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This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
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Chelsea Heights has an estimated 5,447 residents, up from 5,393 at the 2021 Census — a change of 54 people, or 1.0%. That puts 1,702 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
Based on statistical assessments, the population of Chelsea Heights stands at approximately 5,447 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 54 people (1.0%) from the 5,393 individuals recorded during the 2021 Census. This adjustment is calculated using the June 2025 ABS estimated resident population of 5,445 combined with 5 validated new addresses identified after the Census. This population size results in a density of 1,702 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the typical density of nationwide locations analyzed. Recent population expansion was largely fueled by overseas migration, which represented roughly 58.1% of the total demographic growth.
Projections from ABS and Geoscience Australia published in 2024, using 2022 as a starting point, are applied to each SA2 region. For locations lacking this data, projections are derived from the 2023 Victorian State Government Regional/LGA releases, adjusted using a weighted aggregation method to transition figures from LGA to SA2 levels. Projected growth rates by age bracket from these aggregations are also applied to all regions for the years 2032 to 2041. Looking ahead, population growth is anticipated to exceed the national median, with the location projected to add 630 residents by 2041 relative to the latest annual ERP statistics, representing an overall increase of 11.5% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
38 new dwellings have been approved in Chelsea Heights over the past five years, an average of 7 a year. That is 1.4 approvals per 1,000 residents. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 2, well below that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this SA2 boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Building approvals in Chelsea Heights average approximately 7 residential dwellings annually, with 38 units approved throughout the last 5 financial years (FY-21 to FY-25) and 2 during FY-26 so far. Despite recent population declines, this volume of construction has been relatively sufficient, offering opportunities for purchasers, with new homes averaging a construction cost of $412,000. Additionally, commercial development approvals totaling $5.6 million have been documented this financial year, reflecting the predominantly residential profile of the locality. Relative to Greater Melbourne, Chelsea Heights exhibits very low development volumes, tracking 74.0% below the regional per capita average.
This limited rate of new supply tends to bolster demand and support valuations for established properties. Construction activity also falls below national benchmarks, indicating a mature market and potential developmental constraints. Current building patterns favor detached houses, which constitute 80.0% of approvals, while medium and high-density projects account for 20.0%, preserving a suburban layout populated by family residences. With approximately 1135 people per residential approval, the local property market is highly established. Demographic forecasts suggest Chelsea Heights will add 628 citizens by 2041, based on the most recent quarterly estimates. Given the current pace of construction, housing delivery may not keep up with population expansion, which could intensify competition among buyers and support upward pressure on prices.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Chelsea Heights
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 109 current infrastructure and development projects close to Chelsea Heights, worth an estimated $13.5 billion. 31 are already under construction and 31 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, transport & logistics and sports & recreation. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local infrastructure projects and planning changes are major drivers of real estate market performance. No projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are expected to impact this specific locality. Key regional projects include The Dell by Stockland, Aspendale Gardens Shopping Centre Redevelopment, Monash Freeway Upgrade Stage 2, and the Frankston Line Level Crossing Removal Program, with the details of the most relevant projects listed below.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
The Dell by Stockland
Large masterplanned residential community directly opposite Bonbeach Station featuring townhomes and apartments, with future retail and community amenities planned within the precinct.
Aspendale Gardens Shopping Centre Redevelopment
The proposed modernization and expansion of the Aspendale Gardens Shopping Centre aims to upgrade the existing Ritchies Supa IGA and approximately 17 specialty stores. The plan includes the potential development of a top floor of approximately 3700 square metres to accommodate additional retail or commercial space. Current efforts focus on leasing and tenant management as the project navigates the planning phase, following historical community debate regarding proximity to local gambling venues.
The Strand Aspendale
Luxury beachfront residential development featuring 18 exclusive apartments with direct beach access and premium coastal living amenities.
Rossdale Golf Course Redevelopment Aspendale
Proposed rezoning and redevelopment of the 43.5-hectare Rossdale Golf Course into a mixed-use residential community, which would fund the relocation of the financially non-viable golf club. The plan proposes approximately 30% public open space, new wetlands, and integrated walking/cycling paths, with around 700 to 1000 dwellings (mix of homes, townhouses, and low-scale apartments). The proposal is under review by the Victorian Government's Priority Projects Standing Advisory Committee.
Keysborough Golf Club Relocation and South East Sports Hub
The project involves the proposed relocation of the Keysborough Golf Club to a new Graham Marsh-designed 18-hole course in Bangholme to facilitate the creation of a 69-hectare South East Sports Hub (SESH). The SESH is planned to include five football pitches, three cricket fields, an Aussie Rules field, and eight netball courts. While the 1,600-dwelling residential component at the existing Hutton Road site is currently stalled due to the Victorian Government's refusal to amend the Urban Growth Boundary and a failed member vote to extend the developer's option in early 2026, the developer Intrapac and the Club continue to advocate for the relocation to safeguard the club's financial future and provide regional sporting infrastructure.
