Area profile · Greater Melbourne
West Melbourne - Residential has an estimated 9,767 residents, up 31.2% since the 2021 Census, with 14 projects tracked in West Melbourne - Residential.
Updated 14 Oct 2026.
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01Profile
The analysis, national rankings and who lives there.
West Melbourne - Residential Statistical Area (Lv2) adjoins the Melbourne CBD in VIC, Australia. AreaSearch estimates its population at approximately 9,767 as of Aug 2026. Since the 2021 Census population result of 7,446 people, the area is estimated to have grown by 2,321 people (31.2%). That increase is derived from the ABS estimated resident population (ERP, meaning Estimated Resident Population) of 9,699 as of June 2025, together with 1,036 Validated New Addresses added since the Census date. The area is driven by young professionals, and its population density and growth drivers sit well above average.
Development activity and population drivers are also well above average, and the area is considered a dense and highly active development zone. Its population includes a high share of residents born overseas and an above-average renting population, along with a high proportion of teenagers and young adults. Its working-age population is comprised largely of lone person households and group households.
Estimated resident population by year (ABS, not Census counts): 2,413 in 2001 and 9,699 in 2025. The dashed segment ends at the AreaSearch estimate for Aug 2026: 9,767 (ABS June 2025 base).
Share of residents in each age band (ABS age profile, scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate). Largest: 25 to 34, 38.3%.
Share of households in each weekly household income band (2021 Census). Largest: $1,500 - 2,999, 35.1%.
West Melbourne - Residential ranks in the 99th percentile nationally for amenities and the 97th for population growth.
Each bar and spoke is a national percentile; the dashed ring is the typical area. 99th = higher than 99 in every 100 neighbourhood-sized areas across Australia (ABS SA2 areas). Higher means more of the measure, not necessarily better. Orange marks the top three measures where a higher percentile is better; not Age, Housing or Housing Cost.
02Market and pipeline
Rents, sale prices and what is being built.
The median rent in West Melbourne - Residential is $654 a week, up 4.0% over 12 months to Sep 2025 and 11% above Greater Melbourne.
11% above Greater Melbourne on median weekly rent
Median weekly rent by year, lodged bonds. Houses (solid line): $592 in 2016, $781 in 2025; Units (dashed orange line): $498 in 2016, $678 in 2025. The latest is to Sep 2025.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $654 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Change in median rent over 12 months | +4.0% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Median rent, houses | $781 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Change in median rent for houses over 12 months | +0.6% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Median rent, units | $678 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Change in median rent for units over 12 months | +3.2% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Median rent, Melbourne City | $660 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Change in median rent, Melbourne City, over 12 months | +3.9% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Median rent, Melbourne - Inner | $628 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Change in median rent, Melbourne - Inner, over 12 months | +4.4% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Median rent, Greater Melbourne | $587 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Change in median rent, Greater Melbourne, over 12 months | +4.4% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Median rent, VIC | $560 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Change in median rent, VIC, over 12 months | +4.7% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 |
See the development applications we track, then draw your own catchment and map retailers, health, schools and more.
Status of the 52 tracked applications: 35 approved, 2 under assessment, 15 other (refused, withdrawn or no status).
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AreaSearch tracks 14 projects in West Melbourne - Residential (1 under construction) and 228 more in the surrounding area.
A premium build-to-rent development featuring 105 apartments from studios to three-bedrooms.
Elysium Fields is a $1.75 billion wellness-focused mixed-use precinct being developed by GURNER Group and City Harbour across a 2.7-hectare…
Decommissioning, decanting, and demolition of the Royal Melbourne Hospital Materials Handling Building at Parkville to enable the Parkville…
The Greenline Project is a transformational 4km urban renewal initiative creating a continuous promenade along the north bank of the Yarra…
The Errol Street Private Hospital is a $300 million private healthcare project proposed by Australian Unity at 265-281 Errol Street in…
A transformative multi-stage program to modernise Australia's largest 19th-century market.
A purpose-built student accommodation project with dual permit approval.
