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 13,274 as of May 2026. This figure represents an increase of 835 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,439. The change is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 13,257 in June 2025 and an additional 204 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,495 persons per square kilometer, placing Highett (West) - Cheltenham in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch assessments. The area's growth rate of 6.7% since the 2021 census exceeds that of its SA3 region at 6.0%, indicating it as a growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 78.4% of overall population gains, although all drivers were 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 the years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends forecast a significant increase in Highett (West) - Cheltenham's top quartile statistical area, with an expected expansion of 3,768 persons by 2041 based on latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total gain of 28.3% over the 16-year period.

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

Highett West-Cheltenham has seen approximately 153 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 766 homes. As of FY26, 23 approvals have been recorded. On average, one person moves to the area per year for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25, indicating supply meeting or exceeding demand. The average construction value of new homes is $496,000, suggesting a focus on premium properties.

This financial year has seen $11.8 million in commercial development approvals, showing moderate levels of commercial activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Highett West-Cheltenham's construction is 24.0% higher per person over the past five years. New building activity comprises 15.0% standalone homes and 85.0% medium-high density housing, indicating a shift from the current 62.0% houses. With around 56 people moving in per dwelling approval, Highett West-Cheltenham exhibits growth area characteristics. By 2041, it is projected to add 3,751 residents, with current construction levels likely meeting demand and fostering favourable buying conditions while potentially exceeding forecasted growth.

Future projections show Highett (West) - Cheltenham adding 3,751 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Highett (West) - Cheltenham has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect 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 most relevant.

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

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

Highett West - Cheltenham has an educated workforce with strong professional services representation. Its unemployment rate was 4.5% as of December 2025, which is 0.2% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Melbourne's 69.9%.

Census responses indicate that 45.7% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries are professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area specializes in professional & technical services with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level, but has lower representation in transport, postal & warehousing at 2.8% compared to the regional average of 5.2%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work.

In the 12 months ending December 2025, labour force decreased by 0.3%, employment declined by 0.2%, and unemployment remained unchanged. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne where employment rose by 2.4%, labour force grew by 2.8%, and unemployment increased by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Highett West - Cheltenham's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 13.9% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows Highett (West) - Cheltenham SA2 has the highest median income at $66,892. The average income is $87,651. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% from July 2023 to March 2026, estimated incomes are approximately $73,327 (median) and $96,083 (average). According to the 2021 Census, Highett (West) - Cheltenham's household, family, and personal incomes rank between the 80th and 83rd percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows 27.3% of residents earn $1,500-$2,999 weekly (3,623 people), similar to the broader area at 32.8%. Notably, 38.2% earn above $3,000 weekly. Housing costs consume 16.0% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 81st percentile nationally. The area'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, compared to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Highett (West) - Cheltenham was 30.4%, similar to Melbourne metro, with mortgaged dwellings at 42.3% and rented ones at 27.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,500, higher than Melbourne metro's $2,000. Median weekly rent in Highett (West) - Cheltenham was $450, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Highett (West) - Cheltenham's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,500 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and 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 account for 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 consist of the remaining 28.1%, with lone person households at 25.6% and group households making up 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 is notably higher than national averages. As of the latest data, 43.5% of residents aged 15+ have university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 33.4% in Victoria. Bachelor degrees are most common at 28.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (10.3%) and graduate diplomas (4.5%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 26.5% of residents holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 12.4% and certificates at 14.1%.

Educational participation is high, with 30.5% currently enrolled in formal education. 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, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 17 different routes that together facilitate 3,162 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located just 157 meters from the nearest transport stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Car remains the dominant mode of transportation at 81%, while train usage stands at 9%. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling in the area.

According to the 2021 Census, a high 45.7% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 451 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 40 weekly trips per individual 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 area-specific data. Mortality rates and health conditions in this area align with national benchmarks. Both young and old age cohorts experience a standard level of common health conditions.

Private health cover is exceptionally high, at approximately 63% of the total population (8,402 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne and 55.7% nationally. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (8.0%) and mental health issues (7.8%), while 71.8% of residents report no medical ailments, comparable to the 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 16.1%, compared to 15.0% in Greater Melbourne (2,143 people). Health outcomes among seniors are above average, 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 had a higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 18.4% speaking a language other than English at home and 28.8% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 43.7%. Judaism was slightly overrepresented at 1.3%, compared to 1.0% in Greater Melbourne.

The top three ancestry groups were English (26.2%), Australian (22.7%), and Irish (9.0%). There were notable differences in the representation of Russian (0.9% vs regional 0.4%), Hungarian (0.5% vs 0.3%), and Polish (1.1% vs 0.8%) groups.

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

Highett (West) - Cheltenham has a median age of 40, which is slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to the Greater Melbourne average, the 45-54 cohort is notably over-represented in Highett (West) - Cheltenham, making up 15.7% of the local population, while those aged 25-34 are under-represented at 10.3%. Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 10.9% to 12.6%, and the 75 to 84 cohort has grown from 4.6% to 6.1%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group has declined from 13.8% to 12.4%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Highett (West) - Cheltenham's age profile will change significantly. The 45 to 54 age cohort is projected to expand by 725 people, growing from 2,084 to 2,810.