Brighton (Vic.)

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

Brighton's population, as per AreaSearch's analysis, is approximately 24,277 by November 2025. This figure indicates a rise of 1,519 individuals, representing a 6.7% increase since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 22,758. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 24,107 in June 2024 and an additional 273 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 2,960 persons per square kilometer, placing Brighton in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Brighton's growth of 6.7% since the 2021 census outpaces the SA3 area's 5.4%, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth during recent periods.

AreaSearch employs 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 uses the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using a method of 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. According to population projections, Brighton is expected to increase by just below the median of national statistical areas, with an anticipated expansion of 2,574 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total gain of 9.9% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Brighton when compared nationally

Brighton has received approximately 223 dwelling approvals per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, a total of 1,116 homes were approved, with an additional 37 approved so far in FY-26. Despite recent population decline, development activity has been adequate relative to population size.

The average construction cost value for new dwellings is $891,000, indicating that developers are targeting the premium market segment. In terms of commercial development, $50.7 million in approvals have been recorded this financial year, reflecting high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Brighton has similar development levels per person, maintaining market equilibrium with surrounding areas. New development consists of 16.0% standalone homes and 84.0% medium and high-density housing, providing accessible entry options for downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This shift from the area's existing housing composition (currently 57.0% houses) suggests decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles requiring more diverse, affordable housing options.

With around 216 people per dwelling approval, Brighton indicates a developing market. Population forecasts estimate Brighton will gain 2,404 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, offering favorable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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

A total of 36 projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area, with changes to local infrastructure being significant influencers on performance. Key projects include Star of the Sea College Nano Nagle Centre, 600-604 North Road Mixed-Use (52 apartments + 4 retail), and another project at the same location with similar details. The list below provides details on those projects likely to be 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.

Employment performance in Brighton has been broadly consistent with national averages

Brighton has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate is 3.1% as of September 2025.

Over the past year, employment stability has been relative. There are 12,673 residents employed currently, with an unemployment rate 1.6% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation in Brighton is somewhat below standard at 59.4%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Employment is concentrated in professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and retail trade sectors.

Brighton shows strong specialization in professional & technical services with an employment share of 1.8 times the regional level. Conversely, construction has lower representation at 7.0% versus the regional average of 9.7%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the year to September 2025, labour force levels increased by 0.7%, while employment declined by 0.1%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 3.3%. State-level data from 25-Nov shows VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Brighton's employment should increase by 7.3% over five years and 14.6% over ten years based on industry-specific projections.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

Brighton SA2 had median taxpayer income of $73,381 and average income of $170,500 in financial year 2022. This was exceptionally high nationally compared to Greater Melbourne's median income of $54,892 and average income of $73,761. By September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $82,304 and average income $191,233, based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022. In the 2021 Census, Brighton's household, family, and personal incomes ranked highly nationally, between 93rd and 94th percentiles. Distribution data showed that 37.8% of residents (9,176 people) earned $4000+ annually, differing from metropolitan region patterns where $1,500 - 2,999 dominated with 32.8%. Economic strength was evident with 47.0% of households earning high weekly incomes exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. Housing accounted for 13.9% of income, while strong earnings ranked residents within the 94th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 10th decile.

Brighton displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Brighton's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, comprised 57.1% houses and 42.8% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compares to Melbourne metro's 62.6% houses and 37.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Brighton stood at 46.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.9% and rented ones at 24.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $3,467, above Melbourne metro's average of $3,000. Median weekly rent in Brighton was $600, higher than Melbourne metro's $520. Nationally, Brighton's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Brighton has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 70.3% of all households, including 32.3% couples with children, 28.7% couples without children, and 8.6% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 29.7%, with lone person households at 27.9% and group households making up 1.7%. The median household size is 2.4 people, smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.5.

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

Brighton's educational attainment notably exceeds wider standards, with 52.7% of residents aged 15+ possessing university qualifications compared to Australia's 30.4% and Victoria's 33.4%. This significant educational edge places the area favourably for knowledge-driven prospects. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 34.2%, trailed by postgraduate qualifications (13.8%) and graduate diplomas (4.7%). Vocational paths comprise 19.5% of qualifications among those aged 15+, with advanced diplomas accounting for 11.0% and certificates for 8.5%.

Educational involvement is notably high, with 28.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 9.1% in secondary, 8.6% in primary, and 7.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Brighton has 118 active public transport stops. These comprise a mix of train and bus services. There are 17 different routes operating in total.

Each week, these routes facilitate 8,736 passenger trips collectively. The average distance from residents to the nearest transport stop is 183 meters. On average, there are 1,248 trips per day across all routes. This equates to approximately 74 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Brighton is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Brighton shows above-average health outcomes with both younger and older age groups having low prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 89% of Brighton's total population (21,703 people) has private health cover, compared to 78.5% across Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 7.3% and 6.4% of residents respectively.

72.2% of residents report no medical ailments, similar to the 72.0% in Greater Melbourne. Brighton has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 27.1% (6,574 people), compared to 22.9% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors in Brighton are particularly strong, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Brighton was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Brighton has a higher level of cultural diversity than most other local areas, with 16.4% of its residents speaking a language other than English at home and 28.4% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Brighton, accounting for 49.3% of the population. However, Judaism is more prevalent in Brighton than in Greater Melbourne, comprising 3.8% compared to 3.1%.

The top three ancestral groups in Brighton are English (27.3%), Australian (20.1%), and Irish (10.1%). Some other ethnic groups show notable differences: Polish residents make up 1.5% of Brighton's population, slightly higher than the regional average of 1.4%, while Russian and Hungarian residents each comprise 0.9% and 0.5% respectively, similar to their regional percentages.

Brighton hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Brighton's median age is 48 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and Australia's median age of 38 years. The age profile shows that the 75-84 year-old group constitutes 10.6% of Brighton's population, while the 25-34 year-old group makes up only 7.0%. Between 2021 and present, the percentage of 75 to 84-year-olds has increased from 8.4% to 10.6%, and the 15 to 24 cohort has risen from 11.7% to 13.6%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 year-old group has declined from 15.1% to 13.3%, and the 5 to 14 year-old group has decreased from 11.7% to 10.7%. Population forecasts for Brighton in 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes, with the 85+ cohort projected to grow by 106%, adding 1,067 residents to reach a total of 2,075. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 88% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 55 to 64 year-old group and the 0 to 4 year-old cohort.