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 3,521 as of May 2026. This reflects a decrease of 33 people (0.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,554 people. The change was inferred from the resident population of 3,521 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 7 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 237 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. While Hurstbridge experienced a 0.9% decline since census, the SA3 area achieved 1.8% growth, highlighting divergent population trends. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 64.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the 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 also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. As we examine future population trends, an above median population growth of Australian statistical areas is projected, with the suburb expected to expand by 576 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 16.4% over the 16 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 experienced around 4 dwelling approvals each year over the past five financial years ending June 2021. This totals an estimated 24 homes. As of FY-26 (ending June 2026), 3 approvals have been recorded. During this period, population has fallen, yet 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 focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY-26, $2.1 million in commercial approvals have been registered, showing minimal commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Hurstbridge has approximately half the rate of new dwelling approvals per person. Nationally, it ranks among the 13th percentile of areas assessed for new dwellings, suggesting limited buyer options while demand for established homes strengthens.

This level is below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent building activity consists solely 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 1179 people. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Hurstbridge is projected to grow by 576 residents through to 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth in the future.

Hurstbridge has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. A single project has been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting this area. Key projects include Diamond Creek Trail Extension to Hurstbridge, Diamond Creek Community Infrastructure Master Plan, North East Link - Tolling Services Package, and North East Link - Early Works. The following details those most relevant:.

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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.

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

Hurstbridge has an educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.4%, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.8%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.1%.

As of December 2025, 2,133 residents are employed, with a 74.4% workforce participation rate, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. Notably, 31.5% of residents work from home. Key industries include construction, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Construction stands out with an employment share 1.8 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services employ only 7.0% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census data. Between December 2024 and January 2025, Hurstbridge saw employment increase by 1.1%, while the labour force grew by 1.3%, raising unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne's employment rose by 2.4% over the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Hurstbridge's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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 income of $71,047, according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This is higher than the national average, with Greater Melbourne's median income being $57,688 and average income being $75,164. Based on a Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since the financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $59,086 (median) and $77,882 (average) as of March 2026. The 2021 Census shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Hurstbridge cluster around the 71st percentile nationally. The earnings profile indicates that the $1,500 - $2,999 earnings band captures 35.2% of the community (1,239 individuals), which is similar to the metropolitan region where 32.8% occupy this range. There is a substantial proportion of high earners (31.4% above $3,000/week) in Hurstbridge, suggesting strong economic capacity throughout the area. After housing costs, residents retain 86.7% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

Hurstbridge's residential structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 97.5% houses and 2.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This is compared to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hurstbridge stood at 36.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 53.0% and rented ones at 10.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, aligning with Melbourne metro's average, while the median weekly rent was $420, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390 respectively. Nationally, Hurstbridge's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, and 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 constitute 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, with 20.9% of residents holding one. Postgraduate qualifications and graduate diplomas follow, at 6.7% and 4.6% respectively.

Vocational credentials are held by 37.9% of residents aged 15 and above, 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

Public transport analysis shows five active stops operating within Hurstbridge, serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are served by five individual routes, collectively facilitating 2013 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 782 meters from the nearest stop. As primarily residential, most residents commute outward; car remains dominant at 91%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.9 per dwelling, above regional average. High work-from-home rate of 31.5% noted in 2021 Census, potentially reflecting COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 287 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 402 weekly trips per 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 indicates low prevalence of common health conditions across both young and old age cohorts. Private health cover is very high at approximately 55% of the total population (~1,933 people). The most common medical conditions are mental health issues impacting 9.5% of residents and asthma affecting 8.5%. 67.7% of residents declare 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 20.0% of residents aged 65 and over (704 people), which is higher than the 15.0% 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 2016 Census, had a low cultural diversity with 87.8% of its population born in Australia. It had a high citizenship rate of 94.3%, and 95.9% spoke English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion at 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 substantially higher than regional averages of 20.1% and 18.4%, respectively. Irish ancestry was also notable at 11.3%. Other ethnic groups with significant representation included Welsh (1.0%), Scottish (9.6%), and Dutch (1.7%).

Hurstbridge's median age exceeds the national pattern

Hurstbridge's median age is 41 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and slightly older than Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Hurstbridge has a notably over-represented cohort of 65-74 year-olds (12.4%) and an under-represented group of 25-34 year-olds (9.8%). Between the 2021 Census and the previous one, the 65 to 74 age group grew from 10.4% to 12.4%, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 4.3% to 6.1%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 14.0% to 11.8% and the 35 to 44 group dropped from 12.6% to 11.4%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Hurstbridge's age profile will change significantly. The 75 to 84 cohort is projected to grow by 89%, adding 192 residents to reach 407. Residents aged 65 and older are expected to represent 59% of the population growth, while declines are projected for the 0 to 4 and 15 to 24 cohorts.