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 was around 5,062 people as of August 2021 according to the census. By June 2024, it had risen to an estimated resident population of 5,343, indicating a growth of 507 people (10.0%) since the census date. This increase was inferred from the addition of 116 validated new addresses during this period. The population density in Heathcote was calculated as 7.4 persons per square kilometer. The area's population growth exceeded that of its SA4 region (5.0%) and SA3 area, making it a leader in regional growth. Interstate migration contributed approximately 94.8% to the overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch used 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 released in 2023 were used with adjustments made through weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations were applied across all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Heathcote's population is projected to increase significantly in line with other non-metropolitan areas, with an expected growth of 1,803 persons, representing a total gain of 28.1% over the 17-year period.

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

Heathcote has received around 42 dwelling approvals per year. The Australian Bureau of Statistics provides this data on a financial year basis, totaling 210 approvals from FY21 to FY25, with an additional 3 recorded in FY26 so far. On average, 2.6 people have moved to the area annually for each new home constructed over these five years, reflecting strong demand that supports property values. New homes are being built at an average construction cost of $524,000.

This year, $4.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating Heathcote's residential character. Compared to the rest of Victoria, Heathcote exhibits moderately higher building activity, with 25.0% more approvals per person over the past five years. This maintains reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand, although development activity has decreased recently.

All new construction consists of standalone homes, preserving Heathcote's low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers, with around 206 people moving in for each dwelling approved. By 2041, Heathcote is projected to grow by 1,563 residents. Construction pace is keeping up with this growth, but increased competition among buyers can be expected as the population rises.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. Four projects identified by AreaSearch are likely to impact the area. Key projects include Heathcote Community Hub Redevelopment, Heathcote Boutique Lots (SIG Group), Axedale Solar Farm, and Strathfieldsaye Growth Area. The following details those most relevant.

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

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

Heathcote's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with prominent manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate in June 2025 was 4.9%.

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 in Heathcote lags at 47.3%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and manufacturing.

Mining shows strong specialization with an employment share 7.4 times the regional level. However, education & training has 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. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 0.1%, while labour force grew by 1.7%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 1.5 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic. saw employment contract by 0.9%, labour force fall by 0.4%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data from Sep-25 shows VIC employment grew by 1.08% year-on-year, adding 39,880 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May 2025) project national 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, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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, according to AreaSearch aggregated ATO data. The average income stood at $57,736 during the same period. In comparison, Rest of Vic.'s median and average incomes were $48,741 and $60,693 respectively. Based on a 10.11% growth in wages since financial year 2022, estimated current figures are approximately $50,972 (median) and $63,573 (average) as of March 2025. The 2021 Census showed Heathcote's incomes fell between the 7th and 8th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile indicated that 28.1% of Heathcote residents earned between $400 - $799, contrasting with regional levels where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket was dominant at 30.3%. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 86.8% income retention, total disposable income ranked 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, was 96.4% houses and 3.6% other dwellings. Non-Metro Vic., in comparison, had 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, lower than 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 significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute the remaining 35.9%, with lone person households at 32.4% and group households comprising 3.4% of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is 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 primary education (10.5%), secondary education (6.9%), and tertiary education (2.3%).

Heathcote's three schools have a combined enrollment of 318 students, serving typical Australian school conditions with balanced educational opportunities. These schools focus on primary education only, with secondary options available nearby. The area has fewer school places per 100 residents (5.7) compared to the regional average (10.5), possibly leading some students to 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 mixed bus services. They include 10 routes offering a total of 104 weekly passenger trips.

Transport access is rated limited with residents typically located 1982 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 14 trips daily across all routes, equating to about 8 weekly trips per individual 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, with various health conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Approximately 49% (~2723 people) have private health cover, lower than the Rest of Vic's 52.9%. Nationally, it stands at 55.3%.

The most prevalent conditions are arthritis (14.7%) and mental health issues (9.7%), while 55.4% report no medical ailments, compared to 63.4% in Rest of Vic. Heathcote has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 28.6% (1591 people), versus Rest of Vic's 24.9%. Senior health outcomes show some challenges despite performing better than the general population on 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's population was found to be predominantly culturally homogeneous, with 86.0% being citizens, 88.0% born in Australia, and 96.6% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion in Heathcote is Christianity, practiced by 49.5% of the population, compared to 39.3% across Rest of Vic.. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (32.0%), Australian (30.2%), and Irish (11.6%).

Notably, Scottish ancestry was slightly higher in Heathcote at 9.4%, compared to 10.1% regionally. Maltese ancestry was represented by 0.7%, slightly higher than the regional average of 0.6%. German ancestry was also present at 3.7%, similar to the regional average of 3.6%.

Heathcote ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Heathcote is 52 years, which is 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, while the 15-24 year-olds are under-represented at 7.5%. This concentration of the 55-64 cohort is well above the national average of 11.2%. Between 2021 and present, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 9.2% to 11.2% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age group has declined from 13.7% to 12.1%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Heathcote. The 35 to 44 cohort is projected to grow by 49%, adding 303 residents to reach 928. Meanwhile, the 55 to 64 cohort is projected to grow by a modest 1% (11 people).