Hurstbridge

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

Hurstbridge's population was approximately 3,551 as of February 2026, reflecting a decrease of 3 people from the 2021 Census figure of 3,554. This change is inferred from an estimated resident population of 3,540 in June 2024 and an additional 7 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density was around 239 persons per square kilometer. While Hurstbridge experienced a 0.1% decline since the census, the SA3 area achieved 2.8% growth, indicating divergent trends. Natural growth contributed approximately 64.2% of overall population gains during recent periods. 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 employs the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Nationally, statistical areas are projected to have above median population growth, with Hurstbridge expected to grow by 583 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 16.1% over the 17-year period based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

The level of residential development activity in Hurstbridge is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Hurstbridge recorded approximately four residential properties granted approval annually over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, with a total of 24 homes approved. In FY26, three homes have been approved so far. This rate suggests that new supply has likely kept pace with demand in an area experiencing population decline, offering good choice for buyers.

The average construction cost value of new properties is $285,000, which is below regional levels, indicating more accessible housing choices. In FY26, $2.1 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting minimal commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Hurstbridge has about half the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 12th percentile nationally, implying limited housing choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing dwellings. This activity is below the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations.

Recent development has consisted entirely of standalone homes, maintaining Hurstbridge's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 1324 people, reflecting its quiet, low-activity development environment. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Hurstbridge is projected to add 572 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Hurstbridge has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 33rdth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project likely impacting the region: Diamond Creek Trail Extension to Hurstbridge. Other key projects include Diamond Creek Community Infrastructure Master Plan, North East Link - Connections, and North East Link - Tolling Services Package. The following 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.

Employment conditions in Hurstbridge demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Hurstbridge has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 2.3% as of September 2025, which is 2.4% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation in Hurstbridge was 73.0%, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's 71.0%.

According to Census responses, 31.5% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Dominant employment sectors include construction, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Construction stands out with employment levels at 1.8 times the regional average. Conversely, professional & technical services have a limited presence at 7.0%, compared to the regional average of 10.1%.

Limited local employment opportunities are suggested by the working population count versus resident population. Over the 12-month period ending September 2025, employment and labour force in Hurstbridge remained stable with no growth, contrasting Greater Melbourne's employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 3.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Hurstbridge's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released on 30 June 2023 for financial year 2023, the median income among taxpayers in Hurstbridge SA2 is $57,271 with an average of $74,630. Nationally, these figures are high compared to Greater Melbourne's median of $57,688 and average of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Hurstbridge would be approximately $61,996 (median) and $80,787 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Hurstbridge cluster around the 71st percentile nationally. The earnings profile shows that 35.2% of residents (1,249 people) fall into the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket, mirroring the surrounding region where 32.8% occupy this bracket. Economic strength is evident with 31.4% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. After housing costs, residents retain 86.7% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

Hurstbridge's dwellings were 97.5% houses and 2.5% other types at the latest Census, compared to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% others. Home ownership in Hurstbridge was 36.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 53.0% and rented ones at 10.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, aligning with Melbourne metro's average, while the median weekly rent was $420, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390 respectively. Nationally, Hurstbridge's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents substantially exceeded the national figure of $375.

Hurstbridge features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 81.5% of all households, including 43.1% couples with children, 26.1% couples without children, and 11.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up 18.5%, consisting of lone person households at 17.3% and group households comprising 1.2%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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

University qualification levels in Hurstbridge are at 32.2%, slightly below Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common, held by 20.9% of residents, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.7%) and graduate diplomas (4.6%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 37.9% of residents aged 15+ holding such skills, including advanced diplomas (11.9%) and certificates (26.0%).

Educational participation is high, with 29.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.4% in primary education, 8.2% in secondary education, and 4.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Hurstbridge has five active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by five different routes that together facilitate 2013 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is limited, with residents on average located 782 meters from the nearest stop. Most Hurstbridge residents commute outward due to its predominantly residential nature. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation, used by 91% of residents. On average, there are 1.9 vehicles per dwelling in Hurstbridge, which is higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a significant 31.5% of residents work from home, potentially due to COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency across all routes averages 287 trips per day, equating to roughly 402 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Hurstbridge shows better-than-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Both younger and older age groups have low prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover is high at approximately 56% of the total population, around 1,992 people. The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues (9.5%) and asthma (8.5%). 67.7% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among working-age residents are typical. 20.6% of Hurstbridge's population is aged 65 and over (731 people), higher than Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. Senior health outcomes are strong, with national rankings similar to the general population.

Hurstbridge is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Hurstbridge had a cultural diversity level below average, with 87.8% of its population born in Australia, 94.3% being citizens, and 95.9% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion in Hurstbridge was Christianity, comprising 34.9% of the population. However, Judaism was overrepresented, making up 0.3%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 1.0%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (28.6%), Australian (28.4%), and Irish (11.3%). Notably, Welsh (1.0%) and Scottish (9.6%) groups were overrepresented in Hurstbridge compared to regional averages of 0.4% and 5.6%, respectively. Maltese representation was notably divergent at 1.0%.

Hurstbridge's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Hurstbridge is 42 years, significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and Australia's national average of 38 years. The 65-74 age group constitutes 12.4% of the population, compared to Greater Melbourne, while the 25-34 cohort makes up 9.1%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 75-84 age group has grown from 4.3% to 6.5%, and the 65-74 cohort has increased from 10.4% to 12.4%. Conversely, the 5-14 age group has declined from 14.0% to 11.1%, and the 35-44 group has dropped from 12.6% to 10.9%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Hurstbridge, with the 75-84 age group expected to grow by 89% (from 229 to 433 people). The combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 61% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 0-4 and 5-14 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.