Highett (East) - Cheltenham

Population growth drivers in Highett (East) - Cheltenham are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Highett (East) - Cheltenham's population is around 25,939 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,854 people (7.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 24,085 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 25,866 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 700 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 2,967 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Highett (East) - Cheltenham's 7.7% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (5.6%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 84.4% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including natural growth and interstate migration, were positive factors.

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. Regarding demographic trends, an above-median population growth of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch is projected, with the area expected to grow by 5,390 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 20.5% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Highett (East) - Cheltenham among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Highett (East) - Cheltenham has recorded around 202 residential properties granted approval per year, totalling 1,011 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 20 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 1.3 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply and demand appear well-balanced, creating stable market conditions, while new homes are being built at an average value of $306,000, in line with regional trends. Additionally, $47.8 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity.

When measured against Greater Melbourne, Highett (East) - Cheltenham records 51.0% more new home approvals (per person), offering buyers greater choice. New building activity shows 19.0% standalone homes and 81.0% townhouses or apartments. This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points and suits downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a considerable change from the current housing mix (currently 54.0% houses), reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. The location has approximately 245 people per dwelling approval, indicating room for growth.

Looking ahead, Highett (East) - Cheltenham is expected to grow by 5,317 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Current development appears well-matched to future needs, supporting steady market conditions without extreme price pressure.

Highett (East) - Cheltenham has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 46thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 20 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Sanctuary Sandringham, Suburban Rail Loop East - Cheltenham Station, Cheltenham Precinct Structure Plan - Suburban Rail Loop East, and Cycle Sandringham Infrastructure, 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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Highett (East) - Cheltenham recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Highett (East) - Cheltenham possesses a well-educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation, an unemployment rate of 6.0%, and relative employment stability over the past year. As of December 2025, 13,944 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 1.2% above Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (68.6% compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%). Based on Census responses, a high 38.6% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and retail trade. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in finance & insurance, with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average. Conversely, transport, postal & warehousing shows lower representation at 3.4% versus the regional average of 5.2%. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, the labour force decreased by 0.3% alongside a 0.3% employment decline, leaving unemployment broadly flat. 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 Highett (East) - Cheltenham. 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 Highett (East) - Cheltenham's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.9% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Highett (East) - Cheltenham SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $64,228 with the average level standing at $80,527. This is extremely high nationally 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 $69,527 (median) and $87,170 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Highett (East) - Cheltenham cluster around the 63rd percentile nationally. Distribution data shows 30.2% of the population (7,833 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, reflecting patterns seen at regional levels where 32.8% similarly occupy this range. High housing costs consume 16.6% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 56th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Highett (East) - Cheltenham displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within Highett (East) - Cheltenham, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 54.2% houses and 45.8% 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 Highett (East) - Cheltenham was well beyond that of Melbourne metro, at 33.9%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (37.8%) or rented (28.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Melbourne metro average at $2,167, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $421, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390. Nationally, Highett (East) - Cheltenham's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Highett (East) - Cheltenham features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 66.7% of all households, comprising 30.5% couples with children, 24.4% couples without children, and 10.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 33.3%, with lone person households at 30.7% and group households comprising 2.7% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Highett (East) - Cheltenham shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Educational qualifications in Highett (East) - Cheltenham trail regional benchmarks, with 37.9% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 46.0% in the SA4 region. This gap highlights potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees lead at 25.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.2%) and graduate diplomas (3.5%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 28.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (12.3%) and certificates (16.5%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.7% in primary education, 6.7% in secondary education, and 5.3% 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 118 active transport stops operating within Highett (East) - Cheltenham comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 27 individual routes, collectively providing 6,161 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 193 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 84%, with 7% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling, below the regional average. A high 38.6% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 880 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 52 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

The level of general health in Highett (East) - Cheltenham is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Highett (East) - Cheltenham demonstrates above-average health outcomes, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population, though higher than the national average across older, at-risk cohorts. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 60% of the total population (15,433 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 7.8% and 7.5% of residents, respectively, while 70.0% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 20.2% of residents aged 65 and over (5,247 people), which is higher than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne, though ranking lower nationally than the broader population.

Highett (East) - Cheltenham 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

Highett (East) - Cheltenham was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 32.7% of its population born overseas and 26.8% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Highett (East) - Cheltenham is Christianity, which makes up 46.1% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Judaism, which comprises 1.9% 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 Highett (East) - Cheltenham are English, comprising 23.2% of the population, Australian, comprising 20.1% of the population, and Other, comprising 10.7% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Russian is notably overrepresented at 1.3% of Highett (East) - Cheltenham (vs 0.4% regionally), Greek at 4.7% (vs 2.7%) and Polish at 1.2% (vs 0.8%).

Highett (East) - Cheltenham's population is slightly older than the national pattern

With a median age of 40, Highett (East) - Cheltenham 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 75 - 84 cohort is notably over-represented (7.3% locally), while 25 - 34 year-olds are under-represented (11.9%). In the period since 2021, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 6.3% to 7.3% of the population. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 13.8% to 11.9%. Demographic modeling suggests Highett (East) - Cheltenham's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to grow significantly, expanding by 1,069 people (57%) from 1,883 to 2,953. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 51% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 35 to 44 and 0 to 4 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.