Hamilton (Vic.)

Hamilton is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Hamilton's population, as of November 2025, is approximately 10,588 people. This figure represents a growth of 242 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 10,346. The increase is inferred from the estimated resident population of 10,351 in June 2024 and an additional 130 validated new addresses post-Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 53 persons per square kilometer. Hamilton's growth rate of 2.3% since the 2021 Census surpassed that of its SA3 area (1.0%), positioning it as a growth leader regionally. Overseas migration was the primary driver behind this population increase.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by these data, AreaSearch employs VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Hamilton is projected to increase its population by approximately 642 persons, reflecting a total gain of 3.6% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Hamilton according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Hamilton has recorded approximately 37 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling 189 homes. So far in FY26, 8 approvals have been recorded. The average number of new residents arriving per new home over these years is around 0.4. New supply appears to be keeping pace with or exceeding demand, offering ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts.

The average construction cost value of new properties is $329,000. In FY26, $22.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating moderate levels of commercial development in Hamilton. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Hamilton has similar development levels per person, maintaining market balance consistent with the broader area. However, development activity has moderated in recent periods.

New building activity shows 76.0% detached houses and 24.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving the area's low density nature while reflecting an increasing demand for diverse housing options. This represents a shift from the area's existing housing composition of 91.0% houses, indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles. The estimated count of people in the area per dwelling approval is 443, reflecting Hamilton's quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections show Hamilton adding 386 residents by 2041 (from AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Hamilton has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 32ndth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified seven projects likely impacting this region. Notable initiatives are Lakes Edge Residential Development, Hamilton Structure Plan Implementation, New Hamilton Gallery, and Hamilton Community and Government Hub. The following details projects expected to have the most relevance:.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

The employment landscape in Hamilton presents a mixed picture: unemployment remains low at 3.4%, yet recent job losses have affected its comparative national standing

Hamilton has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 3.4% as of September 2025.

There are 4,812 residents employed, with an unemployment rate 0.4% lower than Rest of Vic.'s 3.8%. Workforce participation is similar to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Key industries for Hamilton residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

Manufacturing employs only 4.4% of local workers, below Rest of Vic.'s 7.7%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Hamilton's labour force decreased by 3.0%, with employment declining by 3.5%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic.'s employment contracted by 0.7% over the same period. State-level data shows VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year to 25-Nov-25, adding 41,950 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years. Applying these projections to Hamilton's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, assuming no changes in population projections.

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

The Hamilton SA2's median income among taxpayers was $47,738 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $57,201 during the same period. These figures are lower than those for Rest of Vic., which were $48,741 and $60,693 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, estimates as of September 2025 would be approximately $53,543 (median) and $64,157 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Hamilton all fall between the 16th and 27th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 30.1% of residents (3,186 people). Housing costs are modest, with 88.9% of income retained, but total disposable income ranks at just the 22nd percentile nationally.

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

Hamilton's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 91.4% houses and 8.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s 93.1% houses and 6.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hamilton was 43.3%, with the rest being mortgaged (32.3%) or rented (24.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,083, aligning with Non-Metro Vic.'s average, while the median weekly rent was $235, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $1,083 and $220. Nationally, Hamilton's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, with rents substantially below the national figure of $375.

Hamilton features high concentrations of lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 62.1% of all households, including 22.7% couples with children, 28.5% couples without children, and 10.1% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 37.9%, with lone person households at 35.8% and group households comprising 2.1% of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, which aligns with the average in the Rest of Vic.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 18.3%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common, at 12.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Vocational credentials are prevalent among residents aged 15+, with 37.8% holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (9.5%) and certificates (28.3%). Educational participation is high, with 25.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 9.2% in primary, 8.0% in secondary, and 2.0% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 25.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.2% in primary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 2.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in Hamilton shows that there are 71 active transport stops currently operating. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 11 individual routes providing service to these locations. The combined weekly passenger trips across all routes amount to 236.

Residents' accessibility to transport is rated as good, with the average distance to the nearest stop being 307 meters. On average, there are 33 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately three weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Hamilton is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data indicates significant challenges for Hamilton with high prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups. Approximately 48% (~5,114 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.3%) and mental health issues (9.3%). 61.6% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 62.4% in Rest of Vic.. Hamilton has 25.3% of residents aged 65 and over (2,679 people), lower than the 26.3% in Rest of Vic., but performs better on health metrics compared to the general population.

The latest Census data sees Hamilton placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Hamilton's population showed low cultural diversity, with 91.3% being citizens and 96.1% speaking English only at home. Most were born in Australia, at 91.6%. Christianity was the predominant religion, at 53.9%, compared to 50.5% regionally.

Ancestry-wise, Australian (32.9%), English (31.4%), and Scottish (10.4%) were the top groups. Notably, German ancestry was higher in Hamilton at 5.5% than regionally at 4.8%. Dutch ancestry was equal at 1.4%, while Maori ancestry was slightly higher at 0.5% compared to 0.4% regionally.

Hamilton hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Hamilton's median age is 44 years, similar to Rest of Vic.'s 43 years and above the national average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Vic., Hamilton has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (12.7%) but fewer residents aged 35-44 (10.7%). According to the 2021 Census, the age group of 25 to 34 increased from 11.2% to 12.7%, while the age group of 55 to 64 decreased from 13.2% to 12.1%. By 2041, Hamilton's population is expected to shift notably in age composition. The 25 to 34 age group is projected to grow by 26%, reaching 1,693 people from the current 1,343. Conversely, the 65 to 74 and 15 to 24 age groups are expected to decrease in population.