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 population of the suburb of Briar Hill is estimated at around 3,368. This figure represents an increase of 148 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,220. The increase was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 3,280 in June 2024, following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS, and an additional 29 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,513 persons per square kilometer, placing Briar Hill in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 60.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is utilising 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 employs the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, making adjustments using 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. Looking ahead, significant population growth is forecast for the suburb of Briar Hill. By 2041, the area is expected to grow by 1,107 persons, reflecting a gain of 30.3% in total over the 17 years.

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 nine new dwelling approvals each year. Between Financial Year 21 (FY21) and FY25, an estimated 45 homes were approved, with four more approved so far in FY26. Despite population decline over recent years, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a well-balanced market with good buyer choice.

The average 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 in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting the area's residential character. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Briar Hill records significantly lower building activity, at 59.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new properties typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. The area also falls below the national average in terms of building activity, indicating its established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. New development consists of 57.0% detached houses and 43.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a significant shift from existing housing patterns (currently 86.0% houses), which could be due to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences.

With around 365 people per dwelling approval, Briar Hill shows a developed market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Briar Hill is expected to grow by 1,019 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 to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified eight projects likely affecting the area, notable ones being 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.

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.

Employment conditions in Briar Hill demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Briar Hill has an educated workforce with notable representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 2.2% as of December 2025, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.8%. Employment grew by 1.0% annually based on AreaSearch data aggregation.

Residents' participation in the workforce is similar to Greater Melbourne's at 71.3%. A significant portion, 37.5%, work from home according to Census responses. Key industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. The area specializes strongly in education & training with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

Conversely, accommodation & food employs only 4.2% of local workers compared to Greater Melbourne's 6.4%. Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Over a year, employment increased by 1.0%, labour force grew by 1.1%, keeping unemployment stable. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment grow by 2.4% and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall 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 should increase by 6.9% in five years and 14.0% in ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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 period. This is above the national average and compares to levels of $57,688 and $75,164 across Greater Melbourne respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Briar Hill would be approximately $63,737 (median) and $84,460 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Briar Hill cluster around the 66th percentile nationally. Distribution data shows that the predominant income cohort spans 32.1% of locals (1,081 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, aligning with the surrounding region where this cohort likewise represents 32.8%. After housing costs, 85.3% of income remains for other expenses. The area'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 dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 85.6% houses and 14.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Briar Hill was at 39.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 40.4% and rented ones at 20.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,167, higher than Melbourne metro's $2,000. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $411, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Briar Hill's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded 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, 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

Briar Hill's residents aged 15+ have educational qualifications that trail regional benchmarks. Specifically, 35.3% hold university degrees compared to the SA3 area's 41.2%. This gap suggests potential for educational development and skills enhancement. University degree holders dominate with 23.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 6.9% and graduate diplomas at 5.1%.

Vocational credentials are prominent, with 33.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 12.9% and certificates at 21.0%. Educational participation is high, with 27.5% 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 active public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by five different routes, together offering 1,839 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 184 meters to the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards from this primarily residential area. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport, used by 91% of residents. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, a significant 37.5% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 262 trips per day, 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 demonstrates above-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Both young and old age cohorts show low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 58% of the total population, which totals around 1,940 people. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 8.1 and 8.1% of residents respectively. 68.7% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 23.1% of residents aged 65 and over, totaling 778 people, which is higher than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings broadly in line with 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's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 83.0% of its population born in Australia, 92.6% being citizens, and 89.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 44.3% of people in Briar Hill. Buddhism, however, was overrepresented at 1.5%, compared to 4.2% across Greater Melbourne.

The top three ancestry groups were English (27.2%), Australian (24.8%), and Irish (11.2%), all higher than regional averages. Notably, Macedonian (0.8%) was slightly overrepresented compared to the region's 0.7%, as were Italian (5.8% vs 5.2%) and Croatian (0.8% vs 0.7%).

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 and Australia's national average of 38 years. The 65-74 age group constitutes 12.1% of the population in Briar Hill, compared to a lower percentage in Greater Melbourne. Conversely, the 25-34 age group makes up 8.7%, which is less prevalent than in Greater Melbourne. According to post-2021 Census data, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 8.9% to 10.5%, while the 75 to 84 cohort has risen from 7.5% to 8.8%. However, the 25 to 34 age group has decreased from 11.1% to 8.7%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Briar Hill. Notably, the 75 to 84 age group is projected to grow by 67%, adding 199 people and reaching a total of 496 from its previous count of 296. In contrast, the 0 to 4 age cohort is expected to show minimal growth, increasing by just 7% (14 people).