The Promenade Patterson Lakes
Proposed medium-density townhouse and apartment development of approximately 120 dwellings within the established canal-front Lakeview precinct of Patterson Lakes. Planning permit reference CPA/2024/112 has been lodged with the City of Kingston. No independent public confirmation of a project named The Promenade at this location, its precise street number, or a named developer could be located through Kingston's planning register or other public sources at time of review.
Mornington Peninsula Freeway Maintenance Program
Maintenance works on the southbound lanes of the Mornington Peninsula Freeway between Patterson River and Eastlink at Patterson Lakes, delivered under the Victorian Government's 964 million dollar road maintenance program. Works include asphalt resurfacing and line marking carried out overnight to restore the road surface, improve safety and reduce disruption to daily traffic.
Mordi Aquatic Centre
The Mordi Aquatic Centre is an $87 million state-of-the-art facility featuring a 50m indoor multi-purpose lap pool, learn-to-swim pool, warm water exercise pool, and leisure pool with a splash park. It includes wellness amenities such as a spa, sauna, and steam room, alongside a gymnasium, fitness areas, and a cafe. Designed for sustainability, it targets a 6 Star Green Star rating with an all-electric design. Construction is currently on track for completion in late 2026, with roofing complete and internal fit-outs underway.
2,850 residents of Chelsea Heights are employed, from a labour force of 3,032. Unemployment sits at 6.0%, with participation at 68.7%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.2% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 4,816, about 88% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The local workforce is characterized by a strong presence of skilled personnel, particularly in the construction sector, alongside an unemployment rate of 6.0% and a 1.3% rise in estimated jobs over the past year. In March 2026, employed residents numbered 2,850, while the jobless rate was 1.2% higher than the Greater Melbourne average of 4.8%, and participation in the labor force aligned closely with the metropolitan average of 70.2%. Census records indicate that 28.2% of the local workforce operated from home, though this figure was likely influenced by public health restrictions.
The primary sectors employing local residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and manufacturing. Notably, the manufacturing industry shows a high concentration, employing workers at 1.6 times the regional average. Conversely, professional & technical services are underrepresented, accounting for 6.3% of employment compared to the metropolitan average of 10.1%. The comparison between the locally working population and the resident workforce suggests that this predominantly residential suburb offers few local jobs. Analysis of SALM and ABS statistics shows that for the year ending March 2026, local employment grew by 1.3% while the labor force contracted by 0.3%, resulting in a 1.5 percentage point drop in the unemployment rate. Over the same timeframe, Greater Melbourne recorded a 2.1% increase in employment and a 2.3% expansion in the labor force, with the unemployment rate rising by 0.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from May-25 published by Jobs and Skills Australia provide context for future local demand. These five and ten-year forecasts have been applied to the local industry mix to project regional employment trends. Although national employment is expected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, trends vary widely by sector. Applying these national industry trends to the local employment structure indicates that employment among residents is projected to rise by 6.2% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, representing a basic weighted projection that does not incorporate local population forecasts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Chelsea Heights is $1,867 a week (about $97,000 a year), with median personal income at $805 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $55,925 a year against an average of $67,347. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
Taxation statistics from the ATO for the 2023 financial year show that incomes in the Chelsea Heights SA2 are comparable to national averages, recording a median of $55,925 and an average of $67,347. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded a median of $57,688 and an average of $75,164. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates would be approximately $61,305 for the median and $73,826 for the average as of March 2026. The 2021 Census indicates that household, family, and individual incomes place the area near the 53rd percentile nationally.
