Sandhurst

Population growth drivers in Sandhurst are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, as of May 2026, Sandhurst's population is estimated at around 5,287. This reflects an increase of 76 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,211 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 5,277, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and address validation since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,667 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Sandhurst has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 0.8%, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 52.0% 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. Looking at population projections moving forward, an above median population growth of national areas is projected, with the suburb expected to increase by 1,100 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 20.6% in total over the 16 years.

The level of residential development activity in Sandhurst is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, sourced from statistical area data, indicates that Sandhurst has had virtually no dwelling approvals in recent years. Specifically, an estimated 4 homes were approved between FY21 and FY25, with a further 6 approved so far in FY26.

This limited new supply has contributed to a well-balanced market with good buyer choice, despite population decline over the same period. The average construction cost value of new properties is $487,000, suggesting developers are focusing on the premium market with high-end developments. Comparing Sandhurst to Greater Melbourne reveals substantially reduced construction levels, which generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes. However, building activity has accelerated in recent years, though it remains below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent development has been entirely comprised of standalone homes, preserving Sandhurst's suburban nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The location has approximately 2640 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market.

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

Area infrastructure can significantly impact local performance. AreaSearch has identified 0 projects that may affect this area. Key projects include Endeavour Cove Marina Masterplan Redevelopment (Planning Scheme Amendment C205king), Ballarto Road Upgrade, Harbour Plaza Redevelopment, and Industrial Quarter (iQ) Cranbourne West. Below is a list of 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.

Employment conditions in Sandhurst rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Sandhurst has an educated workforce with strong professional services representation. The unemployment rate was 1.9% as of December 2025. Employment grew by 2.0% in the past year, according to AreaSearch data aggregation.

In December 2025, 3,057 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.8%, below Greater Melbourne's 4.8%. Workforce participation was 72.5%, similar to Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. A high 34.6% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

Manufacturing stands out with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average. However, transport, postal & warehousing is under-represented at 3.3% compared to Greater Melbourne's 5.2%. Local employment opportunities appear limited, indicated by Census working population vs resident population counts. Over December 2024 to December 2025, employment increased by 2.0%, labour force by 1.6%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment growth of 2.4% and a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Sandhurst's employment could increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that income in Sandhurst is high nationally. The median income is $70,666 and the average income stands at $80,113. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne's figures of a median income of $57,688 and an average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $77,464 (median) and $87,820 (average) as of March 2026. According to the 2021 Census figures, incomes in Sandhurst rank highly nationally, between the 85th and 94th percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. Income analysis reveals that the largest segment comprises 32.7% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (1,728 residents), similar to the surrounding region where 32.8% occupy this bracket. A substantial proportion of high earners, at 44.2%, indicates strong economic capacity throughout the area. Housing accounts for 14.4% of income, and residents rank highly in disposable income, within the 94th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Sandhurst is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Sandhurst's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 91.0% houses and 9.0% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and others. This differed from Melbourne metro's composition of 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Sandhurst stood at 28.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 57.9% and rented ones at 13.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,383, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure for Sandhurst was recorded at $530, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Sandhurst's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Sandhurst features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 89.1% of all households, including 49.3% couples with children, 32.4% couples without children, and 7.5% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 10.9%, with lone person households at 9.6% and group households making up 0.9%. The median household size is 3.0 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Sandhurst demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Sandhurst's residents aged 15+ have 29.0% with university degrees, compared to Greater Melbourne's 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 19.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.6%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Vocational credentials are held by 35.3% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 15.8% and certificates at 19.5%. Educational participation is high, with 30.3% currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 11.1% in primary, 8.2% in secondary, and 4.5% in tertiary education.

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

Sandhurst has five active public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by two routes that together offer 433 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is considered limited, with residents typically residing 671 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards daily, primarily using cars (95%). On average, there are 1.9 vehicles per dwelling, surpassing the regional norm. Notably, 34.6% of residents work from home, a figure that may reflect COVID-19 conditions in 2021 Census data.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 61 trips per day, equating to approximately 86 weekly trips per stop.

Sandhurst's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Sandhurst's health outcomes show excellent results based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

The area has a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. Approximately 58% (3,089 people) of Sandhurst's total population have private health cover, which is exceptionally high. Asthma and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 7.7 and 6.5% of residents respectively. A total of 74.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. The under-65 population has better than average health outcomes. Sandhurst has 17.8% (941 people) of residents aged 65 and over, 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.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Sandhurst was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Sandhurst's population was found to have 18.7% speaking a language other than English at home, with 31.7% born overseas as of [month year]. Christianity was the predominant religion in Sandhurst, accounting for 49.3%. Judaism was overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, comprising 0.6% versus 1.0%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (26.7%), Australian (21.9%), and Other (10.5%). Notably, South Australian ancestry was overrepresented at 1.9%, Sri Lankan at 1.0%, and Welsh at 0.8% compared to regional averages of 0.4%, 0.8%, and 0.4% respectively.

Sandhurst's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Sandhurst is 42 years, significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and Australia's national average of 38 years. The 65-74 age group constitutes 11.9% of the population, compared to a lower prevalence of the 25-34 cohort at 7.1%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 75 to 84 age group grew from 2.9% to 4.8%, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 10.6% to 12.4%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 15.2% to 13.5%, and the 35 to 44 group dropped from 16.3% to 14.9%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Sandhurst. The 65 to 74 age group is projected to grow by 47% (298 people), reaching 928 from 629. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 51% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 0 to 4 and 35 to 44 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.