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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Heidelberg - Rosanna's population is around 17,039 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,000 people (6.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 16,039 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 16,915 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 153 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 2,674 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Heidelberg - Rosanna has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a 1.2% compound annual growth rate, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of 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. Moving forward with demographic trends, exceptional growth, placing it in the top 10 percent of statistical areas across the nation, is predicted over the period with the area expected to expand by 8,038 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 46.5% in total over the 17 years.

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

Heidelberg - Rosanna has seen around 84 new homes approved annually, with 421 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 32 so far in FY-26. At an average of just 1 new resident per year arriving per new home over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply is meeting or surpassing demand, providing greater buyer choice while supporting potential for population growth above projections, while new homes are being built at an average value of $446,000—somewhat higher than regional norms—reflecting quality-focused development. There have also been $28.1 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating steady commercial investment activity.

When measured against Greater Melbourne, Heidelberg - Rosanna has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person while it places among the 70th percentile of areas assessed nationally. New development consists of 30.0% detached houses and 70.0% attached dwellings. This trend toward denser development provides accessible entry options and appeals to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This marks a significant departure from existing housing patterns (currently 62.0% houses), suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. With around 233 people per dwelling approval, Heidelberg - Rosanna shows characteristics of a low density area.

Future projections show Heidelberg - Rosanna adding 7,914 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). 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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 23 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Austin Hospital Emergency Department Expansion, Rosanna Village Masterplan & Redevelopment, The Austin Heidelberg, and the Heidelberg Structure Plan Implementation, 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.

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

Heidelberg - Rosanna has a highly educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation, an unemployment rate of just 2.5%, and 1.1% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 9,807 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.3% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%, and workforce participation is on par with Greater Melbourne's 71.3%. Based on Census responses, a high 44.2% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training. The area shows particularly strong specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level. Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 7.3% versus the regional average of 9.7%. The ratio of 1.0 workers for each resident, as at the Census, indicates substantial local employment opportunities.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 1.1% and labour force increased by 1.4%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.3 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 2.4%, labour force growth of 2.8%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Heidelberg - Rosanna. 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 Heidelberg - Rosanna's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.3% over five years and 14.9% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Heidelberg - Rosanna SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $65,428 with the average level standing at $90,290. This is among the highest in Australia and compares to levels of $57,688 and $75,164 across Greater Melbourne respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $70,826 (median) and $97,739 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Heidelberg - Rosanna, between the 72nd and 81st percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals 30.3% of the population (5,162 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, mirroring the metropolitan region where 32.8% occupy this bracket. Higher earners represent a substantial presence with 33.7% exceeding $3,000 weekly, indicating strong purchasing power within the community. Housing accounts for 14.3% of income while strong earnings rank residents within the 75th percentile for disposable income and 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

Dwelling structure within Heidelberg - Rosanna, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 62.5% houses and 37.5% 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 Heidelberg - Rosanna was well beyond that of Melbourne metro, at 35.6%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (32.0%) or rented (32.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Melbourne metro average at $2,300, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $401, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390. Nationally, Heidelberg - Rosanna's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are exceeding the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 67.9% of all households, comprising 32.6% couples with children, 25.7% couples without children, and 8.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 32.1%, with lone person households at 28.8% and group households comprising 3.3% of the total. The median household size of 2.4 people 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

Educational attainment in Heidelberg - Rosanna significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 49.8% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 30.4% in Australia and 32.8% in the SA4 region. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 29.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (14.5%) and graduate diplomas (5.6%). Vocational pathways account for 22.8% of qualifications among those aged 15+ – advanced diplomas (9.6%) and certificates (13.2%).

Educational participation is notably high, 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

Public transport analysis reveals 75 active transport stops operating within Heidelberg - Rosanna, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 12 individual routes, collectively providing 4,421 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 222 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 74%, with 11% by train and 9% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A high 44.2% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 631 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 58 weekly trips per individual stop.

Heidelberg - Rosanna's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Heidelberg - Rosanna's health metrics sit close to national benchmarks, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The level of common health conditions among the general population is somewhat typical, though higher than the national average among older cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 66% of the total population (11,228 people). This compares to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 8.3% and 7.3% of residents, respectively, while 70.0% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents are notably healthy with low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 19.7% of residents aged 65 and over (3,349 people), which is higher than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, though they rank lower nationally than the broader 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 is more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 28.1% of its population born overseas and 24.3% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Heidelberg - Rosanna is Christianity, which makes up 47.3% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Judaism, which comprises 0.2% 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 Heidelberg - Rosanna are English, comprising 22.1% of the population, Australian, comprising 20.6% of the population, and Irish, comprising 9.3% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Italian is notably overrepresented at 8.9% of the population (vs 5.2% regionally), Macedonian at 1.0% (vs 0.7%) and Sri Lankan at 0.6% (vs 0.8%).

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

With a median age of 40, Heidelberg - Rosanna is somewhat higher than the Greater Melbourne figure of 37 and similarly marginally higher than Australia's 38 years. Compared to the Greater Melbourne average, the 45 - 54 cohort is notably over-represented (14.2% locally), while 25 - 34 year-olds are under-represented (12.7%). In the period since 2021, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 9.7% to 11.2% of the population, while the 45 to 54 cohort increased from 13.0% to 14.2%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 12.8% to 11.8%. Demographic modeling suggests Heidelberg - Rosanna's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 45 to 54 age cohort is projected to grow significantly, expanding by 1,431 people (59%) from 2,419 to 3,851.