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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Highton's population is estimated at around 22,541 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,805 people (8.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 20,736 people. 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 in June 2024 and an additional 252 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,979 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Highton's 8.7% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the Rest of Vic. (8.1%), along with the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed 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, 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. Looking at population projections moving forward, a significant population increase in the top quartile of regional areas across the nation is forecast, with the suburb expected to increase by 6,922 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 30.2% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Highton when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Highton shows approximately 145 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 728 homes. As of FY-26, 43 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling adds around 2.1 new residents per year between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating strong demand that supports property values. New homes are being built at an average cost of $798,000, suggesting developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties.

This financial year has seen $116.3 million in commercial approvals registered, reflecting high local commercial activity. Compared to Rest of Vic., Highton records about 66% of building activity per person and ranks among the 43rd percentile nationally, implying limited buyer options while bolstering demand for established dwellings. New development comprises 76.0% detached dwellings and 24.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving the area's suburban character with a focus on family homes.

With around 378 people per approval, Highton indicates a mature market. Latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate projects Highton will gain 6,816 residents by 2041. At current development rates, 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 20% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 29 projects expected to impact the area. Notable projects include Wandana Estate, Highton Urban Design Framework, development at 22-24 Barrabool Road, and Morven Townhomes. Relevant projects are detailed below.

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. The unemployment rate is 1.9%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data (December 2025). There are 12,362 residents employed, with an unemployment rate 1.8% lower than Regional Vic.'s 3.7%.

Workforce participation is high at 68.9%, compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.5%. Census data shows 26.5% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Leading employment industries are health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. Education & training is particularly specialized, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 0.7% compared to Regional Vic.'s 7.5%. The area seems to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Between December 2024 and 2025, labour force decreased by 0.7%, alongside a 0.5% employment decline, lowering the unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. Regional Vic., meanwhile, saw an employment decline of 0.6%, labour force decline of 0.7%, with unemployment falling 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts (May-25) project a 6.6% expansion over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Highton's employment mix suggests local employment could increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.2% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows median income in Highton suburb is $53,843 and average income is $69,979. This compares to Regional Vic.'s median of $50,954 and average of $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year ending June 2023, estimated median income as of September 2025 is approximately $58,285 and average income is $75,752. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Highton cluster around the 67th percentile nationally. Income analysis shows that 30.6% of individuals earn between $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, similar to the regional trend of 30.3%. Notably, 31.7% of residents earn above $3,000/week indicating strong economic capacity. 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 ownership patterns similar to the broader region

In Highton, as per the latest Census evaluation, 87.4% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 12.6% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other dwelling types. This compares to Regional Vic.'s figures of 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Highton stood at 39.3%, similar to Regional Vic., with mortgaged properties at 38.9% and rented dwellings at 21.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,000, higher than Regional Vic.'s average of $1,430. The median weekly rent figure for Highton was recorded as $360, lower than Regional Vic.'s $285 and the national average of $375. Nationally, Highton's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute 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, which is larger than the Regional 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 is notably high, with 39.4% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications as of the latest data point. This figure surpasses both the Rest of Vic benchmark at 21.7% and the SA3 area average of 27.3%. The area's educational advantage is reflected in its strong focus on knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent, with 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 at 12.6% and certificates at 18.1%.

Educational participation is notably high in the area, with 32.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 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 serviced by 15 routes. These provide a total of 1,826 weekly passenger trips. Residents have good accessibility to transport, with an average distance of 255 meters to the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward from this primarily residential area. Cars are the dominant mode of transportation at 93%, with an average vehicle ownership of 1.6 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 26.5% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 260 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 24 weekly trips per individual stop.

Highton's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Highton based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts saw low prevalence of common health conditions.

The rate of private health cover was found to be fairly high at approximately 54% of the total population (~12,282 people), compared to 50.5% across Regional Vic.. The most common medical conditions in the area were asthma and mental health issues, impacting 8.3 and 7.9% of residents respectively. Seventy-point-five percent declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.4% across Regional Vic.. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 16.2% of residents aged 65 and over (3,651 people), which is lower than the 23.9% in Regional Vic.. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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 is above average, with 20.1% of its population born overseas and 13.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Highton, making up 49.9% of people. Notably, Judaism is represented by 0.1%, slightly higher than Regional Vic's 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (28.0%), Australian (25.0%), and Irish (10.0%). There are notable differences in the representation of Scottish (9.4% vs regional 8.8%), Croatian (0.9% vs 0.4%), and Dutch (1.7% vs 1.7%) ethnic groups.

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

Highton's median age is 38, which is lower than Regional Vic.'s figure of 43 but equivalent to the national norm of 38. The 15-24 age group makes up 15.4% of Highton's population compared to Regional Vic., while the 65-74 cohort comprises 8.5%. Post the 2021 Census, younger residents have reduced the median age by 1.4 years to 38. The 25 to 34 age group has increased from 12.0% to 15.0%, and the 15 to 24 cohort has risen from 13.4% to 15.4%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has decreased from 11.4% to 9.5%, and the 45 to 54 group has dropped from 12.9% to 11.2%. By 2041, Highton's age composition is projected to shift significantly. The 25 to 34 cohort is expected to grow by 67%, adding 2,250 residents to reach a total of 5,632. The 65 to 74 group is projected to grow at a more modest rate of 2%, adding only 37 residents.