West Melbourne

VIC 3003 • Greater Melbourne

8,025
Population (2021)
$55,016
Median Income
6.58 km²
Area
8m
Elevation
Inner-CityUrbanGrowth SuburbWalkableYoung Professionals

About West Melbourne

West Melbourne is a dynamic inner-city suburb located just 2 km northwest of the Melbourne CBD in Victoria, within the City of Melbourne. With a population of approximately 8,000 (2021 Census), it has experienced significant growth and transformation from its industrial roots into a sought-after residential address. The suburb includes a densely developed residential and commercial area adjacent to the CBD, as well as a larger western section dominated by rail yards and port facilities. Its residents tend to be young professionals, students, and downsizers drawn by the proximity to the city centre.

West Melbourne offers exceptional access to the iconic Queen Victoria Market, one of the Southern Hemisphere's largest open-air markets, which sits on its eastern boundary. Flagstaff Gardens provides a green retreat within walking distance, and the vibrant dining scenes of North Melbourne and the CBD are moments away. The suburb is in the highly regarded University High School catchment zone, adding appeal for families. West Melbourne suits those who want an urban lifestyle with the convenience of walking to work, restaurants, and cultural attractions.

West Melbourne falls under postcode 3003 and is governed by Melbourne Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Melbourne (Northern Metropolitan) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Postcode
3003
Urban Area
Melbourne - Central
LGA
Federal Electorate
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-37.81°, 144.93°
Statistical Area
Greater Melbourne
Area
6.58 km²
Elevation
8m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Flagstaff Station
0.5 km
6 min
North Melbourne Station
0.8 km
10 min
Southern Cross Station
1.2 km
15 min
Melbourne Central Station
1.5 km
18 min

Bus Services

  • 401, 402 — North Melbourne to Melbourne University 5-10 min
  • 57, 58 — Tram routes along Flemington Rd & Victoria St to CBD and western suburbs 5-15 min

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
2 km
By Train
3-5 min from Flagstaff Station
By Bus
5-10 min by tram
By Car (Peak)
10 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
5 min

🛣️ West Melbourne is effectively on the doorstep of the CBD. Many residents walk or cycle to work. Excellent tram, train and bus connectivity in all directions.

Walkability Very Walkable

West Melbourne is highly walkable with most daily errands achievable on foot. Queen Victoria Market, Flagstaff Gardens, and the CBD are all within easy walking distance.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • ALDI
    528 Spencer St, West Melbourne VIC 3003

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing Costs 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$388
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$2,106
Avg Household Size
1.9 people
Median Age
31 years

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
5,515
Census 2021
8,025
45.5% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$44,304
Income 2021
$55,016
24.2% increase

Income Comparison

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 3,337
Born Overseas 4,294

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. China 854
  • 2. India 555
  • 3. Malaysia 254
  • 4. England 196
  • 5. South Korea 190
  • 6. New Zealand 159
  • 7. Vietnam 141
  • 8. Philippines 139
  • 9. Hong Kong 118
  • 10. Taiwan 93
  • 11. Thailand 85
  • 12. Singapore 78
  • 13. United States 77
  • 14. Indonesia 75
  • 15. Italy 68

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Chinese 1,699
English 1,495
Australian 1,145
Irish 657
Indian 531
Scottish 469
Italian 380
German 226
Vietnamese 209
Korean 208

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,805
Both parents born in Australia
4,913
Both parents born overseas
712
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
53.8%
Christianity
22.3%
Hinduism
5.8%
Buddhism
5.2%
Islam
3.0%
Judaism
0.3%
Sikhism
0.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
250 (3.1%)
5-14 years
336 (4.2%)
15-19 years
227 (2.8%)
20-24 years
1,098 (13.7%)
25-34 years
3,248 (40.5%)
35-44 years
1,377 (17.2%)
45-54 years
697 (8.7%)
55-64 years
435 (5.4%)
65-74 years
245 (3.1%)
75-84 years
91 (1.1%)
85+ years
15 (0.2%)

Nearby Suburbs