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 November 2025, the estimated population of the Briar Hill statistical area (Lv2) is around 3,364. This figure represents an increase of 144 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 3,220. The increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 3,280 residents in June 2024, based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS, and an additional 23 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,510 persons per square kilometer, placing Briar Hill (SA2) in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The primary driver for this population growth was overseas migration, contributing approximately 60% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses 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 from 2023, adjusted using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Looking ahead, significant population growth is forecast for Briar Hill (SA2). Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the area is expected to grow by 1,131 persons by 2041, reflecting an overall gain of 31.4% 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 averaged approximately 8 new dwelling approvals annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, an estimated 43 homes were approved, with a further 4 approved in FY-26 to date. Despite population decline, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice.

The average value of new homes being constructed is $784,000, indicating developers are targeting the premium market segment. In FY-26, $2.8 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting the area's residential character. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Briar Hill has notably lower building activity, 61.0% below the regional average per person, which typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. This level is also below the national average, suggesting an established area potentially limited by planning constraints. New development consists of 67.0% detached houses and 33.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a shift from the current housing pattern of 86.0% houses, likely due to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences. With around 386 people per dwelling approval, Briar Hill shows a developed market.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Briar Hill is projected to grow by 1,056 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting 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 has identified eight projects likely to affect the region. Notable initiatives include Hurstbridge Rail Line upgrades between Watsonia and Eltham, Montmorency North Pavilion refurbishment, affordable housing development at 106-126 Main Street Greensborough, and sports facilities upgrade at Greensborough College. 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 has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.0%, lower than the Greater Melbourne average of 4.7%.

Over the past year, ending September 2025, 1,847 residents are employed and the unemployment rate stands at 2.7%, below Greater Melbourne's rate. Workforce participation in Briar Hill is similar to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Key industries of employment include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training, with a particularly strong specialization in the latter, employing 1.4 times more residents than the regional level. Conversely, accommodation & food services employ only 4.2% of local workers, lower than Greater Melbourne's 6.4%.

The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census working population versus resident population data. Over a 12-month period ending September 2025, Briar Hill saw employment increase by 0.4% and labour force grow by 0.2%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate of 0.3 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 3.0%, labour force expansion of 3.3%, and an unemployment rise of 0.3 percentage points. State-level data from November 25 shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, with a state unemployment rate of 4.7%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project national growth rates of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Briar Hill's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

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

AreaSearch reports that according to its 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. These figures are above national averages and compare 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 project median income at approximately $63,737 and average income at around $84,460 as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, incomes in Briar Hill cluster around the 66th percentile nationally. Distribution data shows that 32.1% of locals (1,079 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income category, similar to the surrounding region where this cohort represents 32.8%. After housing expenses, 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

In Briar Hill, as per the latest Census findings, 85.6% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 14.4% being semi-detached, apartments or other types. This compares to Melbourne metro's figures of 76.0% houses and 24.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Briar Hill stood at 39.5%, with mortgaged properties at 40.4% and rented ones at 20.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, aligning with Melbourne metro's average, while the median weekly rent was $411 compared to Melbourne metro's $399. Nationally, Briar Hill's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863 and rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 27.2%, with lone person households at 25.9% and group households at 1.4%. The median household size is 2.4 people, smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.5.

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

In Briar Hill Trail region, 35.3% of residents aged 15 and above hold university degrees, compared to the SA3 area's 41.2%. This difference suggests potential for educational development and skill enhancement. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 23.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.9%) and graduate diplomas (5.1%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 33.9% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 12.9% and certificates at 21.0%.

Educational participation is 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 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by five different routes that together facilitate 1,839 weekly passenger trips. The transport accessibility is rated highly, with residents on average being located just 184 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 262 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 122 weekly trips per individual stop.

Briar Hill's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Briar Hill's health data shows positive results for its residents, with common health conditions found to be comparable across different age groups. Private health cover is high at approximately 58% (~1,938 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 60.9%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 8.1% and 8.1% of residents respectively. A total of 68.7% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly lower than Greater Melbourne's 69.3%. Briar Hill has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 22.1% (743 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 19.8%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Briar Hill are above average and better than the general population in terms of health metrics.

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 had a lower cultural diversity level, with 83.0% born in Australia, 92.6% being citizens, and 89.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, at 44.3%. Buddhism, however, showed an overrepresentation of 1.5%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 2.0%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (27.2%), Australian (24.8%), and Irish (11.2%). Other ethnicities with notable divergences included Macedonian at 0.8% (vs regional 1.1%), Italian at 5.8% (vs 7.7%), and Croatian at 0.8%.

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 average of 38 years. The age group of 65-74 years has a strong representation at 11.8% compared to Greater Melbourne, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 9.1%. According to post-2021 Census data, the population aged 15 to 24 years has increased from 8.9% to 10.2%, whereas the 25 to 34 age group has decreased from 11.1% to 9.1%. By 2041, Briar Hill's demographic is projected to undergo substantial changes. The 75-84 age group is expected to grow by 78%, adding 218 people and reaching a total of 498 from the current 279. Conversely, the 0-4 age cohort is not projected to change in size.