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 May 2026, Hadfield's population is estimated at approximately 6,763 people. This figure reflects a growth of 494 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 6,269. The increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of 6,695 residents based on the latest ABS ERP data release (June 2025) and additional validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a population density ratio of 2,224 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Hadfield has shown consistent growth with a compound annual growth rate of 1.5%, outperforming its SA3 area. Overseas migration contributed significantly to this growth, accounting for approximately 54% of overall population gains in recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections (released in 2024) as the primary source for Hadfield's population forecasts, with adjustments made using VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections (2023) where necessary. By 2041, Hadfield is projected to experience exceptional growth, placing it in the top 10% of Australian statistical areas, with an expected increase of 2,675 persons over the period, reflecting a total increase of 38.5%.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Hadfield shows approximately 59 residential properties granted approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 298 homes. As of FY-26, 54 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.4 new residents per year per dwelling constructed were noted between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating a balanced supply and demand market with stable conditions. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $399,000.

This financial year, $4.3 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting Hadfield's primarily residential nature. Comparatively, Hadfield records elevated construction activity of 38.0% above the Greater Melbourne average per person over the five-year period. However, development activity has moderated recently. Current construction comprises 28.0% standalone homes and 72.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a shift from existing housing patterns (currently 71.0% houses), potentially due to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences. Hadfield reflects a developing area with approximately 137 people per approval.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Hadfield is projected to gain 2,607 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

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

AreaSearch has identified eight projects that could impact the area's performance due to changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. These include four developments at Alva Court Fawkner (4 Alva Court Fawkner Development), a residential development at Moray Street Fawkner (13 Moray Street Fawkner Residential Development), Assembly Broadmeadows, and the first stage of the Broadmeadows Kangan Institute Redevelopment. The following list provides details on those projects most likely to be relevant.

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

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The employment landscape in Hadfield shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Hadfield has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation and an unemployment rate of 4.5%. Over the past year, it maintained relative employment stability. As of December 2025, 3,297 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, which is 0.3% below Greater Melbourne's rate.

Workforce participation in Hadfield is 63.3%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. A significant proportion, 29.1%, of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment is concentrated in construction (1.3 times the regional average), health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Professional & technical services employ only 7.4% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 10.1%.

The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Between December 2024 and December 2025, Hadfield's labour force decreased by 0.8%, with employment remaining stable at 0.0%, leading to a 0.7 percentage point drop in unemployment. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment growth of 2.4% and labour force growth of 2.8%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Hadfield's industry mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 indicates that Hadfield's median income among taxpayers is $49,446. The average income in the suburb is $58,328. Both figures are below the national average. In Greater Melbourne, the median income is $57,688 and the average is $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Hadfield's median income would be approximately $54,203 as of March 2026, with an average of around $63,939. Census 2021 income data shows that household, family and personal incomes in Hadfield rank modestly, between the 27th and 37th percentiles. The earnings profile indicates that the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket dominates with 32.0% of residents (2,164 people). This pattern is similar to the region where 32.8% occupy this income range. Housing affordability pressures in Hadfield are severe, with only 82.8% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 36th percentile. The suburb'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 structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 70.9% houses and 29.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 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, whereas 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% of all households, including 31.7% couples with children, 23.7% couples without children, and 11.5% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 31.7%, with lone person households at 28.3% and group households comprising 3.6%. 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 regional benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 28.0% hold university degrees compared to Greater Melbourne's 37.0%. This gap suggests potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 17.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.1%) and graduate diplomas (3.1%).

Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 28.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (10.0%) and certificates (18.2%). Educational participation is notably high, with 29.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 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

Public transport analysis shows 37 active transport stops in Hadfield, consisting of bus services. These stops are served by 7 different routes, offering a total of 2,129 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents typically located 203 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Car remains the dominant mode at 86%, with train use at 8%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, a high 29.1% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 304 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 57 weekly trips per individual 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 based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~3,377 people), compared to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, impacting 8.5% and 7.7% of residents respectively. However, 69.4% of residents declared themselves 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 16.8% of residents aged 65 and over (1,136 people), higher than the 15.0% in Greater Melbourne. 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's population shows high cultural diversity, with 34.8% born overseas and 45.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion in Hadfield, comprising 49.2%. Notably, Islam is overrepresented at 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 Italians being more prevalent than the regional average of 5.2%. Some ethnic groups have significant representation: Lebanese at 9.2% (regional average 0.8%), Maltese at 2.7% (regional average 1.1%), and Greek at 4.3% (regional average 2.7%).

Hadfield's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Hadfield's median age was 35 years in the past, which was slightly younger than Greater Melbourne's 37 and somewhat younger than the national average of 38 years. The population aged 85+ stood at 4.6%, higher than Greater Melbourne's figure, while the 15-24 cohort was less prevalent at 11.1%. Between 2021 and a recent period, the 35-44 age group grew from 14.4% to 17.5%, and the 85+ cohort increased from 3.5% to 4.6%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 11.4% to 10.2%, and the 75-84 group dropped from 6.6% to 5.4%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Hadfield. The 45-54 age cohort is projected to rise substantially, with an increase of 466 people (68%) from 689 to 1,156.