Hughesdale

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, as of November 2025, is approximately 8,083 people. This figure represents an increase of 520 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 7,563. The growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 8,088 in June 2024 and the addition of 21 validated new addresses post-census. This results in a population density ratio of 4,021 persons per square kilometer, placing Hughesdale within the top 10% of assessed locations nationally. The area's growth rate of 6.9% since the census is comparable to its SA4 region's growth of 7.1%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 88.2% of Hughesdale's population gains in recent periods.

AreaSearch utilizes 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 employs the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future demographic trends project an above-median population growth for the area, with an expected increase of 1,848 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers. This reflects a total increase of 22.9% over the 17-year period.

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. Each year, for every dwelling built, around 2.2 new residents have been gained on average over these five years, indicating strong demand which typically supports property values.

New homes are being constructed at an average expected cost of $457,000, which is moderately higher than regional levels, suggesting a focus on quality construction. This financial year has seen $1.2 million in commercial development approvals, reflecting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Hughesdale shows significantly reduced construction activity, with 71.0% fewer approvals per person, which usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. This activity is also below the national average, likely due to the area's maturity and potential 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.

The location has approximately 569 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established market. Looking ahead, Hughesdale is projected to grow by 1,853 residents by 2041, according to 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.

Hughesdale has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 23 projects that may impact this region. Notable projects include Suburban Rail Loop East, VicTrack Oakleigh Housing Development, Hughesdale Village Precinct Structure Plan (ongoing implementation), and Legacy Oakleigh Residential Development. The following list details those most relevant.

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.

Hughesdale shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Hughesdale has an educated workforce with professional services well-represented. Its unemployment rate is 5.2%.

As of September 2025, 4797 residents are employed, with the area's unemployment rate at 5.2%, which is 0.5% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation in Hughesdale is 68.6%, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. The dominant employment sectors are health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. Notably, professional & technical services have a high representation at 1.4 times the regional level, while construction shows lower representation at 7.2% compared to the regional average of 9.7%.

Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, Hughesdale's labour force increased by 0.6%, but employment decreased by 1.1%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 1.7 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with a smaller unemployment rate increase of 0.3%. State-level data from VIC as of 25-Nov-2025 shows employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41950 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7% compared to the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project a growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Hughesdale's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.4% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for local population projections.

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 2022 shows that income in Hughesdale SA2 is high nationally. The median income is $56,480 and the average income stands at $72,835. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne's figures of a median income of $54,892 and an average income of $73,761. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $63,348 (median) and $81,692 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Hughesdale cluster around the 70th percentile nationally. Income brackets indicate that 30.8% of locals (2,489 people) earn between $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, aligning with the region where this cohort likewise represents 32.8%. A significant 32.2% earn above $3,000 weekly. Housing accounts for 15.0% of income and strong earnings rank residents within the 71st percentile for disposable income. 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 structure, 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 the rest being mortgaged (32.3%) or rented (35.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Hughesdale was $2,167, lower than Melbourne's average of $2,396, while the median weekly rent was $416, compared to Melbourne's $435. Nationally, Hughesdale's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,167 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 69.4% of all households, including 33.1% couples with children, 24.9% couples without children, and 9.3% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 30.6%, with lone person households at 25.3% and group households comprising 5.4%. 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

Hughesdale's educational attainment is notably higher than national averages. Among residents aged 15 and above, 46.8% have university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and Victoria's 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 29.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (13.1%) and graduate diplomas (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 in Hughesdale, 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.

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

Hughesdale has 33 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 21 different routes that together facilitate 5,344 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically residing just 181 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 763 trips per day across all routes, which equates 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 indicates strong performance in Hughesdale, with low prevalence of common health conditions among the general population compared to national averages. However, higher rates are seen among older, at-risk cohorts.

Private health cover is very high, at approximately 56% of the total population (~4,526 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 65.2%. The most prevalent medical conditions in Hughesdale are mental health issues and asthma, affecting 7.4 and 6.9% of residents respectively. 73.2% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.0% across Greater Melbourne. As of the latest data (18th April 20XX), Hughesdale has 16.6% of its population aged 65 and over (1,342 people).

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, making up 48.0% of people. Judaism comprises 1.0%, which is significantly lower than the Greater Melbourne average of 17.5%.

The top three ancestral groups are English (17.1%), Australian (16.4%), and Other (12.2%). Notably, Greek (10.9%) and Sri Lankan (1.1%) populations are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 4.6% and 0.6%, respectively, while Russian is underrepresented at 0.6% compared to the region's 2.2%.

Hughesdale's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

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