Airport West

VIC 3042 • Greater Melbourne

8,173
Population (2021)
$91,572
Median Household Income
3.67 km²
Area
$401/wk
Median Rent
Italian HeritageShopping HubTram AccessIndustrialAirport Adjacent

About Airport West

Airport West is a well-established suburb located 12 kilometres northwest of Melbourne's CBD, within the City of Moonee Valley. With a population of around 8,200, it's named for its location west of Essendon Airport—notably the only Australian locality containing 'Airport' in its name that doesn't actually contain an airport. The suburb is bounded by the Calder Highway, Tullamarine Freeway, and Western Ring Road, providing excellent connectivity to Melbourne's airport precinct.

The suburb boasts a strong Italian heritage, with almost a quarter of residents claiming Italian ancestry, contributing to its character and local food scene. Westfield Airport West provides comprehensive shopping with major retailers, while the area's light industrial sector serves the nearby airports. Tram route 59 connects directly to Flinders Street station, making city commuting convenient. Airport West appeals to families and professionals seeking affordable housing with good amenities and freeway access to both Melbourne CBD and the airport.

Airport West falls under postcode 3042 and is governed by Moonee Valley Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Niddrie (Western Metropolitan) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Postcode
3042
Urban Area
Moonee Valley
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-37.72°, 144.88°
Statistical Area
Greater Melbourne
Area
3.67 km²
Elevation
77m

🏷️ Property Prices June quarter 2025

Median sale prices in Airport West for the June quarter 2025. Median sale prices published by the Valuer-General Victoria.

🏡House
$915K
35 sales · ▼ 7% YoY

Source: Valuer-General Victoria — Victorian Property Sales Report. Medians are for the latest quarter; the change shown is the official 12-month movement. Suburbs with very few sales in a quarter can be volatile.

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$401
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$2,085
Avg Household Size
2.3 people
Median Age
39 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
0.3%

11 state housing + 0 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Essendon
3.2 km
40 min (or tram/bus)
Glenroy
4.5 km
Not walkable
Strathmore
3.8 km
Not walkable

Bus Services

  • 477 — Moonee Ponds to Watergardens 25 min to Watergardens
  • 478, 479 — Airport West to Niddrie/Essendon 10-15 min
  • 59 Tram — Airport West to Flinders St Station 45-50 min

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
12 km
By Train
25-30 min via Essendon (requires bus/tram connection)
By Bus
45-50 min via Route 59 tram
By Car (Peak)
30-45 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
20-25 min

🛣️ Tram 59 runs directly from Westfield to Flinders St

Walkability Very Walkable

Most errands can be accomplished on foot, especially around the Westfield precinct.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Coles
    Shop 1-M01 Louis Street AIRPORT WEST 3042 VIC
  • Woolworths
    Westfield Airport West, 25-39 Louis Street Airport West 3042 VIC
  • ALDI
    Louis Street 29 - 35, Airport West VIC 3042

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest rates for the Moonee Valley Local Government Area, which contains Airport West. Rates are per 100,000 residents for the year ending September 2025; trends compare 2 and 10 year periods.

Break & enter (dwelling)
228.8 / 100k
Motor vehicle theft
388.9 / 100k
Non-FV assault
218.1 / 100k
Robbery (unarmed)
0.8 / 100k
Steal from vehicle
1,669.2 / 100k

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
7,564
Census 2021
8,173
8.1% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$35,516
Personal Income 2021
$45,916
29.3% increase

2021 Census income breakdown

Personal = median for one earner. Household = all members of a dwelling pooled. Family = related members only. Annual = weekly × 52.

Personal
$45,916 / yr
$883/wk
Household
$91,572 / yr
$1761/wk
Family
$119,184 / yr
$2292/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 5,899
Born Overseas 2,061

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. Italy 470
  • 2. India 194
  • 3. England 118
  • 4. Greece 105
  • 5. New Zealand 91
  • 6. China 78
  • 7. Malta 77
  • 8. Sri Lanka 57
  • 9. Philippines 54
  • 10. Croatia 35

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 2,036
English 1,946
Italian 1,940
Irish 852
Scottish 589
Greek 467
Maltese 330
Chinese 275
Indian 217
German 210

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

3,496
Both parents born in Australia
3,316
Both parents born overseas
1,085
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
61.7%
No Religion
27.5%
Islam
2.0%
Buddhism
1.9%
Hinduism
1.8%
Sikhism
0.5%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
537 (6.6%)
5-14 years
818 (10.0%)
15-19 years
355 (4.3%)
20-24 years
393 (4.8%)
25-34 years
1,281 (15.7%)
35-44 years
1,273 (15.6%)
45-54 years
1,028 (12.6%)
55-64 years
892 (10.9%)
65-74 years
770 (9.4%)
75-84 years
562 (6.9%)
85+ years
265 (3.2%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Airport West known for? +

Airport West is a well-established suburb located 12 kilometres northwest of Melbourne's CBD, within the City of Moonee Valley. The suburb boasts a strong Italian heritage, with almost a quarter of residents claiming Italian ancestry, contributing to its character and local food scene.

How far is Airport West from Melbourne CBD? +

Airport West is approximately 12 kilometres from Melbourne CBD, with a typical drive taking around 14-22 minutes depending on traffic and route taken.

Does Airport West have public transport? +

Airport West is served by PTV (Public Transport Victoria) bus services and is within reach of the Melbourne Metro rail network. Check ptv.vic.gov.au for current route and timetable information.

What is the population of Airport West? +

According to the 2021 Census, Airport West has a population of approximately 8,173 residents, reflecting a well-established community. The suburb falls within the Moonee Valley (City) local government area.

Is Airport West a good place to live? +

Airport West offers a comfortable suburban lifestyle with access to local parks, shops, and community services. It suits a broad range of residents including families, professionals, and retirees looking for a connected and well-serviced neighbourhood.

What is the postcode for Airport West? +

The postcode for Airport West, VIC is 3042. This postcode covers Airport West and may also serve nearby localities within the same postcode zone.

What is the average income in Airport West? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Airport West is about $883 per week (around $45,900 per year). The median household income is $1,761 per week and the median family income is $2,292 per week.

What is the median house price in Airport West? +

As of June quarter 2025, the median house price is $915,000, down 7% year-on-year. Figures are based on Valuer-General Victoria — Victorian Property Sales Report.

What is the age profile of Airport West? +

The median age in Airport West is 39. The largest age group is 25–34 (1,281 residents, around 16%). Around 21% of residents are under 20 and about 20% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Airport West a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Airport West is part of the Moonee Valley LGA — see the Crime Statistics section on this page for the latest recorded offence rates per 100,000 residents, along with 2-year and 10-year trends.

How much is rent in Airport West? +

In Airport West, the median weekly rent is $401, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $2,085 (2021 Census).