 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment grow by 3.5%, with unemployment rising by 0.5 percentage points. State-level data from Sep-25 shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.08% year-on-year, adding 39,880 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. National forecasts project employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to West Footscray - Tottenham's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.7%% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows West Footscray - Tottenham had a median taxpayer income of $59,588 and an average of $71,176. This is higher than the national averages. Greater Melbourne's median was $54,892 with an average of $73,761. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022, current estimates for West Footscray - Tottenham would be approximately $65,612 (median) and $78,372 (average) as of March 2025. Census data reveals incomes in West Footscray - Tottenham cluster around the 72nd percentile nationally. The income distribution shows that 31.7% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999, similar to regional levels at 32.8%. Housing costs consume 16.3% of income. Despite this, disposable income is at the 65th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

West Footscray - Tottenham displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in West Footscray - Tottenham, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 28 August 2016, comprised 59.0% houses and 41.0% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is compared to Melbourne metro's dwelling structure of 49.7% houses and 50.3% other dwellings. The level of home ownership in West Footscray - Tottenham was recorded at 22.2%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (36.1%) or rented (41.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area, as of the time of the Census, was $2,129, which is higher than the Melbourne metro average of $2,100. The median weekly rent figure for West Footscray - Tottenham was recorded at $351, compared to Melbourne metro's $376. Nationally, West Footscray - Tottenham's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are less than the national figure of $375.

West Footscray - Tottenham features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 62.9% of all households, consisting of 28.0% couples with children, 24.3% couples without children, and 9.2% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 37.1%, with lone person households at 28.9% and group households comprising 8.1% of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which aligns with the Greater Melbourne average.

West Footscray - Tottenham demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Educational attainment in West Footscray-Tottenham is significantly higher than broader benchmarks. 46.4% of residents aged 15 and above hold university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 32.0% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 28.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 13.5% and graduate diplomas at 4.7%. Vocational pathways account for 23.2% of qualifications among those aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 10.0% and certificates at 13.2%.

Educational participation is high, with 30.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.4% in primary education, 7.6% in tertiary education, and 5.4% pursuing secondary education. West Footscray-Tottenham has 3 schools with a combined enrollment of 880 students as of the latest data. The area demonstrates significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement, with an ICSEA score of 1111. Education provision is balanced with 2 primary and 1 secondary school serving distinct age groups. School places per 100 residents (6.8) are below the regional average (12.5), indicating some students may attend schools in adjacent areas. Note: for schools showing 'n/a' in enrolments, please refer to parent campus data.

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

Transport analysis indicates 60 active stops operating in West Footscray-Tottenham area, comprising trains and buses. These are serviced by 8 routes providing 5,391 weekly passenger trips. Accessibility is excellent with residents typically at 158 meters from nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 770 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 89 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in West Footscray - Tottenham 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

West Footscray-Tottenham shows better-than-average health outcomes with fewer common health conditions among its general population compared to national averages.

However, older and at-risk cohorts have a higher prevalence of these conditions. Approximately 55% (~7,108 people) of the total population has private health cover. The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues (affecting 10.1% of residents) and asthma (8.5%). Only 71.6% declare being free from any medical ailments compared to Greater Melbourne's 72.7%. The area has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, with 10.3% (1,329 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 11.4%.

West Footscray - Tottenham is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

West Footscray-Tottenham scores high in cultural diversity with 35.4% of its population born overseas and 34.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the main religion, comprising 33.8%. Buddhism is overrepresented at 6.4%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 2.7%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (19.6%), Australian (18.6%), and Other (12.6%). Vietnamese (6.2%) and Croatian (1.2%) are notably overrepresented, while Macedonian is proportionate at 0.9%.

West Footscray - Tottenham's population is younger than the national pattern

West Footscray's median age of 35 years is younger than Greater Melbourne's 37 and the national average of 38. The 35-44 age group comprises 19.9%, higher than Greater Melbourne's percentage but lower than the national average of 14.2%. The 15-24 cohort makes up 10.1% of West Footscray's population, less prevalent than in Greater Melbourne. Since 2021, the 15-24 age group has increased from 8.9% to 10.1%, while the 25-34 cohort has decreased from 22.5% to 20.4%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant changes: the 45-54 age cohort is expected to grow by 695 people (41%), from 1,691 to 2,387, and the 5-14 cohort will increase by a modest 7% (91 people).