Heyfield

Heyfield has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

As of November 2025, the estimated population for the Heyfield statistical area (Lv2) is around 2,180. This figure reflects an increase of 130 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,050. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 2,051 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 30 validated new addresses since the Census date. Over the past decade, Heyfield has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.2%, outpacing its SA3 area. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 53.0% 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, making adjustments using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Looking ahead, significant population increases are forecast for the top quartile of non-metropolitan areas nationally. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the Heyfield (SA2) is expected to grow by 705 persons by 2041, reflecting an increase of 31.1% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Heyfield according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Based on AreaSearch analysis using ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Heyfield has received approximately 10 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 51 homes. In FY26 so far, four approvals have been recorded. Each new dwelling built in Heyfield between FY21 and FY25 has resulted in an average of 2.9 new residents per year, reflecting strong demand that supports property values. The average expected construction cost value for new homes being built is $434,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

This financial year, $3.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting the area's residential character. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Heyfield has 17.0% less new development per person and ranks among the 43rd percentile nationally, resulting in relatively limited buyer choice that supports interest in existing dwellings. Recent development in Heyfield has consisted entirely of standalone homes, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

The estimated population count per dwelling approval is 389 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Heyfield's population is forecasted to grow by 677 residents through to 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

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

No changes can influence a region's performance more than alterations to local infrastructure, significant projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that could potentially impact this area. Key projects include Regional Housing Fund Gippsland, Gippsland Digital Infrastructure Upgrade, Maryvale Energy from Waste (EfW) Facility, and Gippsland Line Upgrade, with the following list providing details on those most likely to be relevant.

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

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Employment conditions in Heyfield remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Heyfield has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. The construction sector is prominent.

Unemployment rate was 3.7% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 4.5%. As of September 2025973 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.8%, lower than Rest of Vic.'s 3.8%, but workforce participation is significantly lower at 46.7% compared to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Major employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Manufacturing stands out with employment levels at 1.5 times the regional average.

Conversely, education & training employs only 5.8% of local workers, below Rest of Vic.'s 9.1%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census data. In the past year, employment increased by 4.5%, while labour force rose by 4.1%, reducing unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Vic., where employment contracted by 0.7% and unemployment rose marginally. State-level data to 25-Nov shows VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, with state unemployment rate at 4.7%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Heyfield's employment should increase by 5.6% over five years and 12.2% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to local employment mix.

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 Heyfield's median income among taxpayers was $36,890, with an average of $44,890. This is lower than the national average, compared to Rest of Vic.'s median of $50,954 and average of $62,728. As of September 2025, based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25%, estimated incomes would be approximately $39,933 (median) and $48,593 (average). Census 2021 income data indicates that Heyfield's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 3rd and 5th percentiles nationally. The $400 - 799 income bracket dominates with 30.7% of residents, differing from surrounding regions where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket is dominant at 30.3%. Housing costs are modest, with 87.4% of income retained, but total disposable income ranks at just the 6th percentile nationally.

Heyfield is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Heyfield's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 93.9% houses and 6.1% other dwellings. This compares to Non-Metro Vic.'s 91.9% houses and 8.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Heyfield was 46.2%, similar to Non-Metro Vic., with mortgaged dwellings at 34.8% and rented ones at 19.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,088, below Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,300. Weekly rent in Heyfield was $210, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $260. Nationally, Heyfield's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Heyfield features high concentrations of lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 65.0% of all households, including 24.3% couples with children, 28.2% couples without children, and 9.9% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 35.0%, with lone person households at 33.4% and group households making up 2.4% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which aligns with the average for the Rest of Vic.

Educational outcomes in Heyfield fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 10.1%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 7.6%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.8%) and postgraduate qualifications (0.7%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 43.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.4%) and certificates (33.8%). Educational participation is high, with 29.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 12.0% in primary, 9.9% in secondary, and 2.2% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.0% in primary education, 9.9% in secondary education, and 2.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis indicates two active public transport stops in Heyfield. These stops offer mixed bus services, with one route serving both. The combined weekly passenger trips amount to 32.

Transport accessibility is moderate, with residents located an average of 512 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages four trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately sixteen weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Heyfield is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Health challenges are prominent across Heyfield, affecting various age groups. Approximately 45% (~974 people) have private health cover, lower than the state average of 49.5%. Nationally, this figure stands at 55.7%.

Arthritis and mental health issues are the most prevalent conditions, impacting 10.1 and 9.4% respectively. Conversely, 59.9% report no medical ailments, compared to 62.7% in Rest of Vic.. Heyfield has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 28.2% (614 people), against the state average of 23.5%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are commendable, performing better than the general population.

The latest Census data sees Heyfield placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Heyfield had a low cultural diversity, with 87.7% citizens, 91.3% born in Australia, and 97.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 46.0% of Heyfield's population, compared to 46.9% across Rest of Vic.. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (35.2%), English (32.1%), and Irish (10.4%).

Notably, Dutch (2.1%) and Polish (1.1%) were overrepresented in Heyfield compared to regional averages of 2.1% and 0.6%, respectively. Welsh representation was also higher at 0.6% versus the regional average of 0.4%.

Heyfield hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Heyfield's median age is 46, which is higher than Victoria's figure of 43 and significantly above the national norm of 38. The 65-74 age group comprises 15.7%, compared to Rest of Vic., while the 35-44 cohort makes up 10.2%. This concentration in the 65-74 group is higher than the national figure of 9.4%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 75 to 84 age group grew from 8.4% to 9.3%, while the 55 to 64 cohort declined from 14.0% to 12.0%. By 2041, Heyfield's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 25 to 34 group is projected to grow by 63% (146 people), reaching 380 from a base of 233. Meanwhile, the 55 to 64 cohort grows by a modest 7% (18 people).