The $1.7 billion Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation (MAPT) is a landmark cultural redevelopment overseen by MAP Co and delivered by…
Gurrowa Place is a 1.7 billion dollar mixed-use urban renewal project delivered by Lendlease in partnership with the City of Melbourne and…
West End is a 340 million AUD mixed-use precinct featuring 442 residential apartments, a 92-room hotel, retail spaces including a…
West End is an established mixed-use precinct on a 9200sqm island site comprising four residential apartment buildings (358 apartments), a…
The Australian Institute for Infectious Disease (AIID) is a $650 million research, education and public health facility on Elizabeth Street…
Images marked AI impression are illustrative only and not photographs of the project; follow the project links for actual imagery. Original imagery? Contact us.
Estimated completion year of the 103 projects in and around the area that are not yet completed and have one: 2025 6, 2026 24, 2027 25, 2028 21, 2029 10, 2030 7, 2031 3, 2032 3, 2033 0, 2034 1, 2035 1, 2036 2. 67 have no completion year.
AreaSearch has tracked 52 substantial development applications lodged in and around West Melbourne - Residential over the past 5 years, 8 in the last 12 months; 2 are recorded as under assessment. Coverage varies by council.
Applications per year (dashed: part year): 2021 (part year) 3, 2022 13, 2023 12, 2024 10, 2025 11, 2026 (to Oct) 3.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tracked applications | 52 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, last 5 years | |
| Tracked, last 12 months | 8 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area | |
| ABS building approvals | 29.3 per 1,000 people | ABS building approvals | 97th percentile nationally |
| Average approvals a year | 244 | ABS building approvals | 93rd percentile nationally |
| Applications approved | 35 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, last 5 years | |
| Applications under assessment | 2 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, last 5 years |
Key infrastructure and planning changes likely to influence the West Melbourne - Residential SA2 include: Elysium Fields (Construction); Queen Victoria Market Precinct Renewal (Construction); Gurrowa Place - QVM Southern Precinct (Construction); Parkville Materials Handling Building (RMH Parkville) - Decommissioning and Demolition (Construction); and Queens Place (Construction). These projects represent significant developments that will shape the area's future infrastructure landscape.
Infrastructure development impacting the West Melbourne - Residential SA2 spans multiple sectors including Communities, Precincts & Urban Renewal, Residential Development, and Education & Training, among others.
The West Melbourne - Residential SA2 ranks in the top 20% nationally for infrastructure development, reflecting exceptional investment activity compared to similar areas across the country.
AreaSearch's development drivers ranking places residential development activity in West Melbourne - Residential higher than 94% of real estate markets across the country.
Dwelling approval activity in the West Melbourne - Residential SA2 area has seen 595 residential approvals over the past two financial years, based on AreaSearch's SA2 aggregation method. The West Melbourne - Residential SA2's current population of 9,767 has been supported by 244 approvals on average over recent years.
The West Melbourne - Residential SA2 has seen 29.3 approvals per 1,000 people in recent years, compared to 8.7 approvals in Greater Melbourne. This means that one dwelling has been approved for every 473 people in the West Melbourne - Residential SA2, compared to one for every 121 in Greater Melbourne.
The long-run outlook for development is part of AreaSearch Operator and Pro. Log in to see the forecast detail in Full.
Looking at development activity over the past five years, the West Melbourne - Residential SA2's approval levels have been below the yearly average of 244, indicating a recent decline in approval activity.
Over the past five years, the population in the West Melbourne - Residential SA2 has grown by approximately 2,132 people, while 1,220 residential approvals were recorded. This equates to a ratio of 1.7 people added for each new dwelling approval. This suggests a balanced relationship between population growth and housing supply.
03People
Population, age, income, work, education and more.
99th = higher than 99 in every 100 neighbourhood-sized areas across Australia (ABS SA2 areas). Higher means more of the measure, not necessarily better.
