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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, the population of Hastings - Somers is around 24,049 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 79 people (0.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 23,970 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 23,961 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 257 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 220 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 54.7% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. As we examine future population trends, an above-median population growth of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch is projected, with the area expected to grow by 3,670 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 14.9% in total 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 around 82 residential properties granted approval annually, with 411 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 40 so far in FY-26. At an average of just 0.1 new residents per year arriving per new home over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, offering ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts, while new homes are being built at an average value of $467,000—slightly above the regional average—suggesting a focus on quality developments. Additionally, $83.8 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, suggesting robust local business investment.

Compared to Greater Melbourne, Hastings - Somers shows approximately 65% of the construction activity per person while it places among the 47th percentile of areas assessed nationally, meaning more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes. This is likewise lower than the national average, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. 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 350 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Looking ahead, Hastings - Somers is expected to grow by 3,581 residents through to 2041 (from 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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 19 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Mornington Peninsula Residential Development Program, Hastings Foreshore Masterplan Implementation, Hastings Early Parenting Centre, and Hastings Town Centre Structure Plan, with the list below detailing those likely to be of 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.

Hastings - Somers has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Hastings - Somers features a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of 4.7%, and 2.8% estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 11,630 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is in line with Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%, and workforce participation lags significantly (60.7% compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 17.4% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are public administration & safety, construction, and health care & social assistance. The area has a particular employment specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share 2.6 times the regional level. In contrast, professional & technical services employ just 4.5% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increase by 2.8% alongside a labour force increase of 1.8%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 1.0 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne, where employment rose by 2.4%, the labour force grew by 2.8%, and unemployment rose 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Hastings - Somers. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Hastings - Somers's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.5% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The Hastings - Somers SA2's income level is slightly above average nationally according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Hastings - Somers SA2's median income among taxpayers is $52,076 and the average income stands at $69,215, which compares to figures for Greater Melbourne's of $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, 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 the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 30.8% of residents (7,407 people), aligning with the region where this cohort likewise represents 32.8%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.9% of income remaining, ranking at the 28th percentile and 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

Dwelling structure within Hastings - Somers, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 82.6% houses and 17.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Hastings - Somers was well beyond that of Melbourne metro, at 39.2%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (37.5%) or rented (23.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Melbourne metro average at $1,733, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $330, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390. Nationally, Hastings - Somers's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 69.6% of all households, comprising 26.7% couples with children, 29.6% couples without children, and 12.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 30.4%, with lone person households at 28.4% and group households comprising 2.0% of the total. The median household size of 2.4 people 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (19.1%) substantially below the Greater Melbourne average of 37.0%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 13.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 42.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (12.3%) and certificates (29.8%).

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 reveals 79 active transport stops operating within Hastings - Somers, comprising a mix of buses. 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; the car remains the dominant mode at 86%, with 10% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. Some 17.4% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

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, and the rate of private health cover is just above the average SA2 area at approximately 53% of the total population (~12,818 people). This compares 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, while 62.9% declared themselves as 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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 84.0% of its population born in Australia, 89.5% being citizens, and 95.9% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Hastings - Somers is Christianity, which makes up 39.8% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Judaism, which comprises 0.1% of the population, compared to 1.0% across Greater Melbourne.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Hastings - Somers are English, comprising 33.6% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 20.1%, Australian, comprising 30.9% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 18.4%, and Irish, comprising 8.5% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Dutch is notably overrepresented at 2.0% of Hastings - Somers (vs 1.2% regionally), Scottish at 8.4% (vs 5.6%) and French at 0.5% (vs 0.5%).

Hastings - Somers's median age exceeds the national pattern

The 43-year median age in Hastings - Somers is considerably higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 as well as substantially exceeding the 38-year national average. The age profile shows 65 - 74 year-olds are particularly prominent (13.5%), while the 25 - 34 group is comparatively smaller (9.3%) than in Greater Melbourne. In the period since 2021, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 7.7% to 10.4% of the population, while the 85+ cohort increased from 2.1% to 3.2%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 11.4% to 9.3%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Hastings - Somers's age structure. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to rise substantially, expanding by 1,303 people (52%) from 2,508 to 3,812. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 76% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. On the other hand, the 25 to 34 and 0 to 4 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.