Hurstbridge

An assessment of population growth drivers in Hurstbridge 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 since the Census Hurstbridge's population is estimated at around 3,554 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 0 people (0.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,554 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,540, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in Jun 2024 and an additional 9 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 239 persons per square kilometer. The Hurstbridge statistical area (Lv2) had 0.0% growth since census, positioning it within 2.8 percentage points of the SA3 area's 2.8%. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, contributing approximately 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, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted employing weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth is projected for the Hurstbridge (SA2), with an expected increase of 583 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 16.0% 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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Hurstbridge has recorded approximately 4 residential properties granted approval annually. Between financial years FY21 and FY25, around 24 homes were approved, with a further 3 approved in FY26 so far. The average construction value for new properties is $698,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment.

In FY26, there have been $2.1 million in commercial approvals. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Hurstbridge shows approximately half the construction activity per person and ranks among the 13th percentile nationally for residential development, suggesting more limited choices for buyers. Recent development has consisted entirely of standalone homes, preserving the area's low density nature with an estimated 1178 people per dwelling approval. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Hurstbridge is projected to add 569 residents by 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 to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project likely impacting the area: Diamond Creek Trail Extension to Hurstbridge. Key projects include this trail extension, the 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. The unemployment rate was 2.3% as of September 2025, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.7%.

Workforce participation was high at 69.6%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Key industries for employment were construction, health care & social assistance, and education & training, with a strong specialization in construction (1.8 times the regional level). However, professional & technical services employed only 7.0% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. Employment opportunities locally appeared limited based on Census data.

Over the year to September 2025, employment and labour force remained stable in Hurstbridge, while Greater Melbourne saw growth of 3.0% and 3.3%, with a rise in unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. State-wide, Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year to 25-Nov, adding 41,950 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest a growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years for Hurstbridge, based on industry-specific projections.

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

The median taxpayer income in Hurstbridge is $53,901, with an average of $71,047, based on the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This is higher than the national average. In Greater Melbourne, the median income is $57,688 and the average is $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 (1,251 individuals). This is similar to the metropolitan region where 32.8% fall within this range. Notably, 31.4% of residents earn above $3,000 per week, indicating strong economic capacity in the area. After accounting for housing costs, residents retain 86.7% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Hurstbridge is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The latest Census data shows that Hurstbridge had 97.5% houses and 2.5% other dwellings, compared to Melbourne metro's 93.9% houses and 6.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hurstbridge was at 36.5%, with mortgaged properties at 53.0% and rented ones at 10.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,000, lower than Melbourne metro's $2,167. The median weekly rent figure in Hurstbridge was $420, compared to Melbourne metro's $431. Nationally, Hurstbridge's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Hurstbridge features high concentrations of family households, with a lower-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%, consisting of 17.3% lone person households and 1.2% group households. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.9.

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 most common, held by 20.9% of residents, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.7%) and graduate diplomas (4.6%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 37.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including 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 operational public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by five distinct routes, collectively facilitating 2,013 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport options is rated as limited, with residents typically residing 782 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, service frequency across all routes amounts to 287 trips per day, equating to approximately 402 weekly trips per individual stop.

Hurstbridge's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Hurstbridge's health data shows positive results with low prevalence of common conditions in both younger and older age groups. Approximately 55% (~1,951 residents) have private health cover, compared to Greater Melbourne's 60.9%.

Mental health issues (9.5%) and asthma (8.5%) are the most common medical conditions. About 67.7% report no medical ailments, compared to 70.6% in Greater Melbourne. The area has 19.3% residents aged 65 and over (685 people). Health outcomes among seniors exceed those of 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's population showed low 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, comprising 34.9%. Judaism was overrepresented at 0.3%, compared to 0.1% in Greater Melbourne.

The top three ancestral groups were English (28.6%), Australian (28.4%), and Irish (11.3%). Notably, Welsh (1.0%) Scottish (9.6%) and Dutch (1.7%) populations were higher than regional averages of 0.5%, 8.2% and 1.5% 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 also older than Australia's median age of 38 years. The 55-64 age group constitutes 14.6% of the population in Hurstbridge, compared to a lower percentage in Greater Melbourne. Conversely, the 25-34 age group makes up 9.3% of Hurstbridge's population, which is less prevalent than in Greater Melbourne. According to data from the post-2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 12.4% to 14.1%, while the 75 to 84 cohort has risen from 4.3% to 5.9%. However, the 5 to 14 age group has decreased from 14.0% to 11.5%, and the 35 to 44 age group has dropped from 12.6% to 11.0%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Hurstbridge, with the 75 to 84 age group expected to grow by 106%, reaching 433 people from a previous total of 209. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are projected to account for 66% of the total population growth, reflecting Hurstbridge's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 0 to 4 and 15 to 24 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.