Moorabbin - Heatherton

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Moorabbin - Heatherton's population is around 9,842 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 726 people (8.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,116 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 9,710 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 317 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 841 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Moorabbin - Heatherton's 8.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (5.6%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 86.0% 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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, an above-median population growth of statistical areas across the nation is projected, with the area expected to grow by 2,092 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 19.9% in total over the 17 years.

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

Moorabbin - Heatherton has recorded around 97 residential properties granted approval annually, with 485 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 17 so far in FY-26. Given an average of only 0.3 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), new construction is matching or outpacing demand, offering buyers more options and enabling population growth that could exceed current expectations, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $353,000. There have also been $58.8 million in commercial approvals this financial year, suggesting robust local business investment.

Relative to Greater Melbourne, Moorabbin - Heatherton shows 90.0% higher development activity (per person), which should provide buyers with ample choice. New development consists of 14.0% standalone homes and 86.0% attached dwellings. This trend toward denser development provides accessible entry options and appeals to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing (currently 78.0% houses), indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options. At around 88 people per approval, Moorabbin - Heatherton reflects a developing area.

Population forecasts indicate Moorabbin - Heatherton will gain 1,958 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Moorabbin - Heatherton has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 47 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Key Industrial Park - Stage 3, Bluff Road Hampton East Redevelopment, Southpoint Highett, and Westfield Southland Ongoing Upgrades, 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.

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

Moorabbin - Heatherton features a well-educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation and an unemployment rate of 6.8%. As of December 2025, 5,256 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 2.0% above Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%. Based on Census responses, a high 37.3% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and retail trade. In contrast, transport, postal & warehousing employs just 3.4% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 5.2%. With 2.0 workers for every resident, as at the Census, the area functions as an employment hub, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.2% while employment declined by 0.9%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.6 percentage points. This compares to Greater Melbourne, where employment grew by 2.4%, labour force expanded by 2.8%, and unemployment rose 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Moorabbin - Heatherton. 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 Moorabbin - Heatherton's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.1% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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 the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Moorabbin - Heatherton SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $62,317 with the average level standing at $77,363. This is well above average nationally and compares to levels of $57,688 and $75,164 across Greater Melbourne respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $67,458 (median) and $83,745 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Moorabbin - Heatherton cluster around the 69th percentile nationally. The data shows 30.9% of the population (3,041 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, mirroring the metropolitan region where 32.8% occupy this bracket. The substantial proportion of high earners (31.0% above $3,000/week) indicates strong economic capacity throughout the area. High housing costs consume 16.8% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 67th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Moorabbin - Heatherton is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Dwelling structure within Moorabbin - Heatherton, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 78.1% houses and 21.9% 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 Moorabbin - Heatherton was in line with that of Melbourne metro, at 30.2%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (40.7%) or rented (29.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Melbourne metro average at $2,300, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $440, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390. Nationally, Moorabbin - Heatherton's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Moorabbin - Heatherton has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households dominate at 72.2% of all households, comprising 37.2% couples with children, 23.0% couples without children, and 11.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 27.8%, with lone person households at 24.1% and group households comprising 3.5% of the total. The median household size of 2.6 people matches the Greater Melbourne average.

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 stands out regionally, with university qualification rates (38.6% of residents aged 15+) exceeding the Australian average of 30.4%, reflecting the community's emphasis on higher education. Bachelor degrees lead at 25.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.3%) and graduate diplomas (3.7%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 28.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (12.5%) and certificates (16.0%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.3% in primary education, 8.1% in secondary education, and 5.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 90 active transport stops operating within Moorabbin - Heatherton, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 26 individual routes, collectively providing 4,639 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 186 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 84%, with 8% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling. A high 37.3% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 662 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 51 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, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts show low prevalence of common health conditions, and the rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 58% of the total population (~5,708 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 7.2% and 6.9% of residents, respectively, while 72.3% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents are notably healthy with low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 17.3% of residents aged 65 and over (1,700 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.

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 scores highly on cultural diversity, with 36.4% of its population born overseas and 30.4% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Moorabbin - Heatherton is Christianity, which makes up 45.6% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Judaism, which comprises 4.1% 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 Moorabbin - Heatherton are English, comprising 20.3% of the population, Australian, comprising 18.9% of the population, and Other, comprising 12.8% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Polish is notably overrepresented at 1.9% of Moorabbin - Heatherton (vs 0.8% regionally), Russian at 1.9% (vs 0.4%) and Greek at 4.2% (vs 2.7%).

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

With a median age of 40, Moorabbin - Heatherton is somewhat higher than the Greater Melbourne figure of 37 and similarly marginally higher than Australia's 38 years. Compared to the Greater Melbourne average, the 45 - 54 cohort is notably over-represented (13.8% locally), while 25 - 34 year-olds are under-represented (10.7%). In the period since 2021, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 10.4% to 13.3% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 5.2% to 6.2%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 15.4% to 13.8% and the 25 to 34 group dropped from 12.1% to 10.7%. Demographic modeling suggests Moorabbin - Heatherton's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 45 to 54 age cohort is projected to see notable expansion, increasing by 348 people (26%) from 1,356 to 1,705. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 cohort grows by a modest 2% (11 people).