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 was approximately 6,962 as of February 2026. This figure represents an increase of 721 people (11.6%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 6,241 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,654 in June 2024 and an additional 122 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,282 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Hadfield's growth of 11.6% since the 2021 census surpassed both the SA3 area (8.7%) and the national average, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 51.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is using 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 employs the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population dynamics predict exceptional growth, placing Hadfield in the top 10 percent of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch. By 2041, the area is expected to expand by 2,718 persons based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total gain of 34.6% over the 17 years.

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

Hadfield has granted approval for approximately 59 residential properties annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 298 homes have been approved, with an additional 35 approved so far in FY-26. On average, about 1.3 people move to the area each year for every dwelling built during these five years.

This balance between supply and demand contributes to stable market dynamics. The average construction cost of new properties is $275,000, which is below regional norms, offering more affordable housing options. In FY-26, approximately $4.3 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting the area's predominantly residential nature. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Hadfield has slightly higher development activity, with 40.0% more approvals per person over the past five years. This maintains good buyer choice while supporting existing property values.

The new building activity in Hadfield consists of approximately 26.0% detached dwellings and 74.0% medium to high-density housing. This shift from the area's current housing composition, which is predominantly houses (73.0%), indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles and demand for more diverse, affordable housing options. Hadfield has an approval rate of around 142 people per approval, indicating a developing area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the population is forecasted to grow by approximately 2,410 residents by 2041. Building activity appears to be keeping pace with these growth projections, though increased competition among buyers can be expected as the population expands.

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

AreaSearch has identified eight projects that could impact the area, with key ones being 4 Alva Court Fawkner Development, 13 Moray Street Fawkner Residential Development, Assembly Broadmeadows, and Broadmeadows Kangan Institute Redevelopment Stage 1. The following list details those most relevant.

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 has an unemployment rate of 5.2% and experienced a 1.6% employment growth in the past year ending September 2025. As of that date, 3,274 residents are employed with an unemployment rate of 5.2%, which is 0.5% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation in Hadfield lags at 64.0%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%.

According to Census responses, 29.1% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries are construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Construction is particularly strong with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level. However, professional & technical services are under-represented at 7.3%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 10.1%.

The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the working population vs resident population count. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 1.6% and labour force grew by 1.6%, keeping unemployment relatively stable at 5.2%. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with unemployment rising to 5.0%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia for May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Hadfield's employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 6.4% in five years and 13.1% in 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 had a median income of $52,673 and an average income of $60,208. This is lower than the national averages of $57,688 (median) and $75,164 (average) for Greater Melbourne. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates suggest median income would be approximately $57,019 and average income $65,175 as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Hadfield rank modestly, between the 25th and 37th percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. The largest income segment comprises 32.1% of residents earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly, similar to the surrounding region at 32.8%. Housing affordability is severe, with only 83.1% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 37th percentile. Hadfield'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

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

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

Family households constitute 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 account for 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%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 18.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.7%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 28.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas account for 9.9% and certificates for 18.2%. Educational participation is 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 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by seven different routes that together facilitate 2,117 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is considered good, with residents on average located 211 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential zone, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation for 86% of residents, while 8% use trains. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 29.1% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 302 trips daily, equating to around 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. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were assessed by AreaSearch to be low among the general population, although they were higher than the national average for older, at-risk cohorts. The rate of private health cover was found to be very low at approximately 49% of the total population (around 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 were arthritis and asthma, impacting 8.7% and 7.6% of residents respectively, while 69.3% declared themselves 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'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 predominant religion in Hadfield, accounting for 49.6% of people. However, Islam is significantly overrepresented, comprising 23.1% of the population compared to Greater Melbourne's average of 5.6%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Other (16.4%), Italian (16.2%, substantially higher than the regional average of 5.2%), and Australian (16.1%). Some other ethnic groups also show notable divergences: Lebanese at 9.3% in Hadfield compared to 0.8% regionally, Maltese at 2.8% versus 1.1%, and Greek at 4.3% versus 2.7%.

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 percentage of the population aged 85 and over was 4.5%, higher than Greater Melbourne's figure. However, the 45-54 age group constituted 10.0% of Hadfield's population in 2021, lower than Greater Melbourne's percentage. Between 2021 and the present, the 35-44 age group has increased from 14.3% to 17.5%, while the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 11.5% to 10.0%. The 75-84 age group has also declined, from 6.7% to 5.5%. Population forecasts for Hadfield in 2041 indicate significant demographic shifts, with the 45-54 age cohort projected to rise by 439 people (a 63% increase) from 698 to 1,138.