Footscray (Vic.)

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According to ABS demographic updates and post-Census address verification by Districts, the suburb of Footscray houses approximately 20,920 people as of May 2026. This represents an addition of 3,789 residents (22.1%) from the 2021 Census headcount of 17,131. This expansion is calculated from an estimated resident population of 20,891, which Districts determined using the ABS June 2025 ERP release and 1,937 validated new addresses registered after the Census. The suburb of Footscray now has a density of 4,046 persons per square kilometer, placing it within the highest 10% of areas evaluated by Districts and highlights the high demand for local land. The 22.1% population increase since the 2021 census outpaced the state rise of 9.3% and national benchmarks, establishing the suburb of Footscray as a regional growth leader. This growth was largely supported by arrivals from abroad, who accounted for roughly 79.0% of the population gains, though interstate migration and natural increase also recorded positive contributions.

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The suburb of Footscray possesses a highly qualified workforce with a strong concentration in professional services, an unemployment rate of 5.8%, and job growth estimated at 1.9% over the past year based on regional data compiled by Districts. In March 2026, employed residents numbered 14,200, the unemployment rate stood 1.0% above the Greater Melbourne average of 4.8%, and the labor participation rate was exceptionally high at 80.1% compared to 70.2% across Greater Melbourne. Census records show that a substantial 41.2% of the workforce worked from home, although this was likely influenced by COVID-19 containment measures.

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According to ATO statistics compiled by Districts for the 2023 financial year, average incomes in the suburb of Footscray are slightly lower than the national average. Taxpayers in the suburb of Footscray recorded a median income of $54,151 and an average income of $66,186, compared to Greater Melbourne averages of $57,688 and $75,164. Adjusting for a 9.62% increase in the Wage Price Index since the 2023 financial year, current estimates point to a median income of approximately $59,360 and an average income of $72,553 as of March 2026. Census data shows personal incomes in the 69th percentile ($916 weekly), with household incomes at the 51st percentile. Regarding income brackets, 34.3% of residents (7,175 people) earn between $1,500 - 2,999, mirroring the regional trend of in this bracket. Affordability pressures are high, with only of income remaining after housing costs, placing the area in the th percentile, while the SEIFA index ranks the suburb of Footscray in the th decile.

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The housing mix in the suburb of Footscray at the last Census consisted of 31.6% houses and 68.4% semi-detached dwellings, apartments, or other structures, contrasting with Greater Melbourne where houses made up 67.9% and other dwellings 32.1%. Home ownership rates in the suburb of Footscray lagged behind the metropolitan average at 14.7%, with the remaining properties occupied by mortgagors (27.7%) or tenants (57.6%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,940 was lower than the Melbourne metropolitan average of $2,000, and the median weekly rent was $355 compared to the metropolitan average of $390. On a national level, the suburb of Footscray's mortgage repayments exceed the Australian average of $1,863, while rent costs remain below the national average of $375.

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Families make up 52.1% of households, consisting of couples with children at 15.9%, couples without children at 25.9%, and single parents at 8.0%. Non-family households account for the remaining 47.9%, with lone person households at 37.6% and group households representing 10.3%. The median household size of 2.1 persons is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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Educational qualifications in the suburb of Footscray are high, with 50.6% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 30.4% nationally and 33.4% across Victoria. This educational profile positions the suburb of Footscray well for knowledge-intensive sectors. Bachelor degrees are held by 30.8% of residents, followed by postgraduate degrees (15.2%) and graduate diplomas (4.6%). Vocational training is held by 21.7% of residents aged 15+, consisting of advanced diplomas (10.0%) and certificate level training (11.7%).

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An analysis of public transport shows 126 active stops in the suburb of Footscray, including train, light rail, and bus services. These stops are served by 30 routes, which support 16,207 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is high, with residents living an average of 132 meters from their nearest stop. Because it is a residential area, most workers commute out of the suburb, with private cars being the primary mode of transport at 54%, trains at 24%, and buses at 7%. Vehicle ownership stands at 0.5 cars per household, below the metropolitan average. A significant 41.2% of residents worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-era conditions.

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Health assessments by Districts based on mortality rates and chronic disease prevalence indicate below-average outcomes in the suburb of Footscray, although common illnesses in the general population are typical, with higher rates among older groups. Private health insurance coverage is slightly higher than the average SA2 region, covering approximately 53% of the population (~11,089 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne.

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The suburb of Footscray displays significant cultural diversity, with 42.2% of residents speaking a non-English language at home and 45.0% born outside of Australia. Christianity is the most common religious affiliation, representing 27.2% of the population. Buddhism shows a significant local concentration at 9.2% of the population, compared to 4.2% across Greater Melbourne.

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The median age in the suburb of Footscray is 34 years, which is lower than the Greater Melbourne average of 37 and younger than the Australian average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, the suburb of Footscray has a larger share of residents aged 25 - 34 (29.7%) but fewer aged 5 - 14 (5.8%). The concentration of residents aged 25 - 34 is higher than the national figure of 14.6%. Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 cohort has increased from 18.4% to 20.5%, and the 15 to 24 cohort rose from 11.0% to 12.5%, whereas the 55 to group decreased from to . Demographic forecasts for project that the to cohort will see the largest expansion, growing by to add residents and reach .

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Footscray currently has an estimated 920 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 550 children aged 0-2 and 366 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 14% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 62% by 2041 (to approximately 1,487 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 970. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 9.5 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area within the middle tier nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.