Highett (West) - Cheltenham

Highett (West) - Cheltenham lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Highett (West) - Cheltenham's population is approximately 13,859 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 1,420 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,439. The growth is inferred from ABS estimates; Highett (West) - Cheltenham had an estimated resident population of 13,098 in June 2024 and gained 169 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,605 persons per square kilometer, placing it among the top quarter of locations assessed by AreaSearch nationally. Highett (West) - Cheltenham's growth rate of 11.4% since the 2021 census exceeded both its SA4 region (8.5%) and SA3 area, indicating it is a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 75.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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 utilises 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 annual ERP population numbers, Highett (West) - Cheltenham is forecasted to increase its population by 4,109 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 24.2% over the 17-year period.

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

Highett West-Cheltenham has recorded approximately 153 residential property approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 766 homes. In FY26 so far, 15 approvals have been recorded. The average number of people moving to the area per dwelling built over these five years is one. New construction appears to match or exceed demand, providing more buying options and potentially increasing population growth beyond current expectations.

The average expected construction cost value for new properties is $496,000, indicating a focus on the premium market segment. Commercial approvals this financial year totalled $11.8 million, suggesting steady commercial investment activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Highett West-Cheltenham shows moderately higher new home approvals, with 26.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period. This preserves reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. The area's developer interest is significantly above the national average. New development consists of 15.0% detached houses and 85.0% attached dwellings, marking a significant shift from the current housing pattern of 62.0% houses.

This skew towards compact living offers affordable entry pathways, attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. The location has approximately 56 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Population forecasts suggest Highett West-Cheltenham will gain 3,348 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling growth beyond current forecasts.

Highett (West) - Cheltenham has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 28 projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Banksia Apartments Cheltenham, Highett Common, Highett Gasworks, and Sanctuary Sandringham. The following list details those expected to be 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.

Highett (West) - Cheltenham has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Highett West - Cheltenham has a highly educated workforce with professional services well represented. The unemployment rate was 4.7% in September 2025, matching Greater Melbourne's rate. Workforce participation was also similar to Greater Melbourne at 71.0%.

According to Census responses, 45.7% of residents worked from home. Dominant employment sectors were professional & technical (1.3 times the regional average), health care & social assistance, and education & training. However, transport, postal & warehousing was under-represented at 2.8%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data.

Over the year to September 2025, labour force levels increased by 0.7% while employment declined by 0.2%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.8 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia indicate Highett West - Cheltenham's employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 13.9% 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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023, Highett (West) - Cheltenham SA2 had median income among taxpayers at $66,892 and average income at $87,651. Nationally, these figures are high compared to the national median of $57,688 and average of $75,164 in Greater Melbourne. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% from financial year ended June 2023 to September 2025, estimated median income is approximately $72,411 and average income is $94,882. Census 2021 data shows Highett (West) - Cheltenham's household, family, and personal incomes rank between the 80th and 83rd percentiles nationally. Income distribution reveals that 27.3% of locals (3,783 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, similar to surrounding regions at 32.8%. The area demonstrates affluence with 38.2% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and services. High housing costs consume 16.0% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 81st percentile nationally. Highett (West) - Cheltenham's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Highett (West) - Cheltenham displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Highett (West) - Cheltenham, as per the latest Census, had 61.7% houses and 38.3% other dwellings. Melbourne metro had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Highett (West) - Cheltenham was 30.4%, similar to Melbourne metro's rate. Mortgaged dwellings were 42.3% and rented ones were 27.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,500, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent was $450, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Highett (West) - Cheltenham's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,500 versus Australia's average of $1,863. Rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Highett (West) - Cheltenham has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 71.9% of all households, including 36.9% couples with children, 22.6% couples without children, and 11.6% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 28.1%, with lone person households at 25.6% and group households comprising 2.6%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Highett (West) - Cheltenham demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Educational attainment in Highett (West) - Cheltenham shows significant surpassing of broader benchmarks. As of 2016, 43.5% of residents aged 15 and above held university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 33.4% statewide in Victoria. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 28.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 10.3% and graduate diplomas at 4.5%.

Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 26.5% of residents aged 15 and above holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas at 12.4% and certificates at 14.1%. Educational participation is notably high, with 30.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education as of the 2016 Census. This includes 10.6% in primary education, 8.1% in secondary education, and 5.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Highett (West) - Cheltenham has 79 active public transport stops serving a mix of bus routes. These are operated by 17 individual routes, facilitating 3,162 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is excellent, with residents typically living 157 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily. In this primarily residential area, cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 81%, while train usage stands at 9%. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 45.7% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 451 trips per day, equating to approximately 40 weekly trips per stop.

Highett (West) - Cheltenham's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Highett (West) - Cheltenham residents have relatively positive health outcomes according to AreaSearch's analysis. Mortality rates and health conditions are largely in line with national benchmarks. Common health conditions are seen across both young and old age cohorts at a fairly standard level.

Private health cover is exceptionally high, with approximately 63% of the total population (8,772 people) having it, compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne and 55.7% nationally. The most common medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 8.0 and 7.8% of residents respectively. 71.8% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 15.9% of residents aged 65 and over (2,206 people). Health outcomes among seniors are above average and broadly in line with national rankings for the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Highett (West) - Cheltenham was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Highett West-Cheltenham has a higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 18.4% of residents speaking languages other than English at home and 28.8% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Highett West-Cheltenham, comprising 43.7%. Judaism is slightly overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, making up 1.3% versus 1.0%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (26.2%), Australian (22.7%), and Irish (9.0%). Notably, Russian (0.9%) Hungarian (0.5%), and Polish (1.1%) ethnicities are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.4%, 0.3%, and 0.8% respectively.

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

Highett (West) - Cheltenham has a median age of 40, which is higher than Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and Australia's figure of 38. The 45-54 cohort is notably over-represented locally at 15.8%, while the 25-34 cohort is under-represented at 10.3%. Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 10.9% to 12.4%, and the 75 to 84 cohort has increased from 4.6% to 5.8%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 13.8% to 12.6%. Demographic modeling suggests Highett (West) - Cheltenham's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041, with the 45 to 54 age cohort projected to expand by 660 people (30%) from 2,185 to 2,846.