Hadfield

Hadfield 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, Hadfield's population is around 6,962 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 721 people (11.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,241 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,654 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 122 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 2,282 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Hadfield's 11.6% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (8.7%) and the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 51.8% of overall 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. Anticipating future population dynamics, exceptional growth, placing in the top 10 percent of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch, is predicted over the period, with the area expected to expand by 2,718 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 34.6% in total over the 17 years.

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

Hadfield has recorded around 59 residential properties granted approval annually, with 298 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 41 so far in FY-26. With an average of 1.3 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply and demand seem well-matched, fostering stable market dynamics, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $275,000—below regional norms—reflecting more affordable housing options for purchasers. Additionally, $4.3 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature.

Compared to Greater Melbourne, Hadfield has slightly more development (40.0% above regional average per person over the 5 year period), maintaining good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. New building activity shows 26.0% detached dwellings and 74.0% medium and high-density housing. This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points and suits downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing (currently 73.0% houses), indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options. At around 142 people per approval, Hadfield reflects a developing area.

Population forecasts indicate Hadfield will gain 2,410 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Building activity is keeping pace with growth projections, though buyers may experience heightened competition as the population grows.

Hadfield 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, 8 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include 4 Alva Court Fawkner Development, 13 Moray Street Fawkner Residential Development, Assembly Broadmeadows, and Broadmeadows Kangan Institute Redevelopment Stage 1, 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.

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Employment performance in Hadfield has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Hadfield has a skilled workforce, with the construction sector a particular standout in terms of representation, an unemployment rate of 4.5%, and relative employment stability over the past year. As of December 2025, 3,258 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 0.3% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%, and workforce participation lags significantly (63.2% compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%). Based on Census responses, a high 29.1% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. The area shows particularly strong specialization in construction, with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level. On the other hand, professional & technical services are under-represented, with only 7.3% of Hadfield's workforce compared to 10.1% in Greater Melbourne. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels remained stable by 0.0% and the labour force decreased by 0.8%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.8 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 2.4%, labour force growth of 2.8%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Hadfield. 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 Hadfield's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.1% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Hadfield SA2 is lower than average on a national basis, with the median assessed at $52,673 while the average income stands at $60,208. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne's figures of a median income of $57,688 and an average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $57,019 (median) and $65,175 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Hadfield, between the 25th and 37th percentiles. Looking at income distribution, the largest segment comprises 32.1% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (2,234 residents), mirroring the surrounding region where 32.8% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.1% of income remaining, ranking at the 37th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

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

Dwelling structure within Hadfield, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 72.9% houses and 27.1% 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 Hadfield was well beyond that of Melbourne metro, at 38.6%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (33.8%) or rented (27.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was in line with the Melbourne metro average at $2,000, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $376, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390. Nationally, Hadfield's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are exceeding the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 69.4% of all households, comprising 32.4% couples with children, 24.0% couples without children, and 11.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 30.6%, with lone person households at 27.4% and group households comprising 3.1% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 people is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

The educational profile of Hadfield exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Educational qualifications in Hadfield trail regional benchmarks, with 27.7% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 37.0% in Greater Melbourne. This gap highlights potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees lead at 18.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.7%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 28.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (9.9%) and certificates (18.2%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.9% of residents aged 15+ currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.8% in primary education, 6.8% in secondary education, and 5.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 34 active transport stops operating within Hadfield, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 7 individual routes, collectively providing 2,117 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 211 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 86%, with 8% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling. A high 29.1% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 302 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 62 weekly trips per individual stop.

Hadfield's residents are extremely healthy with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Hadfield, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population, though higher than the national average across older, at-risk cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 49% of the total population (~3,404 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 8.7% and 7.6% of residents, respectively, while 69.3% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 16.6% of residents aged 65 and over (1,156 people), which is higher than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, though they rank lower nationally than the broader population.

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

Hadfield scores highly on cultural diversity, with 34.7% of its population born overseas and 44.9% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Hadfield is Christianity, which makes up 49.6% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Islam, which comprises 23.1% of the population, substantially higher than the Greater Melbourne average of 5.6%.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Hadfield are Other, comprising 16.4% of the population, Italian, comprising 16.2% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 5.2%, and Australian, comprising 16.1% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Lebanese is notably overrepresented at 9.3% of Hadfield (vs 0.8% regionally), Maltese at 2.8% (vs 1.1%) and Greek at 4.3% (vs 2.7%).

Hadfield's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Hadfield's median age of 35 years is slightly younger than Greater Melbourne's 37 and somewhat younger than the 38-year national average. The 85+ age group shows strong representation at 4.5% compared to Greater Melbourne, whereas the 45 - 54 cohort is less prevalent at 10.0%. Since 2021, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 14.3% to 17.5% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 11.5% to 10.0% and the 75 to 84 group dropped from 6.7% to 5.5%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Hadfield. The 45 to 54 age cohort is projected to rise substantially, expanding by 439 people (63%) from 698 to 1,138.