🔍

West Melbourne

VIC 3003 • Greater Melbourne

8,025
Population (2021)
$92,976
Median Household Income
6.58 km²
Area
$388/wk
Median Rent
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
Victoria
Postcode
3003
Urban Area
Melbourne - Central
LGA / Council
Melbourne
Federal Electorate
Melbourne
State Electorate
Melbourne (Northern Metropolitan)
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

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
550.4 / 100k
2yr Up 22.3% 10yr Down 10.8%
Motor vehicle theft
785.3 / 100k
2yr Up 73.2% 10yr Up 76.2%
Non-FV assault
1,345.5 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 14.7%
Robbery (unarmed)
26.2 / 100k
2yr Down 19.7% 10yr Stable
Steal from vehicle
2,849.7 / 100k
2yr Up 154.0% 10yr Up 99.5%
View all offence subgroups for Melbourne →

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$388
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$2,106
Avg Household Size
1.9 people
Median Age
31 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
2.1%

52 state housing + 27 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

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

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$44,304
Personal Income 2021
$55,016
▲ 24.2% 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
$55,016 / yr
$1058/wk
Household
$92,976 / yr
$1788/wk
Family
$125,112 / yr
$2406/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

📊 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

🧬 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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is West Melbourne known for? +

West Melbourne is known for its rapid transformation from an industrial and commercial precinct to a vibrant mixed-use inner-city suburb, with new apartment towers, North Melbourne train station, the Victoria Wholesale Fruit and Vegetable Market, and Spencer Street proximity.

How far is West Melbourne from Melbourne CBD? +

West Melbourne is approximately 2 kilometres north-west of Melbourne CBD. Walking to the CBD takes approximately 20-25 minutes; trams and trains provide faster access.

Does West Melbourne have public transport? +

West Melbourne is very well-served by North Melbourne station on the Craigieburn, Seymour, and Bendigo lines, multiple tram routes, and bus services. It is one of the most transit-accessible suburbs in Melbourne.

What is the population of West Melbourne? +

According to the 2021 Census, West Melbourne has a population of approximately 8,025 residents, rapidly growing as apartment development transforms the former industrial precinct.

Is West Melbourne a good place to live? +

West Melbourne offers exceptional CBD proximity, excellent transport connections, and a rapidly improving urban environment. It suits young professionals and investors seeking inner-city living, though development noise and industrial character in some parts are considerations.

What is the postcode for West Melbourne? +

The postcode for West Melbourne is 3003.