St Helena

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the estimated population of St Helena as of Feb 2026 is around 3,035. This reflects an increase of 145 people (5.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,890 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,025 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 65 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,850 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 70.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. 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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, exceptional growth, placing in the top 10 percent of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch, is predicted over the period with the suburb expected to increase by 1,207 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 38.1% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in St Helena, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, St Helena has recorded around 8 residential properties granted approval annually over the past five financial years from FY21 to FY25. This totals an estimated 40 homes. So far in FY26, 3 approvals have been recorded. The average number of people moving to the area per year for each dwelling built is 0.1 during this period.

Supply meets or exceeds demand, offering greater buyer choice and supporting potential population growth above projections. New properties are constructed at an average value of $488,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY26, $1.2 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to Greater Melbourne, St Helena records markedly lower building activity, 59.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new properties typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties, which is also under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. New development consists of 55.0% detached houses and 45.0% townhouses or apartments, showing an expanding range of medium-density options creating a mix of opportunities across price brackets.

This reflects a considerable change from the current housing mix, which is currently 84.0% houses, likely due to reduced availability of development sites and shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. The location has approximately 328 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. Future projections show St Helena adding 1,157 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified six projects likely to impact this area. Key projects include St Helena Place, Nillumbik Play Space Renewal Projects, Hurstbridge Rail Line Upgrades (Watsonia-Eltham), and Nillumbik Waste Management Facility Upgrade. Below are 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.

St Helena ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

St Helena has a well-educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate is 2.0%, indicating relative employment stability over the past year according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, there are 1,664 residents employed while the unemployment rate is 2.7% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%.

Workforce participation stands at 67.7%, slightly below Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. Census responses reveal that 33.3% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The key industries for employment among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. St Helena has a particular employment specialization in construction, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

Conversely, accommodation & food employs only 3.9% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 6.4%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as suggested by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 0.4% while labour force grew by 0.3%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.1 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne where employment rose by 3.0%, the labour force grew by 3.3%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer insights into potential future demand within St Helena. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, indicate that national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to St Helena's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023, St Helena's median income among taxpayers is $61,023. The average income in the suburb was $75,433 during this period. Nationally, these figures are high compared to Greater Melbourne's median of $57,688 and average of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year ended June 2023, current estimates for St Helena would be approximately $66,057 (median) and $81,656 (average) as of September 2025. According to Census 2021 income data, household, family, and personal incomes in St Helena rank highly nationally, between the 70th and 81st percentiles. The earnings profile shows that 28.9% of residents (877 people) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 weekly income bracket. This pattern is also seen in the surrounding region where 32.8% occupy this income range. St Helena demonstrates considerable affluence with 35.8% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings in the area. After housing costs, residents retain 89.4% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

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

In St Helena, as per the latest Census evaluation, 84.0% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 16.0% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This contrasts with Melbourne metro's figures of 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in St Helena stood at 42.8%, compared to mortgaged dwellings at 43.4% and rented ones at 13.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in St Helena was $163, lower than Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, St Helena's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,167 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially lower at $163 against the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 78.9% of all households, comprising 42.3% couples with children, 28.2% couples without children, and 7.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 21.1%, with lone person households at 19.4% and group households comprising 0.5%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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

Educational qualifications on St Helena, as of 2021, show that 32.4% of residents aged 15 and above hold university degrees, compared to the South African average of 41.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 21.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 6.3% and graduate diplomas at 4.6%. Vocational credentials are held by 32.0% of residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 11.3% and certificates at 20.7%. Educational participation is high, with 28.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education as of 2021: 11.0% in primary, 7.6% in secondary, and 4.6% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.0% in primary education, 7.6% in secondary education, and 4.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

St Helena has 11 operational public transport stops serving mixed bus routes. These provide a total of 2,092 weekly passenger trips via four individual routes. Transport accessibility is high, with residents located an average of 191 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily due to its residential nature. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 92%. The area has an average vehicle ownership rate of 1.8 per dwelling, higher than the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, a significant 33.3% of residents work from home, potentially due to COVID-19 conditions. All routes combined offer approximately 298 trips daily, equating to around 190 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in St Helena is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

St Helena demonstrates above-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

The prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population but higher than the national average among older, at-risk cohorts. Approximately 57% (~1,718 people) of the total population has private health cover. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (9.8%) and mental health issues (7.6%), while 67.3% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. The under-65 population shows better than average health outcomes. St Helena has 25.1% of residents aged 65 and over (761 people), which is higher than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, ranking lower nationally than the broader population.

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

St Helena's cultural diversity aligns with its wider region, with 81.6% born in Australia, 91.5% being citizens, and 86.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion on St Helena, comprising 53.5%, compared to 43.0% across Greater Melbourne. The top three ancestry groups are English (26.2%), Australian (23.6%), and Italian (9.5%), all higher than regional averages of 20.1%, 18.4%, and 7.3% respectively.

Notably, Macedonian (1.6%) Maltese (1.9%), and Hungarian (0.4%) groups are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.7%, 1.1%, and 0.3%.

St Helena hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in St Helena is 46 years, which exceeds Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and is also higher than the Australian median of 38. In comparison to Greater Melbourne, the cohort aged 55-64 is notably over-represented in St Helena at 15.3%, while those aged 25-34 are under-represented at 5.7%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population aged 75 to 84 has grown from 6.9% to 8.8%, and the cohort aged 15 to 24 has increased from 11.0% to 12.3%. Conversely, the proportion of those aged 25 to 34 has declined from 7.5% to 5.7%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for St Helena, with the cohort aged 55-64 projected to expand by 211 people (46%) from 464 to 676.