Bittern

Population growth drivers in Bittern are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Bittern's population is estimated at around 4,189 as of Feb 2026. This reflects a decrease of 87 people (2.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,276 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 4,175, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 15 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 243 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 55% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Anticipating future population dynamics, an above median population growth of Australian statistical areas is projected, with the suburb of Bittern expected to grow by 618 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a increase of 16.4% in total over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Bittern is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Bittern has averaged approximately three new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 17 homes. In FY26 so far, one approval has been recorded. On average, 0.1 people have moved to the area per year for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25, indicating that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand. The average construction value of these dwellings is $729,000, suggesting a focus on premium developments.

This financial year has seen $6.0 million in commercial development approvals. Recent construction comprises 67% detached houses and 33% medium to high-density housing, including townhouses and apartments, offering diverse housing options compared to the area's existing 94% houses. The population per dwelling approval is estimated at 4257 people, reflecting Bittern's low development activity.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Bittern is expected to grow by 686 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Bittern has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified two projects that may impact this region. Key projects include Mornington Peninsula Residential Development Program, Western Port Marine Infrastructure, HMAS Cerberus Redevelopment, and Stony Point Line Service Improvements. The following details those likely most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

Bittern has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Bittern's workforce comprises both white and blue-collar employees with notable representation in the construction sector. The unemployment rate is 4.0%, and there has been an estimated employment growth of 2.6% over the past year, according to AreaSearch data aggregation. As of September 2025, 2,077 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.7% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%.

Workforce participation in Bittern lags behind Greater Melbourne at 61.5% compared to 71.0%. Approximately 17.7% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The dominant employment sectors are construction, health care & social assistance, and manufacturing. Construction shows particularly high concentration with employment levels at 1.8 times the regional average.

Conversely, professional & technical services have lower representation at 4.5% compared to the regional average of 10.1%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census data comparing working population to resident population. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 2.6%, labour force grew by 2.3%, and unemployment fell by 0.3 percentage points in Bittern. In Greater Melbourne, employment grew by 3.0%, labour force expanded by 3.3%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Bittern. Applying these projections to Bittern's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.6% over ten years, assuming constant population growth for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Bittern suburb shows median taxpayer income of $47,388 and average income of $66,052 according to latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is slightly lower than national average, contrasting with Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $51,298 (median) and $71,501 (average). Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes rank modestly in Bittern, between 33rd and 42nd percentiles. Distribution data shows earnings band of $1,500 - 2,999 captures 33.1% of community (1,386 individuals), similar to regional levels at 32.8%. After housing, 85.6% of income remains for other expenses. Area's SEIFA income ranking places it in fifth decile.

Bittern is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Bittern's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census evaluation, consisted of 93.6% houses and 6.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bittern was 43.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 43.8% and rented ones at 12.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,842, below Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure was recorded as $366, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Bittern's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Bittern has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 75.9% of all households, including 31.3% couples with children, 34.4% couples without children, and 9.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 24.1%, consisting of 22.8% lone person households and 1.2% group households. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Educational outcomes in Bittern fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 17.6%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.7%, followed by graduate diplomas (3.1%) and postgraduate qualifications (2.8%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 42.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.9%) and certificates (30.4%). Educational participation is high at 25.1%, with 8.9% in primary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 2.6% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 25.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.9% in primary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 2.6% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Bittern has ten active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. There are two routes serving these stops, together offering 362 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport in Bittern is limited, with residents on average located 601 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most residents travel outward for work. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation, used by 97% of residents. On average, there are 1.8 vehicles per dwelling, which is higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 17.7% of Bittern's residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency across all routes averages 51 trips per day, equating to approximately 36 weekly trips per individual stop.

Bittern's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Health data for Bittern shows positive outcomes overall, with mortality rates and health conditions similar to national averages. Common health conditions are relatively low among the general population but higher among older at-risk cohorts.

Private health cover is at approximately 53% of the total population (~2,218 people), slightly above the average SA2 area's rate of 56.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 10.7% and 9.3% of residents respectively. About 62.9% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents have a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions than average. Bittern has a larger senior population, with 27.6% aged 65 and over (1,156 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than the broader population.

Bittern is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Bittern showed cultural diversity below the average, with 83.5% born in Australia, 92.3% being citizens, and 97.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 40.8%. Judaism was overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 1.0%.

Top ancestry groups were English (35.1%), Australian (30.9%), Scottish (8.3%). Dutch (2.6%) and Welsh (0.6%) were notably overrepresented, while Maltese showed a divergence with lower representation at 0.5% compared to the regional average of 1.1%.

Bittern hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Bittern's median age is 47 years, which is considerably higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The 65-74 age group makes up 14.6% of Bittern's population, compared to Greater Melbourne's percentage, while the 25-34 cohort comprises 7.6%, which is less prevalent than in Greater Melbourne. This concentration of the 65-74 age group is well above the national average of 9.5%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 75 to 84 age group grew from 7.8% to 10.7% of Bittern's population, while the 25 to 34 cohort declined from 9.9% to 7.6%. Demographic modeling suggests that Bittern's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 75 to 84 cohort is projected to grow by 55%, adding 247 residents to reach a total of 696 in this age group. Senior residents aged 65 and above are expected to drive 70% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 25 to 34 and 35 to 44 age cohorts.