Westmeadows (Vic.)

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Analysis of population updates from the ABS for the surrounding region, combined with address records verified by Districts since the Census, indicates that the suburb of Westmeadows has an estimated residency of 6,871 individuals as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 369 individuals (5.7%) compared to the 2021 Census, which recorded 6,502 residents. The figure is derived from the estimated resident population of 6,871, calculated by Districts using the ABS demographic release from June 2025 alongside 61 newly verified residential addresses since the Census. With this population level, the density stands at 1,419 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the typical ratio recorded across nationwide areas analyzed by Districts. The primary driver of this demographic growth was overseas migration, which accounted for approximately 83.0% of the overall population gains in recent times.

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The suburb of Westmeadows features a skilled labor pool, with the construction industry showing notable representation, alongside an unemployment rate of 6.0% and an estimated annual job growth rate of 1.8%, based on compiled statistical area data from Districts. As of March 2026, there are 3,489 working residents, with the local unemployment rate sitting 1.2% higher than the Greater Melbourne average of 4.8%, while participation in the workforce remains significantly lower at 64.6% compared to 70.2% across Greater Melbourne. Census data indicates that a moderate 22.5% of working residents performed their duties from home, though the influence of COVID-19 lock-down restrictions should be taken into account.

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Based on Districts' compilation of the most recent postcode-level ATO statistics released for financial year 2023, taxpayers in the suburb of Westmeadows recorded a median income of $54,242 and an average income of $64,056. These figures represent a lower position compared to the national average, and compare with medians of $57,688 and averages of $75,164 recorded across Greater Melbourne. Adjusting for a 9.62% increase in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023, current income levels are estimated to be approximately $59,460 for the median and $70,218 for the average as of March 2026. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and individual incomes in Westmeadows are all modest, falling between the 27th and 39th percentiles. The data indicates that the dominant bracket is $1,500 - 2,999, which accounts for 34.3% of residents ( people), mirroring trends in the broader region where of the population falls into this range. Affordability pressures are high, with residents retaining only of their income, which ranks in the th percentile.

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The housing profile of the suburb of Westmeadows at the time of the latest Census consisted of 76.9% detached houses and 23.1% alternative dwellings (such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and other housing structures), compared to 67.9% houses and 32.1% alternative structures across metropolitan Melbourne. Furthermore, home ownership in the suburb of Westmeadows was considerably higher than the Melbourne metropolitan rate, standing at 34.6%, with the remaining properties being purchased under a mortgage (39.2%) or rented (26.2%). The median monthly mortgage payment in this locality was recorded at $1,733, which is well below the Melbourne metropolitan average of $2,000, while the median weekly rent was $360, compared to the metropolitan average of $390. On a national level, mortgage repayments in Westmeadows are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are below the national average of $375.

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Families make up the vast majority of households at 72.2%, which is composed of 29.6% couples with children, 25.6% couples without children, and 15.7% single parent arrangements. The remaining 27.8% of households are non-family units, with single-occupant households representing 25.6% and group households accounting for 2.1% of the total. The median household occupancy of 2.5 individuals is slightly below the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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The suburb of Westmeadows exhibits educational challenges, with university completion rates at 19.5%, which is considerably lower than the Greater Melbourne average of 37.0%. This scenario highlights both an obstacle and a potential opportunity for focused educational programs. Bachelor degrees represent the most common higher qualification at 13.6%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 3.6% and graduate diplomas at 2.3%. Vocational and technical capabilities are highly represented, with 35.7% of residents aged 15+ holding professional qualifications, split between advanced diplomas (11.9%) and certificates (23.8%).

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An assessment of public transit reveals 38 active transport stops in service within the suburb of Westmeadows, consisting of bus services. These stops are served by 9 separate routes, which combine to support 2,134 passenger journeys per week. Transit access is classified as good, with residents living an average of 273 meters from the nearest stop. Being a primarily residential suburb, most residents travel outwards for work, with private vehicles remaining the primary mode of travel at 90%, followed by train at 5%. Car ownership averages 1.4 vehicles per household. Additionally, 22.5% of the workforce operated from home (2021 Census; potentially reflecting COVID-19 lock-down conditions).

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Based on Districts' evaluation of mortality patterns and the occurrence of chronic illnesses, the suburb of Westmeadows faces notable health difficulties, with standard medical conditions fairly common, particularly among older age cohorts, while the proportion of residents with private health insurance is slightly higher than the average SA2 region at approximately 52% of the population (~3,585 people). This compares to a rate of 56.7% across Greater Melbourne.

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The suburb of Westmeadows displays greater cultural diversity than most local property markets, with 30.0% of the local population born overseas and 31.5% using a non-English language at home. Christianity is the primary religion, representing 55.0% of the population in Westmeadows. However, the most pronounced religious overrepresentation is seen in Islam, which is practiced by 11.9% of residents, a figure substantially higher than the Greater Melbourne average of 5.6%.

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The median age of 39 years in the suburb of Westmeadows is slightly higher than the Greater Melbourne average of 37 and very close to the national average of 38. Compared to metropolitan Melbourne, the 75 - 84 age bracket is noticeably overrepresented (7.9% locally), whereas the 25 - 34 age range is underrepresented (14.6%). Since the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age cohort has increased from 6.0% to 7.9% of the population. In contrast, the 25 to 34 age bracket has decreased from 15.6% to 14.6%. Population projections for 2041 suggest major demographic shifts for Westmeadows. Driven by this shift, the 45 to 54 age cohort is expected to increase by (an addition of people), growing from to individuals.

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Westmeadows currently has an estimated 412 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 223 children aged 0-2 and 149 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 2% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 11% by 2041 (to approximately 458 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 623. Recent growth has been driven by high birth rates observed in the area, with approximately 12.1 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the top 30% of areas assessed nationally.