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' population is approximately 24,049 as of Feb 2026. This figure reflects an increase of 79 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 23,970. The change is inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 23,961 in June 2024 and 257 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 220 persons per square kilometer. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 54.7% of overall gains.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. For areas not covered, AreaSearch uses 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 from 2032 to 2041. Based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, Hastings - Somers is projected to grow by 3,670 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 14.9% 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 recorded approximately 82 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, a total of 411 homes have been approved, with an additional 28 approved so far in FY-26. On average, over these five years, around 0.1 new residents arrived per year for each new home approved, indicating that new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand.

The average construction value of new homes is $467,000, slightly above the regional average, suggesting a focus on quality developments. This financial year has seen $83.8 million in commercial approvals registered, reflecting robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Hastings - Somers shows approximately 65% of the construction activity per person and places among the 47th percentile of areas assessed nationally. This suggests more limited choices for buyers, supporting demand for existing homes.

The area's new development consists of 73.0% standalone homes and 27.0% attached dwellings, maintaining its traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. As of now, the estimated count is approximately 350 people in the area per dwelling approval. Looking ahead, Hastings - Somers is expected to grow by 3,581 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. If current development rates continue, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Hastings - Somers has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 42ndth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 19 projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include Mornington Peninsula Residential Development Program, Hastings Foreshore Masterplan Implementation, Hastings Early Parenting Centre, and Hastings Town Centre Structure Plan. 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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Hastings - Somers has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Hastings-Somers has a skilled workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate as of September 2025 was 4.5%. There was an estimated employment growth of 2.7% over the past year.

As of that date, 11,568 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.2% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation lagged significantly at 60.2%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. According to Census responses, a moderate 17.4% of residents worked from home. Key industries of employment among residents were public administration & safety, construction, and health care & social assistance.

The area had particular employment specialization in public administration & safety with an employment share of 2.6 times the regional level. In contrast, professional & technical services employed only 4.5% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. The area appeared to offer limited employment opportunities locally based on Census data comparing working population and resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 2.7% alongside labour force increasing by 2.3%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.4 percentage points. This contrasted with Greater Melbourne where employment rose by 3.0%, the labour force grew by 3.3%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 projected national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with significant variations between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Hastings-Somers' employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.5% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The median income among taxpayers in Hastings - Somers SA2 was $52,076 in financial year 2023, according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. The average income for the same period stood at $69,215. This compares to figures for Greater Melbourne of $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $56,372 (median) and $74,925 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Hastings - Somers, between the 29th and 38th percentiles. Income analysis reveals that 30.8% of residents (7,407 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket, aligning with regional trends where this cohort also represents 32.8%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in the area, with only 83.9% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 28th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

Hastings - Somers is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in Hastings - Somers, as per the latest Census, consisted of 82.6% houses and 17.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hastings - Somers was at 39.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.5% and rented ones at 23.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, below Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure was $330, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. 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 lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 30.4%, with lone person households at 28.4% and group households making up 2.0%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 19.1%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 42.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas (12.3%) and certificates (29.8%). Educational participation is high, with 28.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 10.1% in primary, 7.6% in secondary, and 2.7% in tertiary education.

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 shows 79 active transport stops operating within Hastings-Somers. These stops are serviced by 3 individual routes, collectively providing 551 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents typically located 534 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode at 86%, with 10% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling, above the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, some 17.4% of residents work from home. Service frequency averages 78 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 6 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Hastings - Somers is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Hastings - Somers faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 53% of the total population (~12,818 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 10.0 and 9.9% of residents respectively. 62.9% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 27.1% of residents aged 65 and over (6,517 people), which is higher than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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 showed lower cultural diversity, with 84.0% born in Australia, 89.5% being citizens, and 95.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 39.8%. Judaism, however, was overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 1.0%.

In ancestry, English (33.6%), Australian (30.9%), and Irish (8.5%) were the top groups, all higher than regional averages of 20.1%, 18.4%, and 7.3% respectively. Notably, Dutch (2.0%), Scottish (8.4%), and French (0.5%) groups were also overrepresented compared to regional figures of 1.2%, 5.6%, and 0.5%.

Hastings - Somers's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Hastings - Somers is 43 years, which is higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 years are particularly prominent at 13.5%, while the 25-34 age group is smaller at 9.3% compared to Greater Melbourne. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 7.7% to 10.4% of the population, and the 85+ cohort has increased from 2.1% to 3.2%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 age group has declined from 11.4% to 9.3%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Hastings - Somers's age structure. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to rise substantially by 52%, from 2,508 to 3,812 people. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 76% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 25 to 34 and 0 to 4 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.