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

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of Sandhurst is around 5,301, reflecting a 90-person increase since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 1.7% change from the previous figure of 5,211 people. The current estimate of 5,283 residents was derived by AreaSearch through examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024 and subsequent address validation. This results in a population density ratio of 1,672 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Sandhurst has shown resilient growth with a compound annual growth rate of 1.5%, outperforming its SA3 area. Natural growth contributed approximately 52% to overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch employs ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered, it uses VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 with adjustments made via 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. By 2041, Sandhurst is projected to experience a significant population increase in the top quartile of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch, with an expected gain of 1,154 persons, reflecting a total growth of 21.4% over the 17 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, allocated from statistical area data, indicates Sandhurst has had virtually no dwelling approvals in recent years. Specifically, an estimated 4 homes were approved between FY21 and FY25, with another 4 approved so far in FY26.

This limited new supply supports a declining population over recent years, maintaining adequate housing supply relative to demand and creating a well-balanced market with good buyer choice. The average construction value of new properties is $487,000, indicating developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Sandhurst shows substantially reduced construction activity, supporting stronger demand and values for established homes. However, building activity has accelerated in recent years, reflecting possible planning constraints due to the area's maturity. Recent development has been entirely comprised of standalone homes, preserving Sandhurst's suburban nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The location has approximately 2670 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market.

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

No factors influence an area's performance more than changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that could impact 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, with the following list detailing those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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

Sandhurst has an educated workforce with strong professional services representation. Its unemployment rate is 1.9%, with estimated employment growth of 2.3% in the past year (AreaSearch data). As of December 2025, 3,101 residents are employed at a 2.9% lower unemployment rate than Greater Melbourne's 4.8%.

Workforce participation is 73.4%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%. Home workership is high at 34.6%, potentially impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction, with notable manufacturing concentration (1.4 times regional average). Transport, postal & warehousing is under-represented (3.3% vs Greater Melbourne's 5.2%).

Local employment opportunities appear limited based on resident-to-working population ratio. Between December 2024 and 2025, employment increased by 2.3%, labour force by 1.9%, reducing unemployment by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw 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 May-25 forecasts project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, varying by industry sector. Applying these projections to Sandhurst's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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 extremely 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 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $76,496 (median) and $86,722 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Sandhurst all rank highly nationally, between the 85th and 94th percentiles. Income analysis reveals that the largest segment comprises 32.7% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (1,733 residents), mirroring the surrounding region where 32.8% occupy this bracket. The substantial proportion of high earners, at 44.2%, indicates strong economic capacity throughout the area. Housing accounts for 14.4% of income while strong earnings rank residents within the 94th percentile for disposable income. 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. In contrast, Melbourne metro had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Sandhurst was at 28.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 57.9% and rented ones at 13.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Sandhurst was $2,383, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000. The median weekly rent figure for Sandhurst was $530, while Melbourne metro recorded $390. Nationally, Sandhurst's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents 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 at 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 educational qualifications lag behind regional benchmarks, with 29.0% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to Greater Melbourne's 37.0%. This disparity indicates potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 19.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.6%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 35.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them – advanced diplomas account for 15.8% and certificates for 19.5%.

Educational participation is high, with 30.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.1% in primary education, 8.2% in secondary education, and 4.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis indicates five active stops operating within Sandhurst, offering a mix of bus services. These stops are served by two distinct routes, collectively facilitating 433 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically residing 671 meters from the nearest stop. As primarily residential, most residents commute outward; car remains dominant at 95%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.9 per dwelling, surpassing regional averages. Notably, 34.6% of residents work from home (2021 Census).

Service frequency averages 61 trips daily across all routes, 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 assessment.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are very low across all age groups. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 58% of the total population (3,097 people). The most common conditions are asthma (7.7%) and arthritis (6.5%). 74.1% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Under-65s have better-than-average health outcomes. Sandhurst has 18.2% of residents aged 65 and over (964 people), higher than Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. Senior health outcomes align with national rankings, mirroring 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, as per data from June 2021, showed higher cultural diversity compared to most local markets. Specifically, 18.7% spoke a language other than English at home, while 31.7% were born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Sandhurst, comprising 49.3% of its population.

However, Judaism had an overrepresentation in Sandhurst at 0.6%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 1.0%. Regarding ancestry, the top three groups were English (26.7%), Australian (21.9%), and Other (10.5%). Notably, South Australian (1.9%) and Sri Lankan (1.0%) ethnicities had higher representation in Sandhurst compared to regional averages of 0.4% and 0.8%, respectively. Additionally, Welsh ethnicity was also overrepresented at 0.8%.

Sandhurst's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Sandhurst is 42 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and Australia's national average of 38 years. The 65-74 age group makes up a strong 12.3% of the population compared to Greater Melbourne, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 6.7%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 2.9% to 4.9%, and the 65 to 74 cohort has increased from 10.7% to 12.3%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group has declined from 15.2% to 13.5%, and the 35 to 44 age group has dropped from 16.3% to 14.9%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Sandhurst, with the 65 to 74 age group expected to grow by 48% (309 people), reaching 962 from 652. 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.