ABS 2021 Census · Updated 31 March 2026
Sunshine West is a well-established middle-ring suburb of Melbourne, Australia, with a population of approximately 18,552, making it a smaller community. Located approximately 13 km from the Melbourne CBD, Sunshine West is a middle ring area in Victoria. The median household income is $73,632 AUD per year (ABS 2021 Census).
Household incomes in Sunshine West sit in a comfortable mid-range for the Victoria market. Its proximity to the CBD adds a strong location premium.
Map shows Sunshine West, Victoria, Australia.
Official Australia Post postcode for Sunshine West. A postcode may cover multiple suburbs.
Australia Post Postcode Finder →Usual resident population at census night. Source: ABS 2021 Census of Population and Housing.
ABS Census Data →Weekly median rent for occupied private dwellings. Source: ABS 2021 Census. Live rental data integration coming soon.
State Rental Authority →Annual median household income (before tax) for all households. Source: ABS 2021 Census.
ABS Census Data →Straight-line distance from the suburb centroid (ABS 2021 SAL geography) to the nearest capital city CBD. Actual driving distance will be longer.
Estimated 5 schools within or near this suburb based on ABS 2021 data.
Find schools near Sunshine West on My School →Estimated 7 parks and green spaces near this suburb. Source: ABS 2021 data.
Monthly median mortgage repayment for households currently paying off a mortgage. Source: ABS 2021 Census.
ABS Census Data →Proportion of separate houses vs units, townhouses, and other dwelling types. Source: ABS 2021 Census. Relevant for investors assessing rental demand mix.
ABS Census Data →Sunshine West's middle-ring location balances affordability with accessibility. These suburbs often benefit from established infrastructure, good schools, and transport links — making them attractive to families and long-term tenants. The median rent of $346/week (ABS 2021) indicates an affordable rental market. Owner-occupiers face a median mortgage repayment of $1,700/month. 76% of dwellings are separate houses, indicating a predominantly family-oriented, land-rich market.
A buy-and-hold approach in Sunshine West could work well with careful property selection and a longer time horizon.
Rental yields in Sunshine West are moderate — screen for properties that offer above-average returns.
Older housing stock in Sunshine West combined with strong buyer demand creates solid renovation upside.
Run the numbers on a Sunshine West property
Scenario comparison, cash flow analysis, tax modelling, and PDF export — all in one place.
Create free account →Sunshine West is expected to see moderate price growth in 2026 as the broader Victoria market stabilises. Rental demand is expected to be stable, though landlords may need to remain competitive on pricing. The market mood around Sunshine West is balanced — neither bullish nor bearish heading into 2026.
Sunshine West is a middle ring area in Victoria with a population of 18,552. The median rent is $346/week and the median household income is $73,632/year (ABS 2021 Census). As with any property investment, conduct thorough due diligence on current listings, vacancy rates, and local infrastructure plans before committing.
Key demand drivers in Sunshine West include established amenities and transport access. 76% of dwellings are separate houses. The area has approximately 5 schools and 7 parks nearby.
According to the ABS 2021 Census, Sunshine West has a population of approximately 18,552. For historical population trends and intercensal estimates, visit the ABS Census Data Explorer at abs.gov.au.
Sunshine West is approximately 13 km straight-line distance from the Melbourne CBD (calculated from ABS 2021 suburb centroid coordinates). This is within comfortable commuting range with good transport links.