Heyfield

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Heyfield's population is estimated at around 2,174 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 124 people (6.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,050 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,136 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 30 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 28 persons per square kilometer. Heyfield's 6.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (5.0%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 53.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth were positive factors.

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, a significant population increase in the top quartile of non-metropolitan areas nationally is forecast, with the suburb expected to grow by 697 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 31.1% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Heyfield recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Heyfield has received around 11 dwelling approvals per year on average over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 56 homes from FY-21 to FY-25. As of FY-26, 5 approvals have been recorded. The area has seen an average of 2.6 people moving in annually for each new home constructed between FY-21 and FY-25.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $434,000. In FY-26, there have been $2.3 million in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's residential nature. Heyfield's development levels per capita are similar to those in the Rest of Vic., maintaining market equilibrium with surrounding areas.

Recent construction comprises 91% detached dwellings and 9% attached dwellings, preserving the area's traditional low density character. There are approximately 285 people per dwelling approval in Heyfield, indicating a low density market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Heyfield is forecasted to gain 675 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

Heyfield has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

No changes can influence a region's performance more than alterations to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. Zero projects have been identified by AreaSearch that could impact this area. Key projects include Regional Housing Fund Gippsland, Gippsland Digital Infrastructure Upgrade, Maryvale Energy from Waste (EfW) Facility, and Gippsland Line Upgrade. The following list details those likely to be most relevant:.

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

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While Heyfield retains a healthy unemployment rate of 3.9%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

Heyfield has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, notably in construction. Its unemployment rate is 3.9% as per AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

As of June 2025936 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.9%, slightly higher than Rest of Vic.'s 3.8%. Workforce participation in Heyfield is lower at 46.7% compared to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Manufacturing stands out with employment levels at 1.5 times the regional average.

However, education & training employs only 5.8% of local workers, below Rest of Vic.'s 9.1%. The area may lack local job opportunities, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.7%, employment fell by 1.4%, leading to a 0.6 percentage point rise in unemployment. In contrast, Rest of Vic.'s employment contracted by 0.9%, labour force fell by 0.4%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Heyfield's employment mix suggests local job growth could be around 5.6% over five years and 12.2% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data, released for financial year 2022, indicates Heyfield's median income among taxpayers is $36,890, with an average of $44,890. This is lower than the national average, compared to Rest of Vic.'s median of $48,741 and average of $60,693. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates suggest approximately $41,376 (median) and $50,349 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Heyfield all fall between the 3rd and 5th percentiles nationally. The $400 - 799 income bracket dominates with 30.7% of residents (667 people), differing from surrounding regions where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 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. In comparison, Non-Metro Vic.'s figures were 91.9% houses and 8.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Heyfield was 46.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 34.8% and rented ones at 19.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,088, lower than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,300. Median weekly rent in Heyfield was $210, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $260. Nationally, Heyfield's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,088 versus Australia's 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 account for the remaining 35.0%, with lone person households at 33.4% and group households comprising 2.4%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which aligns with the average in 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 the Victorian average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are 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 such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 9.4% and certificates at 33.8%. Educational participation is high, with 29.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 12.0% in primary, 9.9% in secondary, and 2.2% in tertiary.

St Michael's School and Heyfield Primary School serve 184 students collectively, offering balanced educational opportunities (ICSEA: 974). Both schools focus on primary education, with secondary options available nearby. There are 8.5 school places per 100 residents, below the regional average of 14.5. Some students may attend schools in adjacent areas.

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

Transport analysis shows three active transport stops in Heyfield, consisting of a mix of buses. These stops are served by three distinct routes, collectively offering 48 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents typically located 502 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages six trips per day across all routes, translating 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

Heyfield faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. As of approximately February 2018, around 45% (~971 people) had private health cover, compared to Rest of Vic's 49.2%. Nationally, the average is 55.3%.

Key medical issues include arthritis (10.1%) and mental health concerns (9.4%), with 59.9% reporting no ailments, versus Rest of Vic's 62.7%. Around 28.2% (~613 people) are aged 65+, higher than Rest of Vic's 23.5%. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges but perform better than the general population in health metrics.

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 showed cultural diversity below average levels, with 87.7% citizens, 91.3% born in Australia, and 97.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity dominated as the main religion, comprising 46.0%, 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 representation stood at 2.1% (vs regional 2.1%), Polish at 1.1% (vs 0.6%), and Welsh at 0.6% (vs 0.4%).

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

Heyfield's median age is 46, slightly higher than Victoria's figure of 43 and significantly above Australia's national norm of 38. The 65-74 age group comprises 15.7%, compared to Victoria's 12.9% and the national average of 9.4%. Conversely, the 35-44 cohort is less prevalent at 10.2%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 75-84 age group grew from 8.4% to 9.3%, while the 55-64 cohort declined from 14.0% to 12.0%. By 2041, Heyfield's demographic is expected to shift notably. The 25-34 group will grow by 62%, reaching 378 people from 232, while the 55-64 cohort grows modestly by 7% (17 people).