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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Box Hill's population is estimated at around 20,174 as of February 2026. This reflects an increase of 5,821 people (40.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 14,353 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 17,611, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 1,377 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 5,731 persons per square kilometer, which lies in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Box Hill's 40.6% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%), along with the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the area. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, 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. As we examine future population trends, a significant population increase in the top quartile of statistical areas across the nation is forecast, with the suburb expected to expand by 6,848 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 21.2% in total over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Box Hill has experienced around 323 dwellings receiving development approval annually. Approximately 1,618 homes were approved over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, with an additional 82 approved so far in FY-26. On average, about 1.3 new residents have arrived per new home each year over the past five financial years. However, recent data shows this has increased to 12.8 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, reflecting Box Hill's growing popularity and potential supply constraints.

Development projects average $705,000 in construction value, indicating developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties. This year alone, there have been $191.6 million in commercial approvals, suggesting robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Box Hill shows 159.0% higher new home approvals per person, offering buyers ample choice. However, construction activity has eased recently. This activity is well above the national average, reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. New development consists of 13.0% detached houses and 87.0% townhouses or apartments, with a skew toward compact living offering affordable entry pathways for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers.

With around 225 people per dwelling approval, Box Hill shows a developing market. Population forecasts indicate Box Hill will gain 4,285 residents through to 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Current construction levels should 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 to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 32 projects likely to impact the area. Notable ones 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 of most relevance.

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

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AreaSearch assessment indicates Box Hill faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Box Hill has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 6.7% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.7%. As of December 2025, 9,599 residents are employed, while the unemployment rate is 1.9% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

Workforce participation in Box Hill lags at 64.2%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%. According to Census responses, 30.0% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and professional & technical services. The area shows significant specialization in accommodation & food (employment share is 2.0 times the regional level), while construction employs only 6.7% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 9.7%.

The ratio of 0.9 workers per resident indicates substantial local employment opportunities. In the 12-month period ending in Box Hill, employment increased by 1.7%, and labour force grew by 2.7%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.9 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May-25, project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years for national employment. 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.

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

The suburb of Box Hill had a median taxpayer income of $38,516 and an average of $54,608 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is lower than average nationally compared to 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, estimates for September 2025 would be approximately $41,694 (median) and $59,113 (average). Census data shows household, family and personal incomes in Box Hill all fall between the 15th and 18th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 27.2% of the community earn between $1,500 - 2,999, mirroring the broader area where 32.8% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe with only 75.2% of income remaining, ranking at the 11th percentile nationally. The suburb'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, as per the latest Census, consisted of 22.1% houses and 78.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, 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 dwellings at 60.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,950, below 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 than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were also higher at $381 than 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 comprise the remaining 43.7%, with lone person households at 32.9% and group households making up 10.7%. The median household size is 2.2 people, 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 notable educational advantage with 47.6% of its residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications, surpassing the Australian average of 30.4% and the Victorian average of 33.4%. This high level of attainment is led by bachelor degrees 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 high in the area, with 36.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 14.9% in tertiary education, 5.8% in secondary education, and 4.9% pursuing primary education.

Educational participation is notably 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.

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 offering a mix of light rail and bus services. These are served by 36 different routes that facilitate 13,979 weekly passenger trips in total. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically residing just 140 meters from the nearest stop. Primarily residential, most Box Hill residents commute outward using various modes of transport. Cars remain the dominant mode at 56%, followed by trains at 20% and walking at 12%. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 0.6, lower than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a high 30.0% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 1,997 trips per day, 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 indicates robust performance throughout Box Hill, as assessed by AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both younger and older age cohorts exhibit low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover is found to be relatively low at approximately 48% of the total population (~9,784 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and asthma are identified as the most prevalent medical conditions in the area, affecting 6.3 and 4.6% of residents respectively. Conversely, 79.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. The area has a senior population of 15.1%, comprising 3,046 individuals aged 65 and over. Health outcomes among seniors are notably strong, with national rankings largely in line with those of 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, with 65.8% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Box Hill, making up 26.2%. Buddhism is notably higher at 10.0%, compared to Greater Melbourne's average of 4.2%.

The top three ancestral groups are Chinese (41.3%), English (13.9%), and Australian (10.0%). Notably, Korean (1.5%) and Vietnamese (1.6%) are overrepresented in Box Hill compared to regional averages of 0.3% and 1.9%, respectively. Sri Lankan ancestry is also slightly higher at 0.5%.

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

Box Hill's median age is 33, which is younger than Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Box Hill has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 at 26.2%, but fewer residents aged 5-14 at 6.1%. This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national figure of 14.4%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the proportion of Box Hill's population aged 65-74 has increased from 6.5% to 7.2%, while the proportion of residents aged 45-54 has decreased from 10.8% to 10.0%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant changes in Box Hill's population. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 22%, adding 1,174 residents to reach a total of 6,460. Meanwhile, the 5-14 age group is projected to grow by a modest 2%, with an increase of just 25 people.