Heidelberg West

An assessment of population growth drivers in Heidelberg West reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

The population of the Heidelberg West statistical area (Lv2) is estimated at around 6,862 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 1,610 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,252 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 5,926 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 447 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,199 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The Heidelberg West (SA2) saw a growth of 30.7% since the 2021 census, exceeding the SA3 area's 8.0% growth and the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed 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 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. Moving forward, exceptional growth is predicted over the period with the Heidelberg West (SA2) expected to expand by 3,565 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 37.9% in total over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Heidelberg West has seen around 146 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 732 homes between FY-21 and FY-25. So far in FY-26206 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.6 new residents arrive per year for each new home constructed during this period.

Supply meets or surpasses demand, supporting population growth while providing greater buyer choice. New properties are constructed at an average value of $401,000. In FY-26, $21.1 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating steady commercial investment activity. Relative to Greater Melbourne, Heidelberg West records 299.0% more construction activity per person, significantly above the national average, indicating robust developer interest. New development consists of 12.0% standalone homes and 88.0% townhouses or apartments, creating more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a shift from the area's existing housing composition, currently at 56.0% houses. The location has approximately 83 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market.

Future projections show Heidelberg West adding 2,602 residents by 2041, based on AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. Current development patterns suggest new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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

Four projects identified by AreaSearch are likely to impact the area: Austin Health Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital Redevelopment, Austin Hospital Emergency Department Expansion, Tarakan Street Social and Affordable Housing, Rosanna Village Masterplan & Redevelopment.

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Employment drivers in Heidelberg West are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Heidelberg West has an educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 9.1% one year ago, with estimated employment growth of 2.0%.

As of September 2025, 2820 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 4.5%, which is higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation in Heidelberg West lags at 55.3% compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Leading industries include health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. Healthcare has notable concentration with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

However, professional & technical services are under-represented at 7.1% compared to Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. The worker-to-resident ratio is 0.8, indicating local employment opportunities above the norm. Over the year ending September 2025, employment increased by 2.0%, labour force grew by 0.9%, and unemployment fell by 1.0 percentage points in Heidelberg West. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment growth of 3.0% and a slight rise in unemployment to 4.7%. State-level data from November 25 shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts suggest growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Heidelberg West's industry mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

Heidelberg West's median taxpayer income is $42,518 and average is $52,064 based on latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. These figures are below national averages of $57,688 (median) and $75,164 (average). By September 2025, estimated median income is approximately $46,026 and average is $56,359, considering Wage Price Index growth of 8.25%. Census data shows incomes in Heidelberg West fall between the 13th and 17th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile indicates that the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket dominates with 28.0% of residents (1,921 people), similar to regional levels where 32.8% occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 76.8% of income remaining, ranking at the 11th percentile nationally.

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

Heidelberg West's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 56.5% houses and 43.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Melbourne metro's composition of 76.0% houses and 24.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Heidelberg West stood at 16.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.5% and rented ones at 56.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,900, lower than Melbourne metro's average of $2,167. The median weekly rent was recorded at $306, compared to Melbourne metro's $399. Nationally, Heidelberg West's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially lower at $375.

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

Family households constitute 57.5% of all households, including 21.2% couples with children, 19.4% couples without children, and 14.8% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 42.5%, with lone person households at 34.8% and group households making up 7.5%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.5.

The educational profile of Heidelberg West exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

In Heidelberg West, 32.2% of residents aged 15 and above hold university degrees, compared to the SA3 area's 41.2%. This indicates potential for educational development and skill enhancement. Bachelor degrees are most common at 20.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.8%) and graduate diplomas (3.3%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 28.2% of residents aged 15 and above holding them – advanced diplomas at 10.3% and certificates at 17.9%.

Educational participation is high, with 31.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.4% in primary education, 8.2% in tertiary education, and 7.1% pursuing secondary education.

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

Heidelberg West has 43 active public transport stops operating within its boundaries. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totaling 14 individual routes. Together, they facilitate 2,925 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents on average located just 137 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 417 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 68 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Heidelberg West is well below average with considerably higher than average prevalence of common health conditions and to an even higher degree among older age cohorts

Heidelberg West faces significant health challenges with a higher prevalence of common conditions compared to average. Among older age groups, this prevalence is even greater. Only approximately 48% (~3,259 people) have private health cover, which is lower than Greater Melbourne's 60.9% and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most common conditions in the area, affecting 11.7% and 8.5% of residents respectively. However, 66.2% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to Greater Melbourne's 69.3%. The area has 14.2% (974 people) of residents aged 65 and over, lower than Greater Melbourne's 19.8%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors require more attention than the broader population.

Heidelberg West 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 West has high cultural diversity, with 34.9% of its population born overseas and 37.7% speaking a language other than English at home. The dominant religion is Christianity, comprising 32.6%. Islam is overrepresented at 17.5%, compared to Greater Melbourne's average of 2.6%.

Top ancestry groups are Other (20.5%), English (19.9%), and Australian (17.6%). Notably, Lebanese (1.6%) and Macedonian (0.5%) residents are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.6% and 1.1%, respectively. Serbian residents are also slightly overrepresented at 0.5%.

Heidelberg West's population is younger than the national pattern

Heidelberg West's median age is 35 years, which is slightly younger than Greater Melbourne's 37 years and the national average of 38 years. The 25-34 age group makes up 19.8% of Heidelberg West's population, compared to Greater Melbourne's percentage, while the 5-14 age cohort constitutes 10.1%. This proportion for the 25-34 age group is higher than the national average of 14.5%. Between 2021 and the present day, the 35-44 age group has increased from 13.6% to 15.5% of Heidelberg West's population. Conversely, the 15-24 age cohort has decreased from 12.7% to 11.9%. Population forecasts for the year 2041 suggest significant demographic changes in Heidelberg West, with the 45-54 age cohort projected to rise substantially by 61%, from 734 people to 1,181 people.