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

The population of the suburb of Harkness is estimated at around 13,333 as of February 2026. This figure reflects an increase of 870 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,463 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 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 demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 3.0%, outpacing Greater Melbourne's growth during this period. Natural growth contributed approximately 64.0% of overall population gains in 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 them 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 ahead, significant population increase is forecast for the top quartile of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch, with Harkness expected to increase by 4,384 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 32.4% in total over this period.

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 indicates Harkness averaged around 43 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 218 homes were approved, with a further 24 approved in FY-26 to date. Each dwelling built over the past five financial years has seen an average of 4 people moving to the area.

This substantial lag between supply and demand typically results in heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures, with new dwellings 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 reduced construction activity, being 87.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new dwellings often strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Nationally, this activity is also lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints.

New development in Harkness consists predominantly of detached houses (91.0%) with townhouses or apartments making up the remainder (9.0%), maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 1012 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections estimate Harkness will add approximately 4,314 residents by 2041, based on AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition 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 impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 23 projects that may affect the region. Notable projects include 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 7.8% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 4.8%. As of September 2025, 6,739 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.2%, which is higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%.

Workforce participation in Harkness is 74.1%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. According to Census responses, 16.5% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. The area has a high 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 locally appear limited, as indicated by the count of working population versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 4.8%, labour force by 5.7%, and unemployment rose by 0.8 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. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, issued in May-25, suggest potential future demand within Harkness. These projections indicate national employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Harkness's employment mix suggests local employment could increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.7% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only and does not consider localized 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. These figures compared to Greater Melbourne's median of $57,688 and average of $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, household, family and personal incomes in Harkness ranked modestly, between the 47th and 50th percentiles. The data showed that 41.4% of the population (5,519 individuals) fell within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, mirroring the regional figure of 32.8%. 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 (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Melbourne metro had 67.9% houses and 32.1% 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 $2,000. The 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 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 account for the remaining 19.2%, with lone person households at 17.2% and group households comprising 2.0% of the total. 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, with 36.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 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

Public transport analysis indicates 33 active transport stops operating within Harkness, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 4 individual routes, collectively providing 1,345 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 310 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - car remains the dominant mode at 93%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling, above the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, some 16.5% of residents work from home.

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 somewhat prevalent across the board but slightly higher among older age cohorts.

Private health cover is approximately 52% of the total population (~6,989 people), leading that of 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. 73.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly 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 level of cultural diversity, with 32.4% of its population born overseas and 33.4% speaking a language other than English at home. The predominant religion in Harkness is Christianity, accounting for 49.8% of the population. Notably, the category 'Other' comprises 5.2% of Harkness's population, higher than the regional average of 2.3%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Australian (22.0%), English (19.4%), and Other (17.2%). Some ethnic groups have significant representation in Harkness compared to Greater Melbourne: Maltese at 4.3% vs 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 years and significantly under the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Harkness has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (18.1%) but fewer residents aged 55-64 (7.3%). This concentration of 5-14 year-olds is notably higher than the national average of 12.1%. According to post-2021 Census data, the proportion of Harkness's population aged 15-24 has increased from 12.6% to 14.5%, while the proportion of those aged 25-34 has decreased from 16.5% to 14.2%. Demographic projections suggest that by 2041, Harkness's age profile will change significantly, with the 45-54 age cohort expected to grow substantially, increasing by 817 people (53%) from 1,546 to 2,364.