Hurstbridge

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Hurstbridge's population is around 3,551 as of Feb 2026. This reflects a decrease of 3 people (0.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,554 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,540 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 7 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 239 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. While Hurstbridge experienced a 0.1% decline since the census, the SA3 area achieved 2.8% growth, highlighting divergent population trends. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 64.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 is utilising 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. Anticipating future population dynamics, an above-median population growth of statistical areas across the nation is projected, with the area expected to grow by 583 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 16.1% in total over the 17 years.

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

Hurstbridge has recorded around 4 residential properties granted approval per year, with 24 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 3 so far in FY-26. As the area has experienced population decline, new supply has likely been keeping up with demand, offering good choice to buyers, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $285,000—under regional levels—indicating more accessible housing choices for buyers. Additionally, $2.1 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating minimal commercial development activity.

Compared to Greater Melbourne, Hurstbridge has around half the rate of new dwelling approvals per person while it places among the 12th percentile of areas assessed nationally, meaning more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing dwellings. This activity is similarly under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. Meanwhile, recent development has been entirely comprised of standalone homes, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated count of 1324 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Future projections show Hurstbridge adding 572 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects and planning initiatives. In total, 1 single project has been identified by AreaSearch that is likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Diamond Creek Trail Extension to Hurstbridge, the Diamond Creek Community Infrastructure Master Plan, North East Link - Connections, and North East Link - Tolling Services Package, 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.

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

Hurstbridge has a well-educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of just 2.4%, and 1.1% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 2,133 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.4% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%, and workforce participation is fairly standard (73.8% compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%). Based on Census responses, a high 31.5% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include construction, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in construction, with employment levels at 1.8 times the regional average. Meanwhile, professional & technical services have a limited presence with 7.0% employment compared to 10.1% regionally. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 1.1% alongside the labour force increasing by 1.3%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 2.4% and labour force growth of 2.8%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Hurstbridge. 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 Hurstbridge's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.6% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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 for FY-23, the Hurstbridge SA2's median income among taxpayers is $57,271, with an average of $74,630. This is high nationally, and compares to Greater Melbourne's median of $57,688 and average of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $61,996 (median) and $80,787 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Hurstbridge cluster around the 71st percentile nationally. The earnings profile shows the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 35.2% of residents (1,249 people), mirroring the surrounding region where 32.8% occupy this bracket. Economic strength is evident as 31.4% of households achieve weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. After housing costs, residents retain 86.7% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power, and 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

Dwelling structure within Hurstbridge, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 97.5% houses and 2.5% 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 Hurstbridge was well beyond that of Melbourne metro, at 36.5%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (53.0%) or rented (10.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was in line with the Melbourne metro average at $2,000, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $420, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390. Nationally, Hurstbridge's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 81.5% of all households, comprising 43.1% couples with children, 26.1% couples without children, and 11.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 18.5%, with lone person households at 17.3% and group households comprising 1.2% of the total. The median household size of 2.8 people is 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

At 32.2%, university qualification levels in Hurstbridge sit marginally below the Greater Melbourne average of 37.0%, though the modest gap indicates reasonable educational competitiveness. Bachelor degrees lead at 20.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.7%) and graduate diplomas (4.6%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 37.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.9%) and certificates (26.0%).

Educational participation is notably 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

Public transport analysis reveals 5 active transport stops operating within Hurstbridge comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 5 individual routes, collectively providing 2,013 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 782 meters from the area's nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward, and the car remains the dominant mode at 91%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.9 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. A high 31.5% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 287 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 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 demonstrates above-average health outcomes, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts show a low prevalence of common health conditions, and the rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 56% of the total population (~1,992 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 9.5% and 8.5% of residents, respectively, while 67.7% 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 20.6% of residents aged 65 and over (731 people), which is higher than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with 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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 87.8% of its population born in Australia, 94.3% being citizens, and 95.9% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Hurstbridge is Christianity, which makes up 34.9% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Judaism, which comprises 0.3% of the population, compared to 1.0% across Greater Melbourne.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Hurstbridge are English, comprising 28.6% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 20.1%, Australian, comprising 28.4% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 18.4%, and Irish, comprising 11.3% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Welsh is notably overrepresented at 1.0% of Hurstbridge (vs 0.4% regionally), Scottish at 9.6% (vs 5.6%) and Maltese at 1.0% (vs 1.1%).

Hurstbridge's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The 42-year median age in Hurstbridge is significantly above Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and similarly considerably older than Australia's 38 years. The 65 - 74 age group shows strong representation at 12.4% compared to Greater Melbourne, whereas the 25 - 34 cohort is less prevalent at 9.1%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 4.3% to 6.5% of the population, while the 65 to 74 cohort increased from 10.4% to 12.4%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 14.0% to 11.1% and the 35 to 44 group dropped from 12.6% to 10.9%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Hurstbridge. Leading the demographic shift, the 75 to 84 group will grow by 89% (203 people), reaching 433 from 229. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 61% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.