Harkness

Harkness lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

As of May 2026, the population of the suburb of Harkness is estimated at around 12,738 people. This reflects an increase of 275 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,463 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 12,726 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 33 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 762 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Harkness has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 4.1%, outpacing the SA4 region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 64.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as 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, a significant population increase in the top quartile of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch is forecast, with the suburb expected to increase by 4,245 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 33.2% in total over the 16 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Harkness when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Harkness averaged around 43 new dwelling approvals per year. Over the past 5 financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, an estimated 218 homes were approved, with a further 24 approved so far in FY-26. This translates to approximately 7.2 people moving to the area for each dwelling built over these years.

Supply is substantially lagging demand, indicating heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost of $388,000. In this financial year, $8.4 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting the area's residential character. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Harkness shows substantially reduced construction, 86.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new dwellings typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties.

This activity is also lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. New development consists of 91.0% detached houses and 9.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated count of 1015 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections show Harkness adding 4233 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Harkness has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 19 projects that may impact the area. Notable projects include Hopkins Road Level Crossing Removal - Truganina, Harkness Memorial Park, Western Freeway Upgrade (Melton to Caroline Springs), and Little Creek Estate. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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

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Employment performance in Harkness has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Harkness has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate was 8.1% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.8%. As of December 2025, 6,315 residents were employed, while the unemployment rate stood at 3.3%, above Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

Workforce participation was 73.4%, close to Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. A moderate 16.5% of residents worked from home in Census responses, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment is concentrated in construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. The area has a high specialization in transport, postal & warehousing (2.3 times the regional level), but professional & technical services are under-represented (3.6% compared to Greater Melbourne's 10.1%).

Local employment opportunities appear limited based on resident vs working population counts. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 1.8%, labour force grew by 3.0%, leading to a 1.2 percentage point rise in unemployment. In comparison, Greater Melbourne saw employment grow by 2.4%, labour force expand by 2.8%, and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but industry-specific projections suggest Harkness's employment could increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.7% over ten years. These projections are illustrative and do not account for localised population changes.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

The suburb of Harkness's income level is below the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Harkness is $56,825 and the average income stands at $64,667. In comparison, Greater Melbourne's median income is $57,688 and average income is $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Harkness would be approximately $62,292 (median) and $70,888 (average) as of March 2026. According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Harkness rank modestly, between the 47th and 50th percentiles. In Harkness, 41.4% of the population (5,273 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to the regional figure of 32.8%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Harkness, with only 81.9% of income remaining, ranking at the 48th percentile.

Harkness is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Dwelling structure in Harkness, as evaluated at the latest Census, consisted of 94.0% houses and 6.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This is compared to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Harkness was at 16.0%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (55.9%) or rented (28.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,700, below Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $350, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Harkness's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are less than the national figure of $375.

Harkness features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 80.8% of all households, including 44.2% couples with children, 18.1% couples without children, and 17.7% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 19.2%, with lone person households at 17.2% and group households at 2.0%. The median household size is 3.1 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Educational attainment in Harkness aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 18.9%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 38.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.8%) and certificates (26.9%). Educational participation is high at 36.9%, comprising primary education (14.9%), secondary education (9.5%), and tertiary education (3.7%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 36.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 14.9% in primary education, 9.5% in secondary education, and 3.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Harkness has 33 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are serviced by four different routes that collectively provide 1,345 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 310 meters from the nearest transport stop. Most residents commute outward due to the area's primarily residential nature. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 93%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling, which is above the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 16.5% of residents work from home, a figure that may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 192 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 40 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Harkness is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a slightly higher degree among older age cohorts

Harkness faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across all age groups but more so among older cohorts.

Private health cover is at approximately 52% of the total population (~6,677 people), slightly higher than the average SA2 area but lower than Greater Melbourne's 56.7%. The most common medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 8.9 and 8.3% of residents respectively. However, 73.6% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among the working-age population are typical. The area has 8.3% of residents aged 65 and over (1,057 people), lower than Greater Melbourne's 15.0%. While health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, they rank lower nationally compared to the broader population.

Harkness 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

Harkness has a high cultural diversity, with 32.4% of its population born overseas and 33.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the main religion in Harkness, comprising 49.8% of people. However, the most notable overrepresentation is in Other religions, which make up 5.2% of the population compared to 2.3% across Greater Melbourne.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Australian (22.0%), English (19.4%), and Other (17.2%). Some ethnic groups have notable divergences in representation: Maltese at 4.3% (vs regional 1.1%), Samoan at 2.2% (vs 0.3%), and Serbian at 0.9% (vs 0.4%).

Harkness hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Harkness has a median age of 30 years, which is younger than the Greater Melbourne average of 37 and significantly under the Australian median of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Harkness has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (17.8%) but fewer residents aged 55-64 (7.1%). This concentration of 5-14 year-olds is notably above the national average of 12.0%. According to post-2021 Census data, the proportion of Harkness' population aged 15-24 has increased from 12.6% to 14.3%, while the 75-84 age group has risen from 1.8% to 2.9%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 25-34 has decreased from 16.5% to 14.6%. Demographic projections indicate that Harkness' age profile will undergo significant changes by 2041, with the 45-54 age cohort expected to expand considerably, growing by 760 people (53%) from 1,439 to 2,200.