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 24,009 as of November 2025. This figure reflects an increase of 39 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 23,970. The change is inferred from ABS estimated resident population data of 23,961 in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses of 263 since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 220 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration contributed approximately 54.7% of overall population gains recently.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 are used with adjustments made employing weighted aggregation methods. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future trends project an above median population growth, with the area expected to grow by 3,670 persons to 2041 based on latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 15.1% 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 recorded approximately 82 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25411 homes were approved, with an additional 28 approved so far in FY-26. The average number of new residents arriving per new home over these years was around 0.1 per year.

This suggests that the new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction cost value of new homes was $467,000, slightly above the regional average, indicating a focus on quality developments. In FY-26, commercial approvals totalling $83.8 million have been registered, suggesting robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Hastings - Somers shows approximately 65% of the construction activity per person.

Nationally, it places among the 47th percentile of areas assessed, offering more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes. This lower level of development reflects market maturity and possible development constraints. The new development consists 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 count of people in the area per dwelling approval is 350, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. Looking ahead, Hastings - Somers is expected to grow by 3,621 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. At current development rates, 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 impacting the area. Notable ones include Mornington Peninsula Residential Development Program, Hastings Foreshore Masterplan Implementation, Hastings Early Parenting Centre, and Hastings Town Centre Structure Plan.

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 was 4.5% as of September 2025, which is 0.2% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.7%.

As of that date, 11,568 residents were employed. Workforce participation in Hastings - Somers was 60.5%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. According to Census responses, 17.4% of residents worked from home. 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 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%. Analysis of SALM and ABS data for the 12-month period ending September 2025 showed employment increasing by 2.7%, labour force growing by 2.3%, and unemployment falling by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Hastings - Somers's employment mix indicates local employment could increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.5% over ten years, assuming no change in population projections.

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. The average income stood at $69,215 during the same period. These figures compare to national averages of $57,688 and $75,164 respectively for Greater Melbourne. By September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $56,372, with average income at around $74,925, based on an 8.25% growth in wages since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, household incomes ranked between the 29th and 38th percentiles in Hastings - Somers. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 dominated with 30.8% of residents (7,394 people). Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 83.9% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 28th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed 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 data, consisted of 82.6% houses and 17.5% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is compared to Melbourne metro's structure which was 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hastings-Somers stood at 39.2%, with the remaining dwellings being mortgaged (37.5%) or rented (23.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,733, lower than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000 and also below the national average of $1,863. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent figure in Hastings-Somers was recorded at $330, which is lower than both Melbourne metro's $390 and the national average of $375.

Hastings - Somers has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 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 constitute 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 at 12.3% and certificates at 29.8%. Educational participation is 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 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 of transportation 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 (conditions may reflect COVID-19). 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, which consists of around 12,796 people. This compares to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne. The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 10.0% and 9.9% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 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 25.9% of residents aged 65 and over, which totals around 6,223 people, higher than the 14.9% 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, as per the 2016 Census, had a below-average cultural diversity level with 84.0% of its population born in Australia and 89.5% being Australian citizens. English was spoken at home by 95.9% of residents. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 39.8% of the population.

Judaism, however, was overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to Greater Melbourne's average of 1.0%. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (33.6%), Australian (30.9%), and Irish (8.5%). Notably, Dutch ancestry was overrepresented at 2.0% compared to the regional average of 1.2%, Scottish at 8.4% versus 5.6%, and French at 0.5%.

Hastings - Somers's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Hastings - Somers is 42 years, 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 age group makes up 9.8%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 75-84 age group grew from 7.7% to 9.8%, and the 25-34 age group declined from 11.4% to 9.8%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes for Hastings - Somers. The 75-84 age group is expected to grow by 62%, reaching 3,812 people from 2,348, and the combined 65+ age groups will account for 78% of total population growth. Conversely, the 35-44 and 25-34 age cohorts are projected to experience population declines.