Highton
Statistical Area - sa2

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

As of Aug 2025, Highton's population is approximately 25,702. This figure represents an increase of 1,668 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 24,034. The change is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 25,611 as of June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 633 persons per square kilometer. Highton's growth rate of 6.9% since the 2021 census exceeds the non-metro area average of 5.5%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 51.9% of overall population gains during recent periods, with other factors such as interstate migration and natural growth also being positive contributors.

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 a weighted aggregation method from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Looking ahead, significant population growth is forecast for Highton, with an expected increase of 7,863 persons by 2041, representing a total increase of 30.2% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Highton among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Highton has seen approximately 142 new homes approved annually. Development approval data is produced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on a financial year basis, totalling 714 approvals across the past five financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, with an additional 7 approvals so far in FY-26. On average, over these five years, 2.5 new residents have been added per dwelling annually, reflecting strong demand that supports property values. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $804,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

There have also been $120.4 million in commercial approvals this financial year, suggesting robust commercial development momentum. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Highton shows around 56% of construction activity per person, placing it among the 40th percentile nationally when considering areas assessed, which may limit choices for buyers and support demand for existing homes. New development consists of 76.0% standalone homes and 24.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's low density nature with a focus on detached housing that appeals to space-seeking buyers.

The estimated population per dwelling approval is around 421 people, indicating a quiet, low activity development environment. Population forecasts suggest Highton will gain approximately 7,772 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Highton has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 27thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 40 projects that may impact this area. Notable ones include Morven Townhomes, Highton Urban Design Framework, 34 Barrabool Road Apartments, and 22-24 Barrabool Road Development, with the following list providing more details on those most relevant.

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

The labour market in Highton shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Highton's workforce is highly educated with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 2.3% as of June 2025, lower than the state average.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.0%. As of June 2025, 14,253 residents were employed with an unemployment rate of 1.5% below Rest of Vic.'s 3.8%, and workforce participation at 65.6% compared to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. Education & training shows strong specialization with an employment share of 1.5 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 0.8% versus the regional average of 7.5%.

Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census working population vs resident population comparison. During the year to June 2025, employment levels increased by 2.0%, labour force by 2.3%, causing unemployment rate to rise by 0.3 percentage points. Rest of Vic., however, recorded employment decline of 0.9% and labour force decline of 0.4%. State-level data to Sep-25 shows VIC employment grew by 1.08% year-on-year with state unemployment rate at 4.7%, compared to national rate of 4.5%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, May 2025, project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Highton's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.9%% over five years and 14.1% over ten years.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch aggregated latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2022, indicating Highton's median taxpayer income was $51,998 and average income was $67,584. This is higher than the national averages of $48,741 and $60,693 respectively across Rest of Vic. By March 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $57,255 (median) and $74,417 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.11% since financial year ending June 2022. According to the 2021 Census, Highton's household, family, and personal incomes cluster around the 67th percentile nationally. Income analysis shows 30.7% of Highton's population (7,890 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to metropolitan regions where 30.3% occupy this bracket. Higher earners comprise a substantial portion with 32.8% exceeding $3,000 weekly, suggesting strong purchasing power in the community. After housing costs, residents retain 87.8% of their income, reflecting robust purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Highton is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in Highton, as evaluated at the Census 2016, consisted of 88.6% houses and 11.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s 84.6% houses and 15.4% other dwellings. The home ownership level in Highton was 40.0%, with the rest either mortgaged (39.7%) or rented (20.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, above Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure was $365, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $335 and the national average of $375.

Highton has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 74.5% of all households, including 37.4% couples with children, 28.7% couples without children, and 7.7% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 25.5%, with lone person households at 22.0% and group households comprising 3.5%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is larger than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.4.

Educational achievement in Highton places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

Educational attainment in Highton is notably high, with 38.5% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications, compared to 21.7% in the rest of Victoria and 27.3% in the SA3 area. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 25.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 8.8% and graduate diplomas at 4.2%. Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 29.9% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (12.2%) and certificates (17.7%). Educational participation is high, with 33.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 10.2% in tertiary education, 9.9% in primary education, and 8.2% pursuing secondary education. There are eight schools operating within Highton, educating approximately 3,752 students.

The area demonstrates above-average socio-educational conditions, with an ICSEA score of 1098. The educational mix includes five primary schools and three K-12 schools. Note: for schools showing 'n/a' in enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Highton has 79 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These are served by 10 different routes that together facilitate 1,499 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated good, with residents on average being located 285 meters from the nearest stop.

On a daily basis, there are an average of 214 trips across all routes, which equates to approximately 18 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Highton is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Highton shows above-average health outcomes with both young and elderly cohorts having low prevalence of common health conditions.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 53% of the total population (around 13,724 people). Asthma and mental health issues are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 8.4 and 7.9% of residents respectively. About 70.9% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 65.9% across Rest of Vic. The area has a population of 25,700 as of June 2016, with 16.0% (4,112 people) aged 65 and over. Health outcomes among seniors in Highton are particularly strong, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Highton was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Highton's cultural diversity is above average, with 19.4% of its population born overseas and 12.8% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Highton, comprising 50.1% of its population. Hinduism, at 1.8%, is slightly overrepresented compared to the rest of Victoria's 1.7%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (28.1%), Australian (25.4%), and Irish (9.9%). There are notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Scottish (9.5% vs regional 8.3%), Dutch (1.8% vs 2.0%), and Croatian (0.9% vs 1.5%) are overrepresented in Highton.

Highton's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Highton as of 2021 was 37 years, significantly lower than Rest of Vic.'s average of 43 and close to the national average of 38 years. The age profile showed that those aged 15-24 were prominent at 17.5%, while those aged 65-74 were smaller at 8.6%. Between 2021 and the present, the median age decreased by 1.1 years to 37 years, indicating a shift towards a younger demographic. During this period, the 25-34 age group grew from 11.6% to 13.7%, and the 15-24 cohort increased from 15.6% to 17.5%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort declined from 11.5% to 9.9%, and the 45-54 group dropped from 12.8% to 11.5%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Highton. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 78% (2,742 people), reaching 6,264 from 3,521. In contrast, the 65-74 cohort is expected to decline by 23 people.