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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
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Chelsea Heights has an estimated 5,447 residents, up from 5,393 at the 2021 Census — a change of 54 people, or 1.0%. That puts 1,702 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to demographic evaluations combining broader regional ABS statistics and post-Census address verification by AreaSearch, the suburb of Chelsea Heights records an estimated resident tally of 5,447 as of Aug 2026. This represents a net gain of 54 people (1.0%) compared to the 5,393 people documented in the 2021 Census. The updated count stems from an Estimated Resident Population figure of 5,445 generated by AreaSearch using the June 2025 ABS release, alongside 5 validated new addresses added post-Census. Consequently, the suburb registers a population density of 1,702 persons per square kilometer, outpacing the national assessment benchmark.
Inbound international migration served as the primary growth engine, accounting for roughly 60.0% of recent population additions. Demographic forecasting incorporates the ABS/Geoscience Australia SA2 modeling published in 2024 (benchmarked to 2022), supplemented where necessary by 2023 Victorian State Government LGA/regional projections converted to SA2 scale via weighted aggregation. Age-specific rates from this framework have been applied across all sectors for 2032 to 2041. Over the coming years, population expansion in the suburb of Chelsea Heights is projected to track above the national statistical area median, adding an estimated 626 persons by 2041 via aggregated SA2 projections—an overall increase of 11.5% spanning the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
38 new dwellings have been approved in Chelsea Heights over the past five years, an average of 7 a year. That is 1.0 approvals per 1,000 residents. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 2, well below that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Examining ABS residential approval figures across statistical geographies, AreaSearch identifies an annual average of approximately 7 dwelling permits in Chelsea Heights, accumulating to roughly 38 homes across the last 5 financial years. During FY-25 to date, 2 permits have been granted. Relative to past local population contractions, this pace of residential construction provides adequate supply, while an average expected construction cost of $266,000 per dwelling sits beneath regional levels, highlighting an entry point for cost-conscious purchasers. Concurrently, commercial building permits total $65,000 for the ongoing financial year, indicating subdued non-residential development.
Per capita residential construction in Chelsea Heights lags Greater Melbourne by 78.0%, reflecting a pronounced shortfall in development activity that tends to uphold values and generate buyer interest across established dwellings. This suppressed building volume also trails the nationwide standard, underscoring the suburb's mature urban footprint and potential zoning constraints. Detached houses constitute 80.0% of newly authorized construction compared to 20.0% for medium and high-density formats, preserving the community's suburban feel and offering standalone options for families requiring space. A ratio of roughly 1815 people per approval underscores an established property market. Based on recent quarterly calculations by AreaSearch, Chelsea Heights is anticipated to expand by 624 residents leading up to 2041. Should current construction tempos persist, residential development could fall short of resident influx, likely intensifying competition across the buyer pool and underpinning local real estate values.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Chelsea Heights
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 56 current infrastructure and development projects close to Chelsea Heights, worth an estimated $11 billion. 15 are already under construction and 18 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, transport & logistics and communities, precincts & urban renewal. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Public capital investment, major works, and urban planning initiatives play a crucial role in shaping community outcomes. At present, no major initiatives have been documented by AreaSearch as having a direct local footprint. Prominent regional undertakings include The Dell by Stockland, Aspendale Gardens Shopping Centre Redevelopment, Monash Freeway Upgrade Stage 2, and Frankston Line Level Crossing Removal Program, which represent the most pertinent works in the surrounding area.
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
The Dell by Stockland
Large masterplanned residential community directly opposite Bonbeach Station featuring townhomes and apartments, with future retail and community amenities planned within the precinct.
Aspendale Gardens Shopping Centre Redevelopment
The proposed modernization and expansion of the Aspendale Gardens Shopping Centre aims to upgrade the existing Ritchies Supa IGA and approximately 17 specialty stores. The plan includes the potential development of a top floor of approximately 3700 square metres to accommodate additional retail or commercial space. Current efforts focus on leasing and tenant management as the project navigates the planning phase, following historical community debate regarding proximity to local gambling venues.
The Strand Aspendale
Luxury beachfront residential development featuring 18 exclusive apartments with direct beach access and premium coastal living amenities.
Rossdale Golf Course Redevelopment Aspendale
Proposed rezoning and redevelopment of the 43.5-hectare Rossdale Golf Course into a mixed-use residential community, which would fund the relocation of the financially non-viable golf club. The plan proposes approximately 30% public open space, new wetlands, and integrated walking/cycling paths, with around 700 to 1000 dwellings (mix of homes, townhouses, and low-scale apartments). The proposal is under review by the Victorian Government's Priority Projects Standing Advisory Committee.
