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 November 2025, the estimated population for the Box Hill (Vic.) statistical area (Lv2) is around 19,826. This figure represents an increase of 5,473 people since the census conducted in 2021, which reported a population of 14,353. The change can be inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 17,611 as of June 2024, combined with an additional 1,195 validated new addresses since the census date. This results in a population density ratio of 5,632 persons per square kilometer, placing Box Hill (Vic.) within the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth rate of 38.1% since the 2021 census exceeded both the national average (9.7%) and the SA4 region's growth rate, marking it as a significant growth leader in the region. Overseas migration was identified as the primary driver behind this population increase.

AreaSearch projections for Box Hill (Vic.) are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data 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 from 2023, adjusted using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the Box Hill (Vic.) area is projected to increase its population by 6,452 persons, reflecting an overall increase of 17.6% over the 17-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 allocated from statistical area data indicates Box Hill experienced approximately 322 dwellings receiving development approval per year. Over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, around 1,613 homes were approved, with an additional 75 approved so far in FY-26. The average number of new residents per dwelling constructed over these five years was approximately 1.3. However, recent data shows this has increased to 13.2 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, reflecting Box Hill's growing popularity and potential supply constraints.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost value of $705,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY-26, there have been approximately $191.6 million in commercial approvals, suggesting strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Box Hill shows 154.0% higher development activity per person, creating greater choice for buyers despite a slowdown in building activity in recent years. Recent construction comprises approximately 13.0% standalone homes and 87.0% attached dwellings, focusing on higher-density living which creates more affordable entry points and suits downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. Box Hill reflects a transitioning market with around 233 people per approval. Looking ahead, the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate projects Box Hill to grow by approximately 3,479 residents through to 2041.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 32 projects likely impacting 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 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 a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 6.1% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 3.6%.

As of September 2025, 9,603 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.4% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation in Box Hill was significantly lower at 58.0%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Leading employment industries among residents included health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and professional & technical services. The area showed strong specialization in accommodation & food, with an employment share of 2.0 times the regional level.

Conversely, construction had lower representation at 6.7% compared to the regional average of 9.7%. The ratio of workers to residents was 0.9 as of the Census, indicating substantial local employment opportunities. In the past year, employment increased by 3.6% alongside labour force growth of 3.3%, causing a decrease in unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.0%, labour force growth of 3.3%, with an increase in unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov showed VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year (adding 41,950 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 projected national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Box Hill's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.2% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

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

The suburb of Box Hill had a lower than average income level nationally according to AreaSearch aggregated ATO data for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers was $38,516 and the average income stood at $54,608, compared to Greater Melbourne's figures of $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. 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 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Box Hill all fall between the 15th and 18th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that 27.2% of individuals earn within the $1,500 - 2,999 range (5,392 individuals), consistent with metropolitan trends at 32.8%. 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 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 structures, as per the latest Census data, consisted of 22.1% houses and 78.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Melbourne metro had 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, below Melbourne metro's average of $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 than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents exceeded 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% of all households, including 18.0% couples with children, 26.9% couples without children, and 9.2% single parent families. Non-family households constitute 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, which is 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 is notably higher than broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15 and above, 47.6% hold university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and Victoria's 33.4%. This high level of educational attainment positions the area favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. 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, with advanced diplomas making up 12.5% and certificates 8.9%. Educational participation is 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

Transport analysis indicates 94 active stops operating in Box Hill. These comprise a mix of train, light rail, and bus services. There are 36 individual routes servicing these stops, collectively facilitating 13,979 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 140 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 1,997 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 148 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 excellent results, with younger age groups having a very low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover stands at approximately 48%, covering around 9,615 people, compared to Greater Melbourne's 55.8% and the national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions in the area, affecting 6.3% and 4.6% of residents respectively.

Notably, 79.2% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 73.9% across Greater Melbourne. The area has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 14.4% (2,854 people), than Greater Melbourne's 17.7%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors require more attention than 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, one of the most culturally diverse areas in the country, has 65.0% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 65.8% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion, comprising 26.2% of people. However, Buddhism is overrepresented at 10.0%, compared to 6.0% across Greater Melbourne.

In terms of ancestry, Chinese comprise 41.3% of Box Hill's population, higher than the regional average of 22.0%. English ancestry comprises 13.9%, and Australian 10.0%, lower than the regional average of 16.1%. Korean (1.5%) is notably overrepresented compared to the regional figure of 0.7%. Vietnamese are also overrepresented at 1.6% versus 1.3% regionally, while Sri Lankan ancestry is underrepresented at 0.5%, compared to 0.8% regionally.

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 years and significantly lower than Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Box Hill has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (27.1%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (5.8%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is well above the national average of 14.5%. According to data from the 2021 Census, Box Hill's population structure has shifted slightly since the previous census. The percentage of residents aged 25 to 34 has increased from 26.1% to 27.1%, while the percentage of those aged 45 to 54 has decreased from 10.8% to 9.8%. Demographic projections indicate that Box Hill's age profile will change significantly by 2041. The number of residents aged 25 to 34 is projected to grow by 17%, adding 910 individuals to reach a total of 6,283. Conversely, the population in the 15-24 and 5-14 age groups is projected to decline.