Hughesdale

An assessment of population growth drivers in Hughesdale reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, Hughesdale's population is estimated at around 8,088 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 525 people (6.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,563 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 8,088, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 21 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 4,023 persons per square kilometer, which lies in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch, making land in the area a highly-sought resource. Hughesdale's 6.9% growth since census positions it within 1.6 percentage points of the SA4 region (8.5%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 88.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth of national statistical areas is projected, with the Hughesdale statistical area (Lv2) expected to increase by 1,848 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 22.9% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Hughesdale according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Hughesdale has seen approximately 14 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling around 74 homes. In FY26 so far, there have been 5 recorded approvals. On average, about 2.2 people move to the area annually for each new home constructed between FY21 and FY25. The average construction cost of these dwellings is $655,000.

This year, Hughesdale has seen $1.2 million in commercial approvals. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Hughesdale's building activity is 71.0% lower per person. Recent construction comprises 64.0% detached houses and 36.0% medium and high-density housing. As of around 552 people per approval, Hughesdale indicates a mature, established area. By 2041, AreaSearch estimates Hughesdale's population will grow by 1,848 residents.

If current development rates persist, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth.

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

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 23 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include Suburban Rail Loop East, VicTrack Oakleigh Housing Development, Hughesdale Village Precinct Structure Plan (currently being implemented), and Legacy Oakleigh Residential Development. The following list outlines those projects deemed 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 Hughesdale shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Hughesdale has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate is 5.2%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, there are 4,797 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 5.2%, 0.5% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. The workforce participation rate is 68.6%, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. Notably, the area has a high concentration in professional & technical jobs, with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

However, construction employs only 7.2% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 9.7%. The predominantly residential area appears to have limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the difference between the Census working population and resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, the labour force increased by 0.6%, while employment decreased by 1.1%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.7 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 3.3%. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Hughesdale's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.4% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

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

Hughesdale suburb has a median taxpayer income of $56,480 and an average income of $72,835 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is higher than national averages; Greater Melbourne's median income was $57,688 with an average of $75,164 in the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $61,140 (median) and $78,844 (average). Census 2021 income data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Hughesdale cluster around the 70th percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals that the predominant cohort spans 30.8% of locals (2,491 people) with weekly earnings between $1,500 - 2,999, mirroring regional trends where 32.8% fall into this bracket. Higher earners make up a substantial presence at 32.2%, indicating strong purchasing power within the community. Housing accounts for 15.0% of income, with residents ranking in the 71st percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Hughesdale displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Hughesdale's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 53.6% houses and 46.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Melbourne metro had 47.8% houses and 52.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hughesdale was at 32.3%, similar to Melbourne metro's level. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (32.3%) or rented (35.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Hughesdale was $2,167, below the Melbourne metro average of $2,396. The median weekly rent figure was $416, compared to Melbourne metro's $435. Nationally, Hughesdale's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,167 versus Australia's average of $1,863. Rents in Hughesdale were substantially above the national figure of $375 at $416.

Hughesdale features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 69.4% of all households, including 33.1% couples with children, 24.9% couples without children, and 9.3% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 30.6%, with lone person households at 25.3% and group households making up 5.4%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which aligns with the Greater Melbourne average.

Hughesdale shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Hughesdale's educational attainment is notably higher than national averages. Among residents aged 15+, 46.8% hold university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and Victoria's 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 29.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (13.1%) and graduate diplomas (4.0%). Vocational pathways account for 21.7%, with advanced diplomas at 9.9% and certificates at 11.8%.

Educational participation is high, with 29.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.6% in primary education, 8.3% in tertiary education, and 6.5% pursuing secondary education.

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

Hughesdale has 33 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 20 different routes that together facilitate 3,134 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to these services is rated as excellent, with residents on average located just 180 meters from the nearest stop.

Across all routes, there are an average of 447 trips per day, which translates to approximately 94 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Hughesdale shows better-than-average health outcomes with lower prevalence of common conditions among its general population compared to national averages but higher in older, at-risk cohorts. Approximately 56% (~4,496 people) have private health cover, higher than Greater Melbourne's 65.8%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 7.4% and 6.9% of residents respectively, while 73.2% report no medical ailments compared to Greater Melbourne's 74.0%. The area has 16.6% (1,342 people) aged 65 and over.

Hughesdale is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Hughesdale has a high cultural diversity, with 40.3% of its population born overseas and 41.7% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the main religion in Hughesdale, comprising 48.0% of people. Judaism is overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne's average, but still low at 1.0%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (17.1%), Australian (16.4%), and Other (12.2%). Greek, Sri Lankan, and Russian ethnicities show notable divergences in representation: Greek is overrepresented at 10.9%, Sri Lankan at 1.1%, and Russian lower than regional average at 0.6%.

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

The median age in Hughesdale is close to Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and equivalent to Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Hughesdale has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (18.4%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (8.9%). Between the 2016 Census and the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 25-34 grew from 16.7% to 18.4%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 5-14 declined from 10.9% to 8.9%, and the proportion of residents aged 45-54 dropped from 14.5% to 12.6%. By 2041, Hughesdale's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 21% (318 people), reaching 1,807 from 1,488. Meanwhile, the 5-14 age group is expected to decrease by 15 residents.