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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of Nov 2025, the estimated population of Heidelberg Heights is around 7,454. This reflects an increase of 696 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,758. The change is inferred from the resident population of 7,368, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), and an additional 308 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3,566 persons per square kilometer, placing Heidelberg Heights in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 10.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (5.1%) and the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for Heidelberg Heights was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 67.0% 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 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering projected demographic shifts, exceptional growth is predicted over the period with Heidelberg Heights expected to expand by 4,530 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 62.7% in total over the 17 years.

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

Heidelberg Heights averaged approximately 164 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years (FY-20 to FY-24), totalling an estimated 821 homes. As of FY-25131 approvals have been recorded. On average, around 0.6 new residents were associated with each dwelling constructed annually between FY-21 and FY-25. This indicates that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts.

The average construction value of these dwellings was $401,000, which is below regional norms, offering more affordable housing options. In FY-25, commercial development approvals totalled $22.2 million, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Heidelberg Heights had 248.0% more new home approvals per person as of the latest data. However, building activity has slowed in recent years. Nationally, this activity is well above average, reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. The dwelling mix shows 10.0% detached dwellings and 90.0% townhouses or apartments, indicating a shift towards compact living to attract downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This is a significant change from the current housing mix of 62.0% houses.

With approximately 119 people per dwelling approval, Heidelberg Heights exhibits characteristics of a growth area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Heidelberg Heights is projected to gain around 4,675 residents by 2041. Current construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

Heidelberg Heights has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence regional performance. AreaSearch identified 13 projects potentially impacting the area. Key projects include Austin Health Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital Redevelopment, Austin Hospital Emergency Department Expansion, Rosanna Village Masterplan & Redevelopment, and The Austin Heidelberg. Below is a list detailing those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Heidelberg Heights has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Heidelberg Heights has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 5.4% as of June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 2.8% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of that date, 4,277 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.8% above Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation was fairly standard at 66.8%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services. The area has a particularly notable concentration in health care & social assistance, with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

However, accommodation & food services have limited presence, with only 4.6% of employment compared to the regional average of 6.4%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. During the year to June 2025, employment levels increased by 2.8%, and labour force increased by 1.4%, resulting in a decrease in unemployment by 1.3 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne, where employment rose by 3.5%, the labour force grew by 4.0%, and unemployment rose by 0.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 offer further insight into potential future demand within Heidelberg Heights. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, suggest that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Heidelberg Heights's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.6% over ten years, although it is important to note that this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections.

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

Heidelberg Heights' income level is extremely high nationally according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. Its median income among taxpayers is $64,124 and average income stands at $78,522, compared to Greater Melbourne's figures of $54,892 and $73,761 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $71,921 (median) and $88,070 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, personal income ranks at the 70th percentile ($923 weekly), while household income sits at the 54th percentile. The predominant cohort spans 34.1% of locals (2,541 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 income category. High housing costs consume 18.0% of income, placing disposable income at the 52nd percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

Heidelberg Heights' dwelling structures, as per the latest Census data, consisted of 61.9% houses and 38.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). This compares to Melbourne metro's structure of 76.0% houses and 24.0% other dwellings. The home ownership rate in Heidelberg Heights was 24.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.9% and rented ones at 42.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,167, aligning with Melbourne metro's average. The median weekly rent figure was $381, compared to Melbourne metro's $399. Nationally, Heidelberg Heights' mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded 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 constitute 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 comprise the remaining 37.5%, with lone person households at 30.8% and group households making up 6.6%. The median household size is 2.3 people, 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 notably high, with 43.8% of residents aged 15 years and over holding university qualifications. This compares to 30.4% for Australia and 32.8% for the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are most common at 27.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (12.2%) and graduate diplomas (4.5%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 25.2% of residents aged 15 years and over holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 10.4% and certificates for 14.8%.

Educational participation is 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. However, educational facilities appear to be located outside the immediate catchment boundaries, requiring families to access schools in neighboring areas.

Transport servicing is high 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 4,318 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents on average being located just 152 meters from the nearest stop.

Across all routes, service frequency averages at 616 trips per day, which translates to approximately 107 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 shows Heidelberg Heights residents have relatively positive health outcomes, with a low prevalence of common conditions compared to the general population but higher than national averages among older, at-risk groups. Approximately 58% (4,309 people) have private health cover, slightly lower than Greater Melbourne's 60.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues and asthma, affecting 10.2% and 8.6% of residents respectively, with 69.3% reporting no medical ailments, similar to Greater Melbourne's rate. Heidelberg Heights has 12.5% (931 people) aged 65 and over, lower than Greater Melbourne's 19.8%. While health outcomes among seniors require more attention, overall outcomes need improvement compared to broader population standards.

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, accounting for 41.7% of the population. Islam, however, was significantly overrepresented at 7.5%, compared to Greater Melbourne's average of 2.6%.

The top three ancestral groups were English (20.8%), Australian (18.6%), and Other (13.4%). Notably, Italian (7.4%) and Greek (4.2%) ethnicities were overrepresented in Heidelberg Heights compared to regional averages of 7.7% and 3.0%, respectively. Sri Lankan ethnicity was also slightly overrepresented at 0.7%.

Heidelberg Heights's population is younger than the national pattern

Heidelberg Heights' median age of 35 years is slightly younger than Greater Melbourne's 37 and the national average of 38. The 25-34 age group makes up 21.0%, higher than Greater Melbourne's percentage but lower than the national average of 14.5%. The 15-24 cohort represents 10.1% of Heidelberg Heights' population. Between 2021 and present, the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 15.9% to 18.0%, while the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 11.7% to 10.8%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate that the 45 to 54 age cohort will significantly rise by 747 people (93%), from 805 to 1,553.