Mordi Aquatic Centre
The Mordi Aquatic Centre is an $87 million state-of-the-art facility featuring a 50m indoor multi-purpose lap pool, learn-to-swim pool, warm water exercise pool, and leisure pool with a splash park. It includes wellness amenities such as a spa, sauna, and steam room, alongside a gymnasium, fitness areas, and a cafe. Designed for sustainability, it targets a 6 Star Green Star rating with an all-electric design. Construction is currently on track for completion in late 2026, with roofing complete and internal fit-outs underway.
Aspendale Beachside Structure Plan
A long-term strategic framework by the City of Kingston to manage land use, housing density, and infrastructure along the Aspendale foreshore. The plan focuses on revitalising the activity centre, improving pedestrian connectivity to the beach, and integrating with the concurrent Level Crossing Removal Project at Station Street. It aims to balance increased housing diversity with the preservation of coastal character.
Keysborough Gardens Primary School Upgrade and Modernisation
The original upgrade and modernisation project has substantially completed, expanding the school by capacity for around 150 additional students with new learning spaces, Indigenous Friendship Garden, playground, sports facilities, canteen and car park upgrades. A further Stage 2 project is now under construction following 2026-27 State Budget funding of $8.064 million to deliver a new library, science and technology facilities and a synthetic turf oval, with completion forecast for Q1 2029.
Bondi Road, Bonbeach Level Crossing Removal
Completed Victorian Government Level Crossing Removal Project works at Bonbeach removed the Bondi Road level crossing by lowering the Frankston line into a rail trench and rebuilding the road at surface level. The project also delivered the new Bonbeach Station, improved walking and cycling connections, upgraded accessibility, bike facilities, lighting, landscaping, and station precinct improvements as part of the Edithvale, Chelsea and Bonbeach package.
2,850 residents of Chelsea Heights are employed, from a labour force of 3,032. Unemployment sits at 6.0%, with participation at 68.6%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.2% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 4,816, about 88% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The local labour market features a skilled resident base with strong representation across building trades, displaying an unemployment rate of 6.0% and annual job growth of 1.3% according to statistical area aggregations by AreaSearch. In March 2026, employed residents numbered 2,850, while joblessness exceeded the Greater Melbourne benchmark of 4.8% by 1.2%, accompanied by a participation rate generally tracking the metropolitan level of 70.1%. Census records indicated that 28.2% of workers performed their roles remotely, a metric influenced by prevailing Covid-19 restrictions. The primary employment sectors for local residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and manufacturing.
Notably, local participation in manufacturing demonstrates strong concentration, exceeding the metropolitan average by 1.6 times. Conversely, professional & technical roles account for only 6.3% of the workforce, lagging Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. Given the predominantly residential character of the suburb, on-site employment opportunities remain limited based on comparisons between resident worker totals and local employment counts. Data from ABS and SALM aggregated across wider catchment boundaries reveals that over a 12-month timeframe, local jobs grew by 1.3% while the labour pool contracted by 0.3%, driving a 1.5 percentage point drop in the jobless rate. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw workforce growth of 2.3% and employment expansion of 2.1%, alongside an unemployment uptick of 0.2 percentage points. National employment modeling from Jobs and Skills Australia as of Mar-26 offers further perspective on future labour trends. Overall Australian employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though industry outcomes vary widely. Applying these broad industry trajectories to the specific workforce distribution of Chelsea Heights suggests local job figures could rise by 6.2% over five years and 13.0% over ten years (representing an illustrative weighting calculation that excludes localized demographic projections).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Chelsea Heights is $1,867 a week (about $97,000 a year), with median personal income at $805 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $53,213 a year against an average of $64,351. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
Postcode-level ATO statistics released for financial year 2023 indicate that taxpayers residing in the suburb of Chelsea Heights recorded a median annual taxable earnings figure of $53,213 and an average of $64,351. These values trail the national standard, while Greater Melbourne recorded higher benchmarks of $57,688 and $75,164. Incorporating Wage Price Index inflation of 9.62% accrued since financial year 2023, March 2026 estimates suggest remuneration has reached roughly $58,332 for the median and $70,542 for the average. In the 2021 Census, individual, family, and household incomes centered near the 53rd percentile across Australia, with 33.5% of residents (1,824 people) grouped in the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket compared to 32.8% regionally.
