Seaford (Vic.)

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

As of November 2025, Seaford's population is estimated at around 18,072 people. This reflects an increase of 857 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 17,215 people. The current population was inferred from AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and their examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024. This resulted in an estimated resident population of 18,070 people. The suburb's population density is approximately 1,457 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Seaford's growth rate since the 2021 Census was 5.0%, exceeding both the SA4 region (3.1%) and SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region.

Natural growth contributed approximately 50% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch is using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, they are utilizing the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 with adjustments made through weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is expected to grow by approximately 1,893 persons to reach a total population of around 19,965 people by 2041, reflecting an increase of about 10.5% over the 17-year period.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Seaford when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Seaford averaged approximately 84 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 420 homes. As of FY-26, 32 approvals have been recorded. This averages to around 1.6 people moving to the area per year for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, suggesting a balanced supply and demand market with stable conditions. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $500,000.

In FY-26, there have been $40.0 million in commercial approvals, indicating strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Seaford has 54.0% more construction activity per person. Currently, new building activity comprises approximately 39.0% standalone homes and 61.0% townhouses or apartments, creating more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a shift from the area's existing housing composition of 74.0% houses. Seaford reflects a low density area with around 233 people per approval. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Seaford is expected to grow by 1,893 residents through to 2041.

Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Seaford has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 16 projects potentially influencing this region. Notable ones include Frankston Basketball and Gymnastics Stadium Redevelopment, Seaford Level Crossing Removal - Armstrongs Road & Station Street, 8A Klauer Street Industrial Development, and Seaford Child, Youth & Family Centre Upgrade and Expansion. The following list details those most likely to be 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.

Seaford shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Seaford has a skilled workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 5.6% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 3.4%.

As of June 2025, 9,209 residents were employed, while the unemployment rate was 1.0% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation was lower at 61.6%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Major employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Seaford specializes in construction with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level, but has lower representation in professional & technical services at 6.5% versus the regional average of 10.1%.

Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Over a 12-month period ending June 2025, employment increased by 3.4%, labour force by 4.6%, and unemployment rose by 1.0 percentage points in Seaford. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 3.5% and labour force growth of 4.0%, with a 0.5 percentage point rise in unemployment. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (Sep-22) project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Seaford's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022 indicates Seaford's median income among taxpayers is $53,931, with an average of $63,005. This is below the national average, which compares to Greater Melbourne's median of $54,892 and average of $73,761. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates for September 2025 would be approximately $60,489 (median) and $70,666 (average). Census data reveals personal income ranks at the 51st percentile ($809 weekly), while household income sits at the 35th percentile. Distribution data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 31.7% of the community (5,728 individuals), mirroring regional levels where 32.8% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 81.4% of income remaining, ranking at the 33rd percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Seaford is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Seaford's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 73.7% houses and 26.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 79.8% houses and 20.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Seaford was at 28.7%, similar to Melbourne metro's level. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (37.0%) or rented (34.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,850, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $1,800. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $351, compared to Melbourne metro's $356. Nationally, Seaford's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Seaford features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 62.9% of all households, including 25.3% couples with children, 22.5% couples without children, and 13.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 37.1%, with lone person households at 33.7% and group households comprising 3.4%. The median household size is 2.3 people, smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.5.

Seaford performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

Seaford faces educational challenges with university qualification rates at 23.7%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common (16.2%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.3%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 39.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (13.1%) and certificates (26.2%). Educational participation is high at 26.8%, comprising primary education (9.0%), secondary education (6.5%), and tertiary education (3.6%).

Seaford has a robust network of nine schools educating approximately 2,898 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1017) and balanced educational opportunities. The school mix includes seven primary, one secondary, and one K-12 school. Note: for schools marked 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Seaford has 90 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These are served by 9 different routes that collectively facilitate 4,396 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 225 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 628 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 48 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Seaford is lower than average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Seaford faces significant health challenges with notable prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 52% of the total population (~9,355 people), slightly lagging that of the average SA2 area. The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 10.2% and 9.3% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 64.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 65.0% across Greater Melbourne. The area has 19.1% of residents aged 65 and over (3,451 people), which is higher than the 17.9% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

In terms of cultural diversity, Seaford records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Seaford's cultural diversity aligns with the broader region, as 86.9% are citizens, 78.9% were born in Australia, and 89.8% speak English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, practiced by 40.4%. Judaism, however, is slightly overrepresented at 0.4%, compared to 0.3% regionally.

For ancestry, the top groups are English (29.9%), Australian (25.7%), and Irish (9.4%). Notably, Russian (0.6%) and Hungarian (0.4%) groups are similarly represented in Seaford as regionally, while Dutch representation is slightly lower at 1.6%.

Seaford's median age exceeds the national pattern

Seaford has a median age of 40, which is slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and Australia's figure of 38 years. Compared to the Greater Melbourne average, Seaford has a notably higher proportion of people aged 65-74 (10.0%) and a lower proportion of people aged 25-34 (12.4%). Between 2021 and present, the population aged 15-24 has increased from 9.2% to 10.3%, while the population aged 25-34 has decreased from 13.7% to 12.4%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Seaford's age profile. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to expand by 524 people (43%), growing from 1,210 to 1,735. Notably, the combined population of those aged 65 and above will account for 59% of total population growth, reflecting Seaford's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the populations aged 25-34 and 5-14 are expected to decline.