Hamilton (Vic.)
Statistical Area - sa2

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 August 2025, is approximately 10,600. This figure represents an increase of 254 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,346. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 10,374 in June 2024 and an additional 125 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 53 persons per square kilometer. Hamilton's growth of 2.5% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's growth rate of 0.7%, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration was the primary driver of 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 VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the population is expected to increase by approximately 642 persons, marking a total gain of 3.5% over the 17-year period, which is just below the median growth rate of Australia's regional areas.

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

Hamilton has recorded approximately 34 residential properties granted approval annually. Development approval data, produced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on a financial year basis, totals 173 approvals across the past five financial years from FY20 to FY25, with one approval so far in FY26. On average, 0.4 people have moved to the area per dwelling built over these five years, indicating that supply meets or exceeds demand and supports potential population growth while offering greater buyer choice. New homes are being constructed at an average value of $572,000, slightly above the regional average, suggesting a focus on quality developments.

In FY26, $22.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Hamilton has similar development levels per person, supporting market stability aligned with regional patterns, although recent periods have seen some moderation in activity. Nationally, development activity is lower, reflecting market maturity and possible constraints. New development consists of 76% standalone homes and 24% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character focused on family homes appealing to those seeking space, marking a departure from existing housing patterns currently at 91% houses. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 443, reflecting Hamilton's quiet development environment.

Looking ahead, Hamilton is projected to grow by 374 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Hamilton has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 38thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified seven projects that are likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Lakes Edge Residential Development, New Hamilton Gallery, Hamilton Community and Government Hub, and Hamilton Structure Plan Implementation. The following list details those expected to have the greatest relevance.

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

AreaSearch analysis indicates Hamilton maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Hamilton Victoria has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate as of June 2025 is 2.5%.

There are 4895 residents employed, with an unemployment rate 1.3% lower than the rest of Victoria's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation is similar to the rest of Victoria at 57.4%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

Manufacturing employs only 4.4% of local workers compared to the rest of Victoria's 7.7%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census working population data. In the 12 months prior, Hamilton's labour force decreased by 1.9%, employment declined by 1.6%, resulting in a fall of unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. Comparatively, the rest of Victoria saw an employment decline of 0.9% and a rise in unemployment by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data as of Sep-25 shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.08%, adding 39,880 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. Nationally, the unemployment rate is 4.5% with employment growth outpacing the national average of 0.26%. Job and Skills Australia's projections from May 2025 forecast national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Hamilton's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.5% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, although these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2022 shows median income in Hamilton was $47,738 and average income was $57,201. This is lower than national averages of $48,741 (median) and $60,693 (average) for Rest of Vic. By March 2025, estimated median income in Hamilton would be approximately $52,564, and average income would be around $62,984, based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.11% since financial year 2022. According to Census 2021 data, incomes in Hamilton fall between the 17th and 27th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. Income brackets show that 30.1% of Hamilton's community earns between $1,500 and $2,999 annually (3,190 individuals), similar to the regional figure of 30.3%. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 88.9% income retention, total disposable income in Hamilton 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

In Hamilton, as per the latest Census, 91.4% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 8.6% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. In Non-Metro Vic., 93.1% of dwellings were houses and 6.8% were other types. Home ownership in Hamilton was at 43.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.3% and rented ones at 24.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Hamilton was $1,083, similar to Non-Metro Vic.'s figure. However, the median weekly rent in Hamilton was $235, compared to $220 in Non-Metro Vic. Nationally, Hamilton's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were 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%. 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%, substantially below 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 prominent, with 37.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.5%) and certificates (28.3%). Educational participation is high at 25.2%, with 9.2% in primary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 2.0% pursuing tertiary education.

There are 12 schools serving 2,365 students; Hamilton has typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 989) with balanced educational opportunities. The area functions as an education hub with 22.4 school places per 100 residents, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Transport analysis in Hamilton shows 71 active public transport stops operating, serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are covered by 11 individual routes, offering a total of 236 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents located an average of 307 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 33 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 3 weekly trips per stop.

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

Hamilton faces significant health challenges, with common conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 48%, covering around 5,119 people, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical issues are arthritis (11.3%) and mental health problems (9.3%). About 61.6% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly lower than the Rest of Vic's 62.4%. Hamilton has a lower proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 25.3% (2,682 people) compared to Rest of Vic's 26.3%, performing better in health metrics overall.

Hamilton is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Hamilton's population was found to be predominantly culturally homogeneous, with 91.3% being Australian citizens, 91.6% born in Australia, and 96.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the primary religion, accounting for 53.9% of Hamilton residents compared to 50.5% across Rest of Vic.. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (32.9%), English (31.4%), and Scottish (10.4%).

Notably, German ancestry was slightly higher in Hamilton at 5.5% versus the regional average of 4.8%. Dutch ancestry remained consistent at 1.4%, while Irish ancestry showed a slight divergence with 8.8% in Hamilton compared to 8.9% regionally.

Hamilton hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Hamilton's median age is 44 years, similar to Rest of Vic.'s 43 and above the national average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Vic., Hamilton has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (12.7%) but fewer residents aged 35-44 (10.7%). Between 2021 Census and now, the 25-34 age group has increased from 11.2% to 12.7%, while the 55-64 cohort has decreased from 13.2% to 12.1%. By 2041, Hamilton's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 25-34 group is projected to grow by 26% (347 people), reaching 1,693 from 1,345. Meanwhile, the 5-14 and 65-74 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.