Hurstbridge

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

As of Nov 2025, Hurstbridge's estimated population is around 3,551, a decrease of 3 people since the 2021 Census which reported 3,554 residents. This decline is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of resident population at 3,540 following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release (June 2024) and validation of 9 new addresses post-Census. The suburb's population density stands at 239 persons per square kilometer. While Hurstbridge saw a 0.1% decline since the Census, its SA3 area grew by 2.3%, indicating divergent trends. Natural growth contributed approximately 64.0% of overall population gains in recent periods. AreaSearch is using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 adjusted to SA2 levels for areas not covered by ABS data.

Considering these projections, Hurstbridge is expected to grow above median statistical area population growth rates, reaching an estimated 4,134 residents by 2041, a 16.1% increase over the 17-year period.

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 has 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 1 more in FY-26 so far. The population decline during this period suggests new supply has likely met demand, offering good choice for buyers.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $698,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment. This year, there have been $2.1 million in commercial approvals, reflecting Hurstbridge'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 limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing properties.

This is below average nationally, possibly due to planning constraints or the area's maturity. Recent development in Hurstbridge has been entirely comprised of standalone homes, preserving its low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated count of 1178 people per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections estimate Hurstbridge will add 572 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 very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. A single project has been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting this area. Notable projects include Diamond Creek Trail Extension to Hurstbridge, North East Link - Connections, North East Link - Tolling Services Package, and North East Link - Early Works. The following details those likely to be 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.

The labour market strength in Hurstbridge positions it well ahead of most Australian regions

Hurstbridge has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.1%, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.6%.

Employment growth over the past year (June 2023 to June 2024) was estimated at 1.8%. As of June 2025, the unemployment rate in Hurstbridge is 2.6%, below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%, and workforce participation is higher at 69.6% compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Key industries for employment among residents 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, below Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population. Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 1.8% while labour force grew by 1.5%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 3.5% and labour force growth of 4.0%, with an increase in unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (Sep-22) suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Hurstbridge's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.6% over ten years.

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

Hurstbridge had a median taxpayer income of $53,901 and an average income of $71,047 according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2022. These figures are higher than the national averages. Greater Melbourne's median income was $54,892 with an average income of $73,761 in the same period. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $60,455 (median) and $79,686 (average), based on a 12.16% growth since financial year 2022 as per the Wage Price Index. The 2021 Census showed that household, family, and personal incomes in Hurstbridge were around the 71st percentile nationally. The earnings profile indicated that 35.2% of individuals (1,249 people) earned between $1,500 - 2,999 per week, similar to the metropolitan region at 32.8%. A substantial proportion, 31.4%, had incomes above $3,000/week, suggesting strong economic capacity in the area. After housing costs, residents retained 86.7% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed 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

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 93.9% houses and 6.0% 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, below Melbourne metro's average of $2,167. Median weekly rent in Hurstbridge was $420, compared to Melbourne metro's $431. 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 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 the most common, at 20.9%, 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, at 29.5%, comprising primary education (10.4%), secondary education (8.2%), and tertiary education (4.9%). Hurstbridge Primary School and Launch Campus serve 180 students collectively. The area has above-average socio-educational conditions (ICSEA: 1062). There is one primary school and one K-12 school in the educational mix. Local school capacity is limited, with 5.1 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 14.9, leading many families to travel for schooling. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Hurstbridge has four active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by two routes that together facilitate 1433 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is limited with residents generally residing 777 meters from the nearest stop.

The service frequency averages 204 daily trips across all routes, equating to approximately 358 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

Health data shows relatively positive outcomes for Hurstbridge residents, with low prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 55% (~1,949 people) have private health cover, compared to Greater Melbourne's 60.1%.

The most common medical conditions are mental health issues (9.5%) and asthma (8.5%), while 67.7% report no medical ailments, compared to 70.6% in Greater Melbourne. As of 2021, 19.3% (~685 people) are aged 65 and over. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

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 findings, exhibited lower cultural diversity with 87.8% of its residents born in Australia, 94.3% being citizens, and 95.9% speaking English exclusively at home. Christianity was identified as the predominant religion, accounting for 34.9% of Hurstbridge's population. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented, comprising 0.3% compared to the regional average of 0.1%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (28.6%), Australian (28.4%), and Irish (11.3%). Some ethnic groups showed significant differences: Welsh at 1.0% in Hurstbridge versus 0.5% regionally, Scottish at 9.6% versus 8.2%, and Dutch at 1.7% versus 1.5%.

Hurstbridge hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

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 55-64 age group comprises 14.6% of the population, compared to Greater Melbourne, while the 25-34 age group makes up 9.3%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 12.4% to 14.1%, and the 75 to 84 cohort has risen from 4.3% to 5.9%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group has decreased from 14.0% to 11.5%, and the 35 to 44 age group has fallen 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 107% (adding 223 people), reaching a total of 433 from 209. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are projected to account for 66% of 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.