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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Hastings (Vic.) has an estimated population of around 10,648 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 279 people (2.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,369 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 10,634, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 260 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 411 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Hastings's 2.7% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (2.0%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 55% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, 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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth of statistical areas across the nation is projected, with the suburb expected to increase by 1,700 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 15.8% in total over the 16 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Hastings when compared nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, Hastings has seen around 68 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 344 homes were approved, with a further 48 approved in FY-26 so far. On average, about 0.9 people per year have moved to the area for each dwelling built during this period.

This indicates that supply is meeting or surpassing demand, providing greater buyer choice while supporting potential population growth above projections. The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings is $729,000, suggesting developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. Commercial development is also strong, with $53.9 million in approvals this financial year.

Compared to Greater Melbourne, Hastings records elevated construction, at 25.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period. This balances buyer choice while supporting current property values. New development consists of 73.0% standalone homes and 27.0% 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 176 people per approval. Future projections show Hastings adding 1,686 residents by 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Current development appears well-matched to future needs, supporting steady market conditions without extreme price pressure.

Hastings has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified ten projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include Stony Point Line Service Improvements, Hastings Foreshore Masterplan Implementation, Hastings Town Centre Structure Plan, and Hastings Early Parenting Centre. Relevant projects are listed below.

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 balanced workforce comprising white and blue collar jobs. The construction sector is notably prominent. The unemployment rate was 5.6% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 3.8%.

As of December 2025, 4,694 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 5.7%, which is 0.9% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%. Workforce participation in Hastings was 56.3%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. Only 13.0% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment is concentrated in construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade.

Construction employment share is 1.6 times the regional level. Conversely, professional & technical jobs have a limited presence at 3.5%, compared to the regional average of 10.1%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, indicated by the working population versus resident population count. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 3.8% while labour force grew by 2.4%, reducing the unemployment rate by 1.3 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne had employment growth of 2.4%, labour force growth of 2.8%, and a slight increase in unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Hastings' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.6% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for the financial year 2023 shows that Hastings' median income among taxpayers is $41,767. The average income in Hastings during this period was $58,217. Both figures are below the national average. In comparison, Greater Melbourne had a median income of $57,688 and an average income of $75,164 for the same financial year. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since the financial year 2023, current estimates suggest that Hastings' median income would be approximately $45,785 by March 2026. The average income in Hastings is estimated to reach around $63,817 by this date. According to Census 2021 income data, household, family, and personal incomes in Hastings all fall between the 13th and 17th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that 28.2% of the community earns between $1,500 and $2,999 annually (3,002 individuals). This pattern is similar to the region as a whole, where 32.8% of individuals fall within this income range. Housing affordability pressures in Hastings are severe, with only 80.3% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 11th percentile nationally.

Hastings is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Hastings' dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 72.8% houses and 27.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hastings was 33.8%, with the rest being mortgaged (34.1%) or rented (32.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,687, lower than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000 and the national average of $1,863. Median weekly rent in Hastings was $320, below Melbourne metro's $390 and 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, including 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 comprising 2.8%. The median household size is 2.3 people, smaller than Greater Melbourne's average of 2.6.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 12.3%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common, at 8.6%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.9%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.8%). Vocational credentials are prevalent among residents aged 15+, with 44.1% holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (12.0%) and certificates (32.1%). Educational participation is high, with 28.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 10.8% in primary, 8.0% in secondary, and 2.5% in tertiary education.

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

The public transport analysis indicates that Hastings has 28 active transport stops in operation, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by three individual routes, collectively facilitating 551 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to public transport is rated as moderate, with residents typically located 421 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. The car remains the dominant mode of transportation at 94%. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, only 13.0% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 78 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 19 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Health data indicates significant health challenges in Hastings. AreaSearch's assessment found high mortality rates and prevalent chronic conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover was relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~5,313 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 56.7% and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and arthritis were the most common medical conditions, affecting 11.6% and 10.5% of residents respectively. Conversely, 57.6% of residents reported no medical ailments, compared to Greater Melbourne's 72.6%. Working-age population health challenges include elevated chronic condition rates. Hastings has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 28.3% (3,013 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 15.0%. Senior health outcomes align broadly with national rankings.

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

Hastings, as per the 2016 Census, showed lower cultural diversity with 87.2% of its population being Australian citizens and 82.5% born in Australia. The majority spoke English only at home, at 94.7%. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 42.7% of Hastings' population.

However, Judaism was overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 1.0%. In terms of ancestry, the top groups were English (33.5%), Australian (31.3%), and Scottish (7.7%), all higher than regional averages. Notably, Dutch (2.0%) and Hungarian (0.3%) ethnicities were also overrepresented in Hastings compared to regional figures.

Hastings's median age exceeds the national pattern

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 11.2% of the population in Hastings, compared to Greater Melbourne's percentage and the national figure of 6.1%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 8.6% to 11.2%, while the 85+ cohort increased from 2.9% to 4.0%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 13.0% to 10.8%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Hastings. The 85+ group is expected to grow by 149%, reaching 1,060 people from the current figure of 425. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 80% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 25 to 34 and 0 to 4 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.