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

Hadfield's population, as of May 2026, is approximately 6,717 people. This figure represents an increase of 476 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 6,241. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,650 in June 2025 and an additional 148 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,202 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Hadfield has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.4%, outperforming the SA3 area. Overseas migration contributed approximately 51.6% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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 employing 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. Future population dynamics anticipate exceptional growth, placing Hadfield in the top 10 percent of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch. By 2041, the area is expected to expand by 2,648 persons based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 38.4% over the 16 years.

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

Hadfield has approved approximately 59 residential properties annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 298 homes were approved, with an additional 55 approved in FY-26 so far. On average, about 1.3 people moved to the area each year for every dwelling built during these years.

This suggests a balanced supply and demand dynamic in the market, with new properties being constructed at an average expected cost of $275,000, which is below regional norms, offering more affordable housing options. In FY-26 alone, $4.3 million worth of commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting Hadfield's primarily residential nature. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Hadfield has seen slightly higher development activity, with a 39.0% increase in development per person over the past five years. This maintains good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. However, building activity has slowed in recent years.

New developments consist of approximately 26.0% detached dwellings and 74.0% medium to high-density housing. This shift towards higher-density living creates more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers, marking a significant change from the current housing mix, which is predominantly houses (73.0%). The location currently has about 142 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Hadfield is expected to gain approximately 2,581 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag behind population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth in the area.

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

Eight projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting 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.

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's skilled workforce is notable, particularly in the construction sector. As of December 2025, unemployment stands at 4.5%, with relative employment stability over the past year compared to Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%. There are 3,258 residents employed, with a workforce participation rate of 63.3%.

A high proportion, 29.1%, work from home. Leading industries include construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Construction is particularly prominent, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level. Conversely, professional & technical services are under-represented at 7.3% compared to Greater Melbourne's 10.1%.

The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels remained stable (0.0%) while labour force decreased by 0.8%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment growth of 2.4% and labour force growth of 2.8%, with a slight rise in unemployment to 5.1%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May-25) project national growth rates of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Hadfield's industry mix suggests local employment could increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that Hadfield SA2 has an income below the national average. The median income is $52,673 and the average income stands at $60,208. In comparison, Greater Melbourne has a median income of $57,688 and an average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Hadfield would be approximately $57,740 (median) and $66,000 (average) as of March 2026. The 2021 Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Hadfield rank modestly, between the 25th and 37th percentiles. Income distribution data reveals that the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 32.1% of the community (2,156 individuals), which is consistent with broader trends across the region showing 32.8% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.1% of income remaining, ranking at the 37th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Hadfield's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 72.9% houses and 27.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hadfield stood at 38.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.8% and rented ones at 27.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,000, similar to Melbourne metro's average, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $376, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390 respectively. Nationally, Hadfield's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, with rents also higher than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 69.4% of all households, including 32.4% couples with children, 24.0% couples without children, and 11.5% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 30.6%, with lone person households at 27.4% and group households comprising 3.1%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which 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

Hadfield's educational qualifications trail regional benchmarks, with 27.7% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to Greater Melbourne's 37.0%. This gap suggests potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 18.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.7%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 28.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (9.9%) and certificates (18.2%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.9% of residents 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

Hadfield has 34 operational public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by seven distinct routes, offering a combined total of 2,117 weekly passenger journeys. Transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents located an average of 211 meters from the nearest stop. The area is predominantly residential, with outward commuting being the norm. Cars remain the primary mode of transport, used by 86% of residents, while train use stands at 8%. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, a significant 29.1% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, an average of 302 trips is made daily, translating to approximately 62 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Hadfield 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

Hadfield demonstrates better-than-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are low among the general population but higher than national averages for older, at-risk cohorts. Private health cover is very low, with approximately 49% of Hadfield's total population (~3,284 people) having it, compared to Greater Melbourne's 56.7%.

Nationally, this figure stands at 55.7%. Arthritis and asthma are the most common medical conditions in Hadfield, affecting 8.7% and 7.6% of residents respectively. Around 69.3% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Greater Melbourne's 72.6%. The under-65 population shows better-than-average health outcomes. Hadfield has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, with 16.5% (1,107 people) compared to Greater Melbourne's 15.0%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but 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's cultural diversity is notable, with 34.7% of its population born overseas and 44.9% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the primary religion in Hadfield, making up 49.6%. However, Islam is significantly overrepresented, comprising 23.1%, compared to Greater Melbourne's average of 5.6%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (16.4%), Italian (16.2%), and Australian (16.1%). Notably, Lebanese (9.3%) and Maltese (2.8%) populations in Hadfield exceed regional averages significantly.

Hadfield's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Hadfield's median age in 2021 was 35 years, slightly younger than Greater Melbourne's 37 and the national average of 38. The population aged 85 and above stood at 4.5%, higher than Greater Melbourne's rate. Conversely, the 15-24 age group constituted 11.1% of Hadfield's population, lower than Greater Melbourne's figure. Between 2021 and the present, the 35-44 age group has increased from 14.3% to 17.5%. Meanwhile, the 75-84 cohort has decreased from 6.7% to 5.3%, and the 45-54 age group has dropped from 11.5% to 10.2%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate a significant rise in the 45-54 age cohort, with an increase of 463 people (68%), reaching 1,150 from 686.