Hastings (Vic.)

Population growth drivers in Hastings are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population of Hastings (Vic.) is around 10,648, reflecting a 2.7% increase since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 10,369 people. This growth is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 10,535 following examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024, and an additional 245 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 411 persons per square kilometer. Hastings' growth exceeded the SA3 area's 2.3% during this period, marking it as a growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 55.00000000000001% of overall population gains recently. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 adjusted to SA2 levels for areas not covered by ABS data.

Considering these projections, the suburb is expected to increase by 1,801 persons to 2041, reflecting a 14.5% total increase over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Hastings has seen around 67 new homes approved annually. Over the past 5 financial years, between FY21 and FY25, approximately 339 homes were approved, with a further 15 approved so far in FY26. On average, over these years, only 0.2 people moved to the area per dwelling built, indicating that supply is meeting or exceeding demand while supporting potential population growth above projections.

The average construction value of new dwellings is $729,000, suggesting developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. This financial year has seen $75.2 million in commercial approvals, reflecting strong commercial development momentum compared to Greater Melbourne, where Hastings records elevated construction at 25.0% above the regional average per person over the past 5 years. New development consists of 72.0% standalone homes and 28.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

Hastings reflects a low density area with around 175 people per approval. Future projections from AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate suggest Hastings will add 1,545 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Hastings has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified ten projects likely impacting the region. Notable initiatives include Stony Point Line Service Improvements, Hastings Foreshore Masterplan Implementation, Hastings Town Centre Structure Plan, and Hastings Early Parenting Centre. 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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Hastings shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Hastings has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. The construction sector is prominent, employing more people than the regional average by 1.6 times.

Unemployment in Hastings was 6.1% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.9%. As of June 2025, 4,546 residents are employed, but the unemployment rate is higher at 7.1%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 4.6%. Workforce participation is lower at 51.2% versus Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Key industries include construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade.

However, professional & technical services have a limited presence with only 3.5% of employment compared to the regional average of 10.1%. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment in Hastings increased by 2.9%, while the labour force grew by 4.3%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 1.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment growth of 3.5%, with a smaller increase in unemployment of 0.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Hastings' current employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 5.9% over five years and 12.6% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Hastings' median income among taxpayers is $41,767, with an average of $58,217. This is below the national average. Greater Melbourne, in comparison, has a median income of $54,892 and an average of $73,761. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Hastings' median income are approximately $46,846 and the average is around $65,296 as of September 2025. According to Census 2021 income data, incomes in Hastings fall between the 13th and 17th percentiles nationally. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 captures 28.2% of the community (3,002 individuals). This is similar to patterns seen across the region where 32.8% occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Hastings, with only 80.3% of income remaining, ranking at the 11th percentile nationally.

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

Hastings' dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, was 72.8% houses and 27.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 75.5% houses and 24.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hastings stood at 33.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 34.1% and rented ones at 32.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,687, below Melbourne metro's average of $1,989. Median weekly rent in Hastings was $320, lower than Melbourne metro's $380. Nationally, Hastings' mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially lower than the national figure of $375.

Hastings features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 64.0% of all households, consisting of 22.1% couples with children, 25.6% couples without children, and 15.1% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 36.0%, with lone person households at 33.3% and group households making up 2.8% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.4.

Educational outcomes in Hastings fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 12.3%, substantially below the Greater Melbourne average of 37.0%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 8.6%, followed by graduate diplomas at 1.9% and postgraduate qualifications at 1.8%. Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 44.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 12.0% and certificates at 32.1%.

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.8% in primary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 2.5% pursuing tertiary education. A robust network of 6 schools operates within Hastings, educating approximately 1,096 students while the area demonstrates varied educational conditions (ICSEA: 936). Educational provision follows conventional lines, split between 3 primary and 3 secondary institutions. School places per 100 residents are at 10.3, falling below the regional average of 14.3, with some students likely attending schools in adjacent areas. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments please refer to parent campus.

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

Transport analysis shows 28 active stops operating in Hastings, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by three routes, together providing 696 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated moderate, with residents typically located 421 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 99 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 24 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Hastings is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Hastings faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Approximately half of Hastings' population (around 5,313 people) has private health cover, compared to 57.9% in Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 11.6% and 10.5% of residents respectively.

However, 57.6% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 63.9% in Greater Melbourne. In Hastings, 27.1% of residents are aged 65 or over (2,885 people), lower than the 29.9% in Greater Melbourne. Senior health outcomes align with those of the general population.

Hastings ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Hastings' cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 87.2% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia comprising 82.5%, and speaking English only at home accounting for 94.7%. Christianity was the dominant religion in Hastings as of 2016, making up 42.7% of the population. However, Judaism showed an overrepresentation with 0.1% compared to Greater Melbourne's 0.2%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English at 33.5%, Australian at 31.3%, and Scottish at 7.7%. Notably, Dutch (2.0%), Hungarian (0.3%), and French (0.5%) were proportionally equal to or overrepresented compared to regional figures.

Hastings hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Hastings is 42 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and Australia's national average of 38 years. The 75-84 age group comprises 10.6% of the population in Hastings, compared to a lower representation of the 25-34 cohort at 11.4%. According to data from the 2021 Census, the 75-84 age group has increased from 8.6% to 10.6%, while the 25-34 cohort has decreased from 13.0% to 11.4%. Population forecasts for the year 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Hastings, with the 75-84 age group expected to grow by 59% (an increase of 667 people), reaching a total of 1,796 from 1,128. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 84% of the total population growth in Hastings, reflecting its aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 0-4 and 35-44 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.