Hampton East

An assessment of population growth drivers in Hampton East reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of Nov 2025 the estimated population of Hampton East is around 5,336. This reflects an increase of 267 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,069. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 5,322 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 72 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3,680 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Hampton East's growth rate of 5.3% since census positions it within 0.1 percentage points of the SA3 area (5.4%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing 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 a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusting 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. Looking at future projections, an above median population growth is projected for Hampton East, with the suburb expected to increase by 800 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 14.2% over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Hampton East had approximately 85 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 429 homes. In FY-26 so far, nine approvals have been recorded. The average population increase per dwelling built in the area between FY-21 and FY-25 was 0.1 people per year. New construction is meeting or exceeding demand, offering buyers more options while enabling population growth that may surpass current expectations.

Average new property construction value is $635,000, higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development. Commercial approvals in the area totalled $6.3 million this financial year, indicating limited commercial development focus. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Hampton East has 71.0% more new home approvals per person, providing greater choice for buyers and indicating robust developer interest. New developments consist of 9.0% detached dwellings and 91.0% townhouses or apartments, shifting from the area's current housing composition of 57.0% houses. This trend reflects decreasing developable sites and changing lifestyles requiring diverse, affordable housing options. Hampton East has a population density of around 48 people per dwelling approval, characteristic of a low-density area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is expected to grow by approximately 759 residents by 2041.

With current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified six projects likely to impact the region. Notable projects include Highett Common, Ground Lease Model 2 (GLM2) Housing Redevelopment Program, Reynolds Street Affordable Housing, and Iridian Residences.

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 strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate is 5.7%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025, 2,935 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.1% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation in Hampton East matches Greater Melbourne's figure of 64.1%. The leading employment industries among residents are professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Notably, professional & technical services have a particularly high employment share, at 1.3 times the regional level.

Conversely, manufacturing has limited presence with only 4.5% employment compared to the regional average of 7.2%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population figures. Over a 12-month period ending June 2025, labour force in Hampton East increased by 1.6% while employment declined by 1.0%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 2.4 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne saw employment grow by 3.5%, labour force expand by 4.0%, and unemployment rise by 0.5 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 offer insights into potential future demand within Hampton East. These projections suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates across different industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Hampton East's employment mix indicates that local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, though it is important to note that this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2022, Hampton East had a median income among taxpayers of $58,678. The average level stood at $102,979. This placed Hampton East in the top percentile nationally, with Melbourne's levels being $54,892 and $73,761 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates for median income would be approximately $65,813 as of September 2025, with the average being around $115,501 by that date. Census 2021 data shows incomes in Hampton East cluster around the 66th percentile nationally. The $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket dominates with 24.6% of residents (1,312 people). The district demonstrates affluence with 34.0% earning over $3,000 per week. High housing costs consume 18.3% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 59th percentile nationally. Hampton East'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

Hampton East's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 57.1% houses and 42.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Melbourne metro had 62.6% houses and 37.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hampton East stood at 28.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.7% and rented ones at 35.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,600, lower than Melbourne metro's average of $3,000. The median weekly rent figure was $400, compared to Melbourne metro's $520. Nationally, Hampton East's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, with rents exceeding 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 2.5.

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

Educational attainment in Hampton East is notably high, with 42.4% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications, compared to the national average of 30.4% and the Victorian average of 33.4%. The area's educational advantage is evident in the prevalence of bachelor degrees (27.8%), postgraduate qualifications (9.6%), and graduate diplomas (5.0%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 27.6% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas comprise 12.2%, while certificates account for 15.4%. Educational participation is high, with 29.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 9.1% in primary education, 7.3% in secondary education, and 6.4% pursuing tertiary education.

Hampton East's three schools have a combined enrollment reaching 110 students, while the area demonstrates above-average socio-educational conditions (ICSEA: 1056). The educational mix includes two secondary schools and one K-12 school. Local school capacity is limited, with 2.1 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 14.5, leading many families to travel to nearby areas for schooling. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

Transport servicing is good 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 8 different routes that together facilitate 990 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 172 meters to the nearest stop.

The service frequency is high, with an average of 141 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 47 weekly trips per individual 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 show positive health outcomes, with common conditions similar across age groups. Private health cover stands at 67%, higher than Melbourne's 78.5% and Australia's 55.3%. Mental health issues affect 8.5%, asthma impacts 7.6%, while 70.9% report no medical ailments, close to Greater Melbourne's 72.0%.

As of 2021, 18.0% are aged 65 and over (960 people), lower than Greater Melbourne's 22.9%.

Hampton East was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range 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 the population. However, Judaism is notably overrepresented, comprising 2.3% compared to the regional average of 3.1%.

The top three ancestral groups are English (24.3%), Australian (21.0%), and Other (11.1%). Some ethnic groups have notable differences in representation: Polish at 1.8% versus 1.4%, Russian at 1.5% versus 0.9%, and Hungarian at 0.4%.

Hampton East's median age exceeds 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 national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne's average, the 55-64 age group is notably over-represented in Hampton East at 12.8%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 10.9%. Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 10.9% to 12.3% of the population, while the 75 to 84 age group has risen from 5.2% to 6.5%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age group has decreased from 15.3% to 14.1%. Demographic modeling suggests that Hampton East's age profile will significantly change by 2041. The 65 to 74 age cohort is projected to expand by 176 people, from 474 to 651, an increase of 37%. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 63% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 age cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.