Hughesdale

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

The population of Hughesdale is estimated at around 8,090 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 7,563 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population being 8,088 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. The suburb's 7.0% growth since census positions it within 1.7 percentage points of the SA4 region (8.7%). Population growth 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, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, 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 from these aggregations are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking ahead, significant population increase is forecast, with the suburb expected to grow by 1,850 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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Hughesdale averaged approximately 14 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 74 homes. As of FY26, 8 approvals have been recorded. On average, around 2.2 people moved to the area per year for each new home constructed between FY21 and FY25, reflecting robust demand that supports property values. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $655,000, indicating a developer focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

This financial year has seen $1.2 million in commercial development approvals recorded, demonstrating 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 typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. The area's new development consists of 64.0% detached dwellings and 36.0% townhouses or apartments, showing an expanding range of medium-density options across various price brackets. Hughesdale has around 552 people per approval, indicating a mature, established area.

AreaSearch estimates project the area to grow by 1,848 residents through to 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 impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 23 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include Suburban Rail Loop East, VicTrack Oakleigh Housing Development, ongoing implementation of Hughesdale Village Precinct Structure Plan, and Legacy Oakleigh Residential Development. The following list details projects most relevant to the area.

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 a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate was 5.2% as per AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation. By December 2025, 4,771 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 5.3%, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's 4.8%.

Workforce participation in Hughesdale was equal to Greater Melbourne's at 71.3%. Census responses showed that 41.5% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. The dominant employment sectors were health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. Notably, professional & technical jobs had an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

Conversely, construction jobs were lower at 7.2% compared to the regional average of 9.7%. Over a 12-month period ending in May-25, Hughesdale's labour force decreased by 0.3%, and employment fell by 1.3%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 0.9 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment grow by 2.4% and labour force grow by 2.8%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% 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 these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023, Hughesdale had a median taxpayer income of $56,480 and an average income of $72,835. These figures are above the national averages of $57,688 and $75,164 respectively across Greater Melbourne. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% from July 2023 to September 2025, estimated median income is approximately $61,140 and average income is around $78,844 as of September 2025. Census data from 2021 shows Hughesdale incomes cluster around the 70th percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals that 30.8% of locals (2,491 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, similar to regional levels at 32.8%. A substantial 32.2% exceed $3,000 weekly. Housing consumes 15.0% of income, placing residents in the 71st percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking is 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 recorded in the latest Census, consisted of 53.6% houses and 46.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hughesdale was at 32.3%, with mortgaged dwellings also at 32.3% and rented dwellings at 35.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,167, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure for Hughesdale was $416, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Hughesdale's mortgage repayments were significantly 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 exceeds national and state averages. Among residents aged 15+, 46.8% 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%). 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: 8.6% in primary, 8.3% in tertiary, and 6.5% in 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 average distance from a resident's home to the nearest transport stop is 180 meters, indicating excellent transport accessibility in the area. As Hughesdale is predominantly residential, most residents commute outward using various modes of transportation. Cars remain the primary mode of commuting at 71%, followed by trains at 16% and walking at 4%. The average number of vehicles owned per dwelling is 1.1, which is lower than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 41.5% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency across all routes averages 447 trips per day, equating 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 based on 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 46% of Hughesdale residents have private health cover (around 3,708 people). Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions in the area, affecting 7.4% and 6.9% of residents respectively. About 73.2% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. Hughesdale has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over, at 17.4% (around 1,407 people), than Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. However, this figure ranks lower nationally 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's population shows high cultural diversity, with 40.3% born overseas and 41.7% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Hughesdale, accounting for 48.0%. Judaism appears more prevalent in Hughesdale at 1.0%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 1.0%.

The top three ancestral groups are English (17.1%), Australian (16.4%), and Other (12.2%). Notably, Greek, Sri Lankan, and Russian ethnicities are overrepresented: Greeks comprise 10.9% in Hughesdale versus 2.7% regionally; Sri Lankans make up 1.1% compared to 0.8%; Russians constitute 0.6% against the 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 Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Hughesdale has a higher proportion of 25-34 year-olds (18.1%) but fewer 5-14 year-olds (8.7%). Between the 2021 Census and present, the 25-34 age group grew from 16.7% to 18.1%, while the 65-74 cohort increased from 7.0% to 8.3%. Conversely, the 5-14 age group declined from 10.9% to 8.7%, and the 45-54 group dropped from 14.5% to 12.3%. By 2041, Hughesdale's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 25-34 group will grow by 23%, reaching 1,806 people from 1,464, while the 5-14 group will show modest growth of 0%, adding only 3 residents.