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

As of November 2025, the estimated population for the Bittern statistical area (Lv2) is around 4,183 people. This figure reflects a decrease from the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,276 people, indicating a reduction of 93 individuals or approximately 2.2%. AreaSearch's estimation is based on resident population data of 4,175 as per their examination of June 2024 ABS ERP data release and validation of five new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 242 persons per square kilometer, suggesting ample space for further development. Overseas migration primarily drove recent population growth in the Bittern (SA2), contributing approximately 55% of overall population gains during these periods.

AreaSearch employs ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area, and VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 adjusted using weighted aggregation methods for areas not covered by the ABS data. Looking ahead to 2041, AreaSearch projects an above-median population growth for Australian statistical areas. The Bittern (SA2) is expected to grow by 621 persons over this period, representing a total increase of approximately 16.6%.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Bittern averaged around 3 new dwelling approvals annually over the past 5 financial years ending FY25. This totals an estimated 17 homes. So far in FY26, 1 approval has been recorded. Between FY21 and FY25, an average of only 0.1 people moved to Bittern per year for each dwelling built.

New supply has kept pace with or exceeded demand, offering ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction value of new properties was $729,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY26, $6.0 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting limited commercial development focus.

Recent construction comprises 67.0% detached houses and 33.0% medium and high-density housing, with an increasing mix of townhouses and apartments providing options across different price points. This represents a shift from the area's existing housing, which is currently 94.0% houses. The estimated count of 4257 people in Bittern per dwelling approval reflects its quiet development environment. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Bittern is expected to grow by 693 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match 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 in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified two projects likely impacting this region: Mornington Peninsula Residential Development Program, Western Port Marine Infrastructure, HMAS Cerberus Redevelopment, and Stony Point Line Service Improvements. Most relevant details are provided below.

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

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

Bittern's workforce comprises white and blue-collar employees with notable representation in construction. The unemployment rate was 4.0% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 2.7% over the past year.

As of that date, 2,087 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.7% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation was 59.4%, below Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Dominant employment sectors included construction, health care & social assistance, and manufacturing. Construction had particularly high concentration, with levels at 1.8 times the regional average.

Conversely, professional & technical services showed lower representation at 4.5% compared to the regional average of 10.1%. The area offered limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data on working population versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 2.7%, while labour force grew by 2.4%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. In Greater Melbourne, employment grew by 3.0%, but unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points due to a larger labour force expansion of 3.3%. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 showed Victorian employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts for Bittern, based on May-25 projections, estimated local employment growth at 6.0% over five years and 12.6% over ten years, taking into account industry-specific projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The suburb of Bittern had a median taxpayer income of $47,388 and an average income of $66,052 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is lower than the national average, with Greater Melbourne having a median income of $57,688 and an average income of $75,164 during the same period. By September 2025, based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25%, estimated incomes would be approximately $51,298 (median) and $71,501 (average). Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Bittern rank modestly, between the 33rd and 42nd percentiles. Income distribution shows that 33.1% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999, similar to regional patterns where 32.8% fall within this range. After housing costs, 85.6% of income remains for other expenses. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Bittern is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with strong 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). Home ownership in Bittern was at 43.4%, with 43.8% of dwellings mortgaged and 12.8% rented. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,842, while the median weekly rent figure stood at $366. 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 median household size of 2.5 people

Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 24.1%, with lone person households at 22.8% and group households making up 1.2%. The median household size is 2.5 people.

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 - advanced diplomas (11.9%) and certificates (30.4%). Educational participation is 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

Transport analysis indicates ten active stops in Bittern, offering a mix of train and bus services. Two routes serve these stops, facilitating 362 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is limited, with residents on average located 601 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 51 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 36 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Bittern is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Bittern faces significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is more prevalent here than the average SA2 area at approximately 53% of the total population (~2,214 people). The most frequent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 10.7% of residents) and mental health issues (9.3%). Notably, 62.9% report having no medical ailments, compared to 0% in Greater Melbourne. Bittern has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 26.6% (1,112 people). Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are challenging but perform better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Bittern exhibited lower cultural diversity, with 83.5% of its population born in Australia, 92.3% being citizens, and 97.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 40.8% of Bittern's population. Judaism, however, was overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to None% across Greater Melbourne.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (35.1%), Australian (30.9%), and Scottish (8.3%). Notably, Dutch, Welsh, and Maltese ethnicities were also overrepresented in Bittern at 2.6%, 0.6%, and 0.5% respectively, compared to None% regionally.

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

The median age in Bittern is 46 years, which is higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and also exceeds the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Bittern has a notably higher proportion of people aged 65-74 (14.3% locally) but a lower proportion of those aged 25-34 (7.9%). Between the 2021 Census and present, the population aged 75-84 has grown from 7.8% to 10.2%, while the 25-34 age group has decreased from 9.9% to 7.9%. By 2041, Bittern's population is projected to see significant changes: the 75-84 age cohort is expected to grow by 273 people (64%), from 426 to 700. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above comprising 73% of the projected growth. Conversely, the 25-34 and 35-44 age groups are forecasted to experience population declines.