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

As of Feb 2026, the population of the suburb of Highton is estimated to be around 22,541. This reflects an increase of 1,805 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 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 growth rate of 8.7% since the 2021 census exceeded the Rest of Vic. (8.1%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 52.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises 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 are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking at population projections moving forward, the suburb is expected to increase by 6,905 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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Highton has seen around 146 new homes approved per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 734 homes. So far in FY-26, 35 approvals have been recorded. On average, 2.1 new residents are associated with each dwelling annually between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating solid demand supporting property values. The average construction cost value of new homes is $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, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to Rest of Vic., Highton records about 66% of the building activity per person and places among the 46th percentile of areas assessed nationally, suggesting somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established dwellings. New development consists of 76.0% detached dwellings and 24.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

At around 360 people per approval, Highton indicates a mature market. Population forecasts indicate Highton will gain 6,502 residents through to 2041, based on AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 29 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include Wandana Estate, Highton Urban Design Framework, 22-24 Barrabool Road Development, and Morven Townhomes. The following list details those expected to have the most relevance.

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.

Highton ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Highton has a highly educated workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.0%, lower than the national average of 5.1% as of September 2025 (Australian Bureau of Statistics). The area's employment stability has remained relatively consistent over the past year, according to AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data.

As of this date, 12,379 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.8% lower than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Highton stands at 69.1%, higher than Rest of Vic.'s 61.4%. Census responses indicate that 26.5% of residents work from home, although Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The leading employment industries among residents are health care and social assistance, education and training, and retail trade.

Highton has a particular specialization in education and training, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry, and fishing is under-represented, comprising only 0.7% of Highton's workforce compared to 7.5% in Rest of Vic.. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as evidenced by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, the labour force decreased by 0.2%, alongside a 0.2% employment decline, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable at 2.0%. In comparison, Rest of Vic. recorded an employment decline of 0.7%, labour force decline of 0.6%, and a marginal rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Highton's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.2% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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 Rest of Vic.'s median income of $50,954 and average income of $62,728. By September 2025, estimated median income in Highton could be approximately $58,285 and average income around $75,752, based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year ending June 2023. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Highton are at the 67th percentile nationally. Income analysis shows that 30.6% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, consistent with regional trends. Notably, 31.7% of residents earn above $3,000 per week, indicating strong economic capacity in the area. After housing costs, residents retain 87.5% of their income, reflecting robust purchasing power. The suburb'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, 87.4% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 12.6% being semi-detached homes, apartments, or other types. This differs slightly from Non-Metro Vic., where 90.1% of dwellings are houses and 9.9% are other types. Home ownership in Highton stood at 39.3%, similar to Non-Metro Vic.'s rate. The majority of dwellings were mortgaged (38.9%) or rented (21.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, higher than Non-Metro Vic.'s average but lower than the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Highton was $360, lower than Non-Metro Vic.'s figure of $1,430 and the national average of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 26.8%, with lone person households at 23.2% and group households making up 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

Highton has a notably high educational attainment among residents aged 15 and above, with 39.4% holding university qualifications compared to the broader Victorian average of 21.7%. This figure is also higher than the SA3 area average of 27.3%. The most common qualification in Highton is bachelor degrees, held by 25.9% of residents, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 9.2%, and graduate diplomas at 4.3%. Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 30.7% of residents holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (12.6%) and certificates (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 serviced by 15 routes. These routes provide a total of 1,826 weekly passenger trips. Residents have good transport accessibility, with an average distance of 255 meters to the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward from this primarily residential area. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 93%. On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 26.5% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. 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. AreaSearch's assessment indicates low prevalence of common health conditions among both young and old age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 54% of the total population (~12,282 people), compared to 50.5% across Rest of Vic.. The most common medical conditions are asthma (8.3%) and mental health issues (7.9%), while 70.5% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.4% across Rest of Vic.. Under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. Highton has 16.1% of residents aged 65 and over (3,629 people), lower than the 23.9% in Rest of 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 population shows above-average cultural diversity, with 20.1% born overseas and 13.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Highton, comprising 49.9% of its population. Notably, Judaism is slightly overrepresented compared to the rest of Victoria, making up 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (28.0%), Australian (25.0%), and Irish (10.0%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences in representation: Scottish at 9.4% (compared to 8.8% regionally), Croatian at 0.9% (compared to 0.4%), and Dutch at 1.7%.

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

Highton's median age is 38, which is lower than the Rest of Vic.'s figure of 43 but equivalent to Australia's national norm of 38. The 15-24 age group makes up 15.3% of Highton's population, higher than Rest of Vic., while the 65-74 cohort comprises 8.5%. After the 2021 Census, younger residents caused a drop in median age by 1.4 years to 38. The 25-34 age group increased from 12.0% to 15.0%, and the 15-24 cohort rose from 13.4% to 15.3%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort declined from 11.4% to 9.4%, and the 45-54 group decreased from 12.9% to 11.2%. By 2041, Highton's age composition is projected to shift significantly. The 25-34 cohort is expected to grow by 65%, adding 2,196 residents for a total of 5,578. The 65-74 group is projected to have modest growth of 0%, adding only 8 residents.