Hadfield

Hadfield lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

According to investigations of ABS demographic updates for the wider region, alongside recent address validations performed by AreaSearch since the Census, the suburb of Hadfield has an estimated residency of approximately 6,763 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 494 individuals (7.9%) relative to the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 6,269 people. The variation is deduced from a resident count of 6,695, calculated by AreaSearch following analysis of the ABS June 2025 release of estimated resident population statistics, coupled with an extra 147 validated new addresses identified since the Census date. This population scale yields a density proportion of 2,224 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the typical ratio observed across Australian areas evaluated by AreaSearch. Throughout the previous decade, the suburb of Hadfield has displayed stable expansion trends with a compound annual growth rate of 1.5%, which was faster than the surrounding SA3 region. Population expansion within the locality was chiefly fueled by overseas migration, which accounted for approximately 54.0% of the total demographic gains in recent times.

AreaSearch implements the 2024 population projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia for every SA2 region, which use 2022 as their starting point. In instances where SA2 regions lack this data, projections from the 2023 Victorian State Government Regional and LGA release are utilized, adjusted by aggregating growth percentages from LGA to SA2 levels using a weighted methodology. The age cohort growth rates derived from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Looking at future demographic projections, the suburb of Hadfield is anticipated to experience exceptional expansion, ranking in the highest 10 percent of all Australian statistical locations, with projections indicating an increase of 2,675 persons by 2041 based on compiled SA2 data, representing an overall increase of 38.5% over the 16 years.

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

According to AreaSearch evaluations of ABS building permits distributed from statistical geographic data, the suburb of Hadfield has maintained an average of approximately 59 new home approvals per year, summing to an estimated 297 dwellings during the previous 5 financial years. Thus far in FY-26, 58 approvals have been registered. With an average of only 0.9 new residents per year moving in for each new dwelling over the past 5 financial years (spanning FY-21 to FY-25), the incoming housing volume is keeping pace with or outstripping demand, providing buyers with plenty of options and establishing room for demographic expansion beyond current projections, while these new dwellings are being constructed at a mean cost of $397,000. Additionally, commercial building approvals have reached $4.3 million during this financial year, suggesting a relatively minor concentration on business developments.

Relative to Greater Melbourne, the suburb of Hadfield shows slightly elevated construction activity, running 38.0% above the regional per-person average over the 5 year timeframe, which helps preserve solid options for buyers while reinforcing existing real estate values, even though building pace has slowed down recently. Current residential building approvals consist of 27.0% standalone houses and 73.0% medium and high-density options. This emphasis on higher-density projects provides more budget-friendly points of entry and meets the needs of downsizers, property investors, and first-time home buyers. This represents a clear shift from the existing housing stock (which is currently composed of 71.0% houses), indicating a reduction in available vacant land and responding to changing lifestyle trends and affordability challenges. With roughly 140 people for every approval, the suburb of Hadfield displays the characteristics of a growing locality.

Long-term projections indicate that the suburb of Hadfield will add 2,607 residents by 2041, based on the most recent quarterly calculation from AreaSearch. Should current construction rates persist, the supply of homes may fall short of demographic growth, which could intensify competition among purchasers and help drive stronger appreciation in property values.

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

An area's growth is heavily shaped by local infrastructure updates, major construction projects, and zoning plans. AreaSearch has tracked a total of 8 projects that are anticipated to influence this locality. The main developments include the 4 Alva Court Fawkner Development, the 13 Moray Street Fawkner Residential Development, Assembly Broadmeadows, and the Broadmeadows Kangan Institute Redevelopment Stage 1, with the following list highlighting those expected to be of greatest significance.

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Hadfield shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

The suburb of Hadfield possesses a qualified labor force with representation across various industries, an unemployment rate of 4.5%, and a steady job market over the past year, according to AreaSearch aggregations of local statistical statistics. In March 2026, there are 3,305 employed locals, while the unemployment rate sits 0.2% below the Greater Melbourne level of 4.8%, and the proportion of active participants in the workforce is notably lower (63.5% versus 70.2% in Greater Melbourne). Census records indicate that a notable 29.1% of working residents performed their duties from home, though the influence of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions should be taken into account.

The primary employment fields for working residents are construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. The suburb of Hadfield exhibits a clear concentration in construction, with its employment share reaching 1.3 times the wider metropolitan average. In contrast, the professional & technical sector is underrepresented, accounting for 7.4% of the workforce compared to the metropolitan average of 10.1%. This highly residential district appears to supply few local employment options, as shown by comparing the count of the Census working population against the resident population.

According to AreaSearch evaluations of SALM and ABS statistics compiled from wider geographic sectors, employment experienced no change, holding at 0.0% over the 12 months ending March 2026, while the overall labor force shrank by 0.6%, leading to a drop in unemployment of 0.6 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Melbourne saw employment rise by 2.1%, the labor force grow by 2.3%, and unemployment increase by 0.2 percentage points. National employment projections released in May-25 by Jobs and Skills Australia can provide extra context regarding future labor demand in the suburb of Hadfield. These estimates, looking ahead at five and ten-year intervals, have been compared to the local workforce composition to project development trends. Nationally, employment is anticipated to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, although expected growth rates vary widely by industry sector. Applying these sector-specific forecasts to the employment profile of the suburb of Hadfield indicates that local employment is projected to rise by 6.4% over five years and 13.1% over ten years (note that this represents a basic weighted calculation for demonstration purposes and does not incorporate local population growth estimates).

