Brighton (Vic.)

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

As of November 2025, Brighton's population is estimated at around 24,854 people. This reflects an increase of 1,602 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 23,252 people in the suburb of Brighton (Vic.). The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 24,679 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS on June 2024. This increase also includes an additional 279 validated new addresses since the Census date. Brighton's population density equates to 2,969 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb experienced a growth rate of 6.9% since the 2021 census, exceeding the SA3 area's growth rate of 5.4%, marking Brighton as a growth leader in the region.

Overseas migration was the primary driver of population gains during recent periods. 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 VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusting them 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 these projections, Brighton is expected to increase its population just below the median of statistical areas across the nation by 2041, with an expansion of 2,660 persons reflecting an overall increase of 9.8% over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Brighton when compared nationally

Brighton recorded approximately 232 residential properties granted approval annually over the past five financial years ending FY-25. This totals an estimated 1,164 homes. As of FY-26, 38 approvals have been recorded. Despite population decline during this period, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, maintaining a balanced market with good buyer choice.

The average expected construction cost value for new dwellings is $1,573,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY-26, there have been $51.3 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Brighton exhibits comparable building activity per person, preserving market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas. Recent construction comprises 16.0% detached houses and 84.0% medium and high-density housing, marking a significant shift from the current housing pattern of 57.0% houses. This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers.

Brighton has approximately 195 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Recent projections estimate Brighton will add 2,427 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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

Local infrastructure changes significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 36 projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones include Star of the Sea College Nano Nagle Centre, 600-604 North Road Mixed-Use development (52 apartments and 4 retail units), and another at the same location with identical specifications. 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.

AreaSearch analysis indicates Brighton maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Brighton has a highly educated workforce with significant representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate is 3.2%, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.6%.

Employment stability has been relatively consistent over the past year. As of June 2025, 12,994 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.5% below Greater Melbourne's rate. Workforce participation is somewhat lower at 59.4%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Dominant employment sectors include professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and retail trade.

Brighton specializes in professional & technical services, with an employment share of 1.8 times the regional level. However, construction employs only 6.9% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 9.7%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work. Between June 2024 and June 2025, labour force levels increased by 1.4%, while employment decreased by 0.1%, resulting in a 1.5 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 3.5% and labour force growth of 4.0%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within Brighton. Over five years, national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6%, with local employment projected to increase by 7.3%. Over ten years, national employment is forecast to grow by 13.7%, with local employment projected to increase by 14.6%.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

Brighton's median income among taxpayers was $73,132 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $168,894 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, estimated median and average incomes in Brighton would be approximately $82,025 and $189,432, based on a Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Brighton ranked between the 93rd and 94th percentiles nationally. Income distribution data shows that 37.6% of Brighton's community earned $4000+ weekly (9,345 individuals), differing from surrounding regions where the $1,500 - 2,999 band dominated with 32.8%. A significant 46.9% of residents earned above $3,000 weekly. Housing accounted for 14.0% of income, and strong earnings placed residents within the 94th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 10th decile.

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

The dwelling structure in Brighton, as per the latest Census, consisted of 57.2% houses and 42.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Melbourne metro had 62.6% houses and 37.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Brighton was higher at 46.5%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (29.0%) or rented (24.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Brighton was $3,467, above Melbourne metro's average of $3,000. The median weekly rent figure 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, and 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 comprise the remaining 29.6%, with lone person households at 27.8% and group households making up 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 is notably higher than broader benchmarks. 52.6% of residents aged 15+ hold university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and Victoria's (VIC) 33.4%. 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 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. As of a certain date (exact date not specified), Brighton has 12 schools serving 5,515 students, with an Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage (ICSEA) score of 1151, indicating high advantage. The educational mix includes 6 primary, 1 secondary, and 5 K-12 schools. Brighton functions as an education hub with 22.2 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 14.5, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Brighton's public transport analysis shows 121 active stops operating within the city. These include a mix of train and bus services. There are 17 individual routes servicing these stops, collectively providing 8,736 weekly passenger trips.

Residents have excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 181 meters to the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 1,248 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 72 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 exhibits above-average health outcomes for both younger and older age groups, with low prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 93% of Brighton's total population (23,121 people) has private health cover, compared to Greater Melbourne's 78.5%. Nationally, the average is 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions in Brighton are arthritis and asthma, affecting 7.3% and 6.4% of residents respectively. 72.2% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to Greater Melbourne's 72.0%. Brighton has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over (27.1%, or 6,735 people) than Greater Melbourne (22.9%). Health outcomes among seniors in Brighton are particularly strong, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

Brighton 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's cultural diversity exceeds most local markets, with 16.3% speaking a language other than English at home and 28.4% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Brighton, comprising 49.4%. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented at 3.8%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 3.1%.

In ancestry, the top 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, significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and Australia's national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 75-84 are particularly prominent, making up 10.6% of the population, while the 25-34 age group is smaller at 6.9%. Since 2021, the 75-84 age group has grown from 8.4% to 10.6%, and the 15-24 cohort has increased from 11.7% to 13.6%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has declined from 15.1% to 13.4%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes for Brighton. The 85+ cohort is projected to grow by 104%, adding 1,084 residents to reach a total of 2,128. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 88% of the population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. However, population declines are projected for the 55-64 and 0-4 age cohorts.