West Melbourne - Residential lies within the top 3% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 9,767 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, from the ABS June 2025 base | |
| Growth since 2021 Census | +31.2% | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, against the 2021 Census | 95th percentile nationally |
| Population density | 11,843 per km² | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, from the ABS June 2025 base | 99th percentile nationally |
| Average yearly growth, 2020 to 2025 | +5.1% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Average yearly growth, 2015 to 2025 | +6.4% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population at the 2021 Census | 7,446 | 2021 Census | |
| Residents added since the 2021 Census | 2,321 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, against the 2021 Census | |
| Average yearly growth, 2022 to 2025 | +6.5% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Population growth, 2024 to 2025 | +4.3% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Land area | 0.82 km² | AreaSearch boundary analysis |
Total population for the West Melbourne - Residential SA2 was estimated to be approximately 9,767 as at Aug 2026. This is based upon an estimated resident population of 9,699 from the ABS up to June 2025.
The west melbourne - residential sa2 has added approximately 2,321 people and shown a 31.17% increase from the 7,446 people recorded at the 2021 Census period.
The population density in the West Melbourne - Residential SA2 is estimated at 11,911 persons per square kilometre based on the latest population estimate.
Over the past 10 years, the population in the West Melbourne - Residential SA2 has shown a compound annual growth rate of 6.4% per annum.
Population growth in the West Melbourne - Residential SA2 is driven by: Overseas migration (87.5%), Natural increase (7.5%), Interstate migration (5.1%). The primary driver is Overseas migration, contributing 87.5% of overall population gains.
West Melbourne - Residential hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 5% of areas nationwide.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age | 31 years | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | 5th percentile nationally |
| Aged 65 and over | 4.5% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Children under 15 | 6.7% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 15 to 34 | 53.7% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 25 to 64 | 73.4% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age at the 2021 Census | 31 years | 2021 Census | |
| Aged 0 to 4 | 2.3% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 5 to 14 | 4.4% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 15 to 24 | 15.4% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 25 to 34 | 38.3% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 35 to 44 | 20.3% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 45 to 54 | 9.1% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 55 to 64 | 5.7% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 65 to 74 | 3.0% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 75 to 84 | 1.1% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 85 and over | 0.4% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate |
AreaSearch estimates the median age in the West Melbourne - Residential SA2 at 31 years as at August 2026. That is in line with the 2021 Census figure of 31 years, on an age profile AreaSearch re-estimates for population change recorded since the Census.
At an estimated 31 years as at August 2026, West Melbourne - Residential is 6 years younger than the Greater Melbourne 2021 Census average (37 years) and 7 years younger than the national Census average (38 years).
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most over-represented age group in the West Melbourne - Residential SA2 compared to the Greater Melbourne region is the 25 - 34 group, making up 38.3% of the population.
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most under-represented age group in the West Melbourne - Residential SA2 compared to the Greater Melbourne region is the 5 - 14 group, making up 4.4% of the population.
Yes, certain age groups in the West Melbourne - Residential SA2 show significant variance compared to Greater Melbourne. The most over-represented age group is 25-34 year-olds (38.3% vs 16.4%). The most under-represented age groups are 85+ year-olds (0.4% vs 2.1%) and 75-84 year-olds (1.1% vs 5.2%).
AreaSearch estimates children aged 0-14 years at 6.7% of the population in the West Melbourne - Residential SA2 as at August 2026.
AreaSearch estimates people aged 65 and over at 4.5% of the population in the West Melbourne - Residential SA2 as at August 2026.
Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median taxable income (ATO) | $53,399 a year | ATO FY-24, annual | 26th percentile nationally |
| Average taxable income | $70,355 a year | ATO FY-24, annual |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Census household income / week | $1,784 | 2021 Census, weekly | 52nd percentile nationally |
| Census personal income / week | $1,047 | 2021 Census, weekly | 82nd percentile nationally |
| High-income households | 23.8% | 2021 Census | |
| Census family income / week | $2,397 | 2021 Census, weekly | |
| Low-income households | 18.3% | 2021 Census |
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the West Melbourne - Residential SA2 is approximately $56,923. The official ATO data from FY-24 recorded a median of $53,399.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the West Melbourne - Residential SA2 is approximately $74,998. The official ATO data from FY-24 recorded an average of $70,355.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the West Melbourne - Residential SA2 is approximately $56,923 compared to $63,783 in Greater Melbourne. The official ATO data from FY-24 shows $53,399 and $59,834 respectively.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the West Melbourne - Residential SA2 is approximately $74,998 compared to $83,612 in Greater Melbourne. The official ATO data from FY-24 shows $70,355 and $78,435 respectively.
