Altona Economy Snapshot: Decisions on Industry Mix and Housing Growth Ahead

Altona recorded a population of 11,490 in the 2021 Census and has since posted a 7.8% increase, with overseas migration accounting for 76% of the gains. Employment has grown an estimated 5.6% over the past year while the local unemployment rate sits between 2.2% and 2.5%.

Employment and Industry Base

Health care and social assistance, education and training, and professional and technical services lead current employment. Manufacturing continues as a key sector even as heavy industry has declined. These patterns shape the range of roles available and the skills that will be needed in coming years.

Housing Approvals and Land Use Change

The suburb has seen roughly 107 new dwelling approvals each year over the past five years alongside a 7.1% SA3-area growth rate. Property prices have risen as land use shifts from heavy industry toward residential development. This volume of approvals directly influences the pace of change in local streets and the pressure on existing services.

Workforce Incomes

The median personal income stands at $947 per week, or $49,244 per year, with the average income at $80,800. These levels reflect a highly educated workforce and place Altona among higher-income areas nationally.

Choices Ahead

Local decision makers must weigh how to sustain the low unemployment rate while supporting the transition from older industrial sites to housing. They also face questions about maintaining manufacturing capacity alongside growth in health, education and professional services. The annual rate of dwelling approvals and the ongoing population increase will require ongoing attention to infrastructure capacity and the mix of jobs that can be retained or attracted.