Hastings - Somers

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

Hastings - Somers's population is approximately 24,235 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 265 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 23,970. The change is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 23,971 in June 2024 and 263 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 222 persons per square kilometer. Hastings - Somers's growth rate of 1.1% since the census is within 1.2 percentage points of the SA3 area's growth rate of 2.3%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 54.7% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses 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 Victorian State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using 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 trends project an above median population growth, with Hastings - Somers expected to grow by 3,670 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 14.0% over the 17 years.

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

Hastings - Somers has granted approximately 82 residential property approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, a total of 411 homes were approved, with an additional 16 approved in FY-26 so far. The average number of new residents per year arriving per new home over these years is around 0.1.

This indicates that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and allowing for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction value of new homes is $729,000, suggesting developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY-26, commercial approvals have reached $83.8 million, indicating robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Hastings - Somers shows approximately 65% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 47th percentile nationally in terms of property development choices for buyers, suggesting limited options and supporting demand for existing homes.

This lower level of development reflects market maturity and possible constraints. New developments consist of 73.0% standalone homes and 27.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated population per dwelling approval is around 350 people, indicating a quiet and low-activity development environment. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Hastings - Somers is expected to grow by approximately 3,395 residents through to 2041. Building activity appears to be keeping pace with growth projections, although buyers may face increased competition as the population grows.

Hastings - Somers has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 47thth percentile nationally

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 19 such projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include the Mornington Peninsula Residential Development Program, Hastings Foreshore Masterplan Implementation, Hastings Early Parenting Centre, and Hastings Town Centre Structure Plan. The following list details those projects deemed most relevant.

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

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Employment performance in Hastings - Somers has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Hastings - Somers has a skilled workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 5.1% as of June 2025, which is 0.5% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.2%. As of June 2025, 11,671 residents were in work, with workforce participation at 57.4%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Key industries of employment among residents are public administration & safety, construction, and health care & social assistance. The area has a particular specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share 2.6 times the regional level.

In contrast, professional & technical services employ only 4.5% of local workers, compared to Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data shows employment increased by 3.2% over a 12-month period ending in June 2025, while the labour force grew by 4.5%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 1.2 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne saw employment rise by 3.5%, with the labour force growing by 4.0% and unemployment increasing by 0.5 percentage points. State-level data from Nov-25 shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Hastings - Somers' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.5% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The Hastings - Somers SA2 has a higher income level than the national average, according to the latest Australian Taxation Office (ATO) data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2022. The median income among taxpayers in this area is $49,088, with an average income of $68,421. In comparison, Greater Melbourne's figures are $54,892 and $73,761 respectively. Based on a 12.16% growth in wages since the financial year 2022, current estimates for September 2025 would be approximately $55,057 (median) and $76,741 (average). The 2021 Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Hastings - Somers rank modestly, between the 29th and 38th percentiles. Income analysis reveals that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 30.8% of residents (7,464 people), aligning with the region where this cohort likewise represents 32.8%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in the area, with only 83.9% of income remaining, ranking at the 28th percentile. The area's Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA) income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

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

Hastings-Somers' dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 82.6% houses and 17.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). Melbourne metro had 85.5% houses and 14.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hastings-Somers was 39.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.5% and rented ones at 23.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, below Melbourne's $1,989 average. Median weekly rent was $330, compared to Melbourne's $380. Nationally, Hastings-Somers' mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Hastings - Somers has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households comprise 69.6% of all households, including 26.7% couples with children, 29.6% couples without children, and 12.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 30.4%, with lone person households at 28.4% and group households comprising 2.0%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which matches the Greater Melbourne average.

Educational attainment in Hastings - Somers aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area has lower university qualification rates than Greater Melbourne, at 19.1% compared to the average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are most common among qualifications, with 13.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational credentials are held by 42.1% of residents aged 15 and above, including advanced diplomas (12.3%) and certificates (29.8%). Educational participation is high, with 28.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including primary (10.1%), secondary (7.6%), and tertiary (2.7%) levels.

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.1% in primary education, 7.6% in secondary education, and 2.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis indicates 79 active transport stops operating within Hastings - Somers. These comprise a mix of train and bus services. Three individual routes service these stops, collectively facilitating 696 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents typically located 534 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 99 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 8 weekly trips per stop.

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

Hastings - Somers faces substantial health challenges, with common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is high at approximately 54% of the total population (~13,014 people), compared to 57.9% across Greater Melbourne.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (10.0%) and mental health issues (9.9%), while 62.9% report no medical ailments, similar to Greater Melbourne's 63.9%. In Hastings - Somers, 25.9% of residents are aged 65 and over (6,281 people), lower than Greater Melbourne's 29.9%. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges but perform better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Hastings-Somers had cultural diversity levels below average, with 84.0% of its population born in Australia, 89.5% being citizens, and 95.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 39.8% of people in Hastings-Somers. Judaism was overrepresented, making up 0.1% compared to Greater Melbourne's 0.2%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (33.6%), Australian (30.9%), and Irish (8.5%). Notably, Dutch (2.0%) and Scottish (8.4%) groups were slightly overrepresented compared to regional averages of 1.8% and 9.0%, respectively. French representation was equal at 0.5%.

Hastings - Somers's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Hastings - Somers is 42 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and Australia's national average of 38 years. The 65-74 age group comprises 13.2% of the population, compared to Greater Melbourne, while the 25-34 cohort makes up 9.8%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 7.7% to 9.8%, and the 25 to 34 cohort has decreased from 11.4% to 9.8%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes for Hastings - Somers. The 75 to 84 age group is projected to grow by 61% (1,441 people), reaching 3,812 from 2,370. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 79% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 35 to 44 and 0 to 4 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.