Hamilton (Vic.)

Hamilton is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Hamilton's population is estimated at around 10,705 as of February 2026. This reflects an increase of 359 people (3.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,346 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 10,332 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 137 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 54 persons per square kilometer. Hamilton's growth of 3.5% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's growth of 1.6%, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration.

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 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of regional areas across the nation is expected, with the suburb expected to grow by 642 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 2.5% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Hamilton according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Based on AreaSearch analysis using ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Hamilton has seen approximately 37 dwellings receiving development approval annually. Over the past five financial years, between FY21 and FY25, around 189 homes were approved, with another 8 approved so far in FY26. On average, 0.4 new residents have arrived per new home over these five years, indicating that new construction is keeping pace with demand or even exceeding it.

The average value of new properties under construction is $572,000, suggesting a focus on the premium market and high-end developments. This financial year has seen $22.2 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to Rest of Vic., Hamilton's construction activity per capita is similar, maintaining market equilibrium with surrounding areas, although there has been some moderation in recent periods. New building activity comprises 75% standalone homes and 25% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's traditional low-density character and appealing to those seeking family homes with space.

This represents a shift from the current housing mix of 91% houses, likely due to reduced development site availability and changing lifestyle demands and affordability needs. The estimated population density is 382 people per dwelling approval, reflecting Hamilton's quiet, low-activity development environment. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Hamilton is expected to grow by 269 residents by 2041. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, offering favourable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Hamilton has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Area infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. Seven projects identified by AreaSearch may impact the region. Notable initiatives are Hamilton Structure Plan Implementation, Hamilton Community and Government Hub, New Hamilton Gallery, and Lakes Edge Residential Development. Relevant projects are detailed below.

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

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Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.4%, Hamilton has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Hamilton's unemployment rate was 3.4% as of September 2025, according to AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. This rate is 0.4% lower than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Hamilton was 57.8%, slightly below Rest of Vic.'s 61.4%.

Census responses indicated that only 8.7% of residents worked from home. Employment in Hamilton is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction sectors. Manufacturing employs just 4.4% of local workers, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 7.7%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work, as the Census working population count suggests. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Hamilton's labour force decreased by 3.0%, while employment declined by 3.5%, resulting in a rise in unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic. experienced an employment decline of 0.7% and labour force decline of 0.6%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Hamilton's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.6% over ten years.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2023 shows Hamilton had a median taxpayer income of $47,738 and an average of $57,201. This is lower than national averages of $50,954 and $62,728 in Rest of Vic respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $51,676 (median) and $61,920 (average). According to the 2021 Census, Hamilton's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 16th and 27th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows that 30.1% of residents (3,222 people) earn $1,500 - 2,999 annually. This pattern mirrors the region's distribution where 30.3% occupy this income bracket. Hamilton has modest housing costs, with residents retaining 88.9% of their income. However, total disposable income ranks at just the 22nd percentile nationally.

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

Hamilton's dwelling structures, assessed in the latest Census, consisted of 91.4% houses and 8.6% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compares to Non-Metro Vic.'s structure of 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hamilton stood at 43.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.3% and rented ones at 24.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,083, below Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,430. The median weekly rent in Hamilton was $235, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Hamilton's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Hamilton features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 62.1% of all households, including 22.7% couples with children, 28.5% couples without children, and 10.1% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 37.9%, with lone person households at 35.8% and group households making up 2.1%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.4.

Educational outcomes in Hamilton fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 18.3%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 37.8% of residents aged 15 and above holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.5%) and certificates (28.3%). Educational participation is high, with 25.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 9.2% in primary, 8.0% in secondary, and 2.0% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 25.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.2% in primary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 2.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transportation in Hamilton found that there are currently 71 active transport stops operating within the city. These stops are serviced by a total of six individual routes, which collectively provide 207 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is rated as good, with residents typically located approximately 308 meters from their nearest transport stop. As Hamilton is primarily residential in nature, most residents commute outward to other areas for work or leisure. The dominant mode of transportation remains the car, used by 91% of residents, while 6% prefer walking. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling in the city.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 8.7% of residents work from home, which may be partly due to COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages approximately 29 trips per day across all routes, equating to roughly two weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Hamilton faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~5,300 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 11.3% and 9.3% of residents respectively. 61.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.4% across Rest of Vic.. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. As of the latest data (2021), 25.0% of residents are aged 65 and over (2,676 people), which is higher than the 23.9% in Rest of Vic.. National rankings for this age group are even higher than the general population.

Hamilton is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Hamilton's population was found to be predominantly culturally homogeneous, with 91.3% being Australian citizens, 91.6% born in Australia, and 96.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion in Hamilton, comprising 53.9% of its population, compared to 47.3% across the rest of Victoria. The top three ancestral groups were Australian (32.9%), English (31.4%), and Scottish (10.4%).

However, there were notable disparities in the representation of certain ethnicities: German was overrepresented at 5.5% compared to the regional average of 3.5%, Dutch at 1.4% versus 1.7%, and Maori at 0.5% against a regional average of 0.2%.

Hamilton hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Hamilton's median age is 44 years, similar to Rest of Vic.'s 43 and above the national average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Vic., Hamilton has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (13.2%) but fewer residents aged 45-54 (10.0%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the age group 25-34 has grown from 11.2% to 13.2%, while the 15-24 cohort increased from 11.1% to 12.2%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort declined from 13.2% to 11.7% and the 45-54 group dropped from 11.3% to 10.0%. By 2041, Hamilton's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 20%, reaching 1,693 people from 1,413 currently. Meanwhile, the 65-74 and 15-24 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.