West Footscray

VIC 3012 • Greater Melbourne

11,729
Population (2021)
$103,428
Median Household Income
3.75 km²
Area
$351/wk
Median Rent
GentrifyingInner WestCreative SceneMulticultural

About West Footscray

West Footscray is an inner-western suburb 8 kilometres from Melbourne's CBD, experiencing rapid gentrification in the Maribyrnong municipality. West Footscray station provides city access, while the suburb's industrial heritage is transforming into trendy warehouses and cafes. The working-class roots remain visible in modest workers' cottages.

This is Melbourne's gentrification frontier—young professionals and artists have discovered affordable character homes, bringing cafes, bars, and creative energy. The Vietnamese community along Barkly Street provides excellent food. West Footscray attracts creative professionals, young families, and anyone seeking inner-city character at outer-suburb prices.

West Footscray falls under postcode 3012 and is governed by Maribyrnong Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Footscray (Western Metropolitan) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Postcode
3012
Urban Area
Maribyrnong
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-37.80°, 144.87°
Statistical Area
Greater Melbourne
Area
3.75 km²
Elevation
36m

🏷️ Property Prices June quarter 2025

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

🏡House
$945K
30 sales · ▼ 7.4% YoY
🏢Unit / Apartment
$462K
55 sales · ▼ 19% 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)
$351
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$2,129
Avg Household Size
2.4 people
Median Age
35 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
3.2%

102 state housing + 43 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Local bus services — Melbourne CBD Varies

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
8 km
By Train
Train access via local station
By Car (Peak)
15-25 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
10-15 min

🛣️ Located 8 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

  • ALDI
    Ashley Street 67, West Footscray VIC 3012

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest rates for the Maribyrnong Local Government Area, which contains West 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
11,450
Census 2021
11,729
2.4% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$36,088
Personal Income 2021
$52,156
44.5% 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
$52,156 / yr
$1003/wk
Household
$103,428 / yr
$1989/wk
Family
$134,472 / yr
$2586/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 7,174
Born Overseas 3,931

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. Vietnam 710
  • 2. India 434
  • 3. England 261
  • 4. New Zealand 223
  • 5. Philippines 195
  • 6. Italy 152
  • 7. China 134
  • 8. Malaysia 104
  • 9. Nepal 101
  • 10. Bangladesh 93

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 3,042
Australian 2,881
Irish 1,296
Scottish 975
Vietnamese 953
Chinese 717
Italian 705
Indian 427
German 353
Greek 319

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

4,131
Both parents born in Australia
5,313
Both parents born overseas
1,612
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
47.5%
Christianity
30.9%
Buddhism
5.8%
Islam
3.8%
Hinduism
3.5%
Sikhism
0.4%
Judaism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
768 (6.5%)
5-14 years
1,250 (10.7%)
15-19 years
421 (3.6%)
20-24 years
626 (5.3%)
25-34 years
2,636 (22.5%)
35-44 years
2,224 (19.0%)
45-54 years
1,534 (13.1%)
55-64 years
1,105 (9.4%)
65-74 years
643 (5.5%)
75-84 years
357 (3.0%)
85+ years
169 (1.4%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is West Footscray known for? +

West Footscray is a well-established residential suburb in Maribyrnong, VIC, with a population of approximately 11,729 residents. The suburb is valued for its local schools, parks, and community facilities.

How far is West Footscray from Melbourne CBD? +

West Footscray is approximately 8 kilometres from Melbourne CBD, typically a 10-15 min drive outside peak hours.

Does West Footscray have public transport? +

West Footscray is served by local bus services connecting to the broader VIC network. Nearby train stations provide access to Melbourne CBD.

What is the population of West Footscray? +

According to the 2021 Census, West Footscray has a population of approximately 11,729 residents.

Is West Footscray a good place to live? +

West Footscray offers a practical and liveable lifestyle with local schools, parks, and shopping. With a median income around $52,309, it attracts a broad demographic mix.

What is the postcode for West Footscray? +

The postcode for West Footscray, VIC is 3012.

What is the average income in West Footscray? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in West Footscray is about $1,003 per week (around $52,200 per year). The median household income is $1,989 per week and the median family income is $2,586 per week.

What is the median house price in West Footscray? +

As of June quarter 2025, the median house price is $945,000, down 7.4% year-on-year, and the median unit/apartment price is $461,500, down 19% year-on-year. Figures are based on Valuer-General Victoria — Victorian Property Sales Report.

What is the age profile of West Footscray? +

The median age in West Footscray is 35. The largest age group is 25–34 (2,636 residents, around 22%). Around 21% of residents are under 20 and about 10% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is West Footscray a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. West 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 West Footscray? +

In West Footscray, the median weekly rent is $351, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $2,129 (2021 Census).