As per the 2021 Census, the weekly household income bracket containing the largest proportion of the West Melbourne - Residential SA2's households (~35.1% / 1,245 households) is the $1,500 - 2,999 cohort.
The largest weekly household income cohort in the West Melbourne - Residential SA2 is the $1,500 - 2,999 group, representing about 35.1% of households. In comparison, Greater Melbourne's largest household income cohort is the $1,500 - 2,999 group, representing 32.8% of its households, according to the 2021 Census.
The 2021 Census data indicates that the median household income in the West Melbourne - Residential SA2 is $1,784/wk.
According to the 2021 Census, the median family income in the West Melbourne - Residential SA2 is $2,397/wk.
The 2021 Census shows that the median personal income in the West Melbourne - Residential SA2 is $1,047/wk.
The West Melbourne - Residential SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $53,399 and an average of $70,355 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-24. This is slightly lower than average on a national basis, contrasting with Greater Melbourne's median income of $59,834 and average income of $78,435. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 6.6% since FY-24, current estimates would be approximately $56,923 (median) and $74,998 (average) as of June 2026.
The estimated disposable income in the West Melbourne - Residential SA2 is $6,157 per year according to AreaSearch analysis.
The west melbourne - residential sa2's disposable income is $6,157 compared to $6,948 for Greater Melbourne, based on AreaSearch analysis.
Employment conditions in West Melbourne - Residential demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 30% of areas assessed nationally.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unemployment rate | 3.4% | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Workforce participation | 79.3% | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Employed residents | 7,109 | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Daytime population | 9,823 | AreaSearch estimate of residents and workers present on a weekday | |
| Labour force | 7,358 | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch |
As of June 2026, the West Melbourne - Residential SA2 has approximately 7,109 employed residents with an unemployment rate of 3.4%. This healthy unemployment rate suggests a well-functioning labour market. Employment performance is above the national median, showing positive labour market dynamics.
As of June 2026, the unemployment rate in the West Melbourne - Residential SA2 stands at 3.4%, which is 1.5 percentage points below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.9%. This lower unemployment rate suggests stronger local employment conditions. For comparison, the national unemployment rate is 4.2%.
The employment landscape in the West Melbourne - Residential SA2 is dominated by several key sectors. The largest employers are professional & technical (19.2% of employment), accommodation & food (11.7%), and health care & social assistance (10.3%). Other significant employers include retail trade and education & training.
Over the past year to June 2026, the West Melbourne - Residential SA2 has experienced employment growth, with total employment increasing while the labour force increased. As a result, the unemployment rate has fallen. By comparison, Greater Melbourne saw employment increased and its unemployment rate rose.
The workforce participation rate in the West Melbourne - Residential SA2 is 79.3%, which represents the proportion of working-age residents who are either employed or actively seeking work. This high participation rate indicates strong workforce engagement and economic vitality. The local rate leading the Greater Melbourne average of 70.1%, indicating stronger workforce attachment in the local area.
The west melbourne - residential sa2 shows notable specialisation in professional & technical, which employs 19.2% of the local workforce compared to 10.1% across Greater Melbourne. This concentration suggests the area has developed competitive advantages in this sector. The area also shows above-average employment in 2 other sectors, contributing to a distinctive economic profile.
The long-run outlook for employment is part of AreaSearch Operator and Pro. Log in to see the forecast detail in Full.
The west melbourne - residential sa2's employment market shows above-average performance nationally, placing in the top half of areas assessed. Employment indicators suggest healthy labour market conditions relative to other regions. Recent job advertisement trends show the broader employment region saw a 2.6% decline, ranking 28th out of 37 regions nationally.
