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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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2021 Census | -- people
Sales Activity
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Sales Detail
Population
An assessment of population growth drivers in Princes Hill 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, the suburb of Princes Hill's population is estimated at around 2,167 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 162 people (8.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,005 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,167, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional two validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 5,039 persons per square kilometer, which lies in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 87.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year.
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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a significant population increase in the top quartile of Australian statistical areas is forecast, with the suburb expected to expand by 484 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 22.3% in total over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
The level of residential development activity in Princes Hill is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch
Princes Hill has seen approximately two dwelling approvals per year based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Over the past five financial years, this totals an estimated 11 homes. As of FY26, no approvals have been recorded yet.
The population has declined in recent years, but housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, creating a balanced market with good buyer choice. New properties are constructed at an average cost of $1,384,000, indicating developers target the premium market segment. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Princes Hill shows significantly reduced construction (85.0% below regional average per person), which typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. This activity is also below national average, suggesting possible planning constraints. New building activity consists of 50.0% detached houses and 50.0% medium to high-density housing, providing accessible entry options for downsizers, investors, and first-time buyers. Interestingly, developers are constructing more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (14.0% at Census), indicating strong demand for family homes despite density pressures.
With around 850 people per dwelling approval, Princes Hill reflects a mature market. Population forecasts indicate Princes Hill will gain 484 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Princes Hill
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
Infrastructure
Princes Hill has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally
No local infrastructure changes or major projects have been identified by AreaSearch that could impact this area's performance. Key projects include Brunswick and Parkville Level Crossing Removals, M205 Carlton Water Main Renewal, Parkville Quarter, and Bellini Fitzroy North.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Brunswick and Parkville Level Crossing Removals
The project removes 8 level crossings on the Upfield Line between Albion Street, Brunswick and Park Street, Parkville by constructing a 2.1km elevated rail bridge. It includes building two new accessible stations in Brunswick's north and south to replace the existing Jewell, Brunswick and Anstey stations, with the new northern station between West Street and Hope Street near RMIT Brunswick, and the new southern station near Hope Street. The works will deliver around 2 MCGs worth of new community open space and upgraded separated walking and cycling paths along the Upfield Bike Path from Moreland Road to Park Street. The eight crossings to be removed are at Albion Street, Hope Street, Victoria Street, Albert Street, Dawson Street, Union Street, Brunswick Road (all Brunswick) and Park Street, Parkville. As of January 2026 the project has been referred to the Victorian Minister for Planning to determine whether an Environment Effects Statement is required, with potential triggers being visual amenity and heritage. Early works are scheduled to begin in 2028, major construction from 2029, and the level crossings removed and new stations opened in 2030.
Errol Street Private Hospital
A 10-story private hospital and healthcare facility located in the Parkville Biomedical Precinct. The development features 223 overnight beds, 10 ICU rooms, 7 operating theatres, and 3 basement levels. The project was fast-tracked via the Victorian Government Development Facilitation Program to enhance specialized medical services including imaging and pathology near existing major public hospitals.
University of Melbourne Estate Master Plan
A long-term vision (2023-2040) for the University's physical estate, focusing on the Parkville campus and the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct. Major active works include Stage 2 of the University Square Master Plan, which commenced construction in March 2026 to deliver 2500 sqm of new open space and 130 trees. The Fishermans Bend campus Stage 1, a world-class engineering and design super-hub, is progressing with facilities for the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology. Other core initiatives include science and engineering facility upgrades and the expansion of the MDHS estate to support health workforce education.
Level Crossing Removal Project
Victorian Government program to remove 110 dangerous and congested level crossings across metropolitan Melbourne by 2030. The program has removed 88 crossings to date, is rebuilding or upgrading stations and rail infrastructure, and is creating new public open space while improving safety, reducing congestion and making train services more reliable.
M205 Carlton Water Main Renewal
Essential infrastructure upgrade that installed 2.3km of new DN750 water main along Canning Street to replace a 140-year-old pipe, nearly doubling capacity for Carlton, Carlton North, and inner Melbourne. The project included comprehensive road reinstatement, upgraded bike lane markings, and community investment projects.
Saxon Street by Milieu
Nine-level mixed-use development by Milieu with 78 apartments (one, two and three-bedroom), retail space, and expansive communal rooftop terrace with city views. Designed by Jackson Clements Burrows Architects, interiors by DesignOffice, landscaping by OCULUS. Located on the corner of Dawson and Saxon Street in the Merri-bek Arts and Culture Precinct, adjacent to Brunswick Baths, Library, Town Hall and the new Balam Balam Place. Features all-electric operation, gas-free, average 7.5-star NatHERS rating, solar PV systems, EV charging readiness, natural ventilation, extensive planting and passive design principles. Replaces the former Brosnan Centre.