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The suburb of Hadfield has a median tax-paying income of $49,446 and a mean income of $58,328, according to the most recent postcode ATO statistics compiled by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. These figures sit below the national benchmarks, comparing to a median income of $57,688 and a mean income of $75,164 across Greater Melbourne. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, updated estimates suggest figures of approximately $54,203 (median) and $63,939 (average) as of March 2026. The 2021 Census statistics show that household, family, and individual incomes are all relatively low in the suburb of Hadfield, placing within the 27th to 37th percentiles. Income distribution shows that the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly earnings bracket accounts for 32.0% of the population (2,164 individuals), which is very similar to the metropolitan average of 32.8%. Pressures surrounding housing affordability are significant, with residents retaining only 82.8% of their income, placing the area in the 36th percentile, while its SEIFA income score falls in the 5th decile.

Hadfield is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The composition of residential properties in the suburb of Hadfield at the time of the latest Census consisted of 70.9% standalone houses and 29.1% alternative dwellings (such as townhouses, units, and other configurations), compared to 67.9% houses and 32.1% alternative dwellings in the metropolitan Melbourne area. Outright home ownership in the suburb of Hadfield was considerably higher than the Melbourne metropolitan average, standing at 37.6%, with the remaining properties being purchased with a mortgage (33.7%) or occupied by tenants (28.7%). The median monthly cost of mortgage repayments was identical to the metropolitan average at $2,000, whereas the median weekly rent stood at $370, compared to metropolitan figures of $2,000 and $390. Across Australia, the mortgage repayments in the suburb of Hadfield are higher than the national average of $1,863, while weekly rents are lower than the national median of $375.

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

Families make up the majority of local households at 68.3%, consisting of 31.7% couples who have children, 23.7% couples who do not have children, and 11.5% single parents. The remaining 31.7% are non-family households, with single-person households representing 28.3% and shared houses making up 3.6% of the total. The typical household size of 2.5 residents is slightly below the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

The educational profile of Hadfield exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Attained educational credentials in the suburb of Hadfield are lower than metropolitan averages, with 28.0% of residents aged 15+ holding a tertiary degree, compared to 37.0% across Greater Melbourne. This difference points to opportunities for future educational growth and skills development. Bachelor degrees represent the most common tertiary qualification at 17.8%, followed by postgraduate degrees (7.1%) and graduate diplomas (3.1%). Vocational and technical qualifications are common, with 28.2% of individuals aged 15+ holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (10.0%) and certificates (18.2%).

The proportion of residents engaged in study is quite high, with 29.8% of the local population enrolled in some form of structured education. This proportion includes 9.7% of residents attending primary school, 6.8% in high school, and 5.2% pursuing higher education programs.

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

Analysis of public transit indicates there are 37 active transit stops operating in the suburb of Hadfield, consisting of bus services. These transit stops are connected to 7 distinct routes, which together provide 2,129 passenger trips per week. Transport accessibility is classified as good, with residents living an average of 203 meters from their nearest transit stop. Given the residential nature of the locality, the majority of working residents commute to other areas, with private vehicles remaining the primary mode of travel at 86%, followed by rail at 8%. Motor vehicle ownership averages 1.2 cars per household. A notable 29.1% of residents worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may be a reflection of COVID-19 pandemic conditions.

Transit service frequency averages 304 runs per day across the network, which translates to approximately 57 weekly runs for each individual stop.

Health performance in Hadfield is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

The suburb of Hadfield experiences notable health concerns, according to AreaSearch evaluations of mortality statistics and the prevalence of long-term illnesses, with common ailments being somewhat widespread among younger and older demographics alike, while the level of private medical insurance is relatively low at roughly 50% of the population (~3,377 people). This compares to a rate of 56.7% across the Greater Melbourne area and a national average of 55.7%.

The most frequent health issues reported by residents are arthritis and asthma, which affect 8.5% and 7.7% of the population respectively, while 69.4% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Health profiles for working-age residents are generally typical. Residents aged 65 and older account for 16.8% of the local population (1,136 people), which is higher than the Greater Melbourne share of 15.0%. Health outcomes among older residents present some challenges, though national assessments show they are generally consistent with the broader population.

Hadfield is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

The suburb of Hadfield displays high levels of multicultural representation, with 34.8% of residents born outside Australia and 45.0% using a non-English language at home. Christianity is the primary religion, accounting for 49.2% of the local population. However, the most distinct religious concentration is in Islam, which is practiced by 23.0% of residents, representing a significantly higher share than the Greater Melbourne average of 5.6%.

Looking at ancestral backgrounds (parents' place of birth), the three largest groups in the suburb of Hadfield are Other at 16.5%, Australian at 16.2%, and Italian at 16.0% of the population, which is considerably higher than the metropolitan average of 5.2%. There are also distinct variations in the proportions of other ancestral groups: Lebanese background represents 9.2% of the suburb of Hadfield (compared to 0.8% across the metropolitan area), Maltese stands at 2.7% (compared to 1.1%), and Greek is at 4.3% (compared to 2.7%).

Hadfield's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in the suburb of Hadfield is 35 years, making it slightly younger than the Greater Melbourne median of 37 and the national average of 38. The age bracket of 85 years and older has a strong presence at 4.6% of the population compared to Greater Melbourne, while the 15 to 24 year cohort is less common at 11.1%. Since 2021, the 35 to 44 age cohort has increased from 14.4% to 17.5% of the population, and the group aged 85 and over rose from 3.5% to 4.6%. In contrast, the 45 to 54 cohort fell from 11.4% to 10.2%, and the 75 to 84 cohort declined from 6.6% to 5.4%. Demographic projections for 2041 suggest significant changes for the suburb of Hadfield, with the 45 to 54 age group expected to grow substantially, adding 466 people (68%) to rise from 689 to 1,156.