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 Feb 2026, the estimated population of Seaford (Vic.) is around 18,352, reflecting a 6.6% increase since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 17,215. This growth was inferred from an estimated resident population of 18,072 by AreaSearch following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release (June 2024) and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,480 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Seaford's growth exceeded that of its SA4 region (4.1%) and SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader. Natural growth contributed approximately 50.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch uses 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 VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing weighted aggregation methods from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb of Seaford (Vic.) is expected to grow by 1,911 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 8.9% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Seaford shows an average of 84 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling approximately 420 homes. As of FY-26, 51 approvals have been recorded. The average population increase per dwelling built over these years is 1.6 people. This indicates a balanced supply and demand market with stable conditions.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $500,000, targeting the premium segment. In FY-26, Seaford has seen $39.9 million in commercial development approvals, reflecting high local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Seaford has 54.0% more construction activity per person. The current building activity comprises 39.0% standalone homes and 61.0% townhouses or apartments, offering affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This shift contrasts with the area's existing housing composition of 74.0% houses. Seaford has a low density population, with around 233 people per approval.

By 2041, AreaSearch estimates an increase of 1,631 residents. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, potentially facilitating further population growth beyond projections.

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

AreaSearch has identified 16 projects that could impact the area's performance. Key projects 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's workforce is skilled with well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 5.6% in the past year. Employment growth was estimated at 2.6%.

As of December 2025, 9,346 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 5.4%, higher than Greater Melbourne's 4.8%. Workforce participation was lower at 65.2% compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%. A high 26.3% of residents worked from home, possibly due to Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Construction employment is particularly high at 1.5 times the regional level. Conversely, professional & technical employment is lower at 6.5%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities. In the past year, employment increased by 2.6% while labour force grew by 2.0%, leading to a 0.5 percentage point unemployment rate decrease. Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 2.4% and labour force growth of 2.8%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 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.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch released postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023. Seaford's median income among taxpayers was $53,931 and the average was $63,005. Both figures were below the national average. Greater Melbourne had a median of $57,688 and an average of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Seaford would be approximately $58,380 (median) and $68,203 (average) as of September 2025. Census data showed personal income ranked at the 51st percentile ($809 weekly), while household income was at the 35th percentile. Distribution data indicated that 31.7% of Seaford residents earned between $1,500 and $2,999 (5,817 individuals). This was similar to regional levels where 32.8% fell into this bracket. Housing affordability pressures were severe with only 81.4% of income remaining, ranking at the 33rd percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 5th decile.

Seaford is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Seaford's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 73.7% houses and 26.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Melbourne metro had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Seaford was at 28.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.0% and rented ones at 34.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,850, lower than Melbourne metro's $2,000. The median weekly rent in Seaford was $351, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Seaford's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, and 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 account for 62.9 percent of all households, including 25.3 percent couples with children, 22.5 percent couples without children, and 13.8 percent single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 37.1 percent, with lone person households at 33.7 percent and group households comprising 3.4 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 23.7%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 16.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.3%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (13.1%) and certificates (26.2%). Educational participation is high, with 26.8% currently enrolled in formal education: 9.0% in primary, 6.5% in secondary, and 3.6% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.0% in primary education, 6.5% in secondary education, and 3.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Seaford has 93 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 10 different routes that together facilitate 3,331 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these stops is rated as good, with residents typically living just 224 meters away from the nearest one. As a predominantly residential area, most Seaford residents commute outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport, used by 90% of residents. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling in Seaford.

According to the 2021 Census, a significant 26.3% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages at 475 trips per day, equating to roughly 35 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 as assessed by AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 52% of the total population, which consists of around 9,500 people, compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne. The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are mental health issues affecting 10.2% of residents and asthma impacting 9.3%. Conversely, 64.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. As of June 2021, the area has 20.0% of residents aged 65 and over, totaling 3,670 people, which is higher than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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 wider region's average, with 86.9% of its population being citizens, 78.9% born in Australia, and 89.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Seaford, comprising 40.4% of people, while Judaism is overrepresented at 0.4%, compared to 1.0% across Greater Melbourne. The top three ancestry groups in Seaford are English (29.9%), Australian (25.7%), and Irish (9.4%).

Notably, Russian (0.6%) and Hungarian (0.4%) ethnicities are overrepresented compared to the regional averages of 0.4% and 0.3%, respectively. Dutch ethnicity is also slightly higher at 1.6%.

Seaford's population is slightly older than 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. The 65-74 cohort is notably over-represented in Seaford at 10.3%, compared to the Greater Melbourne average, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 12.0%. Between 2021 and present, the 15-24 age group has grown from 9.2% to 10.5% of the population, while the 75-84 cohort increased from 5.9% to 7.2%. Conversely, the 25-34 age group has declined from 13.7% to 12.0%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Seaford's age profile will change significantly. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to expand by 436 people (33%), from 1,321 to 1,758. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 60% of total population growth, reflecting Seaford's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 0-4 and 5-14 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.