Hampton East

Hampton East has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the estimated population of Hampton East as of February 2026 is around 5,770. This reflects an increase of 701 people (13.8%) since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 5,069 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 5,398 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 98 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3,979 persons per square kilometer, placing Hampton East in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch, indicating high demand for land in the area. Hampton East's growth of 13.8% since the 2021 Census exceeded the SA4 region (8.7%) and the SA3 area, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 84.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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, adjusting them using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking ahead, an above median population growth is projected for the suburb, with an expected increase of 785 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 7.2% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Hampton East among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Based on AreaSearch analysis using ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Hampton East has had approximately 92 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 460 homes. As of FY-26, 24 approvals have been recorded. The average population increase per year for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25 was 0.1 people. New construction has kept pace with or exceeded demand, offering more buying options and potentially exceeding current population growth expectations.

The average expected construction cost of new properties is $635,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment. In FY-26, there have been $3.0 million in commercial approvals, suggesting limited commercial development focus relative to residential. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Hampton East has 83.0% more new home approvals per person, showing robust developer interest. New developments consist of 10.0% detached dwellings and 90.0% townhouses or apartments, shifting from the area's existing housing composition (currently 57.0% houses). With around 46 people per dwelling approval, Hampton East exhibits characteristics of a growth area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is projected to grow by 413 residents by 2041, with current construction levels likely meeting demand and favouring buyers while potentially enabling growth beyond current forecasts.

Looking ahead, Hampton East is expected to grow by 413 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Hampton East 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 likely impacting the region. Notable initiatives include Highett Common, Bluff Road Hampton East Housing Development, Ground Lease Model 2 (GLM2) Housing Redevelopment Program, and Reynolds Street Affordable Housing. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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

Hampton East has a highly educated workforce with significant representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate is 5.4%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data as of December 2025. There are 2,917 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.7% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

Workforce participation stands at 68.3%, below Greater Melbourne's 71.3%. Census responses indicate that 46.6% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Leading employment industries are professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. The area specializes in professional & technical jobs, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level, but manufacturing has limited presence at 4.5% compared to the regional 7.2%.

Local employment opportunities appear limited, as suggested by the difference between the Census working population and resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in December 2025, labour force decreased by 0.2%, employment declined by 0.7%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment grow by 2.4% and labour force expand by 2.8%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Hampton East's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023, Hampton East had a median income among taxpayers of $58,684 with the average level standing at $103,065. This places it in the top percentile nationally compared to levels of $57,688 and $75,164 across Greater Melbourne respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year ended June 2023, current estimates would be approximately $63,525 (median) and $111,568 (average) as of September 2025. Census data from 2021 shows household, family and personal incomes in Hampton East cluster around the 66th percentile nationally. The data indicates that the income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 is dominant with 24.6% of residents (1,419 people), reflecting patterns seen in the metropolitan region where 32.8% similarly occupy this range. This affluence is evident with 34.0% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. High housing costs consume 18.3% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 59th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Hampton East displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The latest Census evaluation showed that Hampton East's dwelling structure comprised 57.1% houses and 42.9% other dwellings. In comparison, Melbourne metro had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hampton East was at 28.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.7% and rented ones at 35.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,600, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000. The median weekly rent figure for Hampton East was $400, while Melbourne metro recorded $390. Nationally, Hampton East's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,600 against the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were higher at $400 compared to the national figure of $375.

Hampton East features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 65.9% of all households, including 31.4% couples with children, 20.4% couples without children, and 12.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 34.1%, with lone person households at 30.2% and group households comprising 3.8%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Hampton East shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Hampton East's educational attainment is notably higher than Australian averages. Among residents aged 15+, 42.4% have university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 33.4% in Victoria. Bachelor degrees are most common at 27.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.6%) and graduate diplomas (5.0%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 27.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas (12.2%) and certificates (15.4%).

Educational participation is high, with 29.8% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.1% in primary education, 7.3% in secondary education, and 6.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Hampton East has 21 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by eight different routes that collectively facilitate 657 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these stops is rated as excellent, with residents typically located just 172 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most commuting in Hampton East is outward-bound. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport, used by 85% of residents, while train usage stands at 8%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a high proportion of residents, 46.6%, work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency across all routes averages 93 trips per day, equating to approximately 31 weekly trips per stop.

Hampton East's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Hampton East residents have shown relatively positive health outcomes according to AreaSearch's analysis. Mortality rates and health conditions were found to be largely in line with national benchmarks. Common health conditions were seen across both young and old age cohorts at a fairly standard level.

The rate of private health cover was exceptionally high, at approximately 67% of the total population (3,887 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne and 55.7% nationally. The most common medical conditions in Hampton East were mental health issues and asthma, impacting 8.5% and 7.6% of residents respectively. A total of 70.9% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes for the under-65 population in Hampton East were better than average. The area has 19.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1,102 people), which is higher than the 15.1% seen in Greater Melbourne. National rankings for this age group are broadly in line with the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Hampton East was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Hampton East has a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 31.4% of its population born overseas and 23.7% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Hampton East, making up 44.7% of people. However, Judaism is significantly overrepresented, comprising 2.3% compared to 1.0% across Greater Melbourne.

The top three ancestry groups are English (24.3%), Australian (21.0%), and Other (11.1%). Notably, Polish (1.8%) and Russian (1.5%) populations are higher than the regional averages of 0.8% and 0.4%, respectively. Hungarian population is also slightly higher at 0.4%.

Hampton East's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Hampton East has a median age of 40, which is slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and Australia's figure of 38. Comparing with Greater Melbourne's average, the 55-64 cohort is notably over-represented in Hampton East at 12.6%, while the 25-34 cohort is under-represented at 10.6%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 5.2% to 6.9%, and the 65 to 74 cohort has risen from 7.8% to 9.3%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 15.3% to 13.7%, and the 5 to 14 group has dropped from 11.9% to 10.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Hampton East's age profile. The 85+ age cohort is projected to grow by 141 people (an 85% increase) from 167 to 309. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 71% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic trend. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 and 55 to 64 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.