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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.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
Sales Activity
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Population
Princes Hill is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends
Based on ABS population updates and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the estimated population of Princes Hill as of February 2026 is around 2,163. This reflects an increase of 158 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,005. The change was inferred from the resident population of 2,155 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional two validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 5,030 persons per square kilometer, placing Princes Hill in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 7.9% growth since census positions it within 2.0 percentage points of the national average (9.9%). Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 87.0% 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 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering these projected demographic shifts, Princes Hill is forecasted to experience significant population increase in the top quartile of Australian statistical areas. The area is expected to expand by 501 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 20.6% in total over the 17 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 since FY18-FY23. As of FY26, zero approvals have been recorded. Over these five years, about 11 homes received approvals.
Population decline in recent years has maintained adequate housing supply relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with varied buyer choices. Average construction cost for new properties is $1,384,000, indicating developers target the premium market segment. Compared to Greater Melbourne and Australia, Princes Hill shows significantly reduced construction activity (85.0% below regional averages per person). This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. New building activity consists of 50.0% detached houses and 50.0% medium-high density housing, catering to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. However, developers are constructing more traditional houses than the current market mix suggests (14.0%), reflecting strong demand for family homes despite density pressures.
Princes Hill has around 834 people per dwelling approval, indicating a highly mature market. By 2041, population is forecasted to increase by 446 residents. If development rates remain constant, housing supply may not keep pace with growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Infrastructure
Princes Hill has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally
No infrastructure projects have been identified by AreaSearch that could significantly impact this region. Notable initiatives include the Brunswick and Parkville Level Crossing Removals, M205 Carlton Water Main Renewal, Parkville Quarter development, and Errol Street Private Hospital project. Details about these projects are provided below.
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Melbourne Metro 2 (MM2)
Melbourne Metro 2 (MM2) is a proposed cross-city underground rail tunnel connecting the Werribee and Mernda lines, from Newport in the west to Clifton Hill in the north-east. The project includes new underground stations at Fishermans Bend (Employment and Wirraway precincts), Southern Cross, Flagstaff, Parkville, and potentially Carlton or Fitzroy. It is designed to relieve City Loop congestion, enable the electrification of the Geelong line, and provide a direct rail connection to the Fishermans Bend urban renewal precinct. As of early 2026, the project remains a long-term priority in Victoria's 30-year infrastructure strategy, with stakeholders advocating for a completed business case to protect the required land corridor.
Brunswick and Parkville Level Crossing Removals
The project removes 8 dangerous 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 modern, accessible stations in Brunswick north and south to replace Jewell, Brunswick, and Anstey stations. The elevation will create approximately 2 MCGs of new community open space and upgraded separated bicycle and pedestrian paths along the Upfield Bike Path. As of early 2026, the project has been referred to the Minister for Planning for an Environmental Effects Statement (EES) determination.
Errol Street Private Hospital
An 8-level private hospital facility located within the Parkville Biomedical Precinct. The development includes 223 overnight beds, 10 ICU beds, 7 operating theatres, and comprehensive medical services including imaging, pathology, and specialist consulting suites. The project was fast-tracked via the Victorian Government Development Facilitation Program to bolster healthcare infrastructure near the Royal Women's and Royal Children's Hospitals.
Royal Melbourne Hospital and Royal Women's Hospital (Parkville Precinct Redevelopment)
A major $2.3 billion redevelopment of the Parkville biomedical precinct, consolidating the Royal Melbourne Hospital and Royal Women's Hospital upgrades onto a single site. Originally planned as a dual-site project, the Arden campus component was cancelled in 2024 due to electromagnetic interference risks. Current works include the decommissioning and demolition of the Materials Handling Building, with planning underway for new tower facilities to deliver 1,800+ beds and treatment spaces.
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. Key projects include the 22,000 sqm Grattan Street green space transformation, which began stage two works in early 2026 following the opening of Parkville Station. Other initiatives include the Sports Precinct refurbishment (slated for late 2026 construction), science and engineering facility upgrades like the Block D adaptive reuse (completed 2024), and the expansion of the MDHS estate. The $2B Fishermans Bend campus remains suspended until at least 2030 due to infrastructure and financial constraints.
Level Crossing Removal Project
State-wide program to remove 110 level crossings across metropolitan Melbourne by 2030, with 88 already removed. The project aims to deliver safer roads, reduce congestion, and provide more reliable train services by rebuilding or upgrading 54 stations and creating over 31 MCGs of new community open space.
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.
