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 Feb 2026, the population of the suburb of Box Hill (Vic.) is estimated at around 20,174, reflecting an increase of 5,821 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 40.6% increase from the previous population count of 14,353. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 17,611 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 results in a density ratio of 5,731 persons per square kilometer, placing Box Hill (Vic.) in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 40.6% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average of 9.9%. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted 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. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is expected to increase its population by 6,489 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 15.7% 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 shows Box Hill had around 322 dwellings receiving development approval annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 1,613 homes were approved, with 75 more expected in FY-26. On average, each dwelling constructed over the past five financial years accommodated about 1.3 new residents per year. However, this figure increased to 13.2 people per dwelling over the last two years, indicating growing popularity and potential supply constraints.

New properties are valued at an average of $705,000, reflecting a focus on premium segments by developers. This financial year has seen $191.6 million in commercial approvals, suggesting strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Box Hill exhibits 154.0% higher development activity per person. Despite recent slowing building activity, this high level indicates robust developer interest in the area. Current construction comprises 13.0% standalone homes and 87.0% attached dwellings, promoting affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. With around 233 people per approval, Box Hill reflects a transitioning market.

By 2041, AreaSearch estimates the area will grow by 3,171 residents. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, offering 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

Infrastructure changes 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, there were 9,616 residents employed, and the unemployment rate was 1.4% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%.

Workforce participation in Box Hill lagged behind Greater Melbourne at 64.0%. According to Census responses, 30.0% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Leading employment industries among residents were 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, while construction had lower representation at 6.7% compared to the regional average of 9.7%.

There was a ratio of 0.9 workers for each resident as of the Census, indicating substantial local employment opportunities. Over the 12-month period prior to September 2025, employment increased by 3.6%, and labour force increased by 3.3%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.3 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.0%, labour force growth of 3.3%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Box Hill. These projections estimate that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates varying significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific 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 weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections.

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

The suburb of Box Hill had a median income among taxpayers of $38,516 and an average income of $54,608 in the financial year 2023, according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This compares to figures for Greater Melbourne of $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. By September 2025, estimates based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% 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. The $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 27.2% of the community (5,487 individuals), consistent with broader trends across the metropolitan region showing 32.8% in the same category. 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 structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 22.1% houses and 78.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasted with Melbourne metro's 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 was $1,950, below Melbourne metro's $2,000. Median weekly rent was $381, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Box Hill's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents surpassed 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, 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 residents aged 15 and above, with 47.6% holding university qualifications. This figure exceeds the national average of 30.4% and the Victorian state average of 33.4%. The area's educational advantage is evident in its distribution of qualifications: bachelor degrees are 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 significantly 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

Box Hill has 94 active public transport stops, offering a mix of light rail and bus services. These stops are served by 36 individual routes, collectively providing 13,979 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 140 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most commutes are outward-bound. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 56%, followed by train at 20% and walking at 12%. Vehicle ownership averages 0.6 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 30% 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 indicates robust performance throughout Box Hill, as per AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both younger and older age cohorts exhibit low prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover stands at approximately 48% of the total population (around 9,784 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 56.7%.

Nationally, this averages at 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions in Box Hill are mental health issues and asthma, affecting 6.3% and 4.6% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 79.2% report being entirely free from medical ailments, compared to Greater Melbourne's 72.6%. In terms of demographics, 15.0% of Box Hill residents are aged 65 or over (around 3,026 people). Health outcomes among seniors align closely with national rankings and 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 main religion, comprising 26.2%. Buddhism is notably higher at 10.0%, compared to 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, while English and Australian are notably lower. Other ethnic groups with notable divergences include Korean at 1.5% (vs 0.3%), Vietnamese at 1.6% (vs 1.9%), and Sri Lankan at 0.5% (vs 0.8%).

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 percentage of residents aged 25-34 (26.8%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (5.7%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national figure of 14.4%. According to the 2021 Census, the percentage of Box Hill's population aged 25 to 34 has increased from 26.1% to 26.8%, while the 45 to 54 age group has decreased from 10.8% to 9.7%. By 2041, projections indicate substantial demographic changes in Box Hill. The 25 to 34 age cohort is expected to grow by 17%, adding 899 residents to reach a total of 6,306. Conversely, both the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 age groups are projected to decrease in number.