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, Briar Hill's population is estimated at around 3,290 people. This reflects a growth of 70 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,220. The increase was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 3,274 residents following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 23 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 2,455 persons per square kilometer, placing Briar Hill in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's growth rate of 2.2% since the census is within 2.9 percentage points of the SA3 area's 5.1%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 60.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth for Briar Hill.

AreaSearch adopts 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 from 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. According to these projections, Briar Hill is forecasted to experience significant population increase in the top quartile of Australian statistical areas, with an expected growth of 1,132 persons by 2041, reflecting a gain of 34.4% 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 around 8 new dwelling approvals each year. Between the financial years FY21 to FY25, an estimated 42 homes were approved, with 1 more approved so far in FY26. The population decline over recent years has resulted in adequate housing supply relative to demand, creating a balanced market with good buyer choice.

The average construction cost value of new homes is $784,000, indicating developers are targeting the premium market segment. This year, $4.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting the area's residential character. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Briar Hill has markedly lower building activity, 62.0% below the regional average per person, which typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. This level is also under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. New development consists of 60.0% detached houses and 40.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a significant shift from the current housing pattern of 86.0% houses, suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and affordability needs. With around 410 people per dwelling approval, Briar Hill shows a developed market.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Briar Hill is expected to grow by 1,131 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 10% nationally

The performance of an area can significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 8 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include the Hurstbridge Rail Line Upgrades (Watsonia-Eltham), Montmorency North Pavilion Refurbishment, Affordable Housing development at 106-126 Main Street Greensborough, and the upgrade of Greensborough College Sports Facilities. The following list details those projects likely to be 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 1.8% as of AreaSearch's latest aggregation of statistical area data.

Over the past year, employment growth was estimated at 2.0%. As of June 2025, 1,872 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.8% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation in Briar Hill is similar to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Key industries for employment among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training.

The area specializes particularly in education & training, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level. Conversely, accommodation & food employs only 4.2% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 6.4%. Limited local employment opportunities are suggested by the count of Census working population versus resident population. In the 12-month period ending Sep-22, employment increased by 2.0% alongside a labour force increase of 1.4%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne where employment grew by 3.5%, labour force expanded by 4.0%, and unemployment rose by 0.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project a 6.6% increase 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, though this is an illustrative extrapolation not accounting for localized population projections.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022, Briar Hill had a median income among taxpayers of $58,879 and an average level of $78,023. This is among the highest in Australia, compared to levels of $54,892 and $73,761 across Greater Melbourne respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $66,039 (median) and $87,511 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Briar Hill cluster around the 66th percentile nationally. Distribution data shows that 32.1% of locals (1,056 people) fall within 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 and Briar Hill'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

The dwelling structure in Briar Hill, 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 76.0% houses and 24.0% other dwellings. The home ownership level in Briar Hill was higher than that of Melbourne metro at 39.5%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (40.4%) or rented (20.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,167, aligning with Melbourne's average, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded as $411, compared to Melbourne metro's averages of $2,167 and $399 respectively. Nationally, Briar Hill's mortgage repayments were significantly 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 make up 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 2.5.

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 with 35.3% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 41.2% in SA3 area. Bachelor degrees lead at 23.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 6.9% and graduate diplomas at 5.1%. Trade and technical skills feature prominently with 33.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas at 12.9% and certificates at 21.0%. Educational participation is notably high with 27.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 9.8% in primary, 7.1% in secondary, and 4.1% in tertiary education.

Educational provision includes Briar Hill Primary School and Sherbourne Primary School serving collectively 267 students. The area demonstrates significant socio-educational advantages with academic achievement ICSEA at 1102. Both schools focus exclusively on primary education with secondary options available in surrounding areas. Local school capacity is limited at 8.1 places per 100 residents compared to regional average of 18.4, meaning many families travel to nearby areas for schooling.

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

Transport analysis indicates 15 active transport stops operating within Briar Hill, consisting of a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 5 individual routes, collectively facilitating 2,941 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically situated 184 meters from the nearest transport stop.

Service frequency averages 420 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 196 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 outcomes for residents with common conditions across age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 58% (~1,895 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 60.3%.

The most prevalent conditions are arthritis (8.1%) and mental health issues (8.1%). About 68.7% of residents report no medical ailments, similar to Greater Melbourne's 69.3%. Briar Hill has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 22.2% (730 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 19.8%. Senior health outcomes are above average, better than the general population in 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'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 predominant religion in Briar Hill, making up 44.3% of its population. Buddhism, however, was overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, comprising 1.5% versus 2.0%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (27.2%), Australian (24.8%), and Irish (11.2%). Notably, Macedonian (0.8%) and Italian (5.8%) were overrepresented in Briar Hill compared to regional averages of 1.1% and 7.7%, respectively.

Briar Hill hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Briar Hill is 42 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and Australia's average of 38 years. The 65-74 age group comprises 11.8% of the population in Briar Hill, compared to a lower percentage in Greater Melbourne. Conversely, the 25-34 age cohort makes up 9.1%, 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 10.2%. However, the 25 to 34 age cohort has decreased from 11.1% to 9.1%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes in Briar Hill. Notably, the 75 to 84 age group is projected to grow by 81%, adding 222 people and reaching a total of 499 from the previous count of 276. In contrast, the 0 to 4 age cohort is expected to show minimal growth of just 2%, with an increase of only 4 people.