Heidelberg West

Population growth drivers in Heidelberg West are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Heidelberg West's population was approximately 17,027 as of November 2025. This figure represents a rise of 2,175 individuals (14.6%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 14,852. The increase is inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 16,832 in June 2024 and an additional 939 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,545 persons per square kilometer, placing Heidelberg West in the upper quartile compared to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth rate exceeded the SA3 area average (5.1%) and the national average between 2021 and 2024. Overseas migration contributed approximately 67.3% of overall population gains during this period, although all drivers including natural growth and interstate migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch's projections for Heidelberg West are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data 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 using a method of 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. Future population dynamics predict exceptional growth, with Heidelberg West expected to expand by 9,963 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 56.6% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Heidelberg West among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Heidelberg West has recorded approximately 406 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 2,032 homes were approved, with a further 505 approved in FY-26 so far. On average, about 0.6 people moved to the area each year for every dwelling built during these years.

This suggests that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more options for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current expectations. The average expected construction cost of new properties is $292,000, which is below regional norms, offering more affordable housing options. In FY-26 alone, $71.3 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Heidelberg West has 292.0% more construction activity per person, providing ample choice for buyers. However, building activity has slowed in recent years. Despite this, the level of activity remains significantly above the national average, reflecting strong developer interest in the area. The new development in Heidelberg West consists of 10.0% detached dwellings and 90.0% medium to high-density housing.

This shift from the current housing mix (currently 59.0% houses) reflects reduced availability of development sites and addresses changing lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. The location has approximately 91 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Heidelberg West is projected to gain 9,639 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Heidelberg West has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 16 projects that could affect the area. Notable ones are Austin Health Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital Redevelopment, Austin Hospital Emergency Department Expansion, Rosanna Village Masterplan & Redevelopment, and The Austin Heidelberg. Below is a list of those most relevant.

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

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

Heidelberg West has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 7.2% in the past year with estimated employment growth of 1.6%.

As of September 2025, 8,967 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.5% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Leading industries include health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services. Heidelberg West specializes in health care & social assistance with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

However, construction is under-represented at 7.9% compared to Greater Melbourne's 9.7%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. From September 2024 to September 2025, employment levels increased by 1.6%, labour force grew by 0.8%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne had employment growth of 3.0% and unemployment rose by 0.3%. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year with an unemployment rate of 4.7%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Heidelberg West's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.4% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

Heidelberg West SA2 had median assessed income of $54,329 and average income of $66,527 in financial year 2022. Greater Melbourne's median income was $54,892 and average income was $73,761 during the same period. By September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $60,935 and average income $74,617, based on a 12.16% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Heidelberg West ranked between the 42nd and 45th percentiles for households, families, and individuals. The $1,500 - $2,999 earnings band captured 32.1% of the community (5,465 individuals), consistent with broader trends across the region showing 32.8% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 80.5% of income remaining, ranking at the 39th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 5th decile.

Heidelberg West displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Heidelberg West's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, had 59.0% houses and 41.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 76.0% houses and 24.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Heidelberg West was at 21.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.5% and rented ones at 48.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,059, below Melbourne metro's average of $2,167. The median weekly rent was $353, compared to Melbourne metro's $399. Nationally, Heidelberg West's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,059 against the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower at $353 versus the national figure of $375.

Heidelberg West features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 60.6% of all households, including 23.8% couples with children, 21.8% couples without children, and 13.0% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 39.4%, with lone person households at 32.5% and group households comprising 6.9%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.5.

Educational attainment in Heidelberg West aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates of 39.6% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the Australian average of 30.4% and the SA4 regional rate of 32.8%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 24.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (11.0%) and graduate diplomas (3.9%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 26.0% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 10.3% and certificates for 15.7%.

Educational participation is high, with 30.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 8.4% in tertiary education, 8.2% in primary education, and 5.9% pursuing secondary education.

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

Heidelberg West has 103 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 15 different routes that together facilitate 5,613 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 156 meters to the nearest stop.

The service frequency is high, with an average of 801 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 54 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Heidelberg West is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts

Heidelberg West faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across all age groups but especially so among older cohorts. The rate of private health cover stands at approximately 52%, or about 8,922 people, which is higher than the average SA2 area but lower than Greater Melbourne's 60.3%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 10.7% and 8.6% of residents respectively. A total of 68.3% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 69.3% across Greater Melbourne. The area has 13.3%, or approximately 2,267 people, aged 65 and over, which is lower than the 19.8% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention due to presenting challenges beyond those faced by the broader population.

Heidelberg West was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Heidelberg West has a high level of cultural diversity, with 32.5% of its population born overseas and 33.8% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the main religion in Heidelberg West, comprising 37.8% of people there. However, Islam is overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne's average, making up 11.2% of Heidelberg West's population.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (20.2%), Australian (18.2%), and Other (15.8%), which is higher than the regional average of 8.7%. Some ethnic groups show notable differences: Greeks make up 3.5% versus 3.0% regionally, Italians comprise 5.9% compared to 7.7%, and Lebanese represent 1.5% compared to 0.6%.

Heidelberg West's population is younger than the national pattern

Heidelberg West's median age is 35 years, which is slightly younger than Greater Melbourne's 37 and the national average of 38 years. The 25-34 age group makes up 20.5% of Heidelberg West's population, compared to Greater Melbourne's percentage, while the 5-14 cohort is less prevalent at 9.7%. This concentration of the 25-34 age group is higher than the national average of 14.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group has grown from 15.2% to 17.2% of Heidelberg West's population. Conversely, the 15-24 cohort has declined from 11.4% to 10.7%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Heidelberg West, with the 45-54 age group projected to rise substantially by 84%, increasing from 1,850 to 3,411 people.