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, the estimated population of Hughesdale as of Feb 2026 is around 8,090. This reflects an increase of 527 people (7.0%) 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 in June 2024 and an additional 25 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 4,024 persons per square kilometer, placing Hughesdale in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Hughesdale's 7.0% growth since census positions it within 1.7 percentage points of the SA4 region (8.7%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing 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. Looking at population projections moving forward, a significant population increase in the top quartile of national areas is forecast, with Hughesdale expected to grow by 1,848 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 22.8% 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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Hughesdale averaged around 14 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years ending FY-25. This totals an estimated 74 homes. As of FY-26 so far, 5 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years, an average of 2.2 people moved to Hughesdale per year for each new home constructed.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $655,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. This financial year has seen $1.2 million in commercial development approvals, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Hughesdale records markedly lower building activity, at 71.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new homes typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. The current level is also below national average, suggesting possible planning constraints.

New development consists of 64.0% detached dwellings and 36.0% townhouses or apartments, offering a mix of medium-density housing options across different price brackets. Hughesdale has around 552 people per approval, indicating a mature, established area. Looking ahead to 2041, AreaSearch estimates Hughesdale's population will grow by 1,846 residents. 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 impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 23 projects likely to affect the area. Notable ones 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.

Hughesdale has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Hughesdale has an educated workforce with professional services well represented. 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 at 0.5% above Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%.

Workforce participation in Hughesdale is similar to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. Census responses show that 41.5% of residents work from home, but Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The dominant employment sectors are health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training. Notably, the area specializes in professional & technical jobs, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

Conversely, construction has lower representation at 7.2% compared to the regional average of 9.7%. The predominantly residential area seems to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the ratio of Census working population to resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, Hughesdale's labour force increased by 0.6%, while employment decreased by 1.1%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 1.7 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with a smaller unemployment increase of 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 provide insights into potential future demand in Hughesdale. These projections suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Hughesdale's employment mix indicates that local employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.4% over ten years.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released on June 30, 2023, Hughesdale had a median income among taxpayers of $56,480 and an average income of $72,835. This is above the national average of $57,688 and Greater Melbourne's average of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since June 30, 2023, current estimates would be approximately $61,140 (median) and $78,844 (average) as of September 2025. Census data from 2021 shows incomes in Hughesdale cluster around the 70th percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals that 30.8% of locals fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income category, aligning with regional levels where this cohort represents 32.8%. Higher earners make up a substantial presence with 32.2% exceeding $3,000 weekly. Housing accounts for 15.0% of income and residents rank within 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 above-average rates of outright home ownership

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 contrast, Melbourne metro had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hughesdale was higher than Melbourne metro's at 32.3%, with the rest being mortgaged (32.3%) or rented (35.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Hughesdale was $2,167, above Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $416, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Hughesdale's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Hughesdale features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average 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 is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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

Hughesdale's educational attainment notably exceeds 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% 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 3134 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically living within 180 meters of the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards from Hughesdale, primarily by car (71%), followed by train (16%) and walking (4%). On average, there are 1.1 vehicles per dwelling in the area, which is below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, a high proportion of residents work from home (41.5%), potentially due to COVID-19 conditions.

On average, there are 447 trips per day across all routes, resulting in 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 exhibits better-than-average health outcomes, as determined by AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

The prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population but higher than the national average for older, at-risk cohorts. Approximately 56% (~4,498 people) of Hughesdale residents have private health cover, a rate that is very high. Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions in the area, affecting 7.4 and 6.9% of residents respectively. A total of 73.2% of residents claim to be completely free from medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents show low chronic condition prevalence. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 17.3%, with 1,399 people falling into this category, compared to the broader national average.

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's population consists of 40.3% born overseas, with 41.7% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Hughesdale, accounting for 48.0% of its population. Judaism is present at 1.0%, comparable to Greater Melbourne's figure of 1.0%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (17.1%), Australian (16.4%), and Other (12.2%). Notably, Greek ethnicity is overrepresented in Hughesdale at 10.9% compared to the regional average of 2.7%, Sri Lankan at 1.1% versus 0.8%, and Russian at 0.6% against a regional average of 0.4%.

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 the Australian median of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Hughesdale has a higher proportion of 25-34 year-olds (18.1% vs 16.7%) but fewer 5-14 year-olds (8.6% vs 10.9%). From the 2021 Census to present, the 25-34 age group has increased from 16.7% to 18.1%, while the 65-74 cohort has risen from 7.0% to 8.3%. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort has decreased from 10.9% to 8.6% and the 45-54 group has dropped from 14.5% to 12.2%. By 2041, Hughesdale's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 25-34 group is projected to grow by 23%, adding 342 people and reaching 1,807 from 1,464. The 5-14 group is expected to grow modestly at 1%, adding only 8 residents.