Home › AUS › Greater Melbourne › Kingston › Chelsea Heights
Greater Melbourne / Kingston
$591
Median rent / wk
Period ending Sep 2025
+4.2%
Rent growth / yr
Period ending Sep 2025
5,447
People
17 Jul 2026
+1.0%
Growth since 2021
Census
4
For sale now
indexed listings
Data sourcesABSDFFH Rental ReportACARARefreshed July 2026
ABS QuickStats SAL20538How we calculate this
How figures are calculatedFigures are extracted from the sources listed here at the observation date shown, and displayed unchanged. Rank bars use the profile's score out of 10 where one exists. Missing values are shown as unavailable — never estimated or back-filled.
Suburb (SAL) analysis
This analysis uses Suburb (SAL) boundaries, which can differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when they share the same name. SAL 20538.
5,447
People
est. as @ 17 Jul 2026
2021 Census | 5,393 people
3.2 km²
Land area
1,702.2 /km²
Density
6.0%
Unemployment
7 /yr
Resi approvals
Located 29 kilometers south-southeast of the Melbourne CBD, the suburb of Chelsea Heights is a serene Victorian community renowned for its natural beauty, scenic parks, nature reserves, and pristine beaches. As of May 2026, the estimated resident population of the suburb is 5,447. This figure represents a minor increase from the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 5,393 residents. Structurally, the local housing market features high rates of outright home ownership alongside a strong representation of mortgage holders. The suburb of Chelsea Heights is characterised by a well-educated community with a standard age profile, offering a family-friendly lifestyle and top-tier local schools. From an economic perspective, the suburb of Chelsea Heights features a notable employment base in manufacturing and elevated numbers in wholesale trade, alongside high industry employment growth projections. Local population expansion has shown limited patterns recently, but substantial infrastructure investments and major projects are planned to support regional performance and demand. With a blend of modern amenities, coastal proximity, and a strong sense of community, the suburb provides residents with a balanced lifestyle.
Estimated residents are up from 5,393 at the 2021 Census — a change of 54 people, or 1.0%.
Districts View
Data to 17 Jul 2026Forecast demand
Official forecasts point to an additional 620 residents by 2041 — growth of 11.4% on the current estimated population.
Infrastructure pipeline
8 major projects are tracked in and around Chelsea Heights, and infrastructure activity ranks in the 77th percentile nationally.
Employment outlook
Industry-weighted employment growth of 6.2% is forecast over the next five years based on the local industry mix.
Weak local employment drivers
Chelsea Heights ranks in the 29th percentile nationally for employment drivers (score 2.9/10).
Areas with limited local job creation rely more heavily on commuting access and broader regional employment conditions.
Below-average amenity provision
Chelsea Heights ranks in the 26th percentile nationally for amenities (score 2.6/10).
Thin local amenity can cap price premiums relative to better-serviced neighbouring suburbs.
Elevated unemployment
Unemployment in Chelsea Heights is 6.0%.
Higher unemployment increases tenancy risk and can weigh on rental demand and price growth.
Districts' reading of national rankings, Census change and the tracked project pipeline for Chelsea Heights. Each line cites its evidence; this is interpretation, not advice. The Investment Report PDF is the long form of this thesis.
Sales activity
Data to 17 Jul 2026No market glance has been ingested for this suburb yet. Recorded sales below come from Districts property records where indexed.
Residential supply
Data to 17 Jul 2026Districts view
The level of residential development activity in Chelsea Heights is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by Districts
Detail
Analysis by Districts of ABS building approvals, distributed from statistical records, indicates that the suburb of Chelsea Heights averages approximately 7 residential approvals annually. Over the preceding 5 financial years (from FY-21 to FY-25), 38 homes were approved, with 2 recorded during the current FY-26 period. Although the local population has contracted in recent times, construction rates remain relatively balanced, which benefits prospective purchasers, and new projects carry a mean construction cost of $679,000, indicating that building firms are focusing on high-end, premium housing. Commercial approvals total $65,000 for this financial year, pointing to a residential emphasis.
