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 Nov 2025, the estimated population for the Harkness statistical area (Lv2) is around 13,333. This figure reflects an increase of 870 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 12,463. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 13,313 as of June 2024, based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS, and an additional 33 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population 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 3.0%, outperforming the metropolitan area. Natural growth contributed approximately 64.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is using 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 from 2023, adjusted employing weighted aggregation methods to population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, a significant population increase is forecasted in the top quartile of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch, with Harkness expected to increase by 4,373 persons, reflecting a gain of 32.3% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, indicates Harkness averaged approximately 43 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 218 homes were approved, with an additional 24 so far in FY-26. This results in about 4 people moving to the area for each dwelling built over these five financial years.

Supply has substantially lagged demand, leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost of $388,000. Additionally, $8.4 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, suggesting the area's residential character. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Harkness shows substantially reduced construction activity, with 87.0% 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 approximately 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 1012 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections show Harkness adding approximately 4,306 residents by 2041 (from 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 in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 23 projects that could impact this region. 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 likely most relevant.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

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 7.9% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 4.7%.

As of September 2025, 6,719 residents are employed, while the unemployment rate is 3.2% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Employment is concentrated in construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. The area specializes in transport, postal & warehousing, with an employment share 2.3 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services are under-represented, at 3.6% compared to Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 4.7%, labour force by 5.6%, resulting in a unemployment rise of 0.9 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne saw employment grow by 3.0%, labour force expand by 3.3%, and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data to November 25 shows VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 12.7% over ten years. 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, assuming no changes in population projections.

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 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, household, family and personal incomes in Harkness rank modestly, between the 47th and 50th percentiles. The data shows that 41.4% of the population (5,519 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to the regional figure where 32.8% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Harkness, with only 81.9% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 48th percentile.

Harkness is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Harkness's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 94.0% houses and 6.0% other dwellings such as semi-detached properties, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compares to Melbourne metro's 90.9% houses and 9.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Harkness stood at 16.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 55.9% and rented ones at 28.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,700, below Melbourne metro's average of $1,800. The median weekly rent in Harkness was $350, slightly lower than Melbourne metro's figure of $351. Nationally, Harkness's 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 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 making up 2.0%. The median household size is 3.1 people, which is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 3.0.

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

The area has university qualification rates of 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% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes primary education (14.9%), secondary education (9.5%), and tertiary education (3.7%).

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

Transport analysis shows 33 active stops operating in Harkness, offering mixed bus services. These stops are served by 4 routes, collectively enabling 1,345 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically situated 310 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 192 trips daily across all routes, translating to approximately 40 weekly trips per individual stop.

Harkness's residents are extremely healthy with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Harkness.

The prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population but higher than the national average across older, at-risk cohorts. The rate of private health cover is approximately 52% of the total population (~6,989 people), slightly leading that of the average SA2 area. The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, impacting 8.9% and 8.3% of residents respectively. A total of 73.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 73.7% across Greater Melbourne. The area has 7.8% of residents aged 65 and over (1,039 people), which is lower than the 10.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges requiring more attention 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 level of 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, making up 49.8% of people there. However, the most noticeable overrepresentation is in the 'Other' category, which comprises 5.2% of the population compared to 5.6% across Greater Melbourne.

In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups are Australian at 22.0%, English at 19.4%, and Other at 17.2%. Notably, Maltese is overrepresented at 4.3% (vs regional 5.1%), Samoan at 2.2% (vs 1.0%), and Serbian at 0.9% (vs 0.8%).

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

At 30 years, Harkness's median age is materially younger than the Greater Melbourne average of 37 and is substantially under the Australian median of 38. Relative to Greater Melbourne, Harkness has a higher concentration of residents aged 5-14 (18.3%) but fewer residents aged 55-64 (7.2%). This 5-14 concentration is well above the national average of 12.2%. According to post-2021 Census data, the age group 15 to 24 has grown from 12.6% to 14.1% of Harkness's population. Conversely, the age group 25 to 34 has declined from 16.5% to 14.6%. Demographic modeling suggests that Harkness's age profile will evolve significantly by the year 2041. The age cohort 45 to 54 is projected to expand considerably, with an increase of 826 people (54%) from 1,533 to 2,360 residents.