Brighton East

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of Nov 2025 the estimated population of Brighton East is around 17,671. This reflects an increase of 914 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 16,757. The change is inferred from the resident population of 17,544 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 142 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3,116 persons per square kilometer, placing Brighton East in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Brighton East's growth rate of 5.5% since census positions it within 1.6 percentage points of the SA4 region (7.1%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking at population projections moving forward, an above median population growth is projected for statistical areas across the nation, with Brighton East expected to expand by 3,023 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 16.3% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Brighton East among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Brighton East has seen around 155 dwelling approvals per year based on AreaSearch analysis. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 779 homes were approved, with another 65 in FY-26 so far. On average, 0.4 people moved to the area per dwelling built over these years, suggesting supply is meeting or exceeding demand.

The average construction value of new dwellings is $637,000, slightly above the regional average. In FY-26, commercial development approvals totalled $6.1 million. Building activity consists of 20.0% detached dwellings and 80.0% medium to high-density housing. This shift from the existing 68.0% houses indicates decreasing developable sites and changing lifestyles.

Brighton East has about 99 people per dwelling approval, suggesting a low-density market. By 2041, AreaSearch estimates the area will grow by 2,887 residents. With current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth exceeding forecasts.

Brighton East has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 48 projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Ormond Station Development (Ormond Place), Bayside Gallery Building Works, Milli Brighton East, and Hampton Community Hub. 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.

The employment environment in Brighton East shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Brighton East has a highly educated workforce. Professional services are strongly represented, with an unemployment rate of 3.1% as of June 2025.

The area has shown relative employment stability over the past year, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of June 2025, 9,335 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate 1.6% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation is somewhat lower than Greater Melbourne's at 61.2%. Employment is concentrated in professional & technical services, health care & social assistance, and retail trade.

Brighton East shows strong specialization in professional & technical services, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level. However, transport, postal & warehousing employs only 2.4% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 5.2%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by Census data on working population versus resident population. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 0.3%, while labour force grew by 1.3%, resulting in a rise in unemployment of 1.0 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.5% and unemployment rising by 0.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 offer insight into potential future demand within Brighton East. These projections suggest national employment should 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 Brighton East's employment mix suggests local employment could increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.3% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

Brighton East's median income among taxpayers was $63,053 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $109,261 during the same period. These figures compare to Greater Melbourne's median and average incomes of $54,892 and $73,761 respectively. By September 2025, estimates suggest Brighton East's median income would be approximately $70,720, and the average income around $122,547, based on a 12.16% growth in wages since financial year 2022. Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Brighton East rank between the 81st and 91st percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that 33.8% of Brighton East's population (5,972 individuals) earn within the $4000+ range, unlike broader area trends where 32.8% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. The locality demonstrates affluence with 44.9% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. High housing costs consume 15.7% of income in Brighton East, yet strong earnings place disposable income at the 90th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Brighton East displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Brighton East's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census evaluation, consisted of 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Melbourne metro had 0.0% houses and 0.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Brighton East stood at 43.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 36.3% and rented ones at 20.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $3,300, aligning with Melbourne metro's average. Median weekly rent was $600, unlike Melbourne metro's figures of $0 for both. Nationally, Brighton East's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Brighton East has a typical household mix, with a median household size of 2.6 people

Family households constitute 74.0% of all households, including 39.8% couples with children, 23.8% couples without children, and 9.8% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 26.0%, with lone person households at 24.1% and group households making up 1.9%. The median household size is 2.6 people.

Brighton East demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Brighton East's educational attainment exceeds national averages. 49.2% of residents aged 15+ have university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and Victoria's 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 32.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (12.1%) and graduate diplomas (4.5%). Vocational pathways account for 20.7% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 11.1% and certificates at 9.6%.

Educational participation is high, with 32.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes secondary education (10.5%), primary education (10.3%), and tertiary education (6.5%). Brighton East has a robust network of 8 schools educating approximately 3,477 students. The area's educational performance is high (ICSEA: 1152), placing local schools among the most advantaged nationally. The educational mix includes 2 primary, 1 secondary, and 5 K-12 schools. There are 19.7 school places per 100 residents, indicating strong educational infrastructure serving both local and surrounding communities. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Brighton East has 61 active public transport stops operating. These comprise a mix of lightrail and bus services. There are 10 individual routes serving these stops, collectively providing 3,493 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 201 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 499 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 57 weekly trips per stop.

Brighton East'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

Brighton East residents show positive health outcomes, with common conditions prevalent among both young and elderly individuals. Private health cover is high at approximately 70%, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most frequent medical conditions are arthritis (7.6%) and mental health issues (6.4%). A majority, 71.7%, report no medical ailments, contrasting with Greater Melbourne's 0% figure. In Brighton East, 21.9% of residents are aged 65 or over.

Brighton East was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Brighton East had a higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 30.7% of its residents born overseas and 21.6% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Brighton East, comprising 45.2% of the population. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented, making up 9.7% compared to none in Greater Melbourne.

The top three ancestry groups were English (23.4%), Australian (20.1%), and Other (10.9%). Some ethnic groups showed significant differences: Polish at 2.5%, Russian at 1.6%, and Hungarian at 0.5%, compared to none regionally.

Brighton East hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Brighton East is 45 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Brighton East has a higher proportion of residents aged 45-54, at 15.7%, but fewer residents aged 25-34, at 6.3%. According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 15-24 has increased from 12.3% to 15.1%, while the population aged 5-14 has decreased from 14.5% to 13.0%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Brighton East's age structure. The population aged 85 and above is projected to grow by 82%, reaching 1,451 people from 795. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 55% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the population aged 5-14 is projected to show minimal growth of just 1%, adding only 13 people.