The educational profile of West Melbourne - Residential ranks above average relative to locations nationally, based on AreaSearch's ranking of qualification and academic performance metrics.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor qualifications | 38.0% | 2021 Census | 97th percentile nationally |
| Postgraduate qualifications | 21.2% | 2021 Census | 98th percentile nationally |
| University qualifications | 62.8% | 2021 Census | |
| Vocational qualifications | 7.9% | 2021 Census | 4th percentile nationally |
| Graduate diploma or certificate | 3.6% | 2021 Census | 78th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced diploma or diploma | 9.0% | 2021 Census | 18th percentile nationally |
| No post-school qualification | 20.3% | 2021 Census | |
| Residents attending an educational institution | 35.9% | 2021 Census | |
| Residents attending university or other higher education | 18.1% | 2021 Census | 98th percentile nationally |
| Residents attending primary school | 3.4% | 2021 Census | 4th percentile nationally |
| Residents attending secondary school | 3.1% | 2021 Census | 5th percentile nationally |
62.8% of people aged 15 and over in the West Melbourne - Residential SA2 have university qualifications, compared to 37.0% in Greater Melbourne.
20.3% of people aged 15 and over in the West Melbourne - Residential SA2 have no formal qualifications, compared to 35.2% in Greater Melbourne.
The west melbourne - residential sa2 ranks in the 66th percentile nationally for education based on AreaSearch's analysis of qualification and performance metrics.
The most common qualifications in the West Melbourne - Residential SA2 are: Bachelor Degree (38.0%), Postgraduate (21.2%), Advanced Diploma (9.0%).
35.9% of the population in the West Melbourne - Residential SA2 is currently engaged in formal education, including 3.4% in primary school, 3.1% in secondary school, 18.1% at university (all shares of total residents).
The average ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) score for schools in the West Melbourne - Residential SA2 is 1045, indicating average socio-educational advantage (national average is 1000).
There are 4 schools within the West Melbourne - Residential SA2, with a combined enrollment of approximately 389 students.
The west melbourne - residential sa2 includes 1 secondary school, 3 combined schools.
West Melbourne - Residential features high concentrations of group households and lone person households but relatively few family households, with a smaller average household size than Greater Melbourne.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household size | 1.9 people | 2021 Census | 3rd percentile nationally |
| Lone-person households | 38.3% | 2021 Census | 94th percentile nationally |
| Couples with children | 11.6% | 2021 Census | 3rd percentile nationally |
| Couples without children | 30.5% | 2021 Census | 73rd percentile nationally |
| One-parent families | 4.2% | 2021 Census | 3rd percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group households | 13.6% | 2021 Census | 98th percentile nationally |
| Households at the 2021 Census | 3,542 | 2021 Census | |
| Estimated households | 4,646 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026 | |
| Family households | 48.1% | 2021 Census | 3rd percentile nationally |
| Average children per family | 0.5 per family | 2021 Census | 1st percentile nationally |
As of the 2021 Census, the West Melbourne - Residential SA2 had 3,542 households. Based on population growth patterns, this has grown by approximately 31.2% to an estimated 4,646 households today.
The average household size in the West Melbourne - Residential SA2 is 1.9 people. This compares to 2.6 in Greater Melbourne and reflects the area's household composition mix.
Family households dominate at 48.1% of all households. Non-family households consist of lone person households (38.3%), group households (13.6%), and other household types (0.0%).
Of the 1,704 family households, couples with children account for 11.6% of all households, couples without children at home 30.5%, and single parent families 4.2%. This mix shapes local demand for schools, family services, and housing types.
Compared to Greater Melbourne, the West Melbourne - Residential SA2 shows distinct household patterns. Lone person households are notably over-represented at 38.3% (versus 24.8% in Greater Melbourne). Conversely, family households are under-represented at 48.1% compared to 70.9% in Greater Melbourne. This higher proportion of single-person households drives demand for smaller dwellings and different community services.
Marriage patterns reveal 27.0% of the adult population are currently married, while 64.2% have never married. This compares to 47.0% married and 38.0% never married across Greater Melbourne.
