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This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
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Highett (West) - Cheltenham has an estimated 13,279 residents, up from 12,439 at the 2021 Census — a change of 840 people, or 6.8%. Growth has averaged 1.0% a year over five years. 203 new addresses have been validated here since Census night. Overseas migration accounts for 78.4% of that increase. That puts 2,496 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to demographic research by AreaSearch, the resident count in Highett (West) - Cheltenham stands at approximately 13,279 as of Aug 2026. This represents an expansion of 840 people (6.8%) compared to the 12,439 people recorded in the 2021 Census. This net gain is calculated using the ABS estimated resident population figure of 13,257 from June 2025 alongside 203 validated new addresses recorded after the Census date. Overall density reaches 2,496 persons per square kilometer, positioning the locality within the upper quartile among areas evaluated nationwide by AreaSearch. Moreover, the local growth rate of 6.8% since the 2021 census outpaced the broader SA3 area (6.0%), establishing it as a leading growth market locally.
Net overseas arrivals served as the primary growth engine, driving roughly 78.4% of total population expansion over recent timeframes, though interstate migration and natural growth also registered positive contributions. Projections generated by AreaSearch draw upon ABS/Geoscience Australia models published in 2024 (using 2022 as baseline data). Where specific SA2 boundaries lack coverage, figures incorporate the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA forecasts published in 2023, adjusted via weighted population distribution methods from LGA down to SA2 boundaries. Age-specific trajectory rates from these calculations are applied across every zone from 2032 to 2041. Looking ahead, future population gains place the region in the top quartile of statistical divisions across the country, with total resident numbers projected to rise by 3,759 persons by 2041 based on current annual ERP metrics, representing a cumulative increase of 28.1% across the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
811 new dwellings have been approved in Highett (West) - Cheltenham over the past five years, an average of 162 a year. That places the area in the 78th percentile for residential development activity nationally, about 12 approvals per 1,000 residents a year. Of the 162 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 15% were detached houses and the rest townhouses or apartments. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this SA2 boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Residential building approvals across Highett (West) - Cheltenham have averaged approximately 162 residential properties annually, culminating in 811 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-22 and FY-26). Because completions have seen an average of only 0.8 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-22 and FY-26), additions to the housing stock are matching or outpacing demand, expanding buyer options and supporting population gains above current projections. Concurrently, mean construction values stand at $555,000—exceeding standard regional levels and indicating a focus on premium residential projects.
In the commercial sector, $11.8 million in building approvals has been logged this financial year, pointing to steady non-residential development. In comparison to Greater Melbourne, construction activity in Highett (West) - Cheltenham remains comparatively elevated (tracking 33.0% above regional average per person over the 5 year period), preserving healthy market choice while bolstering prevailing asset values. This rate substantially exceeds countrywide benchmarks, highlighting robust builder interest. Recent development pipelines comprise 15.0% standalone homes alongside 85.0% townhouses or apartments. This pivot toward higher-density dwelling options delivers accessible entry price points for downscalers, investors, and entry-level buyers. It also represents a noticeable departure from existing residential stock (currently 62.0% houses), responding to diminishing parcel availability alongside changing residential preferences and budget constraints. With a ratio of approximately 102 people per approval, the district exhibits the profile of an active development corridor. Demographic modeling indicates that Highett (West) - Cheltenham will welcome an additional 3,737 residents through to 2041 (relative to the latest quarterly estimate from AreaSearch). At ongoing construction velocities, prospective residential delivery appears well-positioned to satisfy incoming demand, maintaining favorable conditions for purchasers while potentially facilitating faster population expansion than current models predict.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Highett (West) - Cheltenham
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 4 current infrastructure and development projects inside Highett (West) - Cheltenham, worth an estimated $670 million. A further 169 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $57 billion. 50 are already under construction and 62 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities, precincts & urban renewal and communities. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Civic projects, capital works, and planning schemes play a critical role in shaping local community growth and economic performance. In total, AreaSearch has identified 28 projects possessing strategic significance for the locality. Prominent developments include Banksia Apartments Cheltenham, Highett Common, Highett Gasworks, and Sanctuary Sandringham, with key highlights outlined in the summary below.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Highett Common
Highett Common is Victoria's first Net Zero targeted medium-density community, transforming a 9.3-hectare former CSIRO site into a sustainable residential precinct. The $600m+ masterplanned development features over 1,000 residences, including apartments and townhomes, integrated with 4 hectares of public parkland and conservation reserves. Key community infrastructure includes a new Bayside public library, a Maternal and Child Health centre, and a youth centre. Stage 1 (North Lane and Park House) was completed in late 2025 with residents now moving in, while Stage 3 (The Mews Collection) and the boutique Habitat release are currently under construction.