Employment
AreaSearch analysis reveals Princes Hill recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide
Princes Hill has an educated workforce with notable representation in the technology sector. Its unemployment rate was 7.5% and it experienced estimated employment growth of 3.7% over the year ending September 2025, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation. As of September 2025, 1,254 residents were employed with an unemployment rate of 2.9% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%.
Workforce participation was similar to Greater Melbourne's at 71.0%. Census responses indicated that 52.3% of residents worked from home, but Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The leading employment industries among residents were professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Princes Hill showed strong specialization in professional & technical 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 working population versus resident population comparison. During the year to September 2025, employment levels increased by 3.7% and labour force increased by 4.6%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.8 percentage points in Princes Hill. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 projected national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 14.8% over ten years, but growth rates varied significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Princes Hill's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 7.3% over five years and 14.8% over ten years, though this was a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and did not consider 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
Princes Hill suburb had a median income among taxpayers of $61,106 during financial year 2023. The average income stood at $100,381. These figures are exceptionally high nationally compared to the Greater Melbourne levels of $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. By September 2025, current estimates suggest the median income would be approximately $66,147 and average income $108,662, based on an 8.25% growth in wages since financial year 2023. As per 2021 Census figures, incomes in Princes Hill rank highly nationally, between the 79th and 88th percentiles for households, families, and individuals. Income analysis reveals that 28.3% of residents (612 people) fall within the $4000+ bracket, differing from regional patterns where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 32.8%. Economic strength is evident through 37.6% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. Housing accounts for 14.8% of income, and residents rank within the 79th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Princes Hill displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership
Princes Hill's dwelling structure in 2016 had 14.1% houses and 85.9% other dwellings, compared to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1%. Home ownership was 37.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 17.3% and rented ones at 45.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Princes Hill was $3,000, higher than Melbourne metro's $2,000. Median weekly rent was $462 compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Princes Hill's mortgage repayments were higher at $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 constitute 57.1% of all households, including 20.0% couples with children, 28.2% couples without children, and 7.7% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 42.9%, with lone person households at 32.1% and group households comprising 10.7%. The median household size is 2.2 people, 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 exceeds national and state averages. Among residents aged 15+, 63.4% have university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 33.4% in Victoria. Bachelor degrees are the most common (35.1%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (22.7%) and graduate diplomas (5.6%). Technical qualifications make up 14.5%, including advanced diplomas (6.7%) and certificates (7.8%).
Educational participation is high, with 29.5% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.4% in tertiary, 6.6% in primary, and 5.6% pursuing 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 operational public transport stops offering lightrail services. These stops are served by two routes that together facilitate 3,411 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically residing 247 meters from the nearest stop. Primarily residential, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the dominant mode at 55%, while cycling and walking account for 14% and 13% respectively. Vehicle ownership averages 0.8 per dwelling, below the regional average.
According to the 2021 Census, 52.3% of residents work from home, a figure potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency across all routes averages 487 trips daily, 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's health outcomes show excellent results according to 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 (1,434 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 56.7% and the national average of 55.7%.
The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues (9.8%) and asthma (7.6%), while 68.3% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Under-65s have better than average health outcomes. There are 21.8% seniors aged 65 and over (471 people), higher than Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. Health outcomes among seniors align with national rankings, mirroring 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 has a cultural diversity above average, with 22.9% of its population born overseas and 16.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the main religion in Princes Hill, comprising 32.0% of people there, compared to Greater Melbourne's overall figure. Judaism is overrepresented in Princes Hill, making up 1.0%, while it constitutes only 0.1% across Greater Melbourne.
The top three ancestry groups are English (23.7%), Australian (17.3%), and Irish (13.1%). This compares to regional averages of 15.6%, 19.8%, and 6.5% respectively. Notably, Italian (9.4%) is overrepresented compared to the regional average of 5.2%. Polish (1.2%) and Scottish (9.3%) also show higher representation than their respective regional averages of 0.8% and 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 39 years, which is higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and close to the national average of 38 years. The 25-34 cohort is over-represented at 22.6% locally compared to Greater Melbourne's average, while the 5-14 year-olds are under-represented at 7.1%. This concentration in the 25-34 age group is notably higher than the national average of 14.4%. According to data from the post-2021 Census, the percentage of the population aged 25 to 34 has grown from 19.4% to 22.6%, while the percentage of those aged 75 to 84 increased from 6.4% to 8.2%. Conversely, the percentage of 5-14 year-olds declined from 8.7% to 7.1%, and the percentage of 45-54 year-olds dropped from 11.0% to 9.4%. Population forecasts for Princes Hill indicate substantial demographic changes by 2041. The 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 42%, adding 85 people, reaching a total of 289 from the current figure of 203. Meanwhile, the 15-24 age group is expected to contract by 8 residents.