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 Nov 2025, the population of Box Hill (Vic.) is estimated at around 18,056 people. This reflects an increase of 3,703 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 14,353 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 17,717 following examination of the latest ERP data release by ABS (June 2024) and an additional 1,195 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 5,129 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Box Hill's growth of 25.8% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (8.3%) and the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration was primarily responsible for population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises 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 are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the suburb is expected to increase by 6,427 persons based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 28.9% in total over the 17 years.

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

Box Hill experienced approximately 309 dwelling approvals per year based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 1,547 homes were approved, with an additional 29 approved in FY-26. This results in an average of 1.4 new residents per dwelling constructed over the past five financial years. However, recent data shows this has increased to 11.4 people per dwelling over the past two financial years.

The average construction value for new properties is $705,000. In FY-26, commercial approvals totalled $187.8 million. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Box Hill exhibits 144.0% higher development activity per person. Recent construction comprises 14.0% standalone homes and 86.0% attached dwellings. AreaSearch estimates Box Hill's population will grow by 5,224 residents by 2041, suggesting current development rates should meet demand comfortably.

Looking ahead, Box Hill is expected to grow by 5,224 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 32 such projects that are likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Box Hill City Oval Redevelopment, Box Hill Metropolitan Activity Centre - Public Realm, Wembley Hill Townhomes, and Golden Age Group Box Hill Office and Retail Tower. The following list details those projects considered 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.

Box Hill shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Box Hill has an educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate is 6.2%, with an estimated growth of 4.0% over the past year (AreaSearch data).

As of June 2025, 9,330 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.6% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation in Box Hill lags at 58.0%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and professional & technical services. The area specializes in accommodation & food with an employment share twice the regional level.

Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 6.7% versus the regional average of 9.7%. There are substantial local employment opportunities, with a worker-to-resident ratio of 0.9 (Census data). Over the past year, employment increased by 4.0%, while labour force grew by 3.0%, causing unemployment to fall by 0.9 percentage points (AreaSearch analysis). In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.5% and unemployment rose by 0.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project a 6.6% expansion 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, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

Box Hill's median income among taxpayers was $38,516 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $54,608 during the same period. In comparison, Greater Melbourne had a median income of $54,892 and an average income of $73,761. By September 2025, estimates suggest Box Hill's median income would be approximately $43,200 and the average income around $61,248, based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022. According to Census 2021 data, incomes in Box Hill fall between the 15th and 18th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 captures 27.2% of Box Hill's community (4,911 individuals), which is consistent with broader trends across the metropolitan region showing 32.8% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Box Hill, with only 75.2% of income remaining, ranking at the 11th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th 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 structure in its latest Census report showed 22.1% houses and 78.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Melbourne metro's 60.2% houses and 39.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Box Hill stood at 20.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 18.5% and rented ones at 60.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,950, lower than Melbourne metro's $2,300. Median weekly rent in Box Hill was $381, compared to Melbourne metro's $412. Nationally, Box Hill's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,950 versus the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were also higher at $381 against 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 constitute 56.3% of all households, including 18.0% couples with children, 26.9% couples without children, and 9.2% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 43.7%, with lone person households at 32.9% and group households comprising 10.7%. The median household size is 2.2 people, smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.5.

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's educational attainment exceeds national and state averages. 47.6% of residents aged 15 and above hold university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 33.4% in Victoria. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 29.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (15.4%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Vocational pathways account for 21.4% of qualifications among those aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 12.5% and certificates at 8.9%.

Educational participation is high, 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. Box Hill's four schools have a combined enrollment of 2,701 students as of the latest data available. The area demonstrates significant socio-educational advantages with an ICSEA score of 1118. Educational provision is conventional, split between one primary and three secondary institutions. Note: for schools showing 'n/a' in enrolments, please refer to their parent campus.

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

Box Hill has 94 active public transport stops, serving a mix of train, light rail, and bus services. These stops are covered by 36 different routes, which together facilitate 18,184 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 140 meters to the nearest stop.

The service frequency is 2,597 trips per day across all routes, translating to about 193 weekly trips per individual stop.

Box Hill's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Box Hill's health outcomes show notable results, with younger age groups having a low prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 48% (~8,757 people) have private health cover, lower than Greater Melbourne's 56.0% and the national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues affect 6.3% of residents, with asthma impacting 4.6%.

Around 79.2% report no medical ailments, higher than Greater Melbourne's 73.9%. In Box Hill, 14.4% (2,600 people) are aged 65 and over, lower than Greater Melbourne's 17.7%. While health outcomes among seniors require more attention, they remain strong compared to the broader 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 one of the highest levels of cultural diversity in Australia, with 65.0% of its residents speaking a language other than English at home and 65.8% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Box Hill, accounting for 26.2% of the population. However, Buddhism is significantly overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, comprising 10.0% versus 6.0%.

The top three ancestry groups in Box Hill are Chinese at 41.3%, English at 13.9%, and Australian at 10.0%. Notably, Korean (1.5%) and Vietnamese (1.6%) residents are overrepresented compared to the regional averages of 0.7% and 1.3%, respectively, while Sri Lankan residents are underrepresented at 0.5% versus the regional average of 0.8%.

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 Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and the national average of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Box Hill has a higher percentage of 25-34 year-olds (27.1%) but fewer 5-14 year-olds (5.8%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.5%. According to post-2021 Census data, the percentage of 25-34 year-olds has increased from 26.1% to 27.1%, while the percentage of 45-54 year-olds has decreased from 10.8% to 9.8%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Box Hill's age profile will change significantly. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 28%, adding 1,382 residents to reach a total of 6,276. Meanwhile, the 5-14 age group is expected to grow by 8%, with an increase of 81 residents.