Altona North (Vic.)

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According to investigations of ABS demographic releases covering the surrounding region, combined with fresh location markers verified by Districts post-Census, the suburb of Altona North has an assessed population of approximately 14,669 in May 2026. This indicates an expansion of 1,707 people (13.2%) relative to the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 12,962 residents. This shift is calculated from a resident base of 14,545, projected by Districts using the most recent ABS ERP statistics from June 2025 alongside an extra 544 validated new addresses added since the Census. Such a population count translates to a density of 1,044 persons per square kilometer, matching typical benchmarks documented across locations analysed by Districts. The 13.2% rate of growth in the suburb of Altona North since the 2021 census outpaced the SA3 region (6.8%) and the state overall, establishing it as a regional growth leader. The expansion of the local population was mostly fueled by net overseas migration, which accounted for roughly of the total demographic gains in recent times.

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Altona North benefits from a highly educated labor force, showing a robust presence of professional services, a jobless rate of 4.9%, and an estimated job growth rate of 1.8% over the prior year, based on Districts compilations of local statistical files. In March 2026, there are 6,910 working residents, with the unemployment rate standing 0.1% higher than the Greater Melbourne average of 4.8%, while participation in the workforce is lower at 62.3% compared to Greater Melbourne's 70.2%. Census details show that a substantial 34.0% of local workers operated from home, though this was likely influenced by Covid-19 pandemic restrictions.

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The local income level is higher than the national benchmark based on ATO data compiled by Districts for financial year 2023. The median income for tax-paying residents is $57,145, and the average income is $70,252, which compares to Greater Melbourne statistics of $57,688 and $75,164. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index expansion of 9.62% since financial year 2023, modern estimates stand at roughly $62,642 for median incomes and $77,010 for average incomes as of March 2026. Data from the 2021 Census shows that household, family, and individual earnings are moderate, placing between the 39th and 47th percentiles. The income distribution is dominated by the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket which accounts for 28.5% of residents (4,180 individuals), mirroring the broader metropolitan region where fall into this bracket. Financial pressures related to housing are high, with only of income remaining after housing costs, placing the area in the th percentile, while the SEIFA index for income places the locality in the th decile.

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The breakdown of residential properties at the time of the latest Census consisted of 69.1% separate houses and 30.9% alternative housing options like townhouses, flats, and other dwellings, compared to the Melbourne metropolitan distribution of 67.9% separate houses and 32.1% alternative formats. The rate of outright home ownership was notably higher than the metropolitan benchmark, sitting at 36.7%, while the remaining properties were either held with a mortgage (31.5%) or occupied by tenants (31.8%). The median monthly home loan payment was higher than the Melbourne metropolitan average at $2,167, and the median weekly rental cost was recorded at $400, compared to metropolitan values of $2,000 and $390. Across Australia, mortgage payments are significantly higher than the national average of $1,863, and rental costs also exceed the countrywide median of $375.

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Families make up the majority of households at 70.5%, consisting of 32.1% couples raising children, 24.0% couples without children, and 12.7% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 29.5%, with lone person households representing 26.7% and group housing making up 2.8% of the total. The median household occupancy of 2.6 people is identical to the Greater Melbourne average.

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Academic credentials lag behind regional averages, with 29.2% of residents aged 15+ holding tertiary degrees compared to 37.0% across Greater Melbourne. This disparity suggests room for further educational development and training. Undergraduate degrees are the most common at 20.0%, followed by postgraduate degrees (6.1%) and graduate diplomas (3.1%). Vocational and practical skills are well-represented, with 26.6% of residents aged 15+ holding qualifications from technical programs, comprising advanced diplomas (9.8%) and certificates (16.8%).

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Analysis of transit networks shows 107 active public transport stops in Altona North, consisting of bus services. These stops are connected by 11 distinct routes, which combine to support 2,817 passenger journeys per week. Transport accessibility is outstanding, with residents living an average of 154 meters from their nearest transit stop. Given the residential nature of the neighborhood, most workers commute to outer areas, with cars remaining the main transit mode at 84%, while 6% travel by train. Vehicle ownership stands at an average of 1.2 per household. A high 34.0% of working residents worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-era conditions.

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Assessments of mortality records and chronic illness statistics by Districts suggest that health outcomes are below the regional average, although the incidence of general health conditions across the overall population is relatively typical. However, it exceeds the national average in senior cohorts, while the proportion of people with private health cover is high, representing approximately 55% of the local population (~8,007 individuals). This compares to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne.

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The neighborhood shows high levels of cultural mix, with 37.1% of residents born outside Australia and 45.1% using a language other than English in their households. Christianity is the dominant religious affiliation, representing 47.7% of the local population. However, the most pronounced divergence from metropolitan averages is in Islam, which represents 17.2% of the local population, compared to the Greater Melbourne average of 5.6%.

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Altona North has a median age of 37, matching the Greater Melbourne benchmark of 37 and sitting close to the Australian median of 38 years. The 85+ age group is well-represented at 4.0% compared to Greater Melbourne, whereas the 15 - 24 age band is less common, making up 9.8% of the population. Since 2021, the 35 to 44 age cohort has increased from 16.0% to 17.1% of the local population, while the 75 to 84 cohort has decreased from 7.7% to 6.4%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate shifts in the local age distribution, led by the 45 to 54 group which is expected to grow by 43% ( individuals) to reach from .

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Altona North currently has an estimated 1,085 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 635 children aged 0-2 and 423 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 6% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 15% by 2041 (to approximately 1,252 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 1,393. Recent growth has been driven by high birth rates observed in the area, with approximately 16.1 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the top 20% of areas assessed nationally.