Sanctuary Sandringham
Boutique residential development featuring 71 apartments and 4 townhouses designed by CHT Architects. The project embodies affordable luxury with refined craftsmanship including 80mm European marble benchtops, European oak flooring, and double-glazed windows. Located adjacent to Heathland Sanctuary with landscaping by John Patrick featuring Australian native flora. Construction is progressing with structural works reaching Level 2 as of October 2025.
Bayside Park Improvement and Habitat Linkage Plan
The Bayside Park Improvement and Habitat Linkage Plan was adopted by Council on 28 June 2022 and is actively being implemented across Council-owned open space outside the conservation reserve system. The plan creates green corridors for local wildlife across Bayside by restoring indigenous vegetation structure through planting ground covers and low shrubby mid-storey species. Existing hollow-bearing trees are assessed and retained for habitat value. The program supports native fauna including smaller birds, butterflies, insects, lizards and skinks, and is integrated with the broader Urban Forest Strategy and Biodiversity Action Plan.
Ground Lease Model 2 (GLM2) Housing Redevelopment Program
The Ground Lease Model 2 (GLM2) project delivers 1,370 modern, energy-efficient social, affordable, market rental, and specialist disability homes across four key Melbourne sites in Hampton East, Prahran, Port Melbourne, and South Yarra. Delivered by Homes Victoria in partnership with the Building Communities consortium (including Community Housing Limited and Tetris Capital), the public land is leased rather than sold. Construction is progressing across the package with staged practical completions scheduled through 2026.
Southpoint Highett
New apartment development by H1Land Group designed by Rothelowman architects. Features two buildings: a 12-level tower with 360-degree views and a 4-level boutique building. Includes 217 apartments (1-3 bedrooms) with rooftop amenities, plunge pool, and sunset bar. Located opposite Westfield Southland. As of July 2025, construction has faced a stoppage due to a dispute with the Suburban Rail Loop authority over compensation for underground land acquisition.
Early 3191 Sandringham Townhouses
Boutique townhouse community delivering approximately 36 three and four bedroom townhomes across multiple stages in bayside Sandringham. Stage 1 is complete with further stages completing soon; display suite at 3 George Street.
Suburban Rail Loop East - Cheltenham Station
Major underground metro station as part of the 26km Suburban Rail Loop East project. Located approximately 17m below ground under Sir William Fry Reserve, the station will serve as the southern gateway to the SRL network and provide a critical interchange with the existing Frankston line. Features include a new bus interchange, enhanced pedestrian and cycling paths, and a dedicated bridge over Bay Road connecting the station to Southland Shopping Centre. Works are currently focused on utility relocations and site preparation for the launch of tunnel boring machines.
Bluff Road Hampton East Housing Development
A major Big Housing Build redevelopment of the Bluff Road housing site replacing 146 older dwellings with 285 new social, affordable, and market rental homes. The project includes a mix of 1, 2, 3, and 4-bedroom apartments and townhouses across 8 buildings (2-4 storeys), new parks, landscaped gardens, a cafe, social enterprise space, multi-purpose community room, community garden, children's play area, picnic area, civic space and an on-site community housing provider. All homes feature 5-star Green Star rating and 7-star NatHERS average rating for energy efficiency.Delivered through Ground Lease Model 2 partnership with Building Communities, the development aims to create a more integrated and vibrant community with completion expected late 2026.
7,436 residents of Highett (West) - Cheltenham are employed, from a labour force of 7,791. Unemployment sits at 4.6%, with participation at 72.2%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.9% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The local labor market in Highett (West) - Cheltenham is characterized by high levels of qualification, prominent representation in professional roles, an unemployment rate of 4.6%, and steady hiring conditions throughout the preceding year. As of March 2026, employed residents total 7,436, with the unemployment rate tracking 0.2% below Greater Melbourne's figure of 4.8%, and overall labor participation sitting at a standard 72.2% compared to Greater Melbourne's 70.1%. Census data showed that 45.7% of working locals operated from home, though this figure was influenced by Covid-19 pandemic restrictions. Key industries employing local residents comprise professional & technical, health care & social assistance, as well as education & training.
