Heathcote
Statistical Area - sa2

Heathcote lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Heathcote's population is approximately 5,560 as of November 2025. This figure reflects an increase of 498 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,062. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,336 in June 2024 and an additional 115 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 7.3 persons per square kilometer. Heathcote's growth rate of 9.8% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA4 region (5.9%) and the non-metro area, indicating it as a growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 94.8% of overall 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 uses the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted via 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. According to these projections, Heathcote is forecasted to have a significant population increase in the top quartile of Australia's non-metropolitan areas, with an expected growth of 1,803 persons by 2041, recording a total gain of 28.3% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Heathcote among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Heathcote has received approximately 42 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 210 homes from FY-21 to FY-25. As of FY-26, 11 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling has accommodated around 2.6 new residents per year during this period, indicating strong demand that supports property values. The average construction cost value for new homes is $321,000.

In the current financial year, $4.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting the area's residential character. Compared to the rest of Victoria, Heathcote exhibits moderately higher building activity, with 25.0% more approvals per person over the five-year period. This has preserved reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand, although development activity has somewhat slowed in recent periods.

All new construction consists of standalone homes, preserving the area's low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 206 people per dwelling approval, Heathcote displays characteristics of a growth area. Projections indicate an increase of 1,572 residents by 2041. Construction pace is maintaining with projected growth, but buyers may face increasing competition as population grows.

Heathcote has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 21stth percentile nationally

Four projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to influence the local area's performance: Heathcote Community Hub Redevelopment, Heathcote Boutique Lots (SIG Group), Axedale Solar Farm, and Strathfieldsaye Growth Area.

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Employment drivers in Heathcote are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Heathcote has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue collar jobs, with manufacturing and industrial sectors prominent. Its unemployment rate was 4.9% in June 2024.

Over the past year, employment stability has been relative. As of June 2025, 2,206 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.1% higher than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation lags at 47.3%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and manufacturing.

Mining stands out with an employment share 7.4 times the regional level. However, education & training has a limited presence at 6.5% compared to the regional 9.1%. Local employment opportunities appear limited based on Census data comparison of working population versus resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 0.1%, while labour force rose by 1.7%, leading to a 1.5 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. This contrasts with Rest of Vic., where employment contracted by 0.9%, labour force fell by 0.4%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Heathcote's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.8% over five years and 12.6% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

Heathcote's median income among taxpayers was $46,292 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $57,736 during the same period. Comparatively, Rest of Vic.'s median and average incomes were $48,741 and $60,693 respectively. By September 2025, estimates suggest Heathcote's median income would be approximately $51,921, with an average of around $64,757, based on a 12.16% growth in wages since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Heathcote fall between the 7th and 8th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The $400 - 799 earnings band captures 28.1% of Heathcote's community, with 1,562 individuals in this bracket, contrasting with regional levels where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 30.3%. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 86.8% income retention, total disposable income ranks at just the 12th percentile nationally.

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

Heathcote's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, comprised 96.4% houses and 3.6% other dwellings. This compares to Non-Metro Vic.'s 95.2% houses and 4.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Heathcote stood at 51.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.8% and rented ones at 12.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,387, below Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,600. The median weekly rent in Heathcote was $260, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $320. Nationally, Heathcote's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,387 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were lower at $260 compared to the national figure of $375.

Heathcote features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 64.1% of all households, including 20.5% couples with children, 34.3% couples without children, and 7.8% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 35.9%, with lone person households at 32.4% and group households comprising 3.4%. The median household size is 2.2 people, smaller than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.4.

Heathcote shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

The area's university qualification rate is 17.2%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.2%, followed by graduate diplomas (3.2%) and postgraduate qualifications (2.8%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 42.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.5%) and certificates (31.0%). Educational participation is high at 25.8%, comprising 10.5% in primary, 6.9% in secondary, and 2.3% in tertiary education.

Heathcote's three schools have a combined enrollment of 318 students, serving typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 994) with balanced educational opportunities. All three schools focus on primary education, with secondary options available nearby. School places per 100 residents stand at 5.7, lower than the regional average of 10.5, indicating some students may attend schools in adjacent areas.

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

Transport analysis shows 13 active stops operating in Heathcote. These are a mix of bus stops serviced by 10 routes offering 104 weekly passenger trips. Accessibility is limited with residents typically located 1982 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 14 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 8 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Heathcote is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Health challenges are prominent across Heathcote, affecting various age groups. The most common conditions include arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 14.7% and 9.7% of residents respectively. Approximately 55.4% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 63.4% in the rest of Victoria.

Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49%, covering around 2,718 people, compared to a national average of 55.3%. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, with 28.6%, or 1,588 people, compared to 24.9% in the rest of Victoria. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges but perform better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Heathcote had a cultural diversity level below average, with 86.0% of its population being Australian citizens born in Australia speaking English only at home by June 2016 census data. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 49.5% of Heathcote residents compared to 39.3% regionally as of this date. The top three ancestry groups were English (32.0%), Australian (30.2%), and Irish (11.6%).

Notably, Scottish ancestry was slightly overrepresented at 9.4%, while Maltese and German ancestries were marginally underrepresented at 0.7% and 3.7% respectively compared to regional averages of 10.1%, 0.6%, and 3.6%.

Heathcote ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Heathcote is 52 years, significantly higher than Rest of Vic.'s average of 43 and well above the national norm of 38. The 55-64 age group is notably over-represented in Heathcote at 17.4%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s average of 15.2%. This is also higher than the national figure of 11.2%. Meanwhile, the 15-24 age group is under-represented at 7.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group has grown from 9.2% to 11.2%, while the 45-54 cohort has declined from 13.7% to 12.1%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Heathcote, with the 35-44 age group projected to grow by 49% to reach 928 residents, adding 304 people. In contrast, the 55-64 cohort is projected to grow by a modest 1%, adding just 13 people.