Hoppers Crossing - South
Statistical Area - sa2

Hoppers Crossing - South is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

AreaSearch's analysis indicates that Hoppers Crossing - South had a population of approximately 18,996 as of August 2025. This figure represents an increase of 224 people, corresponding to a 1.2% rise since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 18,772. This change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 18,971 in June 2024 and an additional 51 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is 2,709 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 73.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth for the area.

AreaSearch adopts 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 uses VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, employing adjustments via weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends project above median growth for Australian statistical areas, with the area expected to grow by 2,631 persons to 2041 based on latest numbers, resulting in a total gain of 13.7% over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Hoppers Crossing - South is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Hoppers Crossing - South has averaged approximately 25 new dwelling approvals annually. Development approval data is compiled by the ABS on a financial year basis, totalling 126 approvals over the past five financial years from FY21 to FY25, with five approvals recorded so far in FY26. Despite population decline in the area, development activity has been relatively adequate, benefiting buyers, while new homes are being constructed at an average cost of $358,000, which is below regional norms, offering more affordable housing options. This financial year, $7.1 million worth of commercial approvals have been registered, indicating the area's predominantly residential character.

Compared to Greater Melbourne, Hoppers Crossing - South has significantly less development activity, 92.0% below the regional average per person, which typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. This level is also below the national average, suggesting the area's maturity and potential planning constraints. Recent construction comprises 45.0% detached dwellings and 55.0% medium to high-density housing, catering to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers, marking a significant shift from the current housing mix of 86.0% houses. The location has approximately 822 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established market. By 2041, Hoppers Crossing - South is projected to grow by 2,602 residents. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Looking ahead, Hoppers Crossing - South is expected to grow by 2,602 residents through to 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.

Hoppers Crossing - South has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Eleven projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. Key projects include the Hoppers Crossing Town Centre Urban Design Framework, Cambridge Reserve Dog Off-Leash Park, Hoppers Crossing Road Reconstruction Program, and West Tarneit Station. The following list details those likely to be of most relevance.

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

AreaSearch analysis reveals Hoppers Crossing - South recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Hoppers Crossing - South has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate was 8.1% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 5.4%.

As of June 2025, 9,562 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 3.5% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation stands at 57.1%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Key employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and transport, postal & warehousing. The area has a notable concentration in transport, postal & warehousing, with employment levels at 2.1 times the regional average.

Professional & technical services are under-represented, with only 5.8% of Hoppers Crossing - South's workforce compared to 10.1% in Greater Melbourne. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities. Over a 12-month period ending June 2025, employment increased by 5.4% while the labour force grew by 5.7%, leading to a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 3.5% and labour force growth of 4.0%, with a 0.5 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. State-level data from Sep-25 shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.08% year-on-year, adding 39,880 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May 2025, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Hoppers Crossing - South's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.1% over five years and 12.9% over ten years.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Hoppers Crossing - South had a median income among taxpayers of $40,612 and an average of $46,934. This is lower than the national average, with Greater Melbourne having a median of $54,892 and an average of $73,761. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.11% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of March 2025 would be approximately $44,718 (median) and $51,679 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Hoppers Crossing - South rank modestly, between the 20th and 34th percentiles. Income distribution data shows that 33.4% of locals (6,344 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 category, similar to the broader regional trend of 32.8%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.6% of income remaining, ranking at the 35th percentile.

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

Dwelling structure in Hoppers Crossing - South, as per the latest Census, consisted of 85.6% houses and 14.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 88.1% houses and 12.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hoppers Crossing - South was higher at 35.2%, with the rest being mortgaged (34.0%) or rented (30.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,551, lower than Melbourne metro's average of $1,924. Median weekly rent was $340, compared to Melbourne metro's $370. Nationally, Hoppers Crossing - South's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Hoppers Crossing - South has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 74.2% of all households, including 35.5% couples with children, 23.1% couples without children, and 14.1% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 25.8%, with lone person households at 22.1% and group households making up 3.7%. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 3.1.

Educational attainment in Hoppers Crossing - South aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 24.9%, substantially below the SA3 area average of 37.0%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 15.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 32.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas at 11.0% and certificates at 21.8%.

Educational participation is high, with 32.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.0% in primary education, 7.9% in secondary education, and 5.1% pursuing tertiary education. A robust network of 6 schools operates within Hoppers Crossing - South, educating approximately 4,136 students. The area demonstrates typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 987) with balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes 4 primary, 1 secondary, and 1 K-12 school.

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

Hoppers Crossing - South has 86 active public transport stops operating within its boundaries. These stops are used by a mix of bus routes, totaling 8 individual services. The combined weekly passenger trips across these routes amount to 4,935.

Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 187 meters to the nearest stop. The service frequency is high, with an average of 705 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 57 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Hoppers Crossing - South are marginally below the national average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Health indicators for Hoppers Crossing - South show below-average health outcomes. Common health conditions are prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Only approximately 46% of the total population (~8,738 people) has private health cover, compared to 51.4% in Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions are asthma (affecting 8.0% of residents) and arthritis (7.6%). 69.3% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 79.2% in Greater Melbourne. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 18.4% (3,485 people), compared to 8.3% in Greater Melbourne. Senior health outcomes present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Hoppers Crossing - South is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Hoppers Crossing - South has high cultural diversity, with 41.9% speaking a language other than English at home and 43.6% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion, comprising 47.8%. Islam is overrepresented at 8.7%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 10.7%.

The top three ancestries are Other (19.3%), English (18.4%), and Australian (17.9%). Notably, Indian ancestry is overrepresented at 7.3% vs regionally 14.7%, Maltese at 1.9% vs 1.7%, and Maori at 1.4% vs 1.2%.

Hoppers Crossing - South's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Hoppers Crossing - South has a median age of 37, matching Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and remaining comparable to Australia's median age of 38 years. The age group of 65-74 is strongly represented at 10.2%, compared to Greater Melbourne, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 13.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 4.7% to 6.7% of the population. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has decreased from 14.8% to 13.5%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Hoppers Crossing - South's age structure. The 75 to 84 group is projected to grow by 50%, reaching 1,892 people from the current 1,263. This growth will be led by those aged 65 and above, comprising 58% of the projected population increase. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 and 25 to 34 age groups are expected to experience population declines.