Brighton (Vic.)

An assessment of population growth drivers in Brighton reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the Brighton (Vic.) statistical area (Lv2), and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Brighton's population is estimated at around 26,257 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 3,005 people (12.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 23,252 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 25,564 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 279 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3,137 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Brighton's growth rate of 12.9% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA4 region (8.5%) and the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises 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 are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering projected demographic shifts, the Brighton (Vic.) (SA2) is expected to expand by 2,660 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 3.9% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Brighton among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Brighton has recorded around 277 residential properties granted approval annually over the past five financial years to June 2021. This totals an estimated 1,389 homes. As of May 2026, 96 approvals have been recorded so far in FY-26/27. Despite population decline during this period, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, creating a well-balanced market with good buyer choice.

New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost value of $1,038,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. There have also been $51.0 million in commercial approvals this financial year, suggesting strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Brighton shows moderately higher building activity (18.0% above regional average per person over the five-year period), balancing buyer choice while supporting current property values. However, construction activity has eased recently. This activity is substantially higher than the national average, indicating strong developer confidence in the location. New building activity comprises 17.0% detached houses and 83.0% attached dwellings, reflecting a trend toward denser development to provide accessible entry options appealing to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers.

This shift represents decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options. Brighton reflects a developing area with around 118 people per approval. Looking ahead, Brighton is expected to grow by approximately 1,024 residents through to 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate (as of June 2021). With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

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

AreaSearch has identified 35 projects that could impact the area, with key ones including Star of the Sea College Nano Nagle Centre, 600-604 North Road Mixed-Use development (52 apartments and 4 retail units).

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

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Employment performance in Brighton has been broadly consistent with national averages

Brighton has an educated workforce with professional services well-represented. Its unemployment rate is 3.1%, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.7%.

Employment stability has been maintained over the past year. As of September 2025, 13,126 residents are employed, with a local unemployment rate of 1.5% below Greater Melbourne's. Workforce participation is 59.4%, lower than Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Dominant employment sectors include professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and retail trade.

The area specializes in professional & technical jobs, with an employment share of 1.8 times the regional level. Construction has limited presence at 6.9% compared to the regional 9.7%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Brighton's labour force increased by 0.6%, while employment declined by 0.2%, leading to an unemployment rise of 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment grow by 3.0% and unemployment rise by 0.3%. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%, slightly higher than the national rate of 4.3%. Job forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Brighton's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 7.3% over five years and 14.6% over ten years, assuming constant population projections.

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

AreaSearch released postcode-level ATO data for financial year 2023. Brighton's median income among taxpayers was $73,238 with an average of $167,699. Nationally, this places Brighton in the top percentile. Greater Melbourne had a median of $57,688 and an average of $75,164. By September 2025, estimates based on 8.25% Wage Price Index growth suggest median income will be approximately $79,280 and average income $181,534. The 2021 Census shows Brighton's household, family, and personal incomes rank between the 93rd and 94th percentiles nationally. Distribution data indicates 37.6% earn $4000+ weekly (9,872 residents), contrasting with the surrounding region where 32.8% earn $1500 - 2999 weekly. Significantly, 46.9% earn above $3000 weekly. Housing accounts for 14.0% of income, and residents rank within the 94th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

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

Brighton's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 57.2% houses and 42.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 62.6% houses and 37.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Brighton stood at 46.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.0% and rented ones at 24.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Brighton was $3,467, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $3,000. Median weekly rent in Brighton was recorded at $600, compared to Melbourne metro's $520. Nationally, Brighton's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 70.4% of all households, including 32.4% couples with children, 28.8% couples without children, and 8.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 29.6%, with lone person households at 27.8% and group households comprising 1.8%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.5.

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

Brighton's educational attainment significantly exceeds broader benchmarks. 52.6% of its residents aged 15+ have university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and Victoria's 33.4%. This educational advantage positions Brighton favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 34.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (13.7%) and graduate diplomas (4.7%).

Vocational pathways account for 19.6% of qualifications among those aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 11.0% and certificates at 8.6%. Educational participation is notably high, with 28.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.0% in secondary education, 8.6% in primary education, and 7.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Brighton has 126 active public transport stops, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 18 different routes, together facilitating 5,454 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 182 meters to the nearest stop.

Service frequency stands at 779 trips daily across all routes, amounting to roughly 43 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Brighton shows superior health outcomes for both younger and older age groups, with low prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 93% of Brighton's total population (24,306 people) has private health cover, compared to Greater Melbourne's 78.0%. Nationally, this figure stands at 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions in Brighton are arthritis and asthma, affecting 7.3 and 6.4% of residents respectively. 72.2% of residents claim to be free from any medical ailments, compared to Greater Melbourne's 72.0%. As of the latest data (2019), Brighton has 27.1% of its population aged 65 and over (7,115 people), higher than Greater Melbourne's 22.9%. Health outcomes among seniors in Brighton are notably strong, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Brighton was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Brighton's cultural diversity is notable, with 16.3% speaking a language other than English at home and 28.4% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Brighton, accounting for 49.4%. However, Judaism is overrepresented, comprising 3.8%, compared to 3.1% across Greater Melbourne.

Top ancestry groups are English (27.3%), Australian (20.1%), and Irish (10.1%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences: Polish at 1.5% (vs regional 1.4%), Russian at 0.9% (vs 0.9%), and Hungarian at 0.5% (vs 0.4%).

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

Brighton's median age is 48 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and Australia's national average of 38 years. The 75-84 age group constitutes 10.6% of Brighton's population, making it particularly prominent compared to other age groups. Meanwhile, the 25-34 age group makes up only 6.9% of the population, which is smaller than in Greater Melbourne. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has increased from 8.4% to 10.6%, while the 15-24 cohort has grown from 11.7% to 13.6%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has decreased from 15.1% to 13.4%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes in Brighton. The 85+ cohort is projected to grow by 93%, adding 1,025 residents to reach a total of 2,128. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive all the population growth, emphasizing demographic aging trends. However, population declines are projected for the 45-54 and 35-44 age cohorts.