Highton

Highton 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 population of the Highton statistical area (Lv2) was estimated at 22,529 as of Nov 2025, based on ABS population updates and new addresses validated by AreaSearch. This figure reflects an increase of 1,793 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 20,736. The change is inferred from the resident population of 22,435 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 255 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,978 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The Highton (SA2)'s growth rate of 8.6% since the 2021 census exceeded that of the SA3 area (7.9%) and the non-metro area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 52.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth were positive factors.

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 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. Looking at population projections moving forward, the area is expected to increase by 6,906 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 28.9% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Highton among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Highton has seen approximately 146 new home approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 734 homes. As of FY-26, 35 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling accommodates around 2.1 new residents annually between FY-21 and FY-25. The average construction cost value for new homes is approximately $798,000, indicating a focus on the premium market segment.

In FY-26, Highton has registered $116.3 million in commercial approvals, reflecting high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to other areas in Victoria and nationally, Highton records around 66% of building activity per person and falls within the 46th percentile of assessed areas, suggesting limited buyer options but strong demand for established dwellings. New development consists predominantly of detached dwellings (76.0%) with a smaller proportion of medium and high-density housing (24.0%), maintaining Highton's traditional suburban character focused on family homes.

With around 360 people per approval, Highton indicates a mature market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the population is forecasted to grow by 6,516 residents through to 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 29 projects that could impact this region. Notable ones include Wandana Estate, Highton Urban Design Framework, 22-24 Barrabool Road Development, and Morven Townhomes. The following 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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Highton ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Highton has an educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.0%, lower than the Rest of Vic's 3.8%.

Employment stability has been maintained over the past year. As of September 2025, there are 12,391 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 1.8% below the regional average and a workforce participation rate of 65.4%, higher than Rest of Vic's 57.4%. Key employment industries include health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. The area specializes in education & training, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level, but agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 0.7% compared to Rest of Vic's 7.5%.

Local employment opportunities appear limited due to a lower count of Census working population versus resident population. Over the past year, the labour force decreased by 0.2%, with employment declining by 0.2%, keeping unemployment relatively stable. In contrast, Rest of Vic saw an employment decline of 0.7% and labour force decline of 0.6%, with a marginal rise in unemployment. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest growth of 6.6% over five years and 14.2% over ten years for Highton, based on industry-specific projections applied to its local employment mix.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

Income data from AreaSearch for financial year 2023 shows median assessed income in Highton suburb is $53,843. Average income stands at $69,979. This compares to Rest of Vic.'s median income of $50,954 and average income of $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Highton are approximately $58,285 (median) and $75,752 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Highton cluster around the 67th percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals that 30.6% of individuals earn between $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, consistent with broader trends across the region at 30.3%. Notably, 31.7% of residents earn above $3,000/week, indicating strong economic capacity in Highton. After housing costs, residents retain 87.5% of income, reflecting robust purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

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

Highton's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, was 87.4% houses and 12.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s 84.6% houses and 15.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Highton was 39.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 38.9% and rented ones at 21.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, higher than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,712. The median weekly rent in Highton was $360, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $335. Nationally, Highton's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,000 versus Australia's average of $1,863, while rents were lower at $360 compared to the national figure of $375.

Highton has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 73.2% of all households, including 36.3% couples with children, 28.3% couples without children, and 7.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 26.8%, with lone person households at 23.2% and group households comprising 3.7%. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Rest of Vic average of 2.4.

Highton 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 Highton shows a significant advantage compared to broader benchmarks. As of the latest data, 39.4% of residents aged 15 and above hold university qualifications, surpassing the Rest of Vic's 21.7% and the SA3 area's 27.3%. This high level of educational attainment positions the area well for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 25.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.2%) and graduate diplomas (4.3%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 30.7% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas make up 12.6% and certificates account for 18.1%.

Educational participation is notably high in Highton, with 32.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.3% in primary education, 8.3% in secondary education, and 7.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Highton has 74 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 15 different routes that together facilitate 1,826 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy good transport accessibility, with an average distance of 255 meters to the nearest stop.

Across all routes, there is an average service frequency of 260 trips per day, which equates to approximately 24 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Highton is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Highton demonstrates above-average health outcomes with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions.

The rate of private health cover is found to be fairly high at approximately 54% of the total population (~12,276 people). The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, impacting 8.3 and 7.9% of residents respectively, while 70.5% declare themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 65.9% across Rest of Vic.. As of October 2021, the area has 16.7% of residents aged 65 and over (3,762 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing even better than the general population in health metrics.

In terms of cultural diversity, Highton records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Highton's cultural diversity was above average, with 20.1% of its population born overseas and 13.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Highton, comprising 49.9% of the population. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented in Highton compared to the rest of Victoria, making up 0.1% versus 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (28.0%), Australian (25.0%), and Irish (10.0%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Scottish was overrepresented at 9.4%, Croatian underrepresented at 0.9%, and Dutch slightly underrepresented at 1.7%.

Highton's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

Highton's median age is 38, lower than Rest of Vic.'s figure of 43 but equivalent to Australia's norm of 38. The 15-24 age group represents 15.2%, higher than Rest of Vic., while the 65-74 cohort stands at 8.8%. Post-2021 Census, median age decreased by 1 year to 38 due to younger residents. Specifically, 25-34 age group grew from 12% to 14.2%, and 15-24 increased from 13.4% to 15.2%. Conversely, 55-64 decreased from 11.4% to 9.8%, and 45-54 dropped from 12.9% to 11.6%. By 2041, Highton's age composition is projected to shift notably. The 25-34 cohort is expected to grow by 75%, adding 2,389 residents to reach 5,589. Meanwhile, the 55-64 and 75-84 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.