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

Highett East-Cheltenham's population was approximately 25,939 as of February 2026. This figure represents an increase of 1,854 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 24,085. The growth is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 25,866 in June 2024 and an additional 700 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a population density ratio of 2,967 persons per square kilometer, placing Highett East-Cheltenham in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch's assessments. The area's growth rate of 7.7% since the Census exceeded its SA3 region's average of 5.6%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 84.4% of overall population gains during recent periods, with natural growth and interstate migration also being positive factors.

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, AreaSearch employs 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 years 2032 to 2041. Based on demographic trends and latest ERP population numbers, Highett East-Cheltenham is projected to grow by 5,390 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 20.5% over the 17-year period.

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

Highett East - Cheltenham recorded approximately 202 residential property approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 1,011 homes. As of FY-26, 16 approvals have been granted. On average, 1.3 people moved to the area per dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating balanced supply and demand with stable market conditions. The average construction cost value for new homes was $306,000, aligning with regional trends.

This financial year, $47.8 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting high local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Highett East - Cheltenham has 51.0% more new home approvals per capita, offering buyers greater choice. New building activity comprises 19.0% standalone homes and 81.0% townhouses or apartments, promoting higher-density living and affordability for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This shift contrasts with the current housing mix of 54.0% houses, reflecting reduced development site availability and evolving lifestyle demands. The area has approximately 245 people per dwelling approval, suggesting room for growth. By 2041, Highett East - Cheltenham is projected to grow by 5,317 residents, with current development well-matched to future needs, supporting steady market conditions without extreme price pressure.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 20 projects that could impact the area. Notable projects include Sanctuary Sandringham, Suburban Rail Loop East - Cheltenham Station, Cheltenham Precinct Structure Plan - Suburban Rail Loop East, and Cycle Sandringham Infrastructure. The following list details those most relevant.

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 has an educated workforce with professional services well-represented. The unemployment rate is 6.4%. As of September 2025, there are 13,949 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 8.1% compared to Greater Melbourne's 4.7%.

Workforce participation stands at 68.9%, lower than Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. Census data shows 38.6% of residents work from home. Key industries include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and retail trade. Finance & insurance has notable concentration with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average, while transport, postal & warehousing is lower at 3.4%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between September 2024 to September 2025, labour force increased by 0.6% but employment declined by 0.8%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.4 percentage points. Greater Melbourne saw employment growth of 3.0%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Highett East - Cheltenham's employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections.

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

In Highett (East) - Cheltenham SA2, median taxpayer income was $64,228 and average income was $80,527 in financial year 2023. Nationally, these figures were higher than the national median of $57,688 and average of $75,164 for Greater Melbourne. By September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $69,527 and average income $87,170, based on an 8.25% growth in wages since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Highett (East) - Cheltenham cluster around the 63rd percentile nationally. Income distribution shows that 30.2% of individuals fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range, similar to regional patterns where 32.8% occupy this range. Housing costs consume 16.6% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 56th percentile nationally. 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

Highett (East) - Cheltenham's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 54.2% houses and 45.8% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and others. This compares to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Highett (East) - Cheltenham stood at 33.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.8% and rented ones at 28.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure was $421, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Highett (East) - Cheltenham's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were 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 account for 66.7% of all households, consisting of 30.5% couples with children, 24.4% couples without children, and 10.6% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 33.3%, with lone person households at 30.7% and group households comprising 2.7% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which 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

In Highett (East), Cheltenham, 37.9% of residents aged 15 and above hold university degrees, compared to the SA4 region's 46.0%. This indicates potential for educational development. Bachelor degrees are most common at 25.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 9.2% and graduate diplomas at 3.5%. Vocational credentials are held by 28.8% of residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 12.3% and certificates at 16.5%.

Educational participation is high, with 27.0% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.7% in primary, 6.7% in secondary, and 5.3% in tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis indicates 118 active transport stops operating within Highett (East) - Cheltenham. These stops serve a mix of buses, with 27 individual routes providing 6,161 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 193 meters from the nearest transport stop. In this primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. The dominant mode of transport is car at 84%, while train use accounts for 7%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a high 38.6% of residents work from home, potentially reflecting 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 displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's 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 shows better-than-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 but higher than the national average among older, at-risk cohorts.

Approximately 60% of the total population (15,433 people) has private health cover, compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 7.8% and 7.5% of residents respectively. 70.0% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. The under-65 population demonstrates better-than-average health outcomes. Highett East - Cheltenham has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 20.2% (5,247 people), compared to 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. However, this percentage is lower than the national average when considering 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 has a higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 32.7% of its population born overseas and 26.8% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Highett East-Cheltenham, comprising 46.1% of the population. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented at 1.9%, compared to 1.0% across Greater Melbourne.

The top three ancestry groups are English (23.2%), Australian (20.1%), and Other (10.7%). There are also notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Russian (1.3% vs regional 0.4%), Greek (4.7% vs 2.7%), and Polish (1.2% vs 0.8%) are overrepresented in Highett East-Cheltenham.

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

Highett (East) - Cheltenham has a median age of 40, which is higher than Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and Australia's figure of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Highett (East) - Cheltenham has an over-representation of the 75-84 age cohort at 7.3%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 11.9%. Between 2021 and present day, the 75-84 age group has increased from 6.3% to 7.3% of the population, while the 25-34 age group has decreased from 13.8% to 11.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Highett (East) - Cheltenham's age profile will significantly evolve. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to grow by 1,069 people, from 1,883 to 2,953, a 57% increase. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 51% of total population growth. Meanwhile, the 35-44 and 0-4 age cohorts are projected to experience population declines.