In comparison to Greater Melbourne, development activity in the suburb of Chelsea Heights is notably subdued, running 74.0% below the regional average per capita. This restricted building environment typically bolsters demand and supports valuations for established properties. The level of activity is similarly lower than national figures, reflecting the mature nature of the local market and hinting at potential zoning or land limits. Detached dwellings constitute 71.0% of new construction, while medium and high-density choices make up 29.0%, maintaining the suburban character with family-oriented spaces. With approximately 1089 residents for every single dwelling approval, the market exhibits high maturity.
Demographic projections suggest the suburb of Chelsea Heights will add 620 new residents by 2041, based on the most recent quarterly estimates from Districts. With the current pace of construction, housing supply may struggle to keep up with population gains, potentially intensifying competition among buyers and underpinning future price growth.
Districts' assessment of the Kingston (Vic.) LGA register has identified 13 substantial development applications lodged in Chelsea Heights over the past 5 years (3 in the last 12 months). Minor and ancillary works — single dwellings, outbuildings, signage and smaller residential developments — are excluded. Of these, 8 were approved while 2 were withdrawn. Districts estimates that 1 of these developments has likely been constructed. The most common application types are commercial, industrial and retail.
13 applications in the profile extract.
Recent Development Approvals by Type
ABS / Districts
| Metrici | Chelsea Heights | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Latest FY Approvals | 4 | 46,344 | 185,138 |
| Current FY-to-Date Approvals | 2 | 39,880 | 184,871 |
| –Detached House Approvals | 5/76.9% | 19,891/55.0% | 89,436/61.9% |
| –Attached/Other Approvals | 2/23.1% | 16,302/45.0% | 55,043/38.1% |
| Average Annual Approvals | 7 | 46,055 | 188,882 |
| Total 5-Year Approvals | 38 | 230,275 | 944,410 |
| Approvals per 1,000 People (2yr) | 0.9 | 8.2 | 6.5 |
| Approvals per 1,000 People (5yr) | 1.4 | 9 | 7.2 |
| Pop Growth per Approval (2yr) | 6.4 | 2.6 | 2.8 |
| Pop Growth per Approval (5yr) | -3.2 | 1.6 | 2.1 |
| Persons per Approval | 1,088 | 125 | 158 |
| Residential Value per Unit | 679 | 367 | 342 |
| Commercial Development Value | 65 | 17,870,380 | 105,080,908 |
| Development Drivers Ranking | 8 | 94 | 100 |
Project pipeline
Data to 17 Jul 2026Districts view
Chelsea Heights has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally
Detail
Local infrastructure projects, planning choices, and major works play a major role in regional performance. Districts has identified no new projects likely to affect this locality. Key developments in the broader area include The Dell by Stockland, Aspendale Gardens Shopping Centre Redevelopment, Monash Freeway Upgrade Stage 2, and Frankston Line Level Crossing Removal Program, with details provided below for those of most relevance.
Residential Development
ConstructionLarge masterplanned residential community directly opposite Bonbeach Station featuring townhomes and apartments, with future retail and community amenities planned within the precinct.
Retail
PlanningThe proposed modernization and expansion of the Aspendale Gardens Shopping Centre aims to upgrade the existing Ritchies Supa IGA and approximately 17 specialty stores. The plan includes the potential development of a top floor of approximately 3700 square metres to accommodate additional retail or commercial space. Current efforts focus on leasing and tenant management as the project navigates the planning phase, following historical community debate regarding proximity to local gambling venues.
Source 1 for Aspendale Gardens Shopping Centre Redevelopment (opens in new tab)Source 2 for Aspendale Gardens Shopping Centre Redevelopment (opens in new tab)
Residential Development
ConstructionLuxury beachfront residential development featuring 18 exclusive apartments with direct beach access and premium coastal living amenities.
Communities, Precincts & Urban Renewal
Under AssessmentProposed rezoning and redevelopment of the 43.5-hectare Rossdale Golf Course into a mixed-use residential community, which would fund the relocation of the financially non-viable golf club. The plan proposes approximately 30% public open space, new wetlands, and integrated walking/cycling paths, with around 700 to 1000 dwellings (mix of homes, townhouses, and low-scale apartments). The proposal is under review by the Victorian Government's Priority Projects Standing Advisory Committee.
