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

The population of the Hastings (Vic.) statistical area (Lv2) was estimated at around 10,715 as of November 2025, reflecting an increase of 346 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a growth rate of approximately 3.3%. The resident population estimate of 10,695 by AreaSearch, following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 245 validated new addresses since the Census date, contributes to this growth. This level of population results in a density ratio of 413 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, from 2011 to 2021, Hastings (Vic.) (SA2) demonstrated resilient growth patterns with an average annual growth rate of approximately 0.9%. This growth outpaced the SA4 region and was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed around 55% of overall population gains during 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. Considering these projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth is projected for statistical areas across the nation. The Hastings (Vic.) (SA2) area is expected to increase by 1,798 persons to reach a total population of approximately 12,513 by the year 2041. This projection reflects an overall increase of around 13.8% over the 17-year period from 2024 to 2041.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis using ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Hastings has seen approximately 70 new homes approved annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 351 homes were approved, with an additional 27 approved so far in FY-26. Over these five financial years, there was an average of 0.2 people moving to the area per dwelling built, indicating that supply is meeting or exceeding demand.

The average expected construction cost value for new dwellings over this period was $729,000, suggesting developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY-26 alone, there have been $53.9 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating strong commercial development momentum when compared to Greater Melbourne, where Hastings records 29.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period. 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.

At around 164 people per approval, Hastings reflects a low density area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Hastings is projected to add 1,475 residents by 2041. Given 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

Area infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. AreaSearch identified ten projects potentially impacting the region. Notable projects are Stony Point Line Service Improvements, Hastings Foreshore Masterplan Implementation, Hastings Town Centre Structure Plan, and Hastings Early Parenting Centre. The following details projects likely most relevant:.

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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 prevalent with an unemployment rate of 5.5% and estimated employment growth of 2.7% in the past year, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

As of September 2025, 4,502 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.8% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation lags at 51.2%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Employment is concentrated in construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Construction has a particularly high employment share, at 1.6 times the regional level, while professional & technical services have limited presence with only 3.5% of employment compared to the regional average of 10.1%.

The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population numbers. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 2.7% while labour force grew by 2.1%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne saw employment growth of 3.0%, labour force growth of 3.3%, with a slight rise in unemployment to 4.7%. State-level data up to 25-November shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs, and the state unemployment rate was 4.7%, slightly higher than the national rate of 4.3%. 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 increase by approximately 5.9% over five years and 12.6% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does 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 financial year 2023 shows Hastings' median income among taxpayers is $41,767. The average income in Hastings is $58,217. Both figures are below the national average. Comparing with Greater Melbourne, Hastings has a lower median ($41,767 vs $57,688) and average income ($58,217 vs $75,164). Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Hastings' median and average incomes are approximately $45,213 and $63,020 respectively as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data places Hastings between the 13th and 17th percentiles nationally for household, family, and personal incomes. The $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 28.2% of Hastings' community (3,021 individuals), mirroring regional patterns where 32.8% occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Hastings, 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 a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

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), contrasting with Melbourne metro's 85.5% houses and 14.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hastings stood at 33.8%, with the rest being mortgaged or rented at 34.1% and 32.1% respectively. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,687, lower than Melbourne metro's average of $1,989. The median weekly rent in Hastings was $320, compared to Melbourne metro's $380. Nationally, Hastings' mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially lower at $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 comprise 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's university qualification rate stands at 12.3%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common, with 8.6% of residents holding one. Graduate diplomas and postgraduate qualifications follow, at 1.9% and 1.8% respectively. Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 44.1% of residents aged 15+ possessing them.

Advanced diplomas account for 12.0%, while certificates make up 32.1%. Educational participation is 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

Transport analysis in Hastings shows 28 active public transport stops operating. These include a mix of train and bus services. There are 3 individual routes serving these stops, providing a total of 551 weekly passenger trips collectively.

Transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents typically located 421 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 78 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 19 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 50% (~5,346 people) have private health cover, lower than Greater Melbourne's 57.8%. Nationally, this figure is 55.7%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent conditions, impacting 11.6% and 10.5% of residents respectively. Conversely, 57.6% report no medical ailments, compared to Greater Melbourne's 63.9%. Hastings has 27.1% (2,903 people) aged 65 and over, lower than Greater Melbourne's 29.9%. Senior health outcomes align with the general population's profile.

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 findings, had a cultural diversity index below average. Its population comprised 87.2% citizens, with 82.5% born in Australia and 94.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, making up 42.7%.

Judaism, however, was overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 0.2%. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (33.5%), Australian (31.3%), and Scottish (7.7%). Notably, Dutch ethnicity was slightly overrepresented at 2.0% in Hastings, matching regional figures for Hungarian (0.3%) and French (0.5%) ethnicities.

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 constitutes 10.6% of the population in Hastings, compared to Greater Melbourne, while the 25-34 cohort makes up 11.4%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 75-84 age group has grown from 8.6% to 10.6%, and the 25-34 cohort has declined from 13.0% to 11.4%. Population forecasts for the year 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Hastings. The 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 58%, reaching 1,795 people from 1,135. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 85% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 0-4 and 35-44 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.