Hughesdale
Statistical Area - sa2

An assessment of population growth drivers in Hughesdale reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Hughesdale's population was around 8,083 as of November 2025. This reflected an increase of 520 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,563. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 8,088 in June 2024 and an additional 21 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population resulted in a density ratio of 4,021 persons per square kilometer, placing Hughesdale in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's 6.9% growth since the census was within 0.2 percentage points of the SA4 region's 7.1%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 88.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted 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 utilized the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group were applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends projected an above median growth for statistical areas nationally, with Hughesdale expected to expand by 1,848 persons to 2041 based on the latest population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 22.9% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Hughesdale according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Hughesdale has averaged approximately 14 new dwelling approvals per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, 74 homes were approved, with an additional 4 approved so far in FY26. This translates to around 2.2 new residents gained annually for each dwelling built during this period, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

The average construction cost of new homes is $457,000, which is moderately higher than regional levels, suggesting a focus on quality construction. In FY26, commercial development approvals totaled $1.2 million, reflecting a predominantly residential focus in the area. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Hughesdale has significantly lower construction activity, with 71.0% fewer approvals per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. The area's activity is also below the national average, likely due to its maturity and possible planning constraints.

Recent construction comprises 64.0% detached houses and 36.0% townhouses or apartments, offering a mix of housing options across different price points. Hughesdale has approximately 569 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established market. Looking ahead, the area is projected to grow by 1,853 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 in the future.

Hughesdale has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 23 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include Legacy Oakleigh Residential Development, Suburban Rail Loop East, VicTrack Oakleigh Housing Development, and Hughesdale Village Precinct Structure Plan (ongoing implementation).

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Employment conditions in Hughesdale remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Hughesdale has a highly educated workforce with professional services well represented, and an unemployment rate of 5.0% as of June 2025. There are 4,841 residents in work, with the unemployment rate at 0.4% above Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%.

Workforce participation is 68.6%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. The dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training. Professional & technical services have a particularly high representation at 1.4 times the regional level, while construction shows lower representation at 7.2% versus the regional average of 9.7%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities.

In the 12 months prior to June 2025, labour force increased by 1.4%, but employment decreased by 0.9%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 2.2 percentage points. Conversely, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 3.5% and labour force growth of 4.0%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May 2025) project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Hughesdale's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 7.1% over five years and 14.4% over ten years.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2022 indicates that median assessed income in Hughesdale is $56,480 and average income stands at $72,835. This compares to Greater Melbourne's median income of $54,892 and average income of $73,761 for the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% from financial year ending June 2022 to September 2025, estimated median income in Hughesdale would be approximately $63,348 and average income $81,692 by that date. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Hughesdale cluster around the 70th percentile nationally. Income brackets show that 30.8% of locals (2,489 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, aligning with the regional average of 32.8%. Notably, 32.2% earn above $3,000 weekly. Housing expenses account for 15.0% of income. Residents rank in the 71st percentile for disposable income and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Hughesdale displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Hughesdale's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 53.6% houses and 46.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 47.8% houses and 52.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hughesdale was at 32.3%, similar to Melbourne metro, with mortgaged dwellings also at 32.3% and rented ones at 35.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, lower than Melbourne's average of $2,396. Median weekly rent in Hughesdale was $416, slightly higher than Melbourne's $435. Nationally, Hughesdale's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,167 compared to Australia's average of $1,863, while rents were also higher at $416 compared to the national figure of $375.

Hughesdale features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 69.4 percent of all households, including 33.1 percent couples with children, 24.9 percent couples without children, and 9.3 percent single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 30.6 percent, with lone person households at 25.3 percent and group households comprising 5.4 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, which aligns with the Greater Melbourne average.

Hughesdale shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Educational attainment in Hughesdale is notably higher than broader averages. Among residents aged 15 and above, 46.8% hold university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 33.4% statewide (Victoria). The most common qualification is bachelor degrees at 29.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 13.1%, and graduate diplomas at 4.0%. Vocational pathways account for 21.7% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 9.9% and certificates at 11.8%.

Educational participation is high, with 29.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.6% in primary education, 8.3% in tertiary education, and 6.5% pursuing secondary education. Hughesdale's three schools have a combined enrollment of 2,219 students. The area has significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement (ICSEA: 1111). It functions as an education hub with 27.4 school places per 100 residents, attracting students from surrounding communities, compared to the regional average of 14.2.

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

Hughesdale has 33 operational public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 21 distinct routes that collectively facilitate 5,344 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated highly, with residents typically located 181 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 763 daily trips across all routes, equating to approximately 161 weekly trips per individual stop.

Hughesdale's residents are extremely healthy with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Hughesdale. Prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population but higher than the national average in older, at-risk cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 56% of the total population (~4,526 people), compared to 65.2% across Greater Melbourne. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 7.4 and 6.9% of residents respectively. A total of 73.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, which is slightly lower than the 74.0% figure across Greater Melbourne. The area has 16.6% of residents aged 65 and over (1,342 people), indicating a need for more attention to this demographic's health needs compared to the broader population.

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

Hughesdale has a high level of cultural diversity, with 40.3% of its population born overseas and 41.7% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Hughesdale, comprising 48.0% of the population, though it is lower compared to Greater Melbourne's average of 17.5%. Judaism is underrepresented in Hughesdale, making up only 1.0% of the population.

The top three ancestry groups are English (17.1%), Australian (16.4%), and Other (12.2%). Notably, Greek (10.9%) and Sri Lankan (1.1%) populations are overrepresented in Hughesdale compared to regional averages of 4.6% and 0.6%, respectively.

Hughesdale's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Hughesdale is close to Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and equivalent to Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Hughesdale has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (18.4%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (8.9%). Between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, the proportion of residents aged 25-34 increased from 16.7% to 18.4%, while the proportion of those aged 5-14 decreased from 10.9% to 8.9%. The proportion of residents aged 45-54 also dropped, from 14.5% to 12.6%. By 2041, Hughesdale's age composition is expected to change significantly. The number of residents aged 25-34 is projected to grow by 22%, reaching 1,807 from 1,484. Meanwhile, the number of residents aged 5-14 is expected to decrease by 17 people.