Box Hill

Box Hill lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Box Hill's population is around 30,305 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 7,464 people (32.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 22,841 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 26,669 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 1,451 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 4,323 persons per square kilometer, which lies in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch, making land in the area a highly sought resource. Box Hill's 32.7% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of 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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a significant population increase in the top quartile of national areas is forecast, with the area expected to grow by 10,068 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, recording a gain of 21.2% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Box Hill among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Box Hill has recorded around 401 residential properties granted approval annually, with 2,005 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 98 so far in FY-26. Given an average of 1.6 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply and demand appear well-balanced, creating stable market conditions, though recent data reveals this has increased to 15.5 people per dwelling over the past 2 financial years, reflecting the area's growing popularity and potential supply constraints. New homes are being built at an average value of $308,000, aligned with broader regional development. There have also been $233.5 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating strong commercial development momentum.

When measured against Greater Melbourne, Box Hill shows 99.0% higher development activity (per person), which should provide buyers with ample choice, though building activity has slowed in recent years. This is well above average nationally, reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. Recent construction comprises 13.0% detached houses and 87.0% medium and high-density housing. This trend toward denser development provides accessible entry options and appeals to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This marks a significant departure from existing housing patterns (currently 37.0% houses), suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. The location has approximately 310 people per dwelling approval, indicating room for growth.

Looking ahead, Box Hill is expected to grow by 6,431 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Box Hill has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 35 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Wembley Hill Townhomes, Box Hill City Oval Redevelopment, Box Hill Metropolitan Activity Centre - Public Realm, and Suburban Rail Loop East - Box Hill Station, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 performance in Box Hill has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Box Hill possesses a highly educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation, an unemployment rate of 5.6%, and 2.0% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 15,160 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.9% above Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (68.0% compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%). Based on Census responses, a high 33.8% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and accommodation & food. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in accommodation & food, with employment levels at 1.7 times the regional average. Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 6.9% versus the regional average of 9.7%. The ratio of 0.9 workers for each resident, as at the Census, indicates substantial local employment opportunities.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 2.0% alongside the labour force increasing by 2.7%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.7 percentage points. This compares to Greater Melbourne, where employment grew by 2.4%, the labour force expanded by 2.8%, and unemployment rose 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Box Hill. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While 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 Box Hill's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.2% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Box Hill SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $45,002 with the average level standing at $62,103. This is lower than average on a national basis and compares to levels of $57,688 and $75,164 across Greater Melbourne respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $48,715 (median) and $67,226 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Box Hill, between the 25th and 32nd percentiles. Income analysis reveals 27.8% of the population (8,424 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, mirroring the region where 32.8% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 78.2% of income remaining, ranking at the 23rd percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Box Hill displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure within Box Hill, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 37.2% houses and 62.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Box Hill lagged that of Melbourne metro, at 25.3%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (25.1%) or rented (49.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Melbourne metro average at $2,088, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $391, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390. Nationally, Box Hill's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceed the national figure of $375.

Box Hill features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 60.9% of all households, comprising 24.3% couples with children, 24.9% couples without children, and 9.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 39.1%, with lone person households at 30.4% and group households comprising 8.8% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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

Educational attainment in Box Hill significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 48.2% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 30.4% in Australia and 33.4% in VIC. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 29.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (15.4%) and graduate diplomas (3.5%). Vocational pathways account for 21.1% of qualifications among those aged 15+ – advanced diplomas (11.7%) and certificates (9.4%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 35.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.7% in tertiary education, 7.0% in secondary education, and 6.7% pursuing primary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 146 active transport stops operating within Box Hill, comprising a mix of light rail and buses. These stops are serviced by 36 individual routes, collectively providing 13,979 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 153 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 64%, with 17% by train and 9% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 0.8 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A high 33.8% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 1,997 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 95 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

Box Hill's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Box Hill, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts see low prevalence of common health conditions, and the rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~15,091 people). This compares to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 6.5% and 5.4% of residents, respectively, while 77.5% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. The area has 15.2% of residents aged 65 and over (4,594 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Box Hill is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Box Hill is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country, with 55.3% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 56.5% born overseas. The main religion in Box Hill is Christianity, which makes up 31.3% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Buddhism, which comprises 8.1% of the population, compared to 4.2% across Greater Melbourne.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Box Hill are Chinese, comprising 32.7% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 6.5%, English, comprising 16.4% of the population, and Australian, comprising 13.0% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 18.4%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Korean is notably overrepresented at 1.2% of the population (vs 0.3% regionally), Sri Lankan at 0.6% (vs 0.8%) and Vietnamese at 1.6% (vs 1.9%).

Box Hill hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

At 34 years, Box Hill's median age is somewhat lower than the Greater Melbourne average of 37 and similarly considerably younger than Australia's 38 years. Relative to Greater Melbourne, Box Hill has a higher concentration of 25 - 34 residents (22.3%) but fewer 5 - 14 year-olds (8.0%). This 25 - 34 concentration is well above the national 14.4%. Since the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 21.4% to 22.3% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 12.1% to 11.1%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Box Hill. The 25 to 34 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 22%, adding 1,504 residents to reach 8,259. In contrast, the 5 to 14 cohort shows minimal growth of just 3% (73 people).