Huntly

Huntly lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Huntly's population is estimated at around 5211 as of May 2026, reflecting an increase of 1626 people since the 2021 Census. The suburb had a population of 3585 in 2021. This growth was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of Huntly's resident population at 5181 following examination of ABS data released in June 2025, along with an additional 711 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density is approximately 119 persons per square kilometer. Huntly's growth rate of 45.4% since the 2021 census exceeded that of its SA3 area (3.9%) and SA4 region, making it a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed about 44.0% to overall population gains recently.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for Huntly's 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, adjusting them using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future projections anticipate exceptional growth, placing Huntly in the top 10 percent of non-metropolitan areas nationally. By 2041, the suburb is expected to expand by 4068 persons, reflecting an increase of 77.5% over the 16-year period.

The level of residential development activity in Huntly was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Based on AreaSearch analysis, Huntly recorded around 156 residential properties granted approval per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 781 homes were approved, with an additional 96 so far in FY-26. On average, 2.3 people moved to the area per new home constructed over these years.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $315,000. This financial year has seen $17.7 million in commercial approvals, indicating steady commercial investment activity. Compared to Rest of Vic., Huntly records 457.0% more new home approvals per person. New building activity shows 99.0% detached dwellings and 1.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature. As of around 31 people per approval, Huntly reflects a developing area.

Looking ahead, AreaSearch estimates Huntly to grow by 4,038 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should meet demand comfortably, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Huntly has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified six projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones are Huntly Structure Plan, Goornong Railway Station, Huntly Railway Station, and Huntly Growth Area. The following details those most relevant:.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment conditions in Huntly demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Huntly has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 2.8%. Over the past year, there was an estimated employment growth of 8.4%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of December 2025, 2762 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.9% lower than Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%. The workforce participation rate in Huntly is 73.4%, compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.0%. According to Census responses, 13.2% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Key industries employing Huntly residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

The area has a strong specialization in mining with an employment share 6.6 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 3.7% compared to Regional Vic.'s 7.5%. There are 0.7 workers per resident, indicating above-normal local employment opportunities. Over the year to December 2025, employment increased by 8.4%, labour force by 8.9%, leading to a slight rise in unemployment of 0.4 percentage points. By comparison, Regional Vic. saw an employment decline of 0.6% and a labour force decline of 0.7%, with unemployment falling by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that over five years, national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6%. Over ten years, it is projected to increase by 13.7%. Applying these projections to Huntly's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

AreaSearch aggregated latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023. Huntly's median income among taxpayers was $57,744, with an average of $70,771. These figures exceeded national averages and compared to Regional Vic.'s levels of $50,954 (median) and $62,728 (average). Using a 9.62% growth rate from the Wage Price Index since financial year ended June 2023, estimated incomes for March 2026 would be approximately $63,299 (median) and $77,579 (average). According to the 2021 Census, Huntly's household, family, and personal incomes clustered around the 61st percentile nationally. Distribution data showed that 43.8% of locals (2,282 people) fell into the $1,500 - $2,999 income category, similar to regional levels at 30.3%. After housing costs, 85.8% of income remained for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 4th decile.

Huntly is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Huntly's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted entirely of houses with no other dwellings. This contrasts with Regional Vic.'s mix of 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Huntly stood at 24.4%, lower than Regional Vic., with mortgaged dwellings at 54.4% and rented ones at 21.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, higher than Regional Vic.'s $1,430 but below the national average of $1,863. Median weekly rent in Huntly was $360, lower than Regional Vic.'s $285 and the national figure of $375.

Huntly features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 81.5% of all households, including 39.4% couples with children, 27.8% couples without children, and 13.4% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 18.5%, with lone person households at 16.2% and group households comprising 2.1%. The median household size is 2.9 people, which is larger than the Regional Vic average of 2.4.

Huntly shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

The area's university qualification rate is 18.7%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.2%, followed by graduate diplomas (3.4%) and postgraduate qualifications (2.1%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 43.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.4%) and certificates (33.2%). Educational participation is high, with 32.6% currently enrolled in formal education: 13.4% in primary, 8.5% in secondary, and 2.6% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 32.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.4% in primary education, 8.5% in secondary education, and 2.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Huntly has 21 active public transport stops serviced by three routes offering 427 weekly passenger trips. Residents are typically located 393 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward using cars, which remain the dominant mode at 96%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.9 per dwelling, exceeding the regional average. Only 13.2% of residents work from home (2021 Census). Service frequency averages 61 trips per day across all routes, equating to about 20 weekly trips per individual stop.

Service frequency averages 61 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 20 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Huntly is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Huntly faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover is high at approximately 55% of the total population (around 2,855 people), compared to 50.5% in Regional Victoria. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues affecting 11.4% of residents and asthma impacting 9.5%. 67.7% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.4% across Regional Victoria. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 11.0% of residents aged 65 and over (573 people), lower than the 23.9% in Regional Victoria. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Huntly is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Huntly's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 90.3% of its population being citizens, 92.6% born in Australia, and 93.9% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion in Huntly is Christianity, comprising 40.7% of the population. Notably, the 'Other' religious category makes up 0.7% of Huntly's population compared to 0.8% across Regional Vic.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups in Huntly are Australian (36.4%), English (30.0%), and Irish (8.4%). However, there are significant differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Scottish is overrepresented at 8.1%, Welsh at 0.5%, and Australian Aboriginal at 2.1%.

Huntly hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Huntly is 32 years, which is lower than Regional Vic.'s average of 43 and also substantially below the Australian median of 38. Compared to Regional Vic., Huntly has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (17.7%) but fewer individuals aged 75-84 (2.5%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 35-44 grew from 14.6% to 15.9%, while the 45-54 age group decreased from 10.4% to 9.0%. By 2041, Huntly's age composition is expected to change significantly. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 107% (adding 983 people), reaching a total of 1,906 from the current figure of 922.