Hughesdale

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

As of Nov 2025, Hughesdale's population is estimated at around 8,083, reflecting an increase of 520 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,563. This growth is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 8,088 following examination of the ABS's latest ERP data release (June 2024) and an additional 21 validated new addresses since the Census date. The suburb's population density equates to 4,021 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the top 10% nationally according to AreaSearch. Hughesdale's growth of 6.9% since the census is comparable to its SA4 region (7.1%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 88.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth in the suburb. AreaSearch adopts 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 VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods. Considering these projections, Hughesdale is expected to experience above median population growth, increasing by 1,848 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 22.9% over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Hughesdale experienced approximately 14 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 74 homes. As of FY-26, 4 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years, an average of 2.2 people moved to the area per new home constructed, indicating solid demand supporting property values. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $655,000, moderately above regional levels, suggesting emphasis on quality construction.

In FY-26, $1.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Hughesdale has significantly lower building activity, 71.0% below the regional average per person, which typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. This is also lower than national levels, indicating market maturity and possible development constraints. Recent construction comprises 64.0% detached houses and 36.0% medium to high-density housing, offering choices across price ranges from spacious family homes to more accessible compact options. With around 552 people per approval, Hughesdale is a mature, established area.

According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Hughesdale is expected to grow by 1,853 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 23 projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include Suburban Rail Loop East, VicTrack Oakleigh Housing Development, Hughesdale Village Precinct Structure Plan (ongoing implementation), and Legacy Oakleigh Residential Development. The following list details those 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 5.0%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025, 4841 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.4% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Melbourne's at 68.6%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. Notably, professional & technical employment is at 1.4 times the regional average.

Conversely, construction employs only 7.2% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 9.7%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities. Between June 2024 and June 2025, the labour force increased by 1.4%, while employment decreased by 0.9%, causing unemployment to rise by 2.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 3.5% and labour force growth of 4.0%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 offer insights into potential future demand in Hughesdale. These projections suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Hughesdale's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.4% over ten years.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

Hughesdale had a median taxpayer income of $56,480 and an average of $72,835 according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2022. This is higher than Greater Melbourne's median income of $54,892 and average income of $73,761. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $63,348 (median) and $81,692 (average), based on a 12.16% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. Census 2021 income data shows Hughesdale's household, family, and personal incomes are around the 70th percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals that 30.8% of locals (2,489 people) earn between $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, mirroring the region where 32.8% fall into this bracket. Higher earners make up a substantial presence with 32.2% exceeding $3,000 weekly. Housing accounts for 15.0% of income. Residents rank within the 71st percentile for disposable income and 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 structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 53.6% houses and 46.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Melbourne metro's figures of 47.8% houses and 52.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hughesdale was 32.3%, aligning with Melbourne metro's figure, while mortgaged dwellings were also at 32.3%. Rented dwellings made up 35.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Hughesdale was $2,167, below the Melbourne metro average of $2,396. Median weekly rent 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, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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 account for the remaining 30.6%, with lone person households at 25.3% and group households comprising 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

Educational attainment in Hughesdale is notably higher than broader benchmarks. 46.8% of residents aged 15 years and over hold university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 33.4% in Victoria. 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% of qualifications among those aged 15 years and over, 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. Hughesdale's three schools have a combined enrollment of 2,219 students as of the latest data. The area demonstrates significant socio-educational advantages with an ICSEA score of 1111. Educational mix includes one primary school, one secondary school, and one K-12 school. As of recent statistics, Hughesdale functions as an education hub with 27.4 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 14.1, attracting students from surrounding communities.

Transport servicing is high 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 21 different routes that together facilitate 5,344 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents on average located 181 meters from the nearest stop.

Across all routes, there are an average of 763 trips per day, which equates to approximately 161 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. However, older cohorts at higher risk have a higher prevalence.

Private health cover is high in Hughesdale, at approximately 56% (~4,494 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 65.2%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common conditions, affecting 7.4% and 6.9% of residents respectively. 73.2% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly lower than Greater Melbourne's 74.0%. Hughesdale has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 16.6% (1,341 people), requiring more attention to health needs compared to the broader population.

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 level of cultural diversity, with 40.3% of its population born overseas and 41.7% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Hughesdale, comprising 48.0% of the population. Judaism is overrepresented in Hughesdale compared to Greater Melbourne, with 1.0% of the population identifying as Jewish, which is substantially lower than the regional average of 17.5%.

The top three ancestry groups in Hughesdale are English (17.1%), Australian (16.4%), and Other (12.2%). Notably, Greek ethnicity is overrepresented at 10.9% compared to the regional average of 4.6%, Sri Lankan at 1.1% versus 0.6%, and Russian at 0.6% compared to 2.2%.

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

The median age in Hughesdale is 38 years, 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 2021 Census and present, the age group 25-34 has increased from 16.7% to 18.4%, while the age groups 5-14 have decreased from 10.9% to 8.9% and 45-54 have dropped from 14.5% to 12.6%. By 2041, Hughesdale's age composition is expected to change notably. The 25-34 group is projected to grow by 21%, adding 319 people to reach 1,807 from 1,487. Meanwhile, the 5-14 group is expected to decrease by 15 residents.