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

As of November 2025, the estimated population for the Hamilton (Vic.) statistical area (Lv2) is around 10,703 people. This reflects an increase of 357 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,346 people. The change was inferred from the resident population estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), and an additional 130 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 54 persons per square kilometer, indicating ample space per person. The Hamilton (Vic.) area's growth rate of 3.5% since the 2021 census exceeded that of the SA3 area at 1.6%, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population gains during recent periods for this area.

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, adjusted 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 the years 2032 to 2041. Based on projected demographic shifts, the Hamilton (Vic.) area is expected to grow by just below the median of regional areas nationally, with an increase of 642 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 2.5% over these 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 of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Hamilton has experienced around 37 dwellings receiving development approval per year. Approximately 189 homes were approved over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, and 8 have been approved so far in FY26. On average, 0.4 new residents arrive per year for each new home built over these five years.

This indicates that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more options for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections. The average expected construction cost value of new properties is $572,000, suggesting developers are focusing on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY26, Hamilton has registered $22.2 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to Rest of Vic., Hamilton shows comparable construction activity per person, maintaining market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas.

However, development activity has moderated in recent periods. New building activity comprises 75.0% standalone homes and 25.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's traditional low-density character focused on family homes appealing to those seeking space. This represents a change from the current housing mix of 91.0% houses, reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. The estimated population per dwelling approval in Hamilton is 382 people, reflecting its quiet, low-activity development environment. Looking ahead, AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate projects Hamilton to grow by 271 residents through to 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Hamilton has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified seven projects that may impact this region. Notable initiatives include 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 AreaSearch data aggregation. In September 2025, the unemployment rate was 0.4% lower than Rest of Vic.'s 3.8%, with workforce participation similar at 57.4%.

Key employment sectors were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Manufacturing employed only 4.4% of local workers compared to Rest of Vic.'s 7.7%. Residents commuted elsewhere for work based on Census working population data.

From September 2024 to September 2025, Hamilton's labour force decreased by 3.0%, employment declined by 3.5%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic.'s employment and labour force declined by 0.7% and 0.6% respectively, with a marginal rise in unemployment rate. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 showed VIC employment grew by 1.13%, adding 41,950 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. National employment forecasts from May-25 projected national growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years. Applying these projections to Hamilton's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data shows Hamilton had a median taxpayer income of $47,738 and an average income of $57,201 in financial year 2023. These figures are lower than national averages of $50,954 (median) and $62,728 (average) for Rest of Vic. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of 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 (3,221 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually, similar to regional patterns at 30.3%. Hamilton residents retain 88.9% of their income after housing costs, ranking at the 22nd percentile nationally for disposable income.

Hamilton is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure in Hamilton, as per the latest Census, consisted of 91.4% houses and 8.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Vic. had 93.1% houses and 6.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hamilton was at 43.3%, with the rest being mortgaged (32.3%) or rented (24.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,083, aligning with Non-Metro Vic.'s average. The median weekly rent was $235, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $220. 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 fairly typical 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 account for the remaining 37.9%, with lone person households at 35.8% and group households comprising 2.1% of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, which matches the average for the Rest of Vic.

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 prevalent, with 37.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them. Advanced diplomas account for 9.5% and certificates for 28.3%.

Educational participation is high at 25.2%, including 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

Transport analysis in Hamilton shows 71 active public transport stops operating. These are served by a mix of buses across six routes, offering a total of 207 weekly passenger trips. The city's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents located an average of 308 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 29 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately two weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Hamilton is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Hamilton faces significant health challenges with notable prevalence of common conditions across both younger and older age groups. Approximately 50% (~5,299 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.3%) and mental health issues (9.3%). 61.6% report no medical ailments, compared to 62.4% in Rest of Vic.. Hamilton has 25.3% residents aged 65 and over (2,707 people), lower than the 26.3% in Rest of Vic..

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 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 50.5% across the Rest of Vic.. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (32.9%), English (31.4%), and Scottish (10.4%).

Notably, German ancestry was slightly overrepresented at 5.5%, compared to the regional average of 4.8%. Dutch ancestry stood at 1.4% in Hamilton, matching the regional figure of 1.4%. Maori ancestry was present at 0.5%, slightly higher than the regional average of 0.4%.

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 years, and above the national average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Vic., Hamilton has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (12.7%) but fewer residents aged 35-44 (10.7%). Between the 2021 Census and present, the age group 25-34 has increased from 11.2% to 12.7%. Conversely, the age group 55-64 has decreased from 13.2% to 12.0%. By 2041, Hamilton's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 25%, reaching 1,693 people from 1,359. Meanwhile, the 5-14 and 65-74 age groups are expected to decrease in population.