Source for Rossdale Golf Course Redevelopment Aspendale (opens in new tab)
Sports & Recreation
ConstructionThe Mordi Aquatic Centre is an $87 million state-of-the-art facility featuring a 50m indoor multi-purpose lap pool, learn-to-swim pool, warm water exercise pool, and leisure pool with a splash park. It includes wellness amenities such as a spa, sauna, and steam room, alongside a gymnasium, fitness areas, and a cafe. Designed for sustainability, it targets a 6 Star Green Star rating with an all-electric design. Construction is currently on track for completion in late 2026, with roofing complete and internal fit-outs underway.
Source 1 for Mordi Aquatic Centre (opens in new tab)Source 2 for Mordi Aquatic Centre (opens in new tab)
8 projects tracked around Chelsea Heights (Vic.), in the source's significance order. Stages and reference links are as published by the source.
On the market now
Data to 17 Jul 2026Price not recorded
Unit · 2 bed
Listed 17 Nov 2019
$990,000–$10,601,509
House For Sale · 4 bed
Listed 25 June 2026
$840,000–$870,000
House For Sale · 3 bed · 606m² land
Listed 24 July 2026
$880,000–$950,000
House For Sale · 3 bed · 584m² land
Listed 17 Aug 2026
From indexed listing events. Districts records what the listing publishes — asks and attributes are the agent's, not a valuation.
Properties
Data to 17 Jul 2026Source: Districts property records · 14 in 2026 · 200 recorded sales in total
Other indexed properties in Chelsea Heights with no sale record in Districts yet.
Nearby
Data to 17 Jul 2026| Suburb | Distance | People | Median | Growth | Sales |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chelsea Heights | — | 5,447 | — | — | — |
| Chelsea | 1.6 km | 8,966 | — | — | — |
| Edithvale | 2.0 km | 6,736 | — | — | — |
| Bonbeach | 2.5 km | 7,072 | — | — | — |
| Aspendale Gardens | 2.8 km | 6,602 | — | — | — |
| Patterson Lakes | 3.1 km | 7,966 | — | — | — |
| Waterways | 3.2 km | 2,457 | — | — | — |
| Aspendale | 3.8 km | 7,480 | — | — | — |
| Carrum | 3.8 km | 4,512 | — | — | — |
| Mordialloc | 5.9 km | 9,627 | — | — | — |
| Keysborough | 6.0 km | 31,826 | — | — | — |
| Dingley Village | 6.9 km | 10,800 | — | — | — |
| Seaford (Vic.) | 7.3 km | 18,332 | — | — | — |
| Parkdale | 7.3 km | 12,739 | — | — | — |
| Carrum Downs | 7.7 km | 23,631 | — | — | — |
| Sandhurst | 7.8 km | 5,301 | — | — | — |
| Springvale South | 8.2 km | 13,293 | — | — | — |
Market columns show — where a nearby suburb has not been ingested yet.
High industry employment forecasts
Strong mortgage holder representation
Well-educated local population
Notable manufacturing employment base
Elevated wholesale trade employment
Strong outright home ownership
Population Growth
2.9
Density
6.5
Development Activity
0.8
Employment Drivers
2.9
Infrastructure Drivers
7.7
Education
6.8
Amenities
2.6
Transport & Access
Demographics
Data to 17 Jul 2026Districts view
An assessment of population growth drivers in Chelsea Heights reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends
Detail
Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by Districts since the Census the suburb of Chelsea Heights's population is estimated at around 5,447 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 54 people (1.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,393 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 5,445, estimated by Districts following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 5 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,702 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by Districts. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 60.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.
Employment
Data to 17 Jul 2026Districts view
Chelsea Heights shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia
Detail
The suburb of Chelsea Heights possesses a skilled labour pool, particularly within the building and construction sector, along with a 6.0% unemployment rate and an estimated annual job growth rate of 1.3%, according to aggregated statistical reports. In March 2026, working residents numbered 2,850, while the local jobless rate stood 1.2% higher than the Greater Melbourne average of 4.8%. Workforce participation levels are largely aligned with the Greater Melbourne benchmark of 70.2%. Census data reveals that a substantial 28.2% of locals performed their duties from home, though this figure reflects the impact of pandemic-era restrictions.
