Moorabbin - Heatherton

Population growth drivers in Moorabbin - Heatherton are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

Moorabbin - Heatherton's population, as per AreaSearch's analysis, was approximately 9,914 by November 2025. This figure reflects an increase of 798 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,116. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 9,727 in June 2024 and an additional 319 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 847 persons per square kilometer, which aligns with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Moorabbin - Heatherton's growth rate of 8.8% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA3 area (5.7%) and the SA4 region, making it a growth leader in the area. Overseas migration contributed approximately 86.0% 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 utilises 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 are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on projected demographic shifts and latest annual ERP population numbers, the area is expected to grow by 2,092 persons to 2041, reflecting a total gain of 19.0% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Moorabbin - Heatherton among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Moorabbin-Heatherton has approved approximately 97 residential properties annually. From FY21 to FY25485 homes were granted approval, with an additional 14 approved in FY26 so far. On average, 0.3 new residents per year per dwelling constructed were recorded over the past five financial years.

This suggests that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, offering buyers more options and potentially driving population growth beyond current expectations. The average expected construction cost of new properties is $353,000. In FY26, commercial approvals have reached $58.8 million, indicating strong local business investment. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Moorabbin-Heatherton has 90.0% higher development activity per person. New development consists of 14.0% standalone homes and 86.0% attached dwellings, reflecting a trend towards denser development that appeals to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This shift is notable compared to the area's existing housing stock, which is currently 78.0% houses.

With approximately 88 people per approval, Moorabbin-Heatherton is experiencing growth. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is forecasted to gain 1,886 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing favorable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

Moorabbin - Heatherton has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 47 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects include Bluff Road Hampton East Redevelopment, Key Industrial Park - Stage 3, Southpoint Highett, and Westfield Southland Ongoing Upgrades. 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.

Moorabbin - Heatherton shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Moorabbin-Heatherton has an educated workforce with professional services well-represented. Its unemployment rate is 6.7%.

As of September 2025, 5,285 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.0% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%, and workforce participation is similar at 66.5%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and retail trade. Conversely, transport, postal & warehousing employs only 3.4% of local workers, lower than Greater Melbourne's 5.2%.

The area hosts more jobs than residents, with a worker-to-resident ratio of 2.0, indicating it functions as an employment hub attracting external workers. Between September 2024 and September 2025, labour force levels increased by 0.8%, while employment decreased by 0.5%, leading to a 1.2 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. In comparison, Greater Melbourne saw employment grow by 3.0% and labour force expand by 3.3%, with unemployment rising by 0.3%. State-wide, Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year to November 25, adding 41,950 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%, slightly higher than the national rate of 4.3%. Looking ahead, Jobs and Skills Australia projects national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Moorabbin-Heatherton's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2022, Moorabbin - Heatherton SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $58,786 and an average level of $73,926. Nationally, the median was $54,892 and the average was $73,761. By September 2025, current estimates suggest the median would be approximately $65,934 and the average $82,915, based on a 12.16% increase since financial year 2022. In Moorabbin - Heatherton, incomes cluster around the 69th percentile nationally, according to 2021 Census figures. The data shows that 30.9% of the population (3,063 individuals) fall within the $1,500-$2,999 income range. A substantial proportion, 31.0%, earn above $3,000 per week. High housing costs consume 16.8% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 67th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Moorabbin - Heatherton is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Moorabbin-Heatherton's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 78.1% houses and 21.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 54.8% houses and 45.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Moorabbin-Heatherton stood at 30.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 40.7% and rented ones at 29.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,300, above Melbourne metro's average of $2,167. The median weekly rent was $440, higher than Melbourne metro's $410. Nationally, Moorabbin-Heatherton's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,300 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Moorabbin - Heatherton has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 72.2% of all households, including 37.2% couples with children, 23.0% couples without children, and 11.1% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 27.8%, with lone person households at 24.1% and group households comprising 3.5%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.4.

Educational achievement in Moorabbin - Heatherton places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

The area's educational profile is notable regionally with university qualification rates at 38.6%, surpassing the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 25.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.3%) and graduate diplomas (3.7%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 28.5% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 12.5% and certificates at 16.0%.

Educational participation is high, with 30.3% currently enrolled in formal education, including 10.3% in primary, 8.1% in secondary, and 5.6% in tertiary education.

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

Moorabbin-Heatherton has 89 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 25 different routes that facilitate 6,034 weekly passenger trips in total. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 187 meters to the nearest stop.

On average, there are 862 daily trips across all routes, equating to about 67 weekly trips per individual stop.

Moorabbin - Heatherton's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Moorabbin-Heatherton.

Both young and old age cohorts have low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 56% of the total population (~5,601 people). The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 7.2 and 6.9% of residents respectively. Seventy-two point three percent of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 70.4% across Greater Melbourne. Sixteen point eight percent of residents are aged 65 and over (1,670 people), which is lower than the 19.3% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Moorabbin - Heatherton was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Moorabbin-Heatherton has a significant cultural diversity, with 36.4% of its population born overseas and 30.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Moorabbin-Heatherton, making up 45.6% of the population. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, comprising 4.1% versus 1.1%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (20.3%), Australian (18.9%), and Other (12.8%). There are notable divergences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Polish at 1.9% (versus regional average of 1.0%), Russian at 1.9% (also versus 1.0%), and Greek at 4.2% (versus 3.3%).

Moorabbin - Heatherton's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Moorabbin - Heatherton's median age of 40 is higher than Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and Australia's median age of 38. The 45-54 age cohort is notably over-represented in Moorabbin - Heatherton at 14.0%, compared to the Greater Melbourne average, while the 25-34 year-olds are under-represented at 10.9%. From 2021 to present, the 15-24 age group has grown from 10.4% to 13.0% of the population. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has declined from 15.4% to 14.0%, and the 25-34 age group has dropped from 12.1% to 10.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Moorabbin - Heatherton's age profile will change significantly. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to grow by 61%, increasing from 594 to 959 people. Conversely, both the 35-44 and 0-4 age groups are expected to decrease in number.