West Melbourne is shaped by three waterways – the Maribyrnong River, the Birrarung (Yarra) and Moonee Ponds Creek – giving residents easy access to green spaces and the city centre. The suburb is popular with students, young professionals and downsizers, with more than 80 per cent of locals living in apartments. They are drawn to its creative energy, iconic venues like Festival Hall and its many studios and independent enterprises. Wide streets, heritage cottages and industrial buildings reflect West Melbourne’s distinctive urban character, which the community values for its history and potential for adaptive and creative reuse.
Did you know?
West Melbourne is on the lands of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and the Bunurong Boon Wurrung peoples. Both are part of the Eastern Kulin, an alliance of five Traditional Owner groups that share similar languages or wurrungs. Kulin means 'the people'.
From City of Port Phillip Yalukit Willam: The River People of Port Phillip.
Woi-wurrung language is used here with permission from the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation. Boon Wurrung language is used with permission from the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation.
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West Melbourne quick facts
- 8,724 residents: West Melbourne residents make up 5% of the total population of the City of Melbourne. (Source: Estimated Resident Population 2023)
- 536 businesses: West Melbourne businesses make up 4% of the total businesses in the City of Melbourne. (Source: CLUE 2023)
- 10,891 local jobs: West Melbourne local jobs make up 2% of the total jobs in the City of Melbourne. (Source: CLUE 2023)
- 31 median age: Compared with a median age of 30 for the City of Melbourne. (Source: ABS Census 2021)
- 54% born overseas: Compared with 55% of residents born overseas in the City of Melbourne. (Source: ABS Census 2021)
- 46% speak a language other than English at home: Compared with 46% of residents who speak a language other than English at home in the City of Melbourne. (Source: ABS Census 2021)
- 68% of dwellings are flats or apartments with three or more storeys: Compared with 85% of dwellings in the City of Melbourne. (Source: ABS Census 2021)
- 62% of households are renting: Compared with 63% of households in the City of Melbourne. (Source: ABS Census 2021)
- 8.1% live with a mental health condition: Compared with 8.1% of residents who live with a mental health condition in the City of Melbourne. (Source: ABS Census 2021)
Note:
- Data is sourced from 2021 Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Census of Population and Housing, ABS Estimated Resident Population 2023, and 2023 Census of Land and Employment (CLUE).
- To access more data on West Melbourne, visit West Melbourne community profile on profile .id External link.
- To learn more about the ABS Census of Population and Housing, including definitions, visit: Guide to Census data External link.
Your Neighbourhood Partner: Tallia Gilarry
Each of our 10 neighbourhoods has a dedicated City of Melbourne staff member to support the community. Tallia, the Neighbourhood Partner for West Melbourne, has strong local knowledge and can help you navigate council processes, drive local priorities and connect you with grants for community projects.
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Chat with one of our friendly team members during business hours who can answer your question or connect you with your Neighbourhood Partner.
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