The primary employment sectors for local residents are healthcare and social assistance, building construction, and manufacturing. The manufacturing sector shows a particularly high concentration, employing workers at times the metropolitan average. Conversely, professional and technical services are underrepresented, accounting for of the workforce compared to the broader regional benchmark of . The area is predominantly residential and appears to offer few local employment opportunities based on the discrepancy between the working population count and the total number of employed residents.
Income
Data to 17 Jul 20262021 CensusDistricts view
Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to Districts analysis
Detail
The suburb of Chelsea Heights has median and average incomes below national benchmarks, sitting at $53,213 and $64,351 respectively according to ATO data from the financial year 2023. These numbers compare to a median of $57,688 and an average of $75,164 across Greater Melbourne. Accounting for a 9.62% increase in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023, estimates for March 2026 rise to approximately $58,332 for the median and $70,542 for the average. Census data from 2021 indicates that individual, family, and household earnings sit around the 53rd percentile nationally. The most common weekly earnings bracket is $1,500 - 2,999, representing 33.5% of the community (1,824 residents), which is comparable to the regional rate of 32.8%. After housing expenses are met, of income is available for other purchases, and the SEIFA index ranks the area in the th decile for economic resources.
Housing stock
Data to 17 Jul 20262021 CensusDistricts view
Chelsea Heights is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership
Detail
According to the last Census, the housing mix in the suburb of Chelsea Heights consists of 79.0% separate houses and 21.0% alternative options like townhouses and apartments, compared to metropolitan Melbourne where houses make up 67.9% and other structures account for 32.1%. Home ownership rates are high at 40.4%, with mortgaged properties standing at 46.3% and rental properties making up 13.3%. The median monthly mortgage cost of $2,001 is slightly higher than the metropolitan Melbourne median of $2,000, and weekly median rent is $412 compared to the city-wide median of $390. Locally, mortgage obligations exceed the Australian median of $1,863, and weekly rents sit above the national average of $375.
Households
Data to 17 Jul 20262021 CensusDistricts view
Chelsea Heights has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size
Detail
Families make up 74.8% of local households, consisting of couples with children at 39.5%, couples without children at 23.2%, and single-parent homes at 11.4%. Single-person households comprise 23.4% of the community, while group living arrangements represent 1.6%, bringing total non-family households to 25.2%. The median household size of 2.6 people is identical to the average across Greater Melbourne.
Household Types (Census)
ABS / Districts
Education
Data to 17 Jul 20262021 CensusDistricts view
The educational profile of Chelsea Heights exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics
Detail
Educational attainment presents room for improvement, as university graduation rates stand at 24.7%, which is considerably lower than the SA4 average of 46.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common tertiary credential at 16.9%, with postgraduate degrees at 5.2% and graduate diplomas at 2.6%. Vocational and practical training is well-represented, with 36.2% of residents aged 15 and over holding trade certifications, including advanced diplomas at 12.1% and certificates at 24.1%.
A high portion of the community is engaged in learning, with of residents enrolled in an educational institution. This group includes attending primary school, in secondary school, and enrolled in higher education.
Amenities
Data to 17 Jul 2026Districts view
Amenity provision was found to be below the typical area assessed nationally by Districts, based on counts and proximity analysis
Supermarket
1.6km · score 49
Child Care
713m · score 47
GP
1.1km · score 58
Government Services
9.7km · score 14
Post Office
0km · score 0
Getting around
Data to 17 Jul 2026Districts view
Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
Detail
Public transport infrastructure consists of 41 active stops in the suburb of Chelsea Heights, offering bus services. These stops support 7 different routes that generate 841 weekly passenger journeys. Commuters are situated an average of 153 meters from their nearest transit stop, indicating excellent transit accessibility. As a residential suburb, most workers travel out of the area for employment, and cars remain the primary transport mode at 92%. Dwellings average 1.5 vehicles, which is above the metropolitan average. A high 28.2% of residents work from home, based on 2021 Census data, which may reflect the pandemic conditions of the time.
Bus routes average 120 daily services, which translates to roughly weekly trips for each individual stop.
