Box Hill (Vic.)

Box Hill lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Box Hill (Vic.) is around 19,701. This figure represents a 37.3% increase since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 14,353 people in the area. The latest ABS data from June 2025 indicates an estimated resident population of 19,128, with an additional 1,404 validated new addresses since the Census date contributing to this growth. This results in a population density ratio of 5,596 persons per square kilometer, placing Box Hill in the top 10% of locations assessed by AreaSearch and highlighting its high demand for land. The suburb's population growth exceeded both the SA4 region (8.9%) and the state average since the 2021 Census. Overseas migration was the primary driver of this population increase.

AreaSearch employs ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area, and uses VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 adjusted to SA2 levels for areas not covered by the ABS data. Future population trends forecast a significant increase in the top quartile of statistical areas nationwide, with Box Hill expected to expand by 5,707 persons by 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 26.1% over the 16-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Box Hill among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Box Hill shows approximately 323 dwellings receiving development approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 1,618 homes were approved, with a further 86 approved so far in FY-26. This suggests an average of 2.1 new residents per year for each dwelling over these five years, indicating solid demand that supports property values.

The average construction cost value of new homes is $705,000, reflecting a developer focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY-26, there have been $191.6 million in commercial approvals, suggesting robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Box Hill has 149.0% more development activity per person, creating greater choice for buyers but with building activity slowing in recent years. This is substantially higher than the national average, indicating strong developer confidence in the location. New development consists of 13.0% detached houses and 87.0% medium and high-density housing, creating more affordable entry points and suiting downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. With around 233 people per dwelling approval, Box Hill shows a developing market.

Future projections estimate Box Hill adding 5,133 residents by 2041, with current construction levels expected to adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Box Hill has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 32 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include Box Hill City Oval Redevelopment, Box Hill Metropolitan Activity Centre - Public Realm, Golden Age Group Box Hill Office and Retail Tower, and Wembley Hill Townhomes. The following list details those 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.

Employment performance in Box Hill has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Box Hill has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 6.8% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 4.2%. As of December 2025, 10,772 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.1% above Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%, and workforce participation at 66.6% compared to Greater Melbourne's 69.9%.

According to Census responses, 30.0% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and professional & technical services. The area has a notable concentration in accommodation & food, with employment levels at 2.0 times the regional average. Meanwhile, construction has limited presence with 6.7% employment compared to 9.7% regionally.

The ratio of workers to residents is 0.9, indicating substantial local employment opportunities. In the 12-month period ending May-25, employment increased by 4.2%, labour force increased by 5.2%, and unemployment rose by 0.9 percentage points. For comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 2.4%, labour force growth of 2.8%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Box Hill's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.2% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that Box Hill has lower income compared to national averages. The median income is $38,516 while the average stands at $54,608. For Greater Melbourne, the median income is $57,688 and the average is $75,164. With a 9.62% growth in wages since financial year 2023, current estimates for Box Hill are approximately $42,221 (median) and $59,861 (average) by March 2026. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Box Hill fall between the 15th and 18th percentiles nationally. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 is dominant, with 27.2% of residents (5,358 people). Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 75.2% of income remaining, ranking at the 11th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Box Hill features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Box Hill's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 22.1% houses and 78.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Melbourne metro had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Box Hill was at 20.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 18.5% and rented ones at 60.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,950, lower than Melbourne metro's $2,000. Median weekly rent in Box Hill was $381, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Box Hill's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,950 against Australia's average of $1,863, while rents were also higher at $381 versus the national figure of $375.

Box Hill features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 56.3 percent of all households, consisting of 18.0 percent couples with children, 26.9 percent couples without children, and 9.2 percent single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 43.7 percent, with lone person households at 32.9 percent and group households comprising 10.7 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Box Hill demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Box Hill has a notably high level of educational attainment among its residents aged 15 and above, with 47.6% holding university qualifications. This exceeds the national average of 30.4% and the Victorian state average of 33.4%, indicating a significant educational advantage for the area. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 29.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 15.4% and graduate diplomas at 3.0%. Vocational pathways account for 21.4% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 12.5% and certificates at 8.9%.

Educational participation is notably high in Box Hill, with 36.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 14.9% in tertiary education, 5.8% in secondary education, and 4.9% pursuing primary education.

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

Public transport analysis shows that Box Hill has 94 active transport stops operating within it. These comprise a mix of light rail and bus services. There are 36 individual routes servicing these stops, collectively providing 13,979 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 140 meters from the nearest transport stop. As Box Hill is primarily residential, most residents commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode of transportation at 56%, while train accounts for 20% and walking for 12%.

Vehicle ownership averages 0.6 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, a high 30.0% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 1,997 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 148 weekly trips per individual stop.

Box Hill's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Box Hill. AreaSearch's assessment indicates low prevalence of common health conditions across both young and old age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~9,554 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues are the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 6.3% of residents, followed by asthma at 4.6%. A total of 79.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. The area has 14.5% of residents aged 65 and over (2,856 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Box Hill is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Box Hill has a population where 65.0% speak a language other than English at home and 65.8% were born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion, with 26.2%. Buddhism is overrepresented at 10.0%, higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 4.2%.

The top three ancestry groups are Chinese (41.3%), English (13.9%), and Australian (10.0%). Chinese representation is substantially higher than the regional average of 6.5%. Korean, Vietnamese, and Sri Lankan ethnicities show notable divergences in representation compared to regional averages.

Box Hill's young demographic places it in the bottom 15% of areas nationwide

Box Hill's median age is 32 years, which is younger than the Greater Melbourne average of 37 and lower than the national average of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Box Hill has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (26.8%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (6.4%). This 25-34 concentration is higher than the national average of 14.6%. According to data from the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 26.1% to 26.8%, while the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 10.8% to 9.8%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Box Hill's age profile will change significantly. The 25 to 34 cohort is projected to grow by 29%, adding 1,511 residents to reach a total of 6,791. The 5 to 14 group is expected to grow by 5%, with an increase of 62 residents.