Royal Park Master Plan Review
Comprehensive review and update of Royal Park's master plan focusing on biodiversity conservation, sustainable design, and community engagement. Integration of Aboriginal cultural values and heritage recognition in park planning and development.
Parkville Quarter
A master-planned community by Cedar Woods delivering over 400 apartments and townhouses with landscaped gardens, a retail precinct, and direct access to Royal Park and the new Parkville Metro station.
Employment
AreaSearch analysis reveals Princes Hill recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide
Princes Hill has a highly educated workforce with notable representation in the technology sector. Its unemployment rate was 7.5% as of December 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 3.7% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. In December 2025, 1,263 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.8% above Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.
Workforce participation was similar to Greater Melbourne's at 69.9%. A high proportion of residents, 52.3%, worked from home according to Census responses, although Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The leading employment industries were professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Princes Hill showed strong specialization in professional & technical services with an employment share of 1.8 times the regional level, while construction had lower representation at 3.4% compared to the regional average of 9.7%.
The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparing working population and resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 3.7% and labour force by 4.3%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 2.4% and labour force growth of 2.8%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Princes Hill. These projections estimate national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Princes Hill's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 7.3% over five years and 14.8% over ten years, although this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis
In Princes Hill suburb, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023, median income among taxpayers was $61,106. Average income stood at $100,381. Nationally, these figures are exceptionally high compared to Greater Melbourne's median and average incomes of $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year ending June 2023, estimated current incomes as of March 2026 are approximately $66,984 (median) and $110,038 (average). According to 2021 Census figures, household, family, and personal incomes in Princes Hill rank highly nationally, between the 79th and 88th percentiles. Income analysis shows that 28.3% of residents (613 people) fall within the $4,000+ bracket, differing from regional patterns where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket dominates with 32.8%. Economic strength is evident with 37.6% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. Housing accounts for 14.8% of income. Strong earnings place residents within the 79th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Princes Hill displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership
The latest Census evaluated Princes Hill's dwelling structure as 14.1% houses and 85.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Princes Hill was 37.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 17.3% and rented ones at 45.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $3,000, exceeding Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent in Princes Hill was $462, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Princes Hill's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Princes Hill features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size
Family households are the majority, making up 57.1% of all households. They include couples with children at 20.0%, couples without children at 28.2%, and single parent families at 7.7%. Non-family households constitute the remaining 42.9%, with lone person households at 32.1% and group households at 10.7%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
Princes Hill shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators
Princes Hill's educational attainment is notably higher than national averages. Among residents aged 15 and above, 63.4% possess university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 33.4% in Victoria. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 35.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (22.7%) and graduate diplomas (5.6%). Technical qualifications account for 14.5%, comprising advanced diplomas (6.7%) and certificates (7.8%).
Educational participation is high, with 29.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 12.4% in tertiary, 6.6% in primary, and 5.6% in secondary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
Transport servicing is good compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
Princes Hill has two active public transport stops operating, offering light rail services. These are served by two routes that collectively facilitate 3411 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 247 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commutes are outward-bound. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 55%, followed by cycling at 14% and walking at 13%. Vehicle ownership averages 0.8 per dwelling, below the regional average.
According to the 2021 Census, 52.3% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 487 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 1705 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
Princes Hill's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups
Princes Hill shows excellent health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are very low across all age groups. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 66% of the total population (1,437 people), compared to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%.
Mental health issues and asthma are the most common conditions, affecting 9.8% and 7.6% of residents respectively. 68.3% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. The under-65 population has better than average health outcomes. Princes Hill has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 20.8%, with 450 people, compared to 15.0% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are strong and align with national rankings for the general population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Princes Hill was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics
Princes Hill's population exhibited above-average cultural diversity, with 22.9% born overseas and 16.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Princes Hill, accounting for 32.0% of its population. However, Judaism showed significant overrepresentation, comprising 1.0% compared to Melbourne's average of 0.5%.
The top three ancestry groups were English (23.7%), Australian (17.3%), and Irish (13.1%), with notable divergences including Italian at 9.4% (regional: 5.2%), Polish at 1.2% (regional: 0.8%), and Scottish at 9.3% (regional: 5.6%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Princes Hill's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms
The median age in Princes Hill is 38 years, close to Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and equivalent to Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Princes Hill has a higher percentage of 25-34 year-olds (23.5%) but fewer 5-14 year-olds (7.3%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.6%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the proportion of 25 to 34 year-olds has increased from 19.4% to 23.5%, while the 75 to 84 age group has risen from 6.4% to 8.0%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age group has decreased from 11.0% to 9.1%, and the 5 to 14 age group has dropped from 8.7% to 7.3%. By 2041, Princes Hill's age composition is expected to change significantly. The 45 to 54 age group is projected to grow by 47 people, reaching 289 from 197. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 age group is expected to decrease by 0 residents.