Briar Hill

Briar Hill has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Briar Hill is around 3,368. This figure reflects an increase of 148 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,220. The recent resident population estimate by AreaSearch was 3,280, based on examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024 and validation of 29 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,513 persons per square kilometer for Briar Hill, placing it in the upper quartile compared to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 60% of overall population gains in recent periods.

AreaSearch's projections for Briar Hill are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia figures released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 adjusted using weighted aggregation methods for areas not covered by the former data. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas until 2041. Looking ahead, significant population growth is forecasted for Briar Hill, with an expected increase of 1,122 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total gain of 31.2% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Briar Hill, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Briar Hill has averaged approximately eight new dwelling approvals per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, an estimated 43 homes were approved, with four more approved so far in FY26. Despite a declining population in recent years, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice.

The average expected construction cost value of new homes is $784,000, indicating that developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY26, $2.8 million worth of commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting the area's residential character. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Briar Hill records significantly lower building activity, at 61.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new properties typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Additionally, this level is below the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. New development consists of 67.0% detached houses and 33.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a significant shift from existing housing patterns, which are currently 86.0% houses.

This change suggests diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. With around 386 people per dwelling approval, Briar Hill shows a developed market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Briar Hill is expected to grow by approximately 1,050 residents through to 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Briar Hill has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight projects likely to affect the region. Notable ones are Hurstbridge Rail Line Upgrades (Watsonia-Eltham), Montmorency North Pavilion Refurbishment, 106-126 Main Street Greensborough Affordable Housing, and Greensborough College Sports Facilities Upgrade. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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Employment performance in Briar Hill ranks among the strongest 15% of areas evaluated nationally

Briar Hill's workforce is well-educated with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 2.0% as of September 2025, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.7%. Workforce participation was at 71.0%, on par with Greater Melbourne.

A high proportion of residents, 37.5%, worked from home according to Census responses, a figure potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key industries for employment were health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. Notably, education & training had an employment share 1.4 times the regional level. Conversely, accommodation & food services employed only 4.2% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 6.4%.

The predominantly residential area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities, indicated by the Census working population count versus resident population. Over a 12-month period ending September 2025, employment increased by 0.4%, labour force grew by 0.1%, and unemployment fell by 0.3 percentage points in Briar Hill, contrasting with Greater Melbourne's higher growth rates and unemployment rise. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Briar Hill's industry mix suggests local employment could increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, although this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, Briar Hill had a median income among taxpayers of $58,879. The average income stood at $78,023 in this suburb during the same period. These figures are higher than national averages of $57,688 and $75,164 respectively for Greater Melbourne. Considering an 8.25% growth since financial year 2023 based on Wage Price Index data, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $63,737 (median) and $84,460 (average). As per the 2021 Census figures, incomes in Briar Hill cluster around the 66th percentile nationally. Income distribution shows that 32.1% of locals (1,081 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 category, which is similar to the surrounding region where this cohort represents 32.8%. After housing expenses, 85.3% of income remains for other expenses in Briar Hill. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Briar Hill is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Briar Hill's dwellings, as per the latest Census, were 85.6% houses and 14.4% other dwellings. This contrasts with Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Briar Hill was 39.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 40.4% and rented ones at 20.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, higher than Melbourne metro's $2,000. Median weekly rent was $411, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Briar Hill's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, and rents surpassed the national figure of $375.

Briar Hill has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 72.8% of all households, including 33.2% couples with children, 25.1% couples without children, and 13.4% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 27.2%, with lone person households at 25.9% and group households comprising 1.4%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Educational achievement in Briar Hill places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

Educational qualifications in Briar Hill trail regional benchmarks; 35.3% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees, compared to 41.2% in SA3 area. This gap indicates potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 23.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.9%) and graduate diplomas (5.1%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 33.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (12.9%) and certificates (21.0%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education; this includes 9.8% in primary education, 7.1% in secondary education, and 4.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Briar Hill has 15 operational public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by five distinct routes that together facilitate 1,839 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is deemed excellent, with residents typically situated 184 meters from the nearest transport stop. Primarily residential, most Briar Hill residents commute outward, with cars being the dominant mode of transportation at 91%. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 37.5% of residents work from home, which may be due to COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 262 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 122 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Briar Hill is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Briar Hill shows superior health outcomes according to AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Both younger and older age groups exhibit low incidence of common health conditions. Private health coverage is high at approximately 58% (~1,940 individuals). The most prevalent medical issues are arthritis (affecting 8.1%) and mental health concerns (8.1%), with 68.7% reporting no medical ailments, compared to Greater Melbourne's 72.6%. Working-age population health outcomes are generally average. The area has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 22.9% (~771 individuals) than Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. Senior health outcomes are above average, aligning with national rankings for the general population.

Briar Hill ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Briar Hill, surveyed in June 2016, had a predominantly Australian-born population at 83.0%. Citizenship was high at 92.6%, with English spoken exclusively at home by 89.6%. Christianity was the dominant religion at 44.3%.

Buddhism was overrepresented at 1.5% compared to Greater Melbourne's 4.2%. Top ancestral groups were English (27.2%), Australian (24.8%), and Irish (11.2%). Notably, Macedonian (0.8%) and Italian (5.8%) groups were slightly overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.7% and 5.2%, respectively.

Briar Hill's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Briar Hill is 42 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and Australia's national median age of 38 years. The 65-74 age group makes up 12.1% of Briar Hill's population, compared to a lower proportion in Greater Melbourne, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 8.7%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 8.9% to 10.4%, and the 75 to 84 cohort has risen from 7.5% to 8.6%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has decreased from 11.1% to 8.7%. Population forecasts for the year 2041 suggest substantial demographic changes in Briar Hill. The 75 to 84 age group is projected to grow by 72%, adding 208 people, reaching a total of 498 from 289. In contrast, the 0 to 4 cohort shows minimal growth of just 8%, with an increase of 15 people.