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, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, Hampton East's population is estimated at around 5745 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 676 people (13.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5069 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 5398 estimated by AreaSearch 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 3962 persons per square kilometer, which lies in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch, making land in the area a highly-sought resource. Hampton East's 13.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (8.5%), along with the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that 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 any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the 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 also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking at population projections moving forward, an above median population growth of national areas is projected, with the Hampton East statistical area (Lv2) expected to increase by 772 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 5.6% 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 of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Hampton East has experienced around 89 dwellings receiving development approval annually over the past five financial years ending June 2025. This totals an estimated 448 homes. As of February 2026, 25 approvals have been recorded in this financial year. Over these five years, an average of 0.1 people per year moved to the area for each dwelling built.

New construction has matched or outpaced demand, offering buyers more options and enabling population growth that could exceed current expectations. The average expected construction cost value of new properties is $635,000, indicating a developer focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In this financial year, there have been $3.0 million in commercial approvals, suggesting limited commercial development focus relative to residential. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Hampton East records 79.0% more new home approvals per person, creating greater choice for buyers and indicating robust developer interest in the area. New development consists of 10.0% detached dwellings and 90.0% townhouses or apartments, reflecting a shift from the area's existing housing composition of 57.0% houses. This trend toward denser development provides accessible entry options for downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. With around 48 people per dwelling approval, Hampton East shows characteristics of a growth area.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is expected to grow by 322 residents through to 2041. Current construction levels 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

Seven projects are identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. Key projects include Highett Common, Bluff Road Hampton East Housing Development, Ground Lease Model 2 (GLM2) Housing Redevelopment Program, and Reynolds Street Affordable Housing.

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 5.7%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, 2,921 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.1% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation in Hampton East matches Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. The leading employment industries among residents are professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Hampton East specializes particularly in professional & technical employment, with a share 1.3 times the regional level.

Manufacturing has limited presence, with only 4.5% of employment compared to the regional average of 7.2%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population counts. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, Hampton East's labour force increased by 0.8%, but employment declined by 0.9%, leading to a 1.7 percentage point rise in unemployment. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment grow by 3.0% and the labour force expand by 3.3%, with unemployment rising by only 0.3 percentage points. State-level data from VIC up to 25-Nov-25 shows employment growth of 1.13% year-on-year (adding 41,950 jobs), with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. Nationally, the unemployment rate is 4.3%, and employment growth outpaces the national average by 0.14%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall 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, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023, Hampton East had a median income among taxpayers of $58,684 and an average income of $103,065. These figures place Hampton East in the top percentile nationally, compared to Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year ended June 2023, current estimates suggest a median income of approximately $63,525 and an average income of $111,568 as of September 2025. Census 2021 data indicates that incomes in Hampton East cluster around the 66th percentile nationally, with the majority (24.6%, or 1,413 people) earning between $1,500 and $2,999 per week. This is similar to Melbourne's pattern, where 32.8% of residents earn within this range. The suburb demonstrates affluence, with 34.0% earning over $3,000 per week. Despite high housing costs consuming 18.3% of income, disposable income remains 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

In Hampton East, as per the latest Census, 57.1% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 42.9% being semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This compares to Melbourne's metropolitan area, where 62.6% of dwellings are houses and 37.4% are other types. 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, below Melbourne's average of $3,000. Weekly rent median was $400, compared to Melbourne's $520. Nationally, Hampton East's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents exceeded 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 comprise the remaining 34.1%, with lone person households at 30.2% and group households making up 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+ holding university qualifications, surpassing the national average of 30.4% and the Victorian average of 33.4%. This area has a strong educational advantage, particularly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 27.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.6%) and graduate diplomas (5.0%). Vocational credentials are also prominent with 27.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (12.2%) and certificates (15.4%).

Educational participation is high, with 29.8% of residents 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

Transport analysis shows 21 active stops operating in Hampton East, consisting of bus services. These are covered by 8 routes offering 657 weekly passenger trips. Accessibility is excellent with residents typically 172 meters from nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 93 daily trips across all routes, 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 generally exhibit positive health outcomes, with common conditions seen across all ages. Private health cover stands at 67%, higher than Greater Melbourne's 78% and Australia's national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues affect 8.5% and asthma impacts 7.6% of Hampton East residents, while 70.9% report no medical ailments, slightly lower than Greater Melbourne's 72%.

The area has 18.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1,039 people), lower than Greater Melbourne's 22.9%, but generally aligns with overall population health profiles.

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's cultural diversity was higher than most local markets, with 31.4% of its residents born overseas and 23.7% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Hampton East, accounting for 44.7% of the population. However, Judaism was notably overrepresented, comprising 2.3% of Hampton East's population compared to Greater Melbourne's 3.1%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (24.3%), Australian (21.0%), and Other (11.1%). Some ethnic groups showed significant differences: Polish (1.8% vs regional 1.4%), Russian (1.5% vs 0.9%), and Hungarian (0.4% vs 0.4%) were notably overrepresented in Hampton East.

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

Hampton East has a median age of 40, which is higher than Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and Australia's figure of 38. The 55-64 cohort is notably over-represented in Hampton East at 12.6%, while the 25-34 cohort is under-represented at 10.9%. Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 10.9% to 12.3%, and the 75 to 84 cohort has increased from 5.2% to 6.5%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 15.3% to 14.1%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Hampton East's age profile will evolve significantly. The 85+ age cohort is projected to increase dramatically from 149 to 300 people (a 101% rise). Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 81% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 and 55 to 64 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.