The largest income bracket consists of 33.5% of households earning between $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (1,824 residents), which corresponds to the wider metropolitan representation of 32.8% for this cohort. Residents retain 85.6% of their income after housing costs, and the local SEIFA income index ranks in the 6th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Chelsea Heights had 1,987 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 79% detached houses and 8% apartments. 46% are owned with a mortgage, 13% rented and 40% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $412 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,001 a month. Rent absorbs 22.1% of household income here and mortgage repayments 24.7%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
According to the latest Census, the local housing stock consisted of 79.0% separate houses and 21.0% semi-detached, terrace, apartment, or other dwelling types, compared to 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings across the Melbourne metropolitan area. Home ownership rates were high at 40.4%, with mortgaged properties making up 46.3% and rented properties accounting for 13.3%. The median monthly mortgage payment was $2,001, slightly above the Melbourne metropolitan average of $2,000, while the median weekly rent was $412, compared to $390 across the metropolitan area. Nationally, local mortgage costs exceed the Australian median of $1,863, and weekly rents are higher than the national median of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Chelsea Heights counted 1,987 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.6 people each. 40% are couples with children, more than in 78% of areas nationally, against 23% couples without children. 23% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.6 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family households constitute the majority of homes at 74.8%, consisting of couples with children at 39.5%, couples without children at 23.2%, and single parents at 11.4%. Non-family households account for the remaining 25.2%, comprising lone person households at 23.4% and group homes at 1.6%. The median household size is 2.6 people, matching the average across Greater Melbourne.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
24.7% of adults in Chelsea Heights hold a university qualification, including 16.9% with a bachelor degree and 5.2% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 24.1% hold a vocational qualification. 1 school serves the area, with 406 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,050 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Educational profiles present some areas for improvement, as the proportion of residents with university degrees (24.7%) falls well short of the SA4 regional average of 46.0%. This highlights a potential area for targeted educational strategies. Bachelor degrees represent the most common higher qualification at 16.9%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 5.2% and graduate diplomas at 2.6%. Vocational training is prominent, with 36.2% of individuals aged 15+ possessing vocational credentials, split between advanced diplomas (12.1%) and certificates (24.1%). Enrolment levels are high, with 28.9% of the population engaged in formal studies.
This cohort includes 10.3% attending primary school, 7.7% in secondary education, and 4.0% enrolled in tertiary institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Chelsea Heights reaches 41 stops on 7 routes, timetabled for about 840 services a week. The typical home sits about 150 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.5 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transport services include 41 active stops in Chelsea Heights, consisting of bus services. These stops are served by 7 routes, generating 841 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is highly rated, with residents living an average of 153 meters from their nearest stop. Given the suburb's residential nature, most workers commute out of the area, with private cars being the primary mode of travel for 92% of residents. Average vehicle ownership is 1.5 per household, which is above the metropolitan average. A total of 28.2% of residents worked from home, according to 2021 Census data, which may reflect pandemic-era conditions.
Service schedules average 120 runs per day across the network, which translates to approximately 20 weekly trips for each transit stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
68.8% of residents in Chelsea Heights report no long-term health condition. 5.2% need daily assistance with core activities, and 52.6% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 4.3 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
The locality displays positive health statistics based on evaluations of mortality and chronic disease rates, with low general rates of common illnesses, although rates are higher than the national average among older, high-risk groups. Private health insurance coverage is slightly higher than the average SA2 region, representing approximately 53% of the population (~2,865 people), compared to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne. Asthma and arthritis are the most common medical diagnoses, affecting 8.6% and 7.8% of residents, respectively. A total of 68.8% of the population reported no chronic conditions, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne.
Health statistics for working-age residents are typical. Residents aged 65 and over make up 19.9% of the local population (1,086 people), which is higher than the 15.0% average in Greater Melbourne, though this segment ranks lower nationally than the general local cohort.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
26.1% of Chelsea Heights residents were born overseas and 17.2% speak a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (25.5%) and Australian (25.2%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity is higher than in most equivalent markets, with overseas-born residents making up 26.1% of the population and 17.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the primary religion, representing 48.5% of residents. The most pronounced religious overrepresentation is Judaism, which accounts for 0.3% of the local population compared to 1.0% in Greater Melbourne. Regarding parental country of birth, the three most common ancestries are English at 25.5% (above the regional average of 20.1%), Australian at 25.2% (above the regional average of 18.4%), and Other at 8.4% (below the regional average of 14.6%).
Certain backgrounds show distinct concentrations: Russian ancestry is recorded at 0.9% (compared to 0.4% regionally), Sri Lankan at 1.2% (compared to 0.8%), and Hungarian at 0.4% (compared to 0.3%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Chelsea Heights is 40. 20.3% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age of 40 is slightly higher than the Greater Melbourne median of 37 and the national average of 38 years. Compared to metropolitan averages, the 75 - 84 cohort shows a high concentration at 8.1%, while 25 - 34 year-olds are underrepresented at 8.2%. Since 2021, the 75 to 84 cohort expanded from 6.3% to 8.1% of the population, and the 15 to 24 group increased from 10.9% to 12.1%, while the 25 to 34 group decreased from 9.9% to 8.2%. Projections to 2041 indicate significant aging, with the 85+ cohort expected to rise by 167 people (120%) from 138 to 306.
The combined 65+ age groups are projected to account for 56% of total population growth, while declines are forecast for the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 demographics.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Chelsea Heights
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the SA2 boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 5 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (5,393 at the 2021 Census → 5,447 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (208031187). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.