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 population of the suburb of Hastings (Vic.) is estimated at around 10,735 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 366 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,369 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 10,697 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 243 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 414 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Hastings has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.1%, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the suburb 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, as released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. 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 is projected for statistical areas across the nation, with the suburb expected to increase by 1,794 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 16.4% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Hastings shows approximately 68 new homes approved annually. Between FY21 and FY25, around 344 homes were approved, with an additional 38 approved so far in FY26. Over the past five financial years, on average, 0.2 people moved to the area per dwelling built.

This indicates that supply is meeting or exceeding demand, offering greater buyer choice and supporting potential population growth above projections. The average value of new dwellings being developed is $729,000, suggesting developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY26, there have been $53.9 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating strong commercial development momentum.

Compared to Greater Melbourne, Hastings has seen elevated construction activity, recording 25.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. The 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 172 people per approval. Future projections estimate Hastings will add 1,756 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. 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 moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified ten projects expected to impact the region. Notable initiatives include Stony Point Line Service Improvements, Hastings Foreshore Masterplan Implementation, Hastings Town Centre Structure Plan, and Hastings Early Parenting Centre, with the following list providing details on those 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.

Hastings shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Hastings has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. The construction sector is prominent, with an unemployment rate of 5.8% and estimated employment growth of 2.9% in the past year, according to AreaSearch data aggregation. As of December 2025, 4,518 residents are employed, while the unemployment rate is 6.8% compared to Greater Melbourne's 4.8%.

Workforce participation is lower at 53.7%, versus Greater Melbourne's 71.3%. Only 13.0% of residents work from home, although Covid-19 lockdown impacts may have influenced this figure. Key employment sectors are construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Hastings specializes in construction, with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level.

Conversely, professional & technical jobs are less prevalent at 3.5%, compared to 10.1% regionally. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by the resident-to-working population ratio. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 2.9%, while labour force grew by 1.5%, reducing unemployment by 1.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment growth of 2.4% and a slight unemployment increase of 0.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Hastings' employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 5.9% in five years and 12.6% in ten years, assuming constant 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 financial year 2023 indicates that Hastings' median income among taxpayers is $41,767, with an average of $58,217. This is below the national average. In comparison, Greater Melbourne has a median income of $57,688 and an average of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Hastings would be approximately $45,213 (median) and $63,020 (average) as of September 2025. According to Census 2021 income data, household, family, and personal incomes in Hastings all fall between the 13th and 17th percentiles nationally. Income brackets show that 28.2% of Hastings' community earns between $1,500 and $2,999 (3,027 individuals), reflecting a pattern seen in the region where 32.8% similarly occupy this earnings 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 above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in Hastings, 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 at 33.8%, with the remainder being mortgaged (34.1%) or rented (32.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,687, below Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure was $320, lower than Melbourne metro's $390. 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 comprise 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 account for 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 2.6 people.

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

The area has university qualification rates at 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, with 44.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (12.0%) and certificates (32.1%). Educational participation is high, with 28.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 10.8% in primary, 8.0% in secondary, and 2.5% in tertiary education.

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.

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

Hastings has 28 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by three different routes that together facilitate 551 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these stops is rated as moderate, with residents typically located 421 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Hastings being primarily residential. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport, used by 94% of residents. 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

Hastings faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Various health conditions impact both younger and older age cohorts substantially. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of Hastings' total population (~5,356 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 56.7% and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 11.6% and 10.5% of residents respectively. Conversely, 57.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Greater Melbourne's 72.6%. Hastings' working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 28.5% of residents aged 65 and over (3,059 people), higher than Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with 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, surveyed in June 2016, had a population where 87.2% were Australian citizens, 82.5% were born in Australia, and 94.7% spoke English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 42.7% of residents. Hastings' Jewish population stood at 0.1%, higher than Greater Melbourne's 0.6%.

Ancestry-wise, the top three groups were English (33.5%), Australian (31.3%), and Scottish (7.7%), all higher than regional averages. Notably, Dutch ancestry was overrepresented at 2.0% compared to the regional 1.2%, while Hungarian and French ancestries matched regional figures at 0.3% and 0.5% respectively.

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 11.4% of the population in Hastings, compared to Greater Melbourne's percentage and well above the national figure of 6.1%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 75-84 age group has increased from 8.6% to 11.4%, while the 25-34 cohort has decreased from 13.0% to 10.8%, and the 5-14 group has dropped from 12.5% to 11.4%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Hastings, with the 85+ age group expected to grow by 155% (648 people), reaching a total of 1,067 from 418. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 79% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 25-34 and 0-4 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.