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 February 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Harkness is around 13,333. This figure reflects an increase of 870 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,463. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 13,313 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 33 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 797 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Harkness has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 5.5%, outpacing the SA3 area. Natural growth contributed approximately 64.0% 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, with adjustments made employing 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. By 2041, the suburb is expected to increase by 4,402 persons based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 32.9% in total over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Harkness recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Harkness averaged around 43 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, an estimated 218 homes were approved, with a further 24 approved in FY-26. On average, 4.1 people moved to the area for each dwelling built over these five financial years.

This substantial lag between supply and demand typically leads to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost value of $388,000. In FY-26, $8.4 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting the area's residential character. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Harkness shows substantially reduced construction activity, with 86.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new dwellings typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties.

Nationally, this activity is likewise lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. New development consists of 91.0% detached houses and 9.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining Harkness's traditional low density character focused on family homes. The estimated count of 1012 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections show Harkness adding 4,382 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 identified 23 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones are Hopkins Road Level Crossing Removal in Truganina, Harkness Memorial Park, Western Freeway Upgrade from Melton to Caroline Springs, and Little Creek Estate. 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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Employment performance in Harkness has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Harkness has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate was 8.1% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 3.2%. As of December 2025, 6,719 residents were employed, while the unemployment rate was 3.3%, compared to Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

Workforce participation was 75.1%, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's 71.3%. Approximately 16.5% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment is concentrated in construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. The area has a significant employment specialization in transport, postal & warehousing, with an employment share 2.3 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services are under-represented, with only 3.6% of Harkness's workforce compared to Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. Employment opportunities appear limited locally, as indicated by the working population vs resident population count. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 3.2%, labour force increased by 4.5%, resulting in an unemployment rise of 1.1 percentage points. 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 suggest that national employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Harkness's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.7% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

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

The suburb of Harkness had an income level below the national average according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Harkness was $56,825 and the average income stood at $64,667, compared to Greater Melbourne's figures of $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Harkness would be approximately $61,513 (median) and $70,002 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census data, household, family and personal incomes in Harkness ranked modestly, between the 47th and 50th percentiles. In Harkness, 41.4% of the population (5,519 individuals) fell within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to the region where 32.8% occupied this bracket. Housing affordability pressures were 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

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

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

Family households account for 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 constitute the remaining 19.2%, with lone person households at 17.2% and group households comprising 2.0%. The median household size is 3.1 people, which is 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, with 36.9% currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 14.9% in primary, 9.5% in secondary, and 3.7% in tertiary education.

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 operational public transport stops, all serving buses. These are covered by four routes that facilitate 1,345 weekly passenger journeys collectively. Residents enjoy good transport accessibility, with an average distance of 310 meters to the nearest stop. Predominantly residential, most Harkness residents commute outwards, preferring cars (93%). The area has an average vehicle ownership of 1.6 per dwelling, higher than the regional norm. According to the 2021 Census, 16.5% of residents work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions.

Daily service frequency averages 192 trips across all routes, translating to around 40 weekly trips per 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 for common health conditions, particularly among older age cohorts.

Private health cover is at approximately 52% of the total population (~6,989 people), slightly higher than the average SA2 area but lower than Greater Melbourne's 56.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 8.9% and 8.3% of residents respectively. Conversely, 73.6% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among the working-age population are typical. The area has 8.4% of residents aged 65 and over (1,119 people), lower than Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than 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 predominant religion in Harkness, accounting for 49.8% of people. However, the category 'Other' is overrepresented, comprising 5.2% compared to Greater Melbourne's 2.3%.

The top three ancestry groups are Australian (22.0%), English (19.4%), and Other (17.2%). Notably, Maltese (4.3%) Samoan (2.2%) and Serbian (0.9%) populations are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 1.1%, 0.3% and 0.4% respectively.

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

Harkness's median age is 30 years, which is materially younger than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and substantially under the Australian median of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Harkness has a higher concentration of residents aged 5-14 (17.8%) but fewer residents aged 55-64 (7.3%). This 5-14 concentration is well above the national average of 12.1%. According to post-2021 Census data, the population aged 15 to 24 has grown from 12.6% to 14.3%, while the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 16.5% to 14.0%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Harkness's age profile will evolve significantly. The 45 to 54 age cohort is projected to expand considerably, increasing by 805 people (53%) from 1,533 to 2,339.