Highett

Highett 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 suburb of Highett had an estimated population of around 13,376 as of February 2026, reflecting a growth of 1,360 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents an 11.3% rise from the previous census figure of 12,016 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of Highett's resident population at 12,807 following examination of ABS data released in June 2024 and validation of 395 new addresses since the Census date. Highett's population density stood at 3,624 persons per square kilometer as of February 2026, placing it in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch assessments. The suburb's growth rate exceeded both its SA4 region (8.7%) and the national average since the 2021 Census. Overseas migration contributed approximately 80% of Highett's population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses 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 employs the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on these projections, Highett is forecast to increase its population by 3,444 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 25.6% over the 17-year period.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Highett has seen around 146 new homes approved per year over the past five financial years ending June 2025. This totals an estimated 733 homes. As of April 2026, 15 approvals have been recorded in this financial year. On average, 0.9 people moved to Highett for each dwelling built between July 2020 and June 2025, indicating that new supply has kept pace with or exceeded demand.

The average construction cost value of these new homes was $620,000, suggesting a focus on the premium segment. This year, $10.8 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. New development consists of 16.0% detached dwellings and 84.0% townhouses or apartments, reflecting a shift from the current housing mix of 53.0% houses. Highett has approximately 50 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Highett is expected to grow by 2,875 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Highett 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 has identified 15 projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include Sanctuary Sandringham, Suburban Rail Loop East - Cheltenham Station, Highett Common, and Early 3191 Sandringham Townhouses. The following list details those most relevant.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

The employment landscape in Highett shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Highett has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 5.1% as of December 2024. Over the past year, employment remained relatively stable.

As of December 2025, 7,191 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 5.1%, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Melbourne's at 71.3%. According to Census responses in 2026, 44.2% of Highett residents work from home. The dominant employment sectors are professional & technical (1.4 times the regional level), health care & social assistance, and education & training.

Transport, postal & warehousing employs only 3.1% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 5.2%. Between December 2024 and December 2025, Highett's labour force decreased by 0.2%, alongside a 0.2% employment decline, leaving unemployment broadly flat. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment grow by 2.4% and the labour force expand by 2.8%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May-25, project national employment to increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Highett's employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 7.0% over five years and 14.1% over ten years.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

Highett suburb has a median taxpayer income of $64,613 and an average of $84,795 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is among the highest in Australia, contrasting with Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $69,944 (median) and $91,791 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Highett, between the 73rd and 81st percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows the predominant cohort spans 29.8% of locals (3,986 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 income category, mirroring the metropolitan region where 32.8% occupy this bracket. The substantial proportion of high earners, at 33.5%, indicates strong economic capacity throughout the district. High housing costs consume 15.9% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 73rd percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Highett displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Highett's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 53.3% houses and 46.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Highett stood at 31.0%, similar to Melbourne metro, with mortgaged dwellings at 41.0% and rented ones at 28.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,300, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Highett's median weekly rent figure was $430, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Highett's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,300 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Highett has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 67.9% of all households, including 32.3% couples with children, 24.2% couples without children, and 10.5% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 32.1%, with lone person households at 29.6% and group households comprising 2.6% of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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

Highett's educational attainment is notably high, with 42.8% of residents aged 15+ having university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and Victoria's 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 28.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (10.2%) and graduate diplomas (4.2%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 27.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas account for 12.5% and certificates for 14.8%. Highett's educational participation is high, with 28.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 9.5% in primary education, 7.1% in secondary education, and 5.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Highett has 54 operational public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by 17 different routes, offering a total of 3,181 weekly passenger trips. Highett's transport accessibility is excellent, with residents located an average of 158 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 82%, followed by trains at 9% and walking at 4%. Highett has a lower vehicle ownership rate than the regional average, with 1.1 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 44.2% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 454 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 58 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Highett is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population and nearer the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Highett demonstrates above-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population but nearer to the nation's average for older, at-risk cohorts.

Private health cover is exceptionally high in Highett, with approximately 60% of the total population (8,060 people) having it, compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 8.0 and 7.9% of residents respectively. A total of 71.0% of Highett residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. Highett has 17.2% of residents aged 65 and over (2,300 people), which is higher than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are above average but rank lower nationally compared to the broader population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Highett was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Highett was found to be more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 21.4% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 31.2% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion in Highett, making up 43.5% of people there. However, Judaism is notably overrepresented, comprising 2.0% of Highett's population compared to 1.0% across Greater Melbourne.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups in Highett are English at 25.1%, Australian at 21.0%, and Other at 9.7%. Some ethnic groups are notably divergent: Polish is overrepresented at 1.5% (vs regional average of 0.8%), Russian at 1.1% (vs 0.4%), and Hungarian at 0.5% (vs 0.3%).

Highett's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Highett has a median age of 40, which is slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and Australia's national average of 38 years. Comparing Highett's demographics with Greater Melbourne's, the 45-54 age cohort is notably more prevalent locally at 15.1%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 12.3%. Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 9.9% to 11.5% of Highett's population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 5.0% to 6.4%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group has declined from 12.1% to 11.0%. Demographic projections indicate significant changes in Highett's age profile by 2041, with the 45 to 54 age cohort expected to expand notably, increasing by 576 people (29%) from 2,019 to a projected total of 2,596.