The district demonstrates notable industry concentration in professional & technical fields, accounting for an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level. Conversely, transport, postal & warehousing shows limited presence, engaging just 2.8% of Highett (West) - Cheltenham's workforce relative to 5.2% in Greater Melbourne. Although neighborhood job options are present, the proportion of local workers relative to the resident labor pool suggests substantial commuting to outside business hubs. AreaSearch's evaluation of ABS and SALM figures shows that over the twelve months to March 2026, local employment grew by 0.2% while the total labor force declined by 0.3%, driving the unemployment rate down by 0.5 percentage points. By contrast, across Greater Melbourne, total jobs rose by 2.1%, the workforce increased by 2.3%, and the unemployment rate edged up by 0.2 percentage points. Longer-term hiring expectations from Jobs and Skills Australia (dated Mar-26) offer additional context for future labor requirements in Highett (West) - Cheltenham. When applying these national industry trajectories—which anticipate nationwide growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years—to the local workforce composition, regional employment is projected to expand by 6.9% over five years and 13.9% over ten years (calculated via weighted industry modeling without factoring localized demographic shifts).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Highett (West) - Cheltenham is $2,291 a week (about $119,000 a year), with median personal income at $1,025 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $66,892 a year against an average of $87,651. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
According to the latest ATO tax statistics analyzed by AreaSearch for financial year 2023, taxable earners in the Highett (West) - Cheltenham SA2 generate a median income of $66,892 and an average income of $87,651. These levels rank exceptionally high nationwide, comparing favourably against Greater Melbourne's median of $57,688 and mean of $75,164. Incorporating cumulative Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023 yields updated benchmarks of approximately $73,327 (median) and $96,083 (average) as of March 2026. Data from the 2021 Census highlights that personal, family, and household earnings sit between the 80th and 83rd percentiles across the country.
In terms of earnings distribution, 27.3% of the community (3,625 individuals) earn between $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, aligning with broader regional proportions of 32.8%. Furthermore, 38.2% make in excess of $3,000 weekly, signaling substantial local affluence that underpins neighborhood retail and commercial spending. While housing costs absorb 16.0% of earnings, strong compensation levels keep disposable income at the 81st percentile, placing the district in the 9th decile on the SEIFA income index.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Highett (West) - Cheltenham had 4,699 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 62% detached houses and 13% apartments. 42% are owned with a mortgage, 27% rented and 30% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $450 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,500 a month, a total housing cost higher than 86% of areas nationally. Rent absorbs 19.6% of household income here and mortgage repayments 25.2%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
According to the latest Census findings, the residential profile of Highett (West) - Cheltenham consisted of 61.7% houses alongside 38.3% other dwellings (incorporating townhouses, units, and alternative dwelling types), whereas Melbourne metro recorded 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Owner-occupancy levels matched the wider metropolitan rate of 30.4%, with remaining households holding a mortgage (42.3%) or renting (27.3%). Monthly mortgage commitments averaged a median of $2,500 locally compared to $2,000 across Melbourne metro, while weekly rental payments stood at a median of $450 against $390 across Melbourne metro. Nationally, local mortgage obligations substantially exceed the Australian benchmark of $1,863, and rents remain well above the national median of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Highett (West) - Cheltenham counted 4,699 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 5,016 today, averaging 2.5 people each. 37% are couples with children, against 23% couples without children. 26% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.4 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family households represent the prevailing living arrangement at 71.9% of all occupied homes, comprising couples with children at 36.9%, couples without children at 22.6%, and single parent families at 11.6%. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 28.1%, consisting of lone person households at 25.6% and group households making up 2.6%. The typical household size sits at 2.5 people, slightly below the Greater Melbourne benchmark of 2.6.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
43.5% of adults in Highett (West) - Cheltenham hold a university qualification, including 28.7% with a bachelor degree and 10.3% with postgraduate qualifications, higher than 97% of areas nationally. A further 14.1% hold a vocational qualification. 3 schools serve the area, with 550 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,111 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Qualifications among residents in Highett (West) - Cheltenham materially exceed broader averages, with 43.5% of people aged 15+ holding tertiary degrees, compared to 30.4% in Australia and 33.4% in VIC. This strong educational profile positions the workforce well for high-skill, professional roles. Bachelor degrees constitute 28.7% of attainment, with postgraduate qualifications at 10.3% and graduate diplomas at 4.5%. Vocational and technical accreditations are also well represented, with 26.5% of residents aged 15+ possessing vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (12.4%) and certificates (14.1%). Formal study engagement is substantial across the area, with 30.5% of residents currently attending an educational institution.
