Footscray

VIC 3011 • Greater Melbourne

17,131
Population (2021)
$91,676
Median Household Income
5.05 km²
Area
$355/wk
Median Rent
Multicultural HubGentrifyingVietnamese DiningInner West

About Footscray

Footscray is Melbourne's most dynamic inner-western suburb, a multicultural community of 17,100 in Maribyrnong, just 6 kilometres from the CBD. Multiple train lines and bus routes create exceptional connectivity, while the suburb has become the focus of intense gentrification alongside its Vietnamese heartland. The transformation is visible but the character remains.

The Footscray Market and surrounding streets offer one of Melbourne's best Vietnamese food scenes, while new restaurants and bars join the established community. The suburb is rapidly changing—young professionals in converted warehouses, families in renovated weatherboards, students in apartments. Footscray attracts those who want inner-city diversity with train access, accepting the edginess for authentic multicultural Melbourne.

Footscray falls under postcode 3011 and is governed by Maribyrnong Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Footscray (Western Metropolitan) electorate.

📰 Featured In

📰 Victoria Suburbs with the Most Housing Commission

📍 Location

State
Postcode
3011
Urban Area
Maribyrnong
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-37.80°, 144.90°
Statistical Area
Greater Melbourne
Area
5.05 km²
Elevation
25m

🏷️ Property Prices June quarter 2025

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

🏡House
$880K
51 sales · ▼ 8.3% YoY
🏢Unit / Apartment
$455K
130 sales · ▼ 20.9% 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)
$355
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,940
Avg Household Size
2.1 people
Median Age
34 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
7%

404 state housing + 114 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Local bus services — Melbourne CBD 18-24 min

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
6 km
By Train
Train access via local station; check Transport NSW/PTV/Translink for times
By Car (Peak)
15-25 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
10-15 min

🛣️ Located 6 km from Melbourne CBD

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

Some errands can be done on foot near the local centre, but most residents rely on a car for daily needs

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Coles
    Footscray Plaza Shopping Centre 18 Albert Street Footscray 3011 VIC

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
562.3 / 100k
Motor vehicle theft
760.6 / 100k
Non-FV assault
505.7 / 100k
Robbery (unarmed)
8.4 / 100k
Steal from vehicle
2,746.5 / 100k

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
16,345
Census 2021
17,131
4.8% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$32,396
Personal Income 2021
$47,632
47.0% 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
$47,632 / yr
$916/wk
Household
$91,676 / yr
$1763/wk
Family
$119,392 / yr
$2296/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 8,720
Born Overseas 7,132

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. Vietnam 1,460
  • 2. India 800
  • 3. England 375
  • 4. China 374
  • 5. New Zealand 349
  • 6. Nepal 255
  • 7. Philippines 253
  • 8. Malaysia 233
  • 9. Bangladesh 145
  • 10. Italy 127

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 3,852
Australian 3,169
Irish 1,725
Vietnamese 1,718
Chinese 1,586
Scottish 1,247
Italian 723
Indian 722
German 480
Greek 387

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

4,813
Both parents born in Australia
9,008
Both parents born overseas
1,872
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
47.8%
Christianity
24.3%
Buddhism
8.2%
Hinduism
4.7%
Islam
4.5%
Sikhism
0.3%
Judaism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
801 (4.7%)
5-14 years
1,011 (5.9%)
15-19 years
471 (2.7%)
20-24 years
1,421 (8.3%)
25-34 years
5,187 (30.3%)
35-44 years
3,152 (18.4%)
45-54 years
1,773 (10.3%)
55-64 years
1,440 (8.4%)
65-74 years
971 (5.7%)
75-84 years
573 (3.3%)
85+ years
334 (1.9%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Footscray known for? +

Footscray is a well-established residential suburb in Maribyrnong, VIC, with a population of approximately 17,131 residents. The suburb is valued for its range of local schools, parks, and shopping facilities.

How far is Footscray from Melbourne CBD? +

Footscray is approximately 6 kilometres from Melbourne CBD. The drive typically takes 10-15 min outside peak hours.

Does Footscray have public transport? +

Footscray is served by local PTV services connecting to the broader network. Train access is available via nearby stations.

What is the population of Footscray? +

According to the 2021 Census, Footscray has a population of approximately 17,131 residents. It is a significant residential area in the Maribyrnong district.

Is Footscray a good place to live? +

Footscray offers a practical and liveable lifestyle with access to local schools, parks, and shopping. With a median income around $51,132, it attracts a broad demographic mix. Like most VIC suburbs, its appeal depends on proximity to work and preferred amenities.

What is the postcode for Footscray? +

The postcode for Footscray, VIC is 3011.

What is the average income in Footscray? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Footscray is about $916 per week (around $47,600 per year). The median household income is $1,763 per week and the median family income is $2,296 per week.

What is the median house price in Footscray? +

As of June quarter 2025, the median house price is $880,000, down 8.3% year-on-year, and the median unit/apartment price is $455,000, down 20.9% year-on-year. Figures are based on Valuer-General Victoria — Victorian Property Sales Report.

What is the age profile of Footscray? +

The median age in Footscray is 34. The largest age group is 25–34 (5,187 residents, around 30%). Around 13% of residents are under 20 and about 11% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Footscray a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Footscray is part of the Maribyrnong 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 Footscray? +

In Footscray, the median weekly rent is $355, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,940 (2021 Census).