Heidelberg - Rosanna

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

Heidelberg - Rosanna's population is approximately 16,963 as of May 2026. This figure represents an increase of 924 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 16,039. The growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 16,925 in June 2025 and an additional 164 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a population density of 2,663 persons per square kilometer, placing Heidelberg - Rosanna in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch's assessments. The area's growth rate of 5.8% since the 2021 Census exceeds that of its SA3 region (5.5%), indicating it as a growth leader. Overseas migration was the primary driver of this population increase.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, they utilize 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 for the years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Heidelberg - Rosanna is predicted to grow by 7,668 persons, reflecting a total gain of 45.0% over the 16-year period based on latest annual ERP population numbers.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Heidelberg - Rosanna when compared nationally

Heidelberg - Rosanna has seen approximately 84 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 421 homes were approved, and by FY-26125 have already been approved. On average, about one new resident arrives per year for each new home over these five years, indicating that supply is meeting or exceeding demand.

This provides more buyer choices while supporting potential population growth beyond projections. The average construction cost value of new homes is around $446,000, which is somewhat higher than regional norms due to quality-focused development. In FY-26, there have been approximately $28.1 million in commercial approvals, suggesting steady commercial investment activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Heidelberg - Rosanna has about three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 70th percentile nationally when assessed areas are considered. The current development composition is around 30% detached houses and 70% attached dwellings, marking a significant shift from the existing pattern of 62% houses.

This trend towards denser development provides accessible entry options for downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers, potentially due to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences. With approximately 233 people per dwelling approval, Heidelberg - Rosanna shows characteristics of a low-density area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, future projections suggest that by 2041, Heidelberg - Rosanna will add around 7,630 residents. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Heidelberg - Rosanna has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 23 projects that could impact the area. Notable projects include Austin Hospital Emergency Department Expansion, Rosanna Village Masterplan & Redevelopment, The Austin Heidelberg, and Bulle Apartments. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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

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Employment conditions in Heidelberg - Rosanna demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Heidelberg - Rosanna has an educated workforce with strong professional services representation. Its unemployment rate is 2.5% and it saw 1.1% employment growth in the past year (as of December 2025). The area had 9,807 residents employed with a 2.3% lower unemployment rate than Greater Melbourne's 4.8%.

Workforce participation was similar to Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. Census responses showed 44.2% of residents worked from home. Dominant employment sectors were health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training. The area had a high specialization in health care & social assistance (1.3 times the regional level) but lower representation in construction (7.3% vs regional average 9.7%).

There was one worker per resident indicating substantial local employment opportunities. In the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 1.1%, labour force by 1.4%, raising unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. Greater Melbourne recorded higher growth rates in these areas. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Heidelberg - Rosanna's employment should increase by 7.3% over five years and 14.9% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

Heidelberg - Rosanna SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $65,428 and an average level of $90,290 in the financial year 2023. These figures are among the highest in Australia, compared to Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164. By March 2026, estimates suggest the median income will be approximately $71,722 and the average income will be around $98,976, based on a 9.62% growth in wages since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Heidelberg - Rosanna rank highly nationally, between the 72nd and 81st percentiles. Income analysis reveals that 30.3% of the population (5,139 individuals) fall within the $1,500 to $2,999 income range, similar to the metropolitan region where 32.8% occupy this bracket. Higher earners make up a substantial presence with 33.7% exceeding $3,000 weekly. Housing accounts for 14.3% of income, and residents rank within the 75th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Heidelberg - Rosanna displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Heidelberg - Rosanna's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, comprised 62.5% houses and 37.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Heidelberg - Rosanna stood at 35.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.0% and rented ones at 32.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,300, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in the area was $401, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Heidelberg - Rosanna's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were above the national figure of $375.

Heidelberg - Rosanna has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 67.9% of all households, including 32.6% couples with children, 25.7% couples without children, and 8.6% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 32.1%, with lone person households at 28.8% and group households comprising 3.3% of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Heidelberg - Rosanna shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Heidelberg's educational attainment is notably high. Among residents aged 15 and above, 49.8% possess university qualifications, which exceeds the Australian average of 30.4% and the SA4 region average of 32.8%. This indicates a significant educational advantage for Heidelberg. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 29.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (14.5%) and graduate diplomas (5.6%).

Vocational pathways account for 22.8% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 9.6% and certificates at 13.2%. Educational participation is high in Heidelberg, with 28.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.1% in primary education, 6.9% in secondary education, and 6.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Heidelberg - Rosanna has 75 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 12 different routes that together facilitate 4,421 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is considered good, with residents typically living within 222 meters of the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward from this predominantly residential zone. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation for 74% of residents, while 11% use trains and 9% walk. On average, there are 1.1 vehicles per dwelling, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 44.2% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 631 trips per day, equating to approximately 58 weekly trips per individual stop.

Heidelberg - Rosanna's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Heidelberg's health metrics are close to national benchmarks, as assessed by AreaSearch using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence data from June 2021. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age groups. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 66% of the total population (11,178 people), compared to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are mental health issues and arthritis, affecting 8.3 and 7.3% of residents respectively, while 70.0% report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 19.0% of residents aged 65 and over (3,217 people), higher than the 15.0% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Heidelberg - Rosanna was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Heidelberg-Rosanna, found to be culturally diverse with 28.1% of its population born overseas and 24.3% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the main religion in Heidelberg-Rosanna, comprising 47.3% of people. Judaism, however, is overrepresented at 0.2%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 1.0%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (22.1%), Australian (20.6%), and Irish (9.3%). Notably, Italian (8.9%) and Macedonian (1.0%) are overrepresented in Heidelberg-Rosanna compared to regional averages of 5.2% and 0.7%, respectively. Sri Lankan is also present at 0.6%.

Heidelberg - Rosanna's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Heidelberg-Rosanna has a median age of 40, which is slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and Australia's median age of 38. The 45-54 cohort makes up 14.0% of the local population, notably higher than the Greater Melbourne average, while those aged 25-34 are under-represented at 13.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 9.7% to 11.2%, and the 45 to 54 cohort has grown from 13.0% to 14.0%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group has decreased from 12.8% to 11.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Heidelberg-Rosanna's age profile, with the 45 to 54 cohort expected to grow by 1,380 people (58%), reaching a total of 3,760 from its current figure of 2,379.