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 22,375 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 1,639 people (7.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 20,736 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 22,288 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 255 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,964 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Highton's growth of 7.9% since the 2021 census exceeded the non-metro area (6.0%), 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 a base year of 2022. 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 6,907 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 29.8% 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, allocated from statistical area data, shows Highton has seen around 144 new homes approved per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 724 homes. So far in FY-26, 24 approvals have been recorded. On average, 2.1 new residents per year for each dwelling were recorded between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating solid demand supporting property values. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $792,000, suggesting developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties.

This financial year has seen $124.0 million in commercial approvals registered, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to Rest of Vic., Highton records about 65% of building activity per person and places among the 45th percentile nationally, indicating 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 focused on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

With around 369 people per approval, Highton indicates a mature market. Population forecasts estimate Highton will gain 6,671 residents by 2041 (from 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 strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 27 projects likely impacting the region. Notable initiatives include Wandana Estate, Highton Urban Design Framework, 22-24 Barrabool Road Development, and Morven Townhomes. The following list details those 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 a highly educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 2.1% as of June 2025, which is 1.7% lower than the Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.1%. Residents' participation in the workforce is high at 65.4%, compared to the Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. Notably, education & training has a particularly strong presence with employment levels at 1.5 times the regional average.

However, agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence with only 0.7% employment compared to the regional average of 7.5%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the Census working population versus resident population count. In the 12-month period ending June 2025, employment increased by 2.1%, while labour force increased by 2.4%, resulting in a slight rise in unemployment of 0.3 percentage points. By comparison, Rest of Vic. saw an employment decline of 0.9% and a labour force decline of 0.4%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall employment growth of 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, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localised population projections.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2022 shows median income in Highton was $53,843 and average income was $69,980. This is higher than national averages of $48,741 (median) and $60,693 (average) for Rest of Vic. Using a 12.16% growth rate from the Wage Price Index since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $60,390 (median) and $78,490 (average). Census 2021 data shows Highton's household, family, and personal incomes are around the 67th percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals that 30.6% of individuals in Highton earn between $1,500 - $2,999, similar to surrounding regions at 30.3%. Economic strength is evident with 31.7% of households earning over $3,000 weekly, indicating high consumer spending power. After housing costs, residents retain 87.5% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking in the 8th decile.

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

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 Non-Metro Vic.'s figures of 84.6% houses and 15.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Highton stood at 39.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 38.9% and rented ones at 21.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, exceeding 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 than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower at $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

Educational attainment in Highton is notably higher than broader benchmarks. 39.4% of residents aged 15+ hold university qualifications, compared to 21.7% in the rest of Victoria and 27.3% in the SA3 area. Bachelor degrees are 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+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 12.6% and certificates at 18.1%. Educational participation is high, 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. Highton's 5 schools have a combined enrollment of 3,545 students. The area demonstrates significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement (ICSEA: 1105). The educational mix includes 3 primary schools and 2 K-12 schools.

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 six different routes that together facilitate 1,489 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as good, with residents on average being located 255 meters from the nearest stop.

The service frequency across all routes averages 212 trips per day, which equates to approximately 20 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 shows above-average health outcomes with both young and elderly residents experiencing low prevalence of common health conditions.

The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 54% of the total population (around 12,192 people). Asthma and mental health issues are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 8.3 and 7.9% of residents respectively. Around 70.5% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 65.9% across the rest of Victoria. The area has 16.7% of residents aged 65 and over (3,736 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Highton was found to be above average when compared nationally for 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. Judaism is slightly overrepresented compared to Rest of Vic., comprising 0.1% of Highton's population.

The top three represented ancestry groups are English (28.0%), Australian (25.0%), and Irish (10.0%). Scottish, Croatian, and Dutch ethnicities show notable divergences in representation: Scottish is overrepresented at 9.4%, Croatian is underrepresented at 0.9%, and Dutch is slightly underrepresented at 1.7%.

Highton's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Highton's median age is 38, which is lower than Rest of Vic.'s figure of 43 but matches the national norm of 38. The 15-24 age group makes up 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. Notably, the 25-34 age group grew from 12.0% to 14.2%, and the 15-24 cohort increased from 13.4% to 15.2%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort declined from 11.4% to 9.8%, and the 45-54 group dropped from 12.9% to 11.6%. By 2041, Highton's age composition is projected to shift significantly. The 25-34 cohort is expected to grow by 76%, adding 2,410 residents to reach 5,588. Meanwhile, the 75-84 and 65-74 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.