Altona (Vic.)

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According to investigations of ABS population statistics for the surrounding region, combined with new addresses verified by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Altona (Vic.) has a population calculated at approximately 12,439 as of May 2026. This represents a gain of 949 people (8.3%) since the 2021 Census, which counted a population of 11,490 people. The modification is determined from the resident population of 12,377, calculated by Districts after analyzing the most recent ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and a further 292 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level translates to a density ratio of 743 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively consistent with averages observed across places analyzed by Districts. The 8.3% expansion of the suburb of Altona (Vic.) since the 2021 census was higher than the SA3 area (6.8%), making it a regional growth leader. Population expansion for the locality was mainly pushed by overseas migration which made up approximately 76.0% of total population gains during recent times.

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Altona has a highly educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation, an unemployment rate of only 2.2%, and 2.1% in estimated employment growth over the past year, based on Districts aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 7,035 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.5% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%, and workforce participation is generally similar to Greater Melbourne's 70.2%. Based on Census responses, a high 40.6% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

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Districts' latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 reveals that income in the suburb of Altona is extremely high nationally, with the median assessed at $65,033 while the average income stands at $80,800. This contrasts to Greater Melbourne's figures of a median income of $57,688 and an average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $71,289 (median) and $88,573 (average) as of March 2026. Census 2021 income data shows personal income ranks at the 73rd percentile ($947 weekly), while household income sits at the 54th percentile. Income brackets indicate the predominant cohort spans 28.8% of locals (3,582 people) in the - category, aligning with the metropolitan region where this cohort likewise represents . High housing costs consume of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the th decile.

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Dwelling structure within Altona, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 61.1% houses and 38.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Altona was well beyond that of Melbourne metro, at 37.3%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (31.0%) or rented (31.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Melbourne metro average at $2,197, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $385, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390. Nationally, Altona's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are exceeding the national figure of $375.

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Family households dominate at 65.6% of all households, comprising 27.8% couples with children, 26.9% couples without children, and 9.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 34.4%, with lone person households at 32.1% and group households comprising 2.3% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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The educational profile of this locality is distinct within the region, as university qualification rates (35.6% of residents aged 15+) surpass the Australian average of 30.4% as well as the SA4 region (32.0%), showing the value the community places on higher learning. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 23.0%, with postgraduate qualifications (8.5%) and graduate diplomas (4.1%) following. Practical and vocational skills are also well represented, with 29.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (11.1%) and certificates (18.7%).

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Analysis of public transit options shows 70 active stops operating in the area, consisting of different bus services. These locations are served by 10 separate routes, which combine to support 3,658 passenger journeys each week. Local transit access is classified as outstanding, with inhabitants typically situated 177 meters from their closest transit stop. Because this is mostly a residential locality, the majority of commuters travel outwards, with cars being the primary mode of travel at 81%, and 10% utilizing trains. Car ownership averages 1.1 per household, which is lower than the wider regional average. A high proportion of residents, at 40.6%, work from home (2021 Census; this may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

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Health data indicates relatively positive outcomes for Altona residents, with Districts' analysis of mortality rates and health conditions showing results broadly in line with national benchmarks with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts , and the rate of private health cover found to be exceptionally high at approximately 59% of the total population (7,301 people). This compares to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne.

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Altona was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 29.6% of its population born overseas and 20.6% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Altona was found to be Christianity, which makes up 49.2% of people in Altona. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Judaism, which comprises 0.1% of the population, compared to 1.0% across Greater Melbourne.

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The median age of 42 years in the suburb of Altona (Vic.) is notably higher than the Greater Melbourne average of 37 and is also older than the Australian average of 38 years. The 45 - 54 age group shows a strong presence at 14.6% compared to Greater Melbourne, while the 25 - 34 cohort is less common at 10.4%. Following the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age bracket expanded from 8.0% to 9.5% of the population, whereas the 25 to 34 cohort dropped from 12.0% to 10.4%. Demographic projections for 2041 indicate key changes for the suburb of Altona (Vic.), led by the 55 to 64 group which is expected to rise by 33% ( people), growing from to . Conversely, the to and to age categories are expected to shrink.

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Altona currently has an estimated 659 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 375 children aged 0-2 and 251 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 3% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 8% by 2041 (to approximately 604 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 1,161. Birth rates in the area have averaged 10.2 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a moderate rate (within the middle tier nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.