This proportion includes 10.6% in primary education, 8.1% in secondary education, and 5.6% undertaking tertiary coursework.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Highett (West) - Cheltenham reaches 78 stops on 17 routes, timetabled for about 5,400 services a week. The typical home sits about 160 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.2 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
An assessment of regional public transit identifies 78 active transport stops operating within Highett (West) - Cheltenham, utilizing bus networks across 17 distinct routes to deliver 5,395 weekly passenger trips. Overall public transit connectivity is classified as superior, with typical walking distances to the nearest stop averaging 157 meters. Given the predominantly residential character of the suburb, outbound travel is common: private vehicles serve as the main travel option at 81%, alongside 9% traveling by train. Private vehicle density stands at 1.2 per dwelling. Additionally, 45.7% of residents worked remotely (recorded at the 2021 Census, subject to COVID-19 influences).
Transit schedules provide an average of 770 trips per day across the collective network, corresponding to roughly 69 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
71.8% of residents in Highett (West) - Cheltenham report no long-term health condition. 4.9% need daily assistance with core activities, and 63.3% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.7 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Public health indicators for Highett (West) - Cheltenham reflect generally favorable conditions, with AreaSearch research on mortality figures and medical conditions aligning closely with national standards and exhibiting typical illness incidence across all age groups. Private medical insurance coverage is remarkably widespread, encompassing approximately 63% of the total population (8,405 people), outperforming Greater Melbourne (56.7%) and the national benchmark (55.7%). The most frequently cited health conditions within the community are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 8.0 and 7.8% of residents, respectively. Concurrently, 71.8% of residents reported having no diagnosed long-term health conditions, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne.
The working-age cohort demonstrates strong vitality with minimal chronic health impacts. Seniors aged 65 and over comprise 15.9% of residents (2,112 people), with older cohorts experiencing above-average health outcomes that mirror broader nationwide distributions.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
28.8% of Highett (West) - Cheltenham residents were born overseas and 18.4% speak a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (26.2%) and Australian (22.7%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Highett (West) - Cheltenham demonstrates a broader multicultural mix than most comparable localities, with 18.4% of households speaking a non-English language at home and 28.8% of residents having been born overseas. Christianity represents the primary religious affiliation, encompassing 43.7% of people in Highett (West) - Cheltenham. Additionally, the neighborhood displays a distinct concentration of Judaism, accounting for 1.3% of the population compared to 1.0% across Greater Melbourne. Regarding ancestral background based on parental birthplace, the primary ancestries in Highett (West) - Cheltenham are English (26.2% of the population versus 20.1% across the region), Australian (22.7%), and Irish (9.0%).
Furthermore, specific cultural backgrounds exhibit above-average local presence: Russian heritage accounts for 0.9% of Highett (West) - Cheltenham (against 0.4% regionally), Hungarian represents 0.5% (versus 0.3%), and Polish constitutes 1.1% (compared to 0.8%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Highett (West) - Cheltenham is 40. 22.7% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The age distribution in Highett (West) - Cheltenham aligns closely with Greater Melbourne across broad demographic tiers, showing a maximum variance of 6.5 percentage points between the cohorts. AreaSearch calculates the local median age at 40 as at August 2026, remaining stable from the 2021 Census and sitting 3 years above the Greater Melbourne median of 37 logged during that Census. Following the Census, the cohort of young and middle-aged adults (25 - 44) adjusted from 26.7% of residents down to an estimated 25.5%. Looking ahead to 2041, senior demographics (65+) will drive most demographic growth, increasing by 1,132 residents (54%) to a total of 3,245.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Highett (West) - Cheltenham
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Oct 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the SA2 boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Oct 2026 this month headline measures · Sep 2026 baseline |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Oct 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | May 2026 5 months ago all 4 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 7 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Sep 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Sep 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 203 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (12,439 at the 2021 Census → 13,279 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (208011171). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.