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

As of Feb 2026, Hadfield's population is estimated at around 7,000. This reflects a growth of 731 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,269. The increase was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 6,695 in Jun 2024 and an additional 122 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 2,302 persons per square kilometer, above national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Hadfield's growth rate of 11.7% since 2021 exceeded both the SA3 area average (8.7%) and the national average. Overseas migration contributed approximately 54.0% of population gains during recent periods in the suburb.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in Jun 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch employs VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking ahead, Hadfield is projected to experience exceptional growth, placing it in the top 10 percent of Australian statistical areas. By 2041, the suburb's population is expected to expand by 2,757 persons, reflecting an increase of 35.0% over the 17-year period based on aggregated SA2-level projections.

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

Hadfield recorded approximately 59 residential properties granted approval annually over the past five financial years from FY21 to FY25. This totals an estimated 298 homes. As of FY26, around 40 approvals have been recorded. The average number of new residents per year per dwelling constructed during this period was approximately 1.3.

This indicates a balanced supply and demand market, supporting stable conditions. The average construction value for new properties was $399,000. In FY26, Hadfield has registered around $4.3 million in commercial approvals, reflecting its primarily residential nature. Compared to Greater Melbourne's average, Hadfield recorded approximately 40.0% more construction per person over the past five years. This demonstrates buyer choice and supports current property values.

New development in Hadfield consists of approximately 28.0% standalone homes and 72.0% attached dwellings. This shift towards higher-density living creates more affordable entry points, benefiting downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This change reflects reduced availability of development sites and shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. Hadfield currently has around 136 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Hadfield is expected to grow by approximately 2,452 residents through to 2041. Building activity appears to be keeping pace with these growth projections, although buyers may face increased competition as the population grows.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight projects that could affect this region. Notable ones are the 4 Alva Court Fawkner Development, 13 Moray Street Fawkner Residential Development, Assembly Broadmeadows, and Broadmeadows Kangan Institute Redevelopment Stage 1. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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

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Hadfield has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Hadfield has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate was 4.4% as of December 2025. This is 0.3% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

Workforce participation in Hadfield was 63.2%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%. According to Census responses, 29.1% of residents worked from home. Employment is concentrated in construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Construction employment levels are at 1.3 times the regional average.

Professional & technical services employ only 7.4% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. Labour force levels decreased by 0.8% over the 12 months to December 2025, with a 0.0% employment decline and a 0.7 percentage point fall in unemployment. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 2.4% and labour force growth of 2.8%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, issued May-25, project national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.1% over ten years. Applying these projections to Hadfield's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.1% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, Hadfield's median income among taxpayers is $49,446. The average income in the suburb is $58,328. This is below the national average. In comparison, Greater Melbourne has a median income of $57,688 and an average of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Hadfield would be approximately $53,525 (median) and $63,140 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Hadfield rank modestly, between the 27th and 37th percentiles. The earnings profile reveals that the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket dominates with 32.0% of residents (2,240 people). This pattern is similar to the region where 32.8% occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Hadfield, with only 82.8% of income remaining, ranking at the 36th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Hadfield's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 70.9% houses and 29.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Melbourne metro had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hadfield stood at 37.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.7% and rented ones at 28.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, aligning with Melbourne metro's average, while the median weekly rent was $370, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390 respectively. Nationally, Hadfield's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, but rents were below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 68.3 percent of all households, including 31.7 percent couples with children, 23.7 percent couples without children, and 11.5 percent single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 31.7 percent, with lone person households at 28.3 percent and group households comprising 3.6 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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

Hadfield's educational qualifications trail Greater Melbourne's regional benchmarks. As of [date], 28.0% of Hadfield residents aged 15+ held university degrees compared to Greater Melbourne's 37.0%. This gap indicates potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees were the most common, at 17.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.1%) and graduate diplomas (3.1%).

Trade and technical skills were prominent, with 28.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (10.0%) and certificates (18.2%). Educational participation was notably high, with 29.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This included 9.7% in primary education, 6.8% in secondary education, and 5.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis shows that Hadfield has 37 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by seven different routes, together providing 2,129 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically living within 203 meters of the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards from Hadfield, primarily using cars (86%). Train usage accounts for 8% of commutes. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling in Hadfield.

According to the 2021 Census, a high proportion of residents work from home, at 29.1%, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 304 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 57 weekly trips per stop.

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

Hadfield faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is relatively low, at approximately 50% of the total population (~3,495 people), compared to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (8.5%) and asthma (7.7%). 69.4% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 16.9% of residents aged 65 and over (1,182 people), higher than Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general 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

Hadfield has a high cultural diversity, with 34.8% of its population born overseas and 45.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the main religion in Hadfield, making up 49.2% of people. However, Islam is significantly overrepresented, comprising 23.0%, compared to Greater Melbourne's average of 5.6%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (16.5%), Australian (16.2%), and Italian (16.0%), with Italian being notably higher than the regional average of 5.2%. Other ethnic groups with notable divergences include Lebanese at 9.2% (vs 0.8%) and Maltese at 2.7% (vs 1.1%).

Hadfield's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Hadfield's median age was 35 years as of the most recent data, which is slightly younger than Greater Melbourne's median age of 37 and somewhat younger than the national average of 38 years. The population aged 85 and over represented 4.6% of Hadfield's total population, a stronger showing compared to Greater Melbourne. Conversely, the 45-54 age group made up 10.0% of Hadfield's population, which was less prevalent than in Greater Melbourne. Between 2021 and the present, the percentage of the population aged 35-44 grew from 14.4% to 17.5%, while the 85+ cohort increased from 3.5% to 4.6%. During this period, the 45-54 age group decreased from 11.4% to 10.0%. Population forecasts for the year 2041 suggest significant demographic shifts in Hadfield. The 45-54 age cohort is projected to rise substantially, with an increase of 447 people (64%) from 700 to 1,147 individuals.