Approximately 85.6% of earnings remain after servicing shelter costs, placing the area within the 6th decile on the SEIFA index.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Chelsea Heights had 1,987 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 79% detached houses and 8% apartments. 46% are owned with a mortgage, 13% rented and 40% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $412 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,001 a month. Rent absorbs 22.1% of household income here and mortgage repayments 24.7%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Residential stock in Chelsea Heights at the time of the latest Census consisted of 79.0% separate houses alongside 21.0% medium-to-high density and other dwelling types, contrasting with Melbourne metro's split of 67.9% houses and 32.1% alternative formats. Unencumbered property ownership stood at 40.4%, surpassing the metropolitan rate, while 46.3% of properties were owned with a mortgage and 13.3% were occupied by tenants. Median monthly mortgage commitments averaged $2,001 compared to $2,000 across Melbourne metro, while weekly rent medians stood at $412 against the metropolitan $390. Both metrics remain higher than overall Australian averages of $1,863 for home loans and $375 for rental rates.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Chelsea Heights counted 1,987 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.6 people each. 40% are couples with children, more than in 78% of areas nationally, against 23% couples without children. 23% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.6 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families constitute the majority of local living arrangements at 74.8%, comprising couple households with children (39.5%), couples without children (23.2%), and single parent families (11.4%). The remaining 25.2% comprises non-family setups, where single occupant residences account for 23.4% and group dwellings represent 1.6%. The typical household size sits at 2.6 people, aligning with the Greater Melbourne benchmark.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
24.7% of adults in Chelsea Heights hold a university qualification, including 16.9% with a bachelor degree and 5.2% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 24.1% hold a vocational qualification. 1 school serves the area, with 406 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,050 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Tertiary qualification rates present an area for community development, as 24.7% of residents hold university degrees compared to 46.0% across the broader SA4 region. Among degree holders, 16.9% hold bachelor credentials, 5.2% have attained postgraduate education, and 2.6% possess graduate diplomas. Technical and trade pathways show robust engagement, with 36.2% of the population aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, broken down into 12.1% with advanced diplomas and 24.1% holding certificates. Participation across educational institutions is strong, with 28.9% of the local population engaged in study. This includes 10.3% attending primary school, 7.7% in secondary education, and 4.0% enrolled in tertiary courses.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Chelsea Heights reaches 41 stops on 7 routes, timetabled for about 2,300 services a week. The typical home sits about 150 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.5 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Chelsea Heights is served by 41 active public transport bus stops connected across 7 separate lines, delivering 2,283 weekly services. Stop accessibility is highly rated, with typical dwelling distances to transit standing at 153 meters. Due to the area's residential profile, outward commuting is standard, with private vehicles accounting for 92% of journeys. Households maintain an average of 1.5 vehicles, higher than regional figures. Working from home was recorded at 28.2% in the 2021 Census, a figure shaped by COVID-19 settings. Across all transit routes, service activity averages 326 trips per day, translating to roughly 55 weekly departures per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
68.8% of residents in Chelsea Heights report no long-term health condition. 5.2% need daily assistance with core activities, and 52.3% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 4.6 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health metrics for Chelsea Heights track closely with Australian averages, with AreaSearch analysis showing subdued prevalence of common illnesses across the broader population, although rates elevate among older and more vulnerable groups. Membership in private health funds covers roughly 52% of the community (~2,848 people), slightly exceeding the typical SA2 area rate while trailing Greater Melbourne's 56.7%. Asthma (8.6%) and arthritis (7.8%) rank as the primary reported chronic conditions among locals, while 68.8% reported no long-term illnesses compared to 72.6% regionally. Overall health indicators for working-age adults remain standard. Seniors aged 65 and over comprise 20.1% of residents (1,094 people), higher than the 15.1% metropolitan proportion, though the cohort's national health percentile remains lower than that of the wider community.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
26.1% of Chelsea Heights residents were born overseas and 17.2% speak a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (25.5%) and Australian (25.2%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Chelsea Heights exhibits broader cultural variety than many surrounding markets, with 26.1% of the community born overseas and 17.2% utilizing a non-English language at home. Christianity represents the most widespread faith at 48.5%. Conversely, Judaism shows distinct variance, accounting for 0.3% locally against 1.0% across Greater Melbourne. Regarding parental background, English ancestry is the leading heritage at 25.5% (above the 20.1% regional standard), followed by Australian at 25.2% (exceeding the 18.4% regional average), and Other backgrounds at 8.4% (beneath the metropolitan 14.6%). Other cultural backgrounds showing notable variations from metropolitan norms include Russian at 0.9% (vs 0.4%), Sri Lankan at 1.2% (vs 0.8%), and Hungarian at 0.4% (vs 0.3%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Chelsea Heights is 40. 20.4% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
Chelsea Heights has a demographic profile skewed toward mature age groups. Based on figures current to August 2026, residents in the retiree and elderly cohorts (65+) represent 20.1% of the population, exceeding Greater Melbourne's 15.1%, whereas individuals aged 25 - 44 account for 23.9% compared to 32.1% regionally. As at August 2026, the median age is 40, matching the 2021 Census level and sitting 3 years higher than the 37 years recorded across Greater Melbourne in 2021. The proportion of senior residents has expanded from 18.5% at the Census to an estimated 20.1%.
Looking ahead to 2041, senior demographics are projected to drive local growth by adding 413 residents (38%) to reach 1,508, while youth and younger adult cohorts are expected to decrease.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Chelsea Heights
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Oct 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Oct 2026 this month headline measures · Sep 2026 baseline |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Oct 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 5 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 7 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Sep 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Sep 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 5 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (5,393 at the 2021 Census → 5,447 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL20538). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.