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 Feb 2026, the population of the suburb of Hastings (Vic.) is estimated at around 10,735. This reflects an increase of 366 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,369. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 10,697 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 0.9%, outpacing the SA4 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, as 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 is projected for statistical areas across the nation, with the area expected to increase by 1,788 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 13.5% 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 indicates Hastings has approved around 70 new homes annually. From FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 351 homes were approved, with an additional 27 approved so far in FY-26. Over the past five financial years, on average, 0.2 people moved to the area per dwelling built.

This suggests supply is meeting or exceeding demand, offering greater buyer choice and potential for population growth above projections. The average expected construction cost of new dwellings is $729,000, indicating developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY-26, there have been $53.9 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating strong commercial development momentum compared to Greater Melbourne, where Hastings records 29.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years.

New development consists of 73.0% standalone homes and 27.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining Hastings' traditional low density character focused on family homes. With around 164 people per approval, Hastings reflects a low density area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Hastings is projected to add 1,448 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 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.

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 particularly prominent, with an unemployment rate of 5.5% as of September 2025. Over the past year, there was an estimated employment growth of 2.6%.

This is based on AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, 4,501 residents are employed while the unemployment rate stands at 5.6%, which is 0.9% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation in Hastings lags behind Greater Melbourne at 53.6% compared to 71.0%. According to Census responses, only 13.0% of residents work from home.

Employment is concentrated in construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. The area has a strong employment specialization in construction, with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level. However, professional & technical services have limited presence at just 3.5%, compared to the regional average of 10.1%. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 2.6% while labour force grew by 2.1%, leading to a decrease in unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Melbourne saw employment growth of 3.0%, labour force growth of 3.3%, and an increase in unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that over five years, national employment is expected to expand by 6.6% and by 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Hastings' employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.6% over ten years.

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. The average income in Hastings during this period was $58,217. Both figures are below the national averages. In comparison, Greater Melbourne had a median income of $57,688 and an average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates suggest that as of September 2025, the median income in Hastings would be approximately $45,213, with an average of around $63,020. Census 2021 data reveals that incomes in Hastings fall between the 13th and 17th percentiles nationally for household, family, and personal incomes. Income brackets show that 28.2% of Hastings residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually, with 3,027 individuals in this income band. This pattern is similar to the broader region, where 32.8% of residents fall into this earnings 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 above-average rates of outright home ownership

Hastings' dwelling structures, 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 stood at 33.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 34.1% and rented ones at 32.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,687, lower than Melbourne metro's $2,000. The median weekly rent was $320, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Hastings' mortgage repayments were below the 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, 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, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne 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, with 44.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (12.0%) and certificates (32.1%). Educational participation is high at 28.3%, with 10.8% in primary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 2.5% pursuing 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

Public transport analysis indicates 28 active transport stops operating within Hastings, consisting of bus services. These stops are served by three individual routes, collectively facilitating 551 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents typically located 421 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a predominantly residential area, most residents commute outward, with car being the dominant mode at 94%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions, a relatively low 13.0% of residents work from home.

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 that mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial, affecting both younger and older age cohorts. Mental health issues and arthritis were the most common medical conditions, impacting 11.6% and 10.5% of residents respectively.

Only 57.6% of residents reported being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (around 5,356 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. Hastings has 28.3% of residents aged 65 and over (3,038 people), higher than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, aligning broadly with national rankings for 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, when assessed for cultural diversity, showed a below-average performance. Its population composition was 87.2% citizens, with 82.5% born in Australia, and 94.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, accounting for 42.7% of Hastings' residents.

However, Judaism was notably overrepresented, comprising 0.1% compared to Greater Melbourne's average of 1.0%. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (33.5%, regional average: 20.1%), Australian (31.3%, regional average: 18.4%), and Scottish (7.7%). Other ethnicities with notable divergences included Dutch (Hastings: 2.0%, region: 1.2%), Hungarian (Hastings: 0.3%, region: 0.3%), and French (Hastings: 0.5%, region: 0.5%).

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 median age of 38 years. The 75-84 age group constitutes 11.3% of the population in Hastings, compared to Greater Melbourne's proportion and the national figure of 6.1%. In contrast, the 25-34 age group makes up 10.9% of Hastings' population. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 75-84 age group has increased from 8.6% to 11.3%, while the 25-34 cohort has decreased from 13.0% to 10.9%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes for Hastings. The 85+ age group is projected to grow by 145%, reaching 1,024 people from 418, and the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 83% of total population growth. Conversely, the 25-34 and 0-4 age cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.