Hurstbridge

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

The estimated population of Hurstbridge as of Feb 2026 is around 3,551, reflecting a decrease of 3 people since the 2021 Census. This decline is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 3,540 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 7 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is 239 persons per square kilometer. While Hurstbridge experienced a 0.1% decline since census, the SA3 area achieved 2.8% growth. Natural growth contributed approximately 64.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year.

For areas not covered, it 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 are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future trends project an above median population growth, with the area expected to expand by 583 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 16.1% over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Hurstbridge is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Hurstbridge has received around 4 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling approximately 24 homes. As of FY-26, 3 approvals have been recorded. Despite a decrease in population during this period, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, indicating a balanced market with good buyer choice. The average construction cost value for new homes is $698,000, suggesting developers are focusing on the premium market with high-end developments.

This financial year, Hurstbridge has registered $2.1 million in commercial approvals, indicating minimal commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Hurstbridge has approximately half the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 13th percentile nationally, suggesting limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established homes. This level is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent building activity consists entirely of standalone homes, maintaining Hurstbridge's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

The estimated population per dwelling approval is 1178 people, indicating a quiet, low activity development environment. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Hurstbridge is expected to grow by 572 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.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project expected to impact this region: Diamond Creek Trail Extension to Hurstbridge. Other notable projects include Diamond Creek Community Infrastructure Master Plan, North East Link - Connections, and North East Link - Tolling Services Package. The following details the most relevant projects.

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

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Employment performance in Hurstbridge ranks among the strongest 15% of areas evaluated nationally

Hurstbridge has an educated workforce with prominent essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.4% as of December 2025, below Greater Melbourne's 4.8%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.1%.

Workforce participation stands at 73.8%, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's 71.3%. A notable 31.5% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key industries for employment are construction, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Construction is particularly strong with an employment share 1.8 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services employ only 7.0% of local workers, lower than Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Between December 2024 and November 2025, employment increased by 1.1%, while labour force grew by 1.3%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment rise by 2.4%, labour force grow by 2.8%, and unemployment increase by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Hurstbridge's employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

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

Hurstbridge suburb has a median taxpayer income of $53,901 and an average of $71,047 based on the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is higher than national averages, with Greater Melbourne's median income at $57,688 and average income at $75,164. By September 2025, estimates suggest a median income of approximately $58,348 and an average of $76,908, considering Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Hurstbridge cluster around the 71st percentile nationally. The earnings profile shows that 35.2% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999 per week, reflecting metropolitan patterns where 32.8% fall within this range. Notably, 31.4% are high earners with incomes above $3,000 per week, indicating strong economic capacity in the area. After housing costs, residents retain 86.7% of their income, demonstrating strong purchasing power and placing Hurstbridge in the 7th decile based on its SEIFA income ranking.

Hurstbridge is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Hurstbridge's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 97.5% houses and 2.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hurstbridge was at 36.5%, with the rest being mortgaged (53.0%) or rented (10.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, aligning with Melbourne metro's average, while median weekly rent was $420, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390 respectively. Nationally, Hurstbridge's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 81.5% of all households, including 43.1% couples with children, 26.1% couples without children, and 11.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 18.5%, with lone person households at 17.3% and group households comprising 1.2%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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

University qualification levels in Hurstbridge stand at 32.2%, slightly below Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common (20.9%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.7%) and graduate diplomas (4.6%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 37.9% of residents aged 15+ holding such skills, including advanced diplomas (11.9%) and certificates (26.0%).

Educational participation is high, with 29.5% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.4% in primary, 8.2% in secondary, and 4.9% in tertiary education.

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

Hurstbridge has five active public transport stops operating within it, all serving buses. These stops are serviced by five different routes, collectively facilitating 2,013 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is limited, with residents typically located 782 meters from the nearest stop. The area is primarily residential, and most residents commute outward using cars as the dominant mode at 91%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.9 per dwelling, exceeding the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, a high 31.5% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 287 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 402 weekly trips per individual stop.

Hurstbridge's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Hurstbridge.

AreaSearch's assessment found low prevalence of common health conditions across both young and old age cohorts. The rate of private health cover was very high at approximately 55% of the total population (~1,949 people). The most common medical conditions were mental health issues and asthma, impacting 9.5 and 8.5% of residents respectively. 67.7% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 20.5% of residents aged 65 and over (727 people), which is higher than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Hurstbridge, as per data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics Census 2016, showed lower cultural diversity with 87.8% born in Australia, 94.3% being citizens, and 95.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion (34.9%), higher than Greater Melbourne's average. Judaism, however, was overrepresented at 0.3%, compared to Melbourne's 1.0%.

In ancestry, English (28.6%) and Australian (28.4%) were significantly higher than regional averages of 20.1% and 18.4% respectively. Irish ancestry stood at 11.3%. Other notable divergences included Welsh (1.0%, vs regional 0.4%), Scottish (9.6%, vs 5.6%), and Dutch (1.7%, vs 1.2%).

Hurstbridge's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Hurstbridge is 42 years, significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and Australia's national average of 38 years. The 65-74 age group comprises 12.4% of the population, compared to a lower proportion of the 25-34 cohort at 9.1%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 75 to 84 age group grew from 4.3% to 6.4%, while the 65 to 74 cohort increased from 10.4% to 12.4%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 14.0% to 11.1%, and the 35 to 44 group decreased from 12.6% to 10.9%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Hurstbridge, with the 75 to 84 age group expected to grow by 91% (206 people), reaching 434 from 227. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 61% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.