Essendon North (Vic.)

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According to population updates from the ABS for the surrounding region combined with new address validations by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Essendon North has an estimated 3,982 residents as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 911 people (29.7%) compared to the 2021 Census, which counted 3,071 residents. The change is calculated from the resident population of 3,981, calculated by Districts using the latest ABS ERP data release (June 2025) plus an additional 261 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population size corresponds to a density ratio of 5,454 persons per square kilometer, placing the area in the top 10% of all Australian locations analyzed by Districts and highlighting local land as a highly sought-after resource. The 29.7% growth rate in the suburb of Essendon North since the 2021 census outperformed the broader SA3 region (9.0%) and the state, making it a clear regional growth leader. Population increases in the area were mostly fueled by overseas migration, which made up approximately of the total population gains during recent times.

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Essendon North features a highly qualified labor force, with strong numbers working in professional services, an unemployment rate of 4.3%, and an estimated job growth rate of 8.4% over the past year, according to Districts aggregations of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 2,492 residents are employed, which places the local unemployment rate 0.5% below the Greater Melbourne average of 4.8%, while workforce participation is standard at 75.2% compared to Greater Melbourne's 70.2%. Census data reveals that a high 33.2% of residents worked from home, though the influence of pandemic lockdowns should be kept in mind.

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According to the latest ATO statistics compiled by Districts for financial year 2023, the suburb of Essendon North records exceptionally high income levels on a national scale. The median income for local taxpayers is $65,049 and the average income is $102,481, which compares to median and average figures of $57,688 and $75,164 for Greater Melbourne. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates indicate incomes of approximately $71,307 (median) and $112,340 (average) as of March 2026. Census figures from 2021 show individual weekly earnings are in the 81st percentile nationally ($1,031 weekly), though household income is lower at the 47th percentile. The statistics show the largest income bracket contains 33.2% of residents ( people) in the - range, mirroring trends in the surrounding region where fall into the same bracket. Housing affordability pressure is significant, with only of income remaining after housing costs, placing the area in the th percentile, while the SEIFA income ranking places the locality in the th decile.

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According to the latest Census, the housing mix in Essendon North consisted of 30.8% detached houses and 69.3% other dwellings (such as semi-detached properties, apartments, and alternative housing options), compared to Greater Melbourne's mix of 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the home ownership rate in Essendon North trailed behind the Melbourne metropolitan average, sitting at 27.4%, while the remaining properties were either mortgaged (26.0%) or rented (46.6%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was identical to the Melbourne metro average at $2,000, whereas the median weekly rent was recorded at $360, compared to Melbourne metro averages of $2,000 and $390. On a national level, mortgage repayments in Essendon North are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents remain lower than the national figure of $375.

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Family households represent the majority of homes at 56.3% of the total, which includes 23.9% couples with children, 21.4% couples without children, and 9.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 43.7% of the total, with single-person households at 39.9% and group households making up 3.6%. The median household size of 2.1 people is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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The local community experiences some educational hurdles, with the proportion of residents holding a university qualification (39.0%) sitting well below the SA4 regional average of 57.1%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 25.1%, followed by postgraduate degrees (10.3%) and graduate diplomas (3.6%). Vocational and technical skills are highly represented, with 27.3% of residents aged 15 and over holding vocational qualifications, comprising advanced diplomas (10.4%) and certificates (16.9%).

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Public transport analysis shows 11 active transit stops operating within Essendon North, providing a combination of light rail and bus services. These stops are serviced by 7 different routes, which support a total of 3,097 weekly passenger journeys. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents living an average of 182 meters from the nearest stop. As the area is predominantly residential, most working residents commute out of the suburb, with private cars remaining the primary travel mode at 76%, and trains accounting for 10%. Car ownership averages 0.8 vehicles per household, which is below the metropolitan average. A high 33.2% of residents work from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect the impact of pandemic restrictions at that time.

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Health statistics show positive trends for the local population, with Districts' analysis of mortality rates and health conditions showing results that align with national averages. The rate of common health issues is low among the general public, though it rises above the national average among older, high-risk groups, and private health insurance coverage is exceptionally high at approximately 67% of the total population (2,673 people). This compares to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%.

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Essendon North has a higher level of cultural diversity than most local property markets, with 32.1% of the population born outside Australia and 30.3% speaking a non-English language at home. Christianity is the primary religion in the area, accounting for 53.8% of residents. The most significant religious overrepresentation is Hinduism, which represents 5.7% of the population, compared to 4.4% across Greater Melbourne.

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The median age of 38 years in Essendon North is close to the Greater Melbourne average of 37 and matches the national median of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Essendon North has a higher proportion of young adults aged 25 - 34 (18.3%) but fewer children aged 5 - 14 (8.6%). Since the 2021 Census, the 55 to 64 age cohort has expanded from 10.2% to 11.6% of the population, and the 75 to 84 group has grown from 4.5% to 5.9%. In contrast, the 35 to 44 age cohort has fallen from 16.1% to 14.5%, and the 45 to group has decreased from to . By Essendon North is expected to experience significant shifts in its age structure. The to cohort will lead the demographic shift with a increase ( people), rising from to . The aging trend is clear, with residents aged and over representing of the projected growth, while population declines are forecast for the to and to age brackets.

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Essendon North currently has an estimated 183 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 93 children aged 0-2 and 62 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 27% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 2% by 2041 (to approximately 179 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 326. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been low, with approximately 7.1 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the bottom 20% of areas assessed nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.