Single-person households represent 38.3% of all households in the West Melbourne - Residential SA2, higher than the average for Greater Melbourne of 24.8%. This affects demand for smaller dwellings and single-person accommodation.
Group households (unrelated people sharing) account for 13.6% of households, above the Greater Melbourne average of 4.3%. This higher rate points to more student or young professional shared accommodation.
West Melbourne - Residential is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Born overseas | 56.9% | 2021 Census | 95th percentile nationally |
| Speak another language at home | 49.5% | 2021 Census | 88th percentile nationally |
| English only at home | 50.5% | 2021 Census | 11th percentile nationally |
| Australian citizens | 53.8% | 2021 Census | 2nd percentile nationally |
| Born in Australia | 43.1% | 2021 Census | 4th percentile nationally |
| Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents | 0.5% | 2021 Census | 18th percentile nationally |
West Melbourne - Residential is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country, with 49.5% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 56.9% born overseas.
Christianity is the most commonly reported religion in West Melbourne - Residential, at 24.5% of people, although more residents (58.4%) reported no religion. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Buddhism, which comprises 5.7% of the population, compared to 4.2% across Greater Melbourne.
In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in West Melbourne - Residential are Chinese, comprising 18.3% of the population, which is substantially higher than Greater Melbourne's 6.5%, Other, comprising 16.8% of the population, and English, comprising 15.1% of the population, which is notably lower than Greater Melbourne's 20.1%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Korean is notably overrepresented at 2.3% of West Melbourne - Residential (vs 0.3% across Greater Melbourne), Spanish at 0.8% (vs 0.4%) and Russian at 0.6% (vs 0.4%).
56.9% of the West Melbourne - Residential SA2 population was born overseas, compared to 37.3% across Greater Melbourne.
49.5% of the population in the West Melbourne - Residential SA2 speaks a language other than English at home, compared to 35.9% in Greater Melbourne.
0.5% of the West Melbourne - Residential SA2 population identifies as Australian Aboriginal, compared to 0.5% in Greater Melbourne.
53.8% of the West Melbourne - Residential SA2 population holds citizenship, compared to 81.1% in Greater Melbourne.
04Place
Housing, health, transport, local services and the reports on them.
West Melbourne - Residential features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than Greater Melbourne.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rented homes | 66.6% | 2021 Census | 96th percentile nationally |
| Owned outright | 12.4% | 2021 Census | 6th percentile nationally |
| Apartments | 77.9% | 2021 Census | 97th percentile nationally |
| Median mortgage repayment | $2,135 a month | 2021 Census, monthly | 72nd percentile nationally |
| Owned with a mortgage | 21.0% | 2021 Census | 7th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semi-detached, terrace and townhouses | 20.2% | 2021 Census | 84th percentile nationally |
| Median weekly rent paid, 2021 Census | $390 | 2021 Census, weekly | 58th percentile nationally |
| Median rent as a share of median household income | 21.9% | 2021 Census, ratio calculated by AreaSearch | 61st percentile nationally |
| Median mortgage repayment as a share of household income | 27.6% | 2021 Census, ratio calculated by AreaSearch | 78th percentile nationally |
| People per bedroom | 1.1 per bedroom | 2021 Census | 96th percentile nationally |
In the West Melbourne - Residential SA2, 12.4% of homes are owned outright, 21.0% are owned with a mortgage, and 66.6% are rented.
According to the latest data, 1.3% of dwellings in the West Melbourne - Residential SA2 are houses.
In the West Melbourne - Residential SA2, 77.9% of dwellings are apartments or units, with an additional 20.2% being semi-detached dwellings.
Outright home ownership in the West Melbourne - Residential SA2 stands at 12.4%, compared to 30.7% in Greater Melbourne.
The median monthly mortgage repayment in the West Melbourne - Residential SA2 is $2,135, compared to $2,000 in Greater Melbourne.
The aggregate monthly housing cost in the West Melbourne - Residential SA2 is $1,573, which represents the average monthly cost across all housing types.
In the West Melbourne - Residential SA2, households with mortgages typically spend 27.6% of their income on mortgage repayments, while renters spend 21.9% of their income on rent.
