Hurstbridge

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

The suburb of Hurstbridge had an estimated population of 3,551 as of February 2026, reflecting a decrease of 3 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 3,554. This decline is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 3,540 based on 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 was approximately 239 persons per square kilometer. While Hurstbridge experienced a 0.1% decline since census, the SA3 area achieved 2.8% growth, indicating divergent population trends. Natural growth contributed about 64.0% 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 by this data, AreaSearch utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusting using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels and applying growth rates by age group for years 2032 to 2041. Based on these projections, an above median population growth is projected for the suburb of Hurstbridge, with an expected increase of 583 persons by 2041, 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 shows Hurstbridge recorded around 4 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past 5 financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 24 homes were approved, with another 3 so far in FY-26. The population has fallen during this period, suggesting new supply has likely kept up with demand, offering good choice to buyers.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $698,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. This financial year, there have been $2.1 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating the area's residential nature. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Hurstbridge shows approximately half the construction activity per person. Nationally, it places among the 13th percentile of areas assessed, suggesting more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing properties.

This is below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent development has been entirely comprised of standalone homes, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated count of 1178 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections show Hurstbridge adding 572 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). 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 to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project likely affecting this area. Key projects are: Diamond Creek Trail Extension to Hurstbridge, Diamond Creek Community Infrastructure Master Plan, North East Link - Connections, and North East Link - Tolling Services Package. The following 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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Hurstbridge significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Hurstbridge has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.3% as of September 2025, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.7%. Workforce participation stands at 73.2%, slightly higher than the regional average of 71.0%.

Notably, 31.5% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key industries include construction, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Construction is particularly strong, employing 1.8 times more residents than the regional level. Conversely, professional & technical services employ only 7.0% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 10.1%.

Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by the working population vs resident population count. Over the year to September 2025, employment remained stable at 0.0% growth while labour force also grew by 0.0%, keeping unemployment relatively stable at 2.4%. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment grow by 3.0% and labour force by 3.3%, with a slight rise in unemployment to 5.0%. Future demand within Hurstbridge can be inferred from Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts (May-25). Applying these projections to Hurstbridge's current employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not account for localized population projections.

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

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

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

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

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

Family households account for 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 make up 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 are at 32.2%, slightly below Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common, with 20.9% of residents holding one. Postgraduate qualifications and graduate diplomas follow, at 6.7% and 4.6% respectively.

Vocational credentials are prominent, with 37.9% of residents aged 15+ having them. This includes advanced diplomas (11.9%) and certificates (26.0%). Educational participation is high, with 29.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes primary education (10.4%), secondary education (8.2%), and tertiary education (4.9%).

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, all serving buses. Five routes operate collectively providing 2,013 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is limited, with residents typically located 782 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Hurstbridge's primarily residential nature. Cars remain the dominant mode of transportation at 91%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.9 per dwelling, higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 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 shows robust health metrics across Hurstbridge.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were low for both young and elderly residents. Private health cover was high at approximately 55%, covering around 1,949 people. Mental health issues affected 9.5% of residents, while asthma impacted 8.5%. About 67.7% reported no medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Working-age population health outcomes were typical. The area had 20.5% of residents aged 65 and over (727 people), higher than Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. Senior health outcomes ranked broadly in line with the general population nationally.

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 the 2016 Census, showed lower cultural diversity with 87.8% of its population born in Australia and 94.3% being citizens. English was spoken exclusively at home by 95.9%. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 34.9%.

Judaism, however, was overrepresented at 0.3%, compared to Greater 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%. Notable divergences included Welsh (1.0%), Scottish (9.6%), and Dutch (1.7%), all overrepresented compared to regional figures of 0.4%, 5.6%, and 1.2% respectively.

Hurstbridge's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Hurstbridge is 42 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and Australia's median age of 38 years. The 65-74 age group constitutes 12.4% of the population in Hurstbridge, compared to a lower percentage for the 25-34 cohort at 9.1%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 75-84 age group has grown from 4.3% to 6.4%, while the 65-74 cohort increased from 10.4% to 12.4%. Conversely, the 5-14 age group has declined from 14.0% to 11.1%, and the 35-44 group dropped from 12.6% to 10.9%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Hurstbridge, with the 75-84 age group expected to grow by 91% (205 people), reaching 433 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 0-4 and 5-14 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.