West Footscray - Tottenham

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

West Footscray-Tottenham's population is approximately 13,073 as of February 2026. This figure represents an increase of 1,338 people from the 2021 Census total of 11,735. The growth is inferred from ABS' estimated resident population of 12,953 in June 2024 and an additional 134 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,186 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's 11.4% growth since the 2021 census exceeds both the national average (9.9%) and state averages, positioning 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 by this data, AreaSearch employs the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, a significant population increase is forecasted, with the area expected to grow by 3,538 persons, reflecting an overall increase of 26.1%.

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

West Footscray-Tottenham has received approximately 53 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 267 homes. In FY26, three approvals have been recorded thus far. On average, 1.9 new residents per year arrived for each new home between FY21 and FY25, suggesting balanced supply and demand. However, this increased to 9.4 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, indicating growing popularity and potential undersupply. New homes are being constructed at an average cost of $299,000, aligning with broader regional development trends.

Commercial development approvals in West Footscray-Tottenham totalled $53.5 million this financial year, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, the area has significantly less development activity, at 63.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. The majority of new building activity consists of townhouses or apartments (76.0%), with standalone homes making up the remaining 24.0%. This shift towards higher-density living creates more affordable entry points, appealing to downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a notable change from the area's existing housing composition, which is currently 59.0% houses.

West Footscray-Tottenham reflects a transitioning market with approximately 324 people per approval. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, the area is expected to grow by 3,418 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 strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Thirty-one infrastructure projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. Key projects include the West Footscray Community Facilities Plan, Barkly Village, Perri Melbourne Data Centre (WEFO Woolstores), and 590-596 Barkly Street Development. The following list details those likely to be 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 employment environment in West Footscray - Tottenham shows above-average strength when compared nationally

West Footscray - Tottenham has an educated workforce with professional services well represented. The unemployment rate was 3.8% as of September 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 5.2%.

There were 8,275 residents in work while the unemployment rate was 0.8% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation was 80.3%, higher than Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. Census responses showed 42.7% of residents worked from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical sectors.

Public administration & safety has a high employment share at 1.5 times the regional level, while construction shows lower representation at 7.2%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 5.2% alongside labour force growth of 5.7%, resulting in an unemployment rise of 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne had employment growth of 3.0% and a 0.3 percentage point unemployment rise over the same period. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May-25, project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to West Footscray - Tottenham's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years.

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

In financial year 2023, AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data indicates that West Footscray - Tottenham SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $62,454 and an average of $74,231. Nationally, the median income was lower at $58,906 with an average of $77,550. In Greater Melbourne, the median income was $57,688 and the average was $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $67,606 (median) and $80,355 (average). Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in West Footscray - Tottenham cluster around the 71st percentile nationally. Income distribution reveals that 31.7% of individuals (4,144 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999, similar to regional levels where 32.8% fall into this bracket. High housing costs consume 16.3% of income, yet strong earnings place disposable income at the 64th 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 a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure in West Footscray-Tottenham, as evaluated at the Census conducted in 2016, consisted of 59.0% houses and 41.0% other dwellings. In comparison, Melbourne metropolitan area had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in West Footscray-Tottenham was at 22.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 36.1% and rented ones at 41.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area, as of 2018, was $2,129, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure for West Footscray-Tottenham was recorded at $351 in 2018, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $1,863, while rents were lower at $375 as of 2018.

West Footscray - Tottenham features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 62.9 percent of all households, including 28.0 percent couples with children, 24.3 percent couples without children, and 9.2 percent single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 37.1 percent, with lone person households at 28.9 percent and group households comprising 8.1 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Educational achievement in West Footscray - Tottenham places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

Educational attainment in West Footscray-Tottenham shows a significant advantage with 46.4% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to the national average of 30.4% and the SA4 region average of 32.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 28.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (13.5%) and graduate diplomas (4.7%). Vocational pathways account for 23.2% of qualifications, 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, including 9.4% in primary, 7.6% in tertiary, and 5.4% in secondary education.

Educational participation is notably 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.

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

West Footscray-Tottenham has 61 active public transport stops, all bus services. There are 11 routes providing 4,191 weekly passenger trips. Residents' average distance to the nearest stop is 157 meters, rated excellent accessibility. The area is primarily residential with outward commuting patterns: cars dominate at 69%, followed by trains at 15% and buses at 6%. Average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 0.9, below regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 42.7% of residents work from home, potentially due to COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 598 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 68 weekly trips per 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 based on AreaSearch's assessment using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

The prevalence of common health conditions among the general population is low but higher than the national average for older, at-risk cohorts. Approximately 56% (~7,333 people) have private health cover, a very high rate. Mental health issues affect 10.1% of residents, with asthma impacting 8.5%. About 71.6% report being completely free from medical ailments compared to Greater Melbourne's 72.6%. Health outcomes for the working-age population are generally typical. The area has 10.7% (1,398 people) of residents aged 65 and over, lower than Greater Melbourne's 15.1%, but still ranks lower nationally than the broader population.

West Footscray - Tottenham was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

West Footscray-Tottenham has a high 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 4.2%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (19.6%), Australian (18.6%), and Other (12.6%). Notably, Vietnamese (6.2% vs regional 1.9%), Croatian (1.2% vs 0.7%), and Macedonian (0.9% vs 0.7%) groups are overrepresented.

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

West Footscray's median age is 35 years, which is younger than Greater Melbourne's median age of 37 and the national average of 38 years. The age group of 35-44 years has strong representation at 20.0% in West Footscray compared to Greater Melbourne, while the 15-24 cohort is less prevalent at 10.2%. This concentration of the 35-44 age group is higher than the national average of 14.3%. Between 2021 and present, the population aged 15-24 has grown from 8.9% to 10.2%, while the 25-34 cohort has declined from 22.5% to 19.9%. By 2041, demographic forecasts indicate significant changes in West Footscray-Tottenham's population. The 45-54 age group is projected to increase by 673 people (39%) from 1,713 to 2,387. Meanwhile, the 5-14 cohort is expected to grow modestly by 7% (100 people).