Hurstbridge
Statistical Area - sa2

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 November 2025. This figure reflects a decrease of 3 people from the 2021 Census total of 3,554. The change is inferred from an estimated resident population of 3,540 in June 2024 and 9 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density was around 239 persons per square kilometer. While Hurstbridge saw a 0.1% decline between the Census and June 2024, the broader SA3 area experienced 2.3% growth during this period. Natural growth contributed approximately 64.2% of overall population gains recently.

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 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, above median population growth is projected, with Hurstbridge expected to grow by 583 persons to 2041, representing a 16.1% increase over the 17-year period.

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

Hurstbridge has recorded approximately four residential properties granted approval annually over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25. This totals 24 homes approved, with one additional approval so far in FY26. The area's population decline suggests that new supply has likely been meeting demand, providing good options for buyers.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $285,000, which is below regional levels, indicating more affordable housing choices. In terms of commercial development, $2.1 million in approvals have been registered this financial year, suggesting minimal activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Hurstbridge has roughly half the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 13th percentile nationally, implying limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing dwellings. This activity is also below the national average, indicating the area's established nature and potential planning constraints.

Recent development has consisted solely 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. Future projections indicate Hurstbridge adding 572 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag behind population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

Hurstbridge has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project likely impacting this region. Notable projects are Diamond Creek Trail Extension to Hurstbridge, North East Link - Connections, North East Link - Tolling Services Package, and North East Link - Early Works. Most relevant projects are detailed below.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment performance in Hurstbridge ranks among the strongest 15% of areas evaluated nationally

Hurstbridge has a highly educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.1%, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.6%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.8%. As of June 2025, 2,150 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.6% below Greater Melbourne's rate. Workforce participation is higher in Hurstbridge at 69.6%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Dominant employment sectors include construction, health care & social assistance, and education & training.

Construction has a notable concentration with employment levels at 1.8 times the regional average. Professional & technical services have limited presence at 7.0% compared to the regional average of 10.1%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data analysis. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 1.8%, labour force grew by 1.5%, reducing unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 3.5% and labour force growth of 4.0%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Hurstbridge's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.7%% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not account for localized population projections.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch released postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022. Hurstbridge's median income among taxpayers was $53,901, with an average of $71,047. This is higher than the national average, with Greater Melbourne having a median of $54,892 and an average of $73,761. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Hurstbridge would be approximately $60,455 (median) and $79,686 (average) as of September 2025. The 2021 Census shows household, family and personal incomes in Hurstbridge cluster around the 71st percentile nationally. The earnings profile indicates that 35.2% of residents (1,249 people) fall into the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket, similar to 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 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 a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Hurstbridge's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 97.5% houses and 2.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Melbourne metro's 93.9% houses and 6.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hurstbridge stood at 36.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 53.0% and rented ones at 10.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, below Melbourne metro's average of $2,167. Median weekly rent in Hurstbridge was $420, compared to Melbourne metro's $431. Nationally, Hurstbridge's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially higher than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 18.5%, with lone person households at 17.3% and group households at 1.2%. The median household size is 2.8 people, smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.9.

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 32.2%, slightly below the Greater Melbourne average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 20.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.7%) and graduate diplomas (4.6%). Vocational credentials are held by 37.9% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 11.9% and certificates at 26.0%.

Educational participation is high, with 29.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: primary (10.4%), secondary (8.2%), and tertiary (4.9%). Hurstbridge Primary School and Launch Campus serve a total of 180 students. The area has above-average socio-educational conditions, with an ICSEA score of 1062. There is one primary school and one K-12 school in the educational mix. Local school capacity is limited, with 5.1 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 14.9, leading many families to travel for schooling. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Public transport analysis shows four active transport stops operating within Hurstbridge. These comprise a mix of train and bus services. Two individual routes serve these stops, collectively providing 1433 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 777 metres from the nearest transport stop. Service frequency averages 204 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 358 weekly trips per individual stop.

Hurstbridge's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data shows Hurstbridge residents have a relatively low prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups. Approximately 55% (~1953 people) have private health cover, compared to Greater Melbourne's 60.1%.

The most common medical conditions are mental health issues (9.5%) and asthma (8.5%). About 67.7% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to Greater Melbourne's 70.6%. The area has 19.3% (686 people) aged 65 and over. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Hurstbridge, as per the census conducted on Tuesday 9 June 2009, exhibited a lower than average level of cultural diversity. A majority of its residents were born in Australia, with this figure standing at 87.8%. Furthermore, 94.3% of Hurstbridge's population held citizenship, and an overwhelming 95.9% spoke English exclusively at home.

Christianity emerged as the predominant religion in Hurstbridge, with 34.9% of its inhabitants identifying as Christians. However, the most striking disparity was observed in the Jewish population, which constituted 0.3% of Hurstbridge's residents, significantly higher than the regional average of 0.1%. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (28.6%), Australian (28.4%), and Irish (11.3%). Notably, certain ethnic groups showed significant variations in their representation: Welsh at 1.0% compared to the regional average of 0.5%, Scottish at 9.6% versus 8.2%, and Maltese at 1.0% mirroring the regional figure of 1.0%.

Hurstbridge's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Hurstbridge is 42 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and Australia's average of 38 years. The 55-64 age group constitutes 14.6% of the population in Hurstbridge, compared to a lower percentage in Greater Melbourne. Conversely, the 25-34 age group makes up only 9.3% of Hurstbridge's population. According to post-2021 Census data, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 12.4% to 14.1%, while the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 4.3% to 5.9%. However, the 5 to 14 age group has declined from 14.0% to 11.5%, and the 35 to 44 age group has dropped from 12.6% to 11.0%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Hurstbridge, with the 75 to 84 age group expected to grow by 106% (adding 223 people), reaching a total of 433 from 209. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 66% of the total population growth, reflecting Hurstbridge's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 0 to 4 and 15 to 24 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.