Hoppers Crossing - South

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Hoppers Crossing - South's population is around 19,186 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 414 people (2.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 18,772 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 18,967 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 48 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 2,736 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 73.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. As we examine future population trends, an above-median population growth of Australian statistical areas is projected, with the area expected to grow by 2,631 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 12.6% in total 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 around 25 new dwelling approvals each year, totalling 126 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 8 approvals have been recorded. Given population has fallen over the past period, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, creating a well-balanced market with good buyer choice, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $272,000—below the regional average—suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. There have also been $7.1 million in commercial approvals this financial year, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature.

When measured against Greater Melbourne, Hoppers Crossing - South has significantly less development activity (92.0% below regional average per person). This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. This is likewise lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. New development consists of 45.0% detached dwellings and 55.0% townhouses or apartments. This trend toward denser development provides accessible entry options and appeals to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This shows a considerable change from the current housing mix (currently 86.0% houses), reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. At around 822 people per approval, Hoppers Crossing - South shows a mature, established area.

Future projections show Hoppers Crossing - South adding 2,412 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). 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 20% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 11 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Hoppers Crossing Town Centre Urban Design Framework, West Tarneit Station, Grange Community Centre and Reserve Enhancement, and the Hoppers Crossing Station Precinct Upgrade, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

AreaSearch assessment indicates Hoppers Crossing - South faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Hoppers Crossing - South features a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation, an unemployment rate of 8.4%, and 3.5% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 9,381 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 3.7% above Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation lags significantly (66.2% compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 22.1% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and transport, postal & warehousing. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in transport, postal & warehousing, with employment levels at 2.1 times the regional average. Meanwhile, professional & technical services have a limited presence with 5.8% employment compared to 10.1% regionally. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 3.5% while the labour force increased by 4.2%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.6 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne, where employment rose by 2.4%, the labour force grew by 2.8%, and unemployment rose 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Hoppers Crossing - South. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Hoppers Crossing - South's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.9% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Hoppers Crossing - South SA2's income level is below the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Hoppers Crossing - South SA2's median income among taxpayers is $41,801 and the average income stands at $48,270, which compares to figures for Greater Melbourne's of $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $45,250 (median) and $52,252 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Hoppers Crossing - South, between the 19th and 34th percentiles. Looking at income distribution, 33.4% of the population (6,408 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region showing 32.8% in the same category. 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 within Hoppers Crossing - South, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 85.6% houses and 14.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Hoppers Crossing - South was well beyond that of Melbourne metro, at 35.2%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (34.0%) or rented (30.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Melbourne metro average at $1,551, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $340, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390. Nationally, Hoppers Crossing - South's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 74.2% of all households, comprising 35.5% couples with children, 23.1% couples without children, and 14.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 25.8%, with lone person households at 22.1% and group households comprising 3.7% of the total. The median household size of 2.8 people is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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 (24.9%) substantially below the SA3 area average of 37.0%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 15.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 32.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.0%) and certificates (21.8%).

Educational participation is notably 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.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 86 active transport stops operating within Hoppers Crossing - South, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 8 individual routes, collectively providing 2,028 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 187 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 83%, with 10% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling. Some 22.1% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 289 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 23 weekly trips per individual stop.

Hoppers Crossing - South's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Health data indicates relatively positive outcomes for Hoppers Crossing - South residents. AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions shows results broadly in line with national benchmarks, with the prevalence of common health conditions being quite low among the general population, though higher than the national average across older, at-risk cohorts. The rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~8,787 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and arthritis, impacting 8.0% and 7.6% of residents, respectively, while 69.3% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 19.2% of residents aged 65 and over (3,691 people), which is higher than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, though they rank lower nationally than the broader population.

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 scores highly on cultural diversity, with 41.9% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 43.6% born overseas. The main religion in Hoppers Crossing - South is Christianity, which makes up 47.8% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Hinduism, which comprises 7.7% of the population, compared to 4.4% across Greater Melbourne.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Hoppers Crossing - South are Other, comprising 19.3% of the population, English, comprising 18.4% of the population, and Australian, comprising 17.9% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Maltese is notably overrepresented at 1.9% of Hoppers Crossing - South (vs 1.1% regionally), Indian at 7.3% (vs 4.2%) and Maori at 1.4% (vs 0.3%).

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

With a median age of 37, Hoppers Crossing - South is equal to the Greater Melbourne figure of 37 and remains comparable to Australia's 38 years. The 65 - 74 age group shows strong representation at 10.4% compared to Greater Melbourne, whereas the 25 - 34 cohort is less prevalent at 13.0%. In the period since 2021, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 4.7% to 7.2% of the population. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 14.8% to 13.0%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Hoppers Crossing - South's age structure. Leading the demographic shift, the 65 to 74 group will grow by 26% (516 people), reaching 2,520 from 2,003. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those 65+ comprising 56% of projected growth. On the other hand, the 0 to 4 and 35 to 44 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.