The average persons per bedroom ratio in the West Melbourne - Residential SA2 is 1.1, indicating the level of household density.
Housing affordability in the West Melbourne - Residential SA2 shows mortgage holders spending 27.6% of income on repayments (vs 24.3% in Greater Melbourne), while renters spend 21.9% of income on rent (vs 20.5% in Greater Melbourne).
The dwelling mix in the West Melbourne - Residential SA2 consists of 1.3% detached houses, 20.2% semi-detached dwellings, 77.9% apartments, and 0.6% other dwelling types.
Housing in West Melbourne - Residential consumes approximately 20.4% of median household income ($7,725 monthly), indicating costs are highly affordable. The generally accepted benchmark is that housing should not exceed 30% of household income.
Recent development applications in West Melbourne - Residential show attached dwellings contributing 100% of approvals compared to 99% of existing stock, while detached houses represent 0% of applications versus 1% of current dwellings. This suggests development patterns consistent with existing housing mix. West Melbourne - Residential is experiencing exceptional growth in housing density, ranking in the top 10% nationally.
West Melbourne - Residential's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics relative to locations nationally with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private health cover | 52.7% | ATO FY 2024, private health cover | 44th percentile nationally |
| No long-term health condition | 80.9% | 2021 Census | 93rd percentile nationally |
| Need help with daily activities | 1.6% | 2021 Census | 4th percentile nationally |
| No long-term health condition, under 65 | 82.4% | 2021 Census | 87th percentile nationally |
| Three or more long-term health conditions, under 65 | 0.3% | 2021 Census | 2nd percentile nationally |
Around 52.7% of people in the West Melbourne - Residential SA2 are covered by private health insurance, which compares to 56.5% in Greater Melbourne.
In the West Melbourne - Residential SA2, 1.6% of the population is identified as requiring ongoing medical assistance. By comparison, 5.5% of people in Greater Melbourne require similar assistance.
6.4% of people in the West Melbourne - Residential SA2 are diagnosed with asthma. In comparison, 7.3% of the population across Greater Melbourne is affected by asthma.
Diabetes affects 1.6% of the West Melbourne - Residential SA2 population, while in Greater Melbourne, 4.1% of people are diagnosed with diabetes.
1.3% of people in the West Melbourne - Residential SA2 have heart disease. Across Greater Melbourne,3.1% of the population is affected by heart disease.
In the West Melbourne - Residential SA2, 52.7% of the population are estimated to have private health insurance. Comparatively, Greater Melbourne sees an estimated private health coverage rate of 56.5%.
Transport servicing is high compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transport access | 97 out of 100 | AreaSearch transport analysis of timetable data | 97th percentile nationally |
| Public transport stops | 23 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | 23rd percentile nationally |
| Weekly public transport trips | 7,427 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | 90th percentile nationally |
| People per public transport stop | 422 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Public transport routes | 12 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per dwelling | 0.3 per dwelling | 2021 Census | |
| Working residents who worked from home | 43.6% | 2021 Census, taken during COVID-19 restrictions |
There are 23 public transport stops within the West Melbourne - Residential SA2.
The West Melbourne - Residential SA2 has 7,427 weekly trips across 12 routes, averaging 1,061 trips per day.
On average, residential properties are 114 metres from the nearest transport stop.
From the typical resident, the nearest supermarket is 209 m away and the nearest GP 283 m.
Distance from the typical resident to the nearest of each service. Every bar starts at 0 m. The nearest is orange.
Public transport 23 stops nearby, 7,427 weekly trips, access rating 97 out of 100.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amenity score | 99 out of 100 | AreaSearch proximity analysis | 99th percentile nationally |
| Nearest supermarket | 209 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest GP | 283 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest fitness centre | 292 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest pharmacy | 297 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest school | 326 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest child care | 354 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest hospital | 454 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest dentist | 476 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest bank | 597 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest shopping centre | 820 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest government service | 3.3 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident |
Sector reports that go deeper on these services: child care, medical, retail, aged care and specialist disability accommodation (SDA). There is 1 long day care centre with 44 places in West Melbourne - Residential, about 5.2 children aged 0-4 per place.
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05Reports and tools
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06About this profile
Where the figures come from, downloads and nearby areas.
AreaSearch's development drivers ranking places residential development activity in West Melbourne - Residential higher than 94% of real estate markets across the country.
West Melbourne - Residential has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 17% nationally.
No headline figures are reported for this area.
Median rent in West Melbourne - Residential is $654 a week, +4.0% over 12 months to Sep 2025.
West Melbourne - Residential lies within the top 3% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends.
West Melbourne - Residential hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 5% of areas nationwide.
Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment.
Employment conditions in West Melbourne - Residential demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 30% of areas assessed nationally.
The educational profile of West Melbourne - Residential ranks above average relative to locations nationally, based on AreaSearch's ranking of qualification and academic performance metrics.
West Melbourne - Residential features high concentrations of group households and lone person households but relatively few family households, with a smaller average household size than Greater Melbourne.
West Melbourne - Residential 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 Melbourne - Residential features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than Greater Melbourne.
West Melbourne - Residential's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics relative to locations nationally with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions.
Transport servicing is high compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility.
Amenity provision was found to be above the typical area assessed nationally by AreaSearch, based on counts and proximity analysis.
West Melbourne - Residential has an estimated 9,767 residents, up 31.2% since the 2021 Census, with 14 projects tracked in West Melbourne - Residential.
Latest estimate as at Aug 2026; other figures from the 2021 Census, ATO FY-24 and AreaSearch estimates where labelled. Updated 14 Oct 2026.
Sources: ABS Census 2021, ABS estimated resident population, ATO taxation statistics, state rental bonds and property sales records where published, and AreaSearch analysis for West Melbourne - Residential.
Data currency
Refreshed . Rents to Sep 2025, population and age estimated to Aug 2026, taxable income FY 2024 and projects to Aug 2026. Housing, households and cultural diversity are from the 2021 Census (next update with the 2026 Census results).
Infrastructure projects and development applications also include sites in the surrounding area, and are labelled as such. Other sections were compiled 14 Oct 2026 from sources that update on their own cycles; "See the evidence" lists each source and its cycle.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (for example census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb or locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For a complete picture, consider both boundary types where available.
Main sources: ABS, Geoscience Australia, GNAF, ATO, State governments, Valuer General, Rental Board and Infrastructure Australia.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (206041510). QuickStats reports 2021 only; the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.
This page uses ABS Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2) boundaries for statistical reporting (for example census and ERP). SA2 areas can differ materially from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, even when they share similar names, because they are defined for different purposes and often use different geographic boundaries.
AreaSearch compiles this page from official and industry sources, including ABS, Geoscience Australia, GNAF, ATO, State governments, Valuer General, Rental Board and Infrastructure Australia, then calculates statistics for the boundary shown, and ranks, growth rates and benchmarks itself. Property sales come from the state valuation authority, rents from state rental bond lodgements, development applications from council and state planning portals, school data from ACARA, and public transport from state transport departments. Infrastructure projects and development applications also include sites in the surrounding area, labelled as such.
No. Most of this page is built beyond the Census. Dated for this area: population (Aug 2026), age profile (Aug 2026), infrastructure projects (Aug 2026) and income (FY 2024). Compiled with this profile from sources that publish on their own cycles: development and approvals, property sales and rents, employment, education, transport, health and services and amenities. Only housing, households and cultural diversity remain wholly Census-based, because no more current small-area dataset exists for those measures.
Key demographics and figures for West Melbourne - Residential from the 2021 Census, ATO taxpayer data and AreaSearch estimates and analysis. Each topic has its own table of key figures beside the section it belongs to, and each row names its source and date. The percentile compares West Melbourne - Residential with every neighbourhood-sized area across Australia (ABS SA2 areas): a higher percentile means more of that measure than most, not necessarily better.
Source: AreaSearch (areasearch.com.au) compiled from ABS Census 2021, ATO and other public sources.
