Hallam
Statistical Area - sa2

Population growth drivers in Hallam are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Hallam's population is around 12,094 as of Aug 2025. This reflects an increase of 622 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 11,472 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 11,944 from ABS in June 2024 and an additional 133 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1500 persons per square kilometer. Hallam's growth rate of 5.4% since census positions it within 0.7 percentage points of the SA3 area (6.1%). Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 83.4% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing 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. Looking ahead, Hallam is projected to have above median population growth, expected to grow by 2256 persons to 2041 based on latest numbers, recording a gain of 17.4% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Hallam, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Hallam has seen approximately 30 new homes approved annually. The Australian Bureau of Statistics produces development approval data on a financial year basis. Over the past five financial years, between FY21 and FY25, around 150 dwellings were approved, with an additional four approved so far in FY26. On average, only 0.2 people moved to the area each year for every dwelling built during these five financial years.

This indicates that new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $412,000, which is below regional levels, suggesting more accessible housing choices for buyers. In the current financial year, $25.8 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Hallam records significantly lower building activity, at 58.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new homes typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Nationally, this figure is also below average, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent construction trends show that 35.0% of dwellings are detached houses, while 65.0% are townhouses or apartments.

This shift towards denser development provides accessible entry options for downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers, marking a significant departure from existing housing patterns, which are currently 78.0% houses. This trend may indicate diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. With around 497 people per dwelling approval, Hallam shows a developed market. According to population forecasts, Hallam will gain approximately 2,106 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Hallam has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 10 projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include Hallam Secondary College Upgrade, Early Learning Victoria Hallam, Bunjil Place Precinct Development, and Hallam Healthcare Precinct. The following details those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Employment drivers in Hallam are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Hallam's workforce is skilled with notable representation in construction. The unemployment rate was 11.7% as of June 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.9%. As of June 2025, 5,222 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 7.1%, above Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation in Hallam lagged at 54.3% compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Employment was concentrated in construction, health care & social assistance, and manufacturing, with a notable concentration in manufacturing at 1.8 times the regional average.

Professional & technical services had limited presence at 5.3%, compared to the regional average of 10.1%. The worker-to-resident ratio was 1.1, indicating Hallam functioned as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 1.9% while labour force grew by 4.4%, raising the unemployment rate by 2.2 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.5%, with unemployment rising by 0.5 percentage points. State-level data to Sep-25 showed Victoria's employment grew by 1.08% year-on-year, adding 39,880 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. National employment forecasts from May 2025 projected national growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Hallam's employment mix suggested local growth of approximately 6.0% over five years and 12.8% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

Hallam's median taxpayer income is $45,711 and average income is $52,076 according to AreaSearch's aggregation of postcode level ATO data for the financial year 2022. This is lower than the national average, contrasting with Greater Melbourne's median income of $54,892 and average income of $73,761. By March 2025, based on a 10.11% increase since financial year 2022 as per the Wage Price Index, estimated incomes would be approximately $50,332 (median) and $57,341 (average). Census data shows individual income at the 13th percentile ($607 weekly), while household income is at the 36th percentile. The largest income bracket comprises 36.5% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly, with 4,414 residents in this segment, mirroring the surrounding region's 32.8%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.1% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 34th percentile.

Hallam is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The dwelling structure in Hallam, as per the latest Census evaluation, consisted of 77.7% houses and 22.3% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. In comparison, Melbourne metropolitan area had 88.1% houses and 11.8% other dwellings. The rate of home ownership in Hallam was similar to that of Melbourne metro, at 29.5%. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (43.6%) or rented (26.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Hallam was $1,700, which is lower than the Melbourne metro average of $1,900 and also below the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure in Hallam was recorded at $361, which is less than both the Melbourne metro figure of $370 and the national average of $375.

Hallam features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 77.4% of all households, including 40.5% couples with children, 22.8% couples without children, and 12.9% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 22.6%, with lone person households at 19.3% and group households making up 3.2%. The median household size is 3.0 people, larger than Greater Melbourne's average of 2.9.

Educational outcomes in Hallam fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 21.3%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 15.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.4%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 31.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.7%) and certificates (20.0%). Educational participation is high, with 31.6% currently enrolled in formal education: primary (10.0%), secondary (8.7%), and tertiary (4.8%).

Hallam Secondary College and Hallam Primary School serve a total of 913 students. There's varied educational capacity locally, with only 7.5 school places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 16.0, leading many families to seek schooling in nearby areas.

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

Hallam has 58 active public transport stops operating currently. These comprise a mix of train and bus services. There are 10 individual routes servicing these stops, collectively providing 2,859 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents located typically at a distance of 214 meters from the nearest transport stop. Service frequency averages 408 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 49 weekly trips per individual stop.

Hallam's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Hallam residents show relatively positive health outcomes with low prevalence of common conditions among the general population, although this is higher than the national average for older and at-risk groups. Private health cover is extremely low, at approximately 46% (5,587 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 53.6%. Nationally, it averages 55.3%.

The most prevalent conditions are arthritis (6.8%) and mental health issues (6.7%), while 71.9% report being completely free of medical ailments, similar to Greater Melbourne's 72.0%. Hallam has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 17.6% (2,127 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 15.7%. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than the broader population.

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

Hallam has one of the most culturally diverse populations in the country, with 60.7% speaking a language other than English at home and 56.7% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion, comprising 40.6% of Hallam's population. Islam is overrepresented, making up 27.5%, substantially higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 11.4%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other at 39.5% (substantially higher than the regional average of 22.0%), English at 12.3% (notably lower than the regional average of 18.1%), and Australian at 12.0% (also notably lower). There are notable divergences in certain ethnic groups: Serbian is overrepresented at 2.5% (vs 1.4% regionally), Sri Lankan at 2.4% (vs 2.3%), and Hungarian at 0.8% (vs 0.7%).

Hallam's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Hallam's median age is nearly 36 years, almost matching Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years, which is moderately below Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Hallam has a higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (9.4%) but fewer residents aged 35-44 (12.8%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 15-24 has increased from 12.6% to 13.6%, while the population aged 25-34 has decreased from 15.3% to 14.4%. By 2041, demographic projections suggest Hallam's age profile will change significantly. The 75-84 age group is expected to grow by 73%, adding 475 residents to reach a total of 1,127. Residents aged 65 and above are projected to drive 56% of population growth, reflecting broader demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, the populations aged 0-4 and 35-44 are expected to decline in size.