Healthcare
Data to 17 Jul 2026Data to 2024Districts view
Chelsea Heights's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts
Detail
Health indicators for the local population are generally positive. Districts mortality and illness analysis reveals that outcomes align closely with national averages, with most common health issues showing low frequency in the general community, though higher rates are seen among senior, vulnerable groups. Approximately 52% of the population (~2,848 people) hold private health insurance, slightly above the SA2 average, compared to 56.7% across the Greater Melbourne area.
Asthma and arthritis are the most prevalent chronic conditions locally, affecting 8.6% and 7.8% of the population respectively. Meanwhile, 68.8% of residents report having no long-term health conditions, compared to in Greater Melbourne. Health profiles for working-age residents are typical. Those aged and older make up of the community ( people), which is higher than the Greater Melbourne average of , though this older cohort ranks lower on a national comparison than the broader population.
Ancestry & language
Data to 17 Jul 20262021 CensusDistricts view
The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Chelsea Heights was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics
Detail
Cultural diversity in the suburb of Chelsea Heights exceeds that of most local markets, with 26.1% of residents born outside Australia and 17.2% speaking a non-English language at home. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 48.5% of the population. A small but notable religious group is Judaism, representing 0.3% of the community compared to the Greater Melbourne average of 1.0%.
Regarding parental ancestry, the three largest groups are English at 25.5% (above the regional average of 20.1%), Australian at 25.2% (above the regional average of 18.4%), and Other at (below the regional average of ). Other distinct ethnic groups include Russian at (compared to regionally), Sri Lankan at (compared to regionally), and Hungarian at (compared to regionally).
Age structure
Data to 17 Jul 20262021 CensusDistricts view
Chelsea Heights's population is slightly older than the national pattern
Detail
The median age of 40 in the suburb of Chelsea Heights is slightly higher than the Greater Melbourne average of 37 and the national average of 38. The 75 - 84 age cohort is overrepresented locally at 8.2%, while the 25 - 34 cohort is underrepresented at 8.3%. Since 2021, the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 has risen from 6.3% to 8.2%, and those aged 15 to 24 grew from 10.9% to 12.1%, while the 25 to 34 age bracket fell from 9.9% to 8.3%. Future models indicate significant shifts by 2041, with the + cohort projected to expand by people () from to . Combined senior groups aged and over are expected to make up of total population growth, highlighting the aging demographic trend, while child groups aged to and to are expected to experience population declines.
Child care
Data to 17 Jul 2026Districts view
Chelsea Heights was found to possess well below average child care supply broadly for children under 5, though with mixed findings across service types as preschool is well-supplied while long day care and out of school hours care appear more constrained.
Detail
Chelsea Heights currently has an estimated 305 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 184 children aged 0-2 and 122 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 9% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 6% by 2041 (to approximately 287 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 581. Birth rates in the area have averaged 11.0 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a moderate rate (within the middle tier nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.
5.7
Income
5.0
Age
5.6
Household Composition
6.3
Housing
6.7
Cultural Diversity
5.9
Health
5.4
Housing Cost
6.7
Rate Sensitivity
0.0
Districts 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, Districts 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. Moving forward with demographic trends, an above median population growth of national areas is projected, with the suburb of Chelsea Heights expected to grow by 622 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting recording a gain of 11.4% in total over the 16 years.
Annual Population Growth Rates (CAGR) by Period
ABS / Districts
| Metrici | Chelsea Heights | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Latest Population Est. | 5,447 | 5,467,717 | 27,798,796 |
| Growth Since Census | 1.0% | 11.2% | 9.3% |
| Population 2021 Census | 5,393 | 4,917,750 | 25,422,788 |
| Natural Increase | 40.0% | 20.0% | 20.0% |
| Overseas Migration | 60.0% | 80.0% | 80.0% |
| Interstate Migration | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| Population Forecast Growth (2041) | 11.4% | 27.3% | 19.8% |
| Persons per Square Kilometer | 1,702 | 547 | 3 |
Based on Districts analysis of SALM and ABS data, aggregated from broader statistical areas, during the year to March 2026, employment levels increased by 1.3% and labour force decreased by 0.3