Box Hill (Vic.)

Detail

According to the latest demographic updates from the ABS for the wider region, alongside recent address validation assessments carried out by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Box Hill (Vic.) is estimated to have a population of approximately 19,701 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 5,348 people (37.3%) compared to the 2021 Census, when the recorded population stood at 14,353 people. This population shift is calculated based on a resident count of 19,128, which was estimated by Districts using the ABS ERP release from June 2025, combined with 1,404 validated new addresses added post-Census. Such a population size results in a density of 5,596 persons per square kilometer, placing the suburb in the top 10% of all areas analyzed nationwide by Districts and highlighting the high demand for local land. The growth rate of 37.3% since the 2021 census outpaced the broader SA4 region (8.9%) and the state overall, positioning the suburb as a primary driver of growth in the area. This demographic expansion was primarily fueled by net overseas migration, which served as the exclusive source of population increase in recent times.

Detail

Box Hill is characterized by a workforce with high levels of education, with a notable presence of professional services workers, an unemployment rate of 7.4%, and an annual employment growth rate estimated at 3.3% according to Districts statistical aggregations. By March 2026, the employed resident population reached 10,718, while the rate of unemployment sat 2.7% higher than the Greater Melbourne average of 4.8%. The workforce participation rate is slightly below average, registering at 66.7% compared to the 70.2% recorded across Greater Melbourne. Census data also revealed that a substantial 30.0% of the workforce operated from home, though this figure should be interpreted in the context of pandemic containment measures.

Detail

The most recent ATO postcode statistics compiled by Districts for the 2023 financial year show that personal incomes in the suburb of Box Hill are below the national benchmarks, with a median of $38,516 and an average of $54,608. This is lower than the Greater Melbourne median of $57,688 and average of $75,164. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index increase of 9.62% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates as of March 2026 would be approximately $42,221 for the median and $59,861 for the average. In the 2021 Census, household, family, and individual income levels in Box Hill all fell between the 15th and 18th percentiles across Australia. The most common weekly household income bracket is the $1,500 - 2,999 range, which accounts for 27.2% of households ( people), matching the broader regional pattern where of households fall into this category. Housing cost pressures are high, leaving residents with only of their income after housing costs, placing the area in the th percentile nationally, while the SEIFA income index ranks the suburb in the th decile.

Detail

The distribution of housing types in Box Hill, as recorded in the most recent Census, consisted of 22.1% separate houses and 78.0% alternative housing structures (such as townhouses, units, and other dwellings), in contrast to the Greater Melbourne split of 67.9% separate houses and 32.1% other dwellings. The rate of home ownership in Box Hill was lower than the metropolitan average at 20.8%, with the remaining properties occupied by residents with a mortgage (18.5%) or tenants renting their homes (60.7%). The median monthly mortgage payment was below the metropolitan average at $1,950, while the median weekly rent was $381, compared to metropolitan figures of $2,000 and $390. On a national level, monthly mortgage payments in Box Hill exceed the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are higher than the national figure of $375.

Detail

Family units constitute the majority of households at 56.3%, consisting of 18.0% couples with children, 26.9% couples without children, and 9.2% single parent households. The remaining 43.7% are non-family households, with single person dwellings making up 32.9% and group households accounting for 10.7% of the total. The median household occupancy of 2.2 people is lower than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Detail

Educational attainment in Box Hill is significantly higher than broader benchmarks, with 47.6% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree compared to 30.4% nationally and 33.4% across VIC. This high concentration of tertiary education positions the community well for professional and academic opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 29.2%, followed by postgraduate degrees (15.4%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Vocational programs account for 21.4% of qualifications for those aged 15 and over, split between advanced diplomas (12.5%) and certificates (8.9%).

Detail

An analysis of public transit shows 94 active transit stops in Box Hill, offering a combination of light rail and bus services. These stops support 36 separate routes, delivering a total of 13,979 weekly passenger journeys. Accessibility is high, with residents living an average of 140 meters from their nearest transit stop. Because the area is primarily residential, the majority of working residents commute to other areas, with private vehicles remaining the primary mode of travel at 56%, followed by trains at 20% and walking at 12%. Household vehicle ownership averages 0.6 cars per dwelling, which is below the metropolitan average. A significant 30.0% of residents work from home, based on 2021 Census data, which may reflect pandemic-era working arrangements.

Detail

Health indicators show positive outcomes across Box Hill, based on Districts' evaluation of mortality data and the frequency of chronic illnesses, with both younger and older demographics showing low rates of common health conditions. The proportion of residents with private health insurance is low, sitting at approximately 48% of the population (~9,554 people). This is below the Greater Melbourne rate of 56.7% and the national average of 55.7%.

Detail

Box Hill ranks among the most culturally diverse locations in Australia, with 65.0% of the population speaking a non-English language at home and 65.8% born outside of Australia. Christianity is the most common religious affiliation, representing 26.2% of local residents. The most distinct religious concentration is found in Buddhism, which is practiced by 10.0% of the population, a figure significantly higher than the Greater Melbourne average of 4.2%.

Detail

With a median age of 32 years, Box Hill has a younger population than Greater Melbourne, where the median is 37, and is also younger than the national average of 38. Compared to the Melbourne metropolitan area, Box Hill has a larger proportion of residents aged 25 - 34 (26.8%) but a smaller share of children aged 5 - 14 (6.4%). The concentration of young adults aged 25 - 34 is higher than the national figure of 14.6%. Post-2021 Census estimates indicate that this 25 to 34 age bracket has risen from 26.1% to 26.8% of the population, while the 45 to 54 cohort decreased from 10.8% to . Demographic projections indicate the age structure will change by with the to group expected to grow the fastest at , adding residents to reach while the to cohort is projected to grow by , adding residents.

Detail

Box Hill currently has an estimated 591 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 394 children aged 0-2 and 262 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 33% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 12% by 2041 (to approximately 662 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 1,260. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been low, with approximately 6.8 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the bottom 20% of areas assessed nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.