Heidelberg Heights

Heidelberg Heights lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

The population of the Heidelberg Heights statistical area (Lv2) is estimated at around 8,194 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 1,436 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,758 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 7,042 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 308 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3,920 persons per square kilometer, placing Heidelberg Heights (SA2) in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth of 21.2% since the 2021 Census exceeded the SA3 area's 8.0% and the national average. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 67.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and interstate migration were positive factors.

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 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041 based on these aggregations. According to demographic trends, the Heidelberg Heights (SA2) is predicted to grow exceptionally over the period with an expected increase of 4,536 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 48.1% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Heidelberg Heights among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Heidelberg Heights averaged approximately 161 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 807 homes from FY-20 to FY-25. As of FY-26175 approvals have been recorded. On average, each new dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25 accommodates about 0.7 new residents per year.

This indicates that new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and potential for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction cost value of new properties is around $401,000. In the current financial year, there have been $30.4 million in commercial approvals, suggesting strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Heidelberg Heights records 242.0% more development activity per person, offering greater choice for buyers. However, development activity has moderated in recent periods. This high level of activity reflects strong developer confidence in the area and is well above the national average. The building activity shows a skew towards compact living, with approximately 10.0% detached dwellings and 90.0% attached dwellings.

This trend offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers, marking a significant change from the current housing mix of 62.0% houses. With around 98 people per dwelling approval, Heidelberg Heights exhibits characteristics of a growth area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the suburb is projected to gain approximately 3,941 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Heidelberg Heights has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 13 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones are Austin Health Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital Redevelopment, Austin Hospital Emergency Department Expansion, Rosanna Village Masterplan & Redevelopment, and The Austin Heidelberg. Below is a list of those most relevant.

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AreaSearch analysis reveals Heidelberg Heights recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Heidelberg Heights has an educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate was 5.8% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 1.5%.

As of September 2025, 4,393 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.2% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation was 66.8%, close to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Leading industries for residents include health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services. The area specializes in health care & social assistance with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level, but accommodation & food has limited presence at 4.6% compared to 6.4% regionally.

Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census working population vs resident population count. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 1.5% while labour force grew by 0.9%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment rise by 3.0%, labour force grow by 3.3%, and unemployment increase by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. National forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Heidelberg Heights' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.6% over ten years, assuming constant population projections.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023, the suburb of Heidelberg Heights' median income among taxpayers is $64,124, with an average of $78,522. This is higher than the national average. In Greater Melbourne, the median income was $57,688 and the average was $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year ended June 2023, current estimates for Heidelberg Heights would be approximately $69,414 (median) and $85,000 (average) as of September 2025. Census data shows personal income ranks at the 70th percentile with a weekly income of $923, while household income is at the 54th percentile. The earnings profile indicates that 34.1% of residents (2,794 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999 per week, similar to regional levels where 32.8% fall into this bracket. High housing costs consume 18.0% of income. Despite this, disposable income ranks at the 52nd percentile, placing Heidelberg Heights in the 6th decile based on its SEIFA income ranking.

Heidelberg Heights displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Heidelberg Heights' dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 61.9% houses and 38.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). In contrast, Melbourne metro had 76.0% houses and 24.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Heidelberg Heights was 24.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.9% and rented ones at 42.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, aligning with Melbourne metro's average, while the median weekly rent was $381 compared to Melbourne metro's $399. Nationally, Heidelberg Heights' mortgage repayments were higher at $2,167 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were also higher at $381 compared to the national figure of $375.

Heidelberg Heights features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 62.5% of all households, including 24.7% couples with children, 23.8% couples without children, and 12.3% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 37.5%, with lone person households at 30.8% and group households comprising 6.6%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.5.

Heidelberg Heights demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Educational attainment in Heidelberg Heights is significantly higher than broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15 and above, 43.8% hold university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 32.8% in the SA4 region. This educational advantage positions the area well for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are most common at 27.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (12.2%) and graduate diplomas (4.5%).

Trade and technical skills are also prominent, with 25.2% of residents aged 15 and above holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 10.4% and certificates at 14.8%. Educational participation is notably high, with 29.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.5% in tertiary education, 8.2% in primary education, and 5.1% pursuing secondary education.

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

Heidelberg Heights has 40 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 10 different routes that together facilitate 2,820 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents living an average of 152 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 402 daily trips across all routes, which amounts to around 70 weekly trips per individual stop.

Heidelberg Heights's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Health data for Heidelberg Heights shows positive health outcomes overall. The prevalence of common health conditions is low compared to the general population but higher than national averages among older and at-risk groups.

Private health cover is high, with approximately 58% (~4,736 people) having it, compared to 60.9% in Greater Melbourne. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions, affecting 10.2% and 8.6% of residents respectively. 69.3% of residents report no medical ailments, similar to Greater Melbourne's rate. The area has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 12.5% (1,024 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 19.8%. However, health outcomes among seniors require more attention than the broader population.

Heidelberg Heights was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Heidelberg Heights had a higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 30.6% of its population born overseas and 30.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Heidelberg Heights, making up 41.7% of its population. However, Islam showed significant overrepresentation, comprising 7.5% compared to Greater Melbourne's 2.6%.

The top three ancestral groups were English (20.8%), Australian (18.6%), and Other (13.4%). Some ethnic groups had notable divergences: Italian was overrepresented at 7.4% (vs regional 7.7%), Greek at 4.2% (vs 3.0%), and Sri Lankan at 0.7% (vs 0.5%).

Heidelberg Heights's population is younger than the national pattern

Heidelberg Heights's median age is 35 years, which is slightly younger than Greater Melbourne's 37 and the national average of 38 years. The 25-34 age group comprises 21.0% of Heidelberg Heights' population, compared to Greater Melbourne's percentage, while the 15-24 cohort makes up 10.1%. This 25-34 concentration is higher than the national average of 14.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group has grown from 15.9% to 18.0% of Heidelberg Heights' population. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 11.7% to 10.9%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Heidelberg Heights. The 45-54 age cohort is projected to increase substantially by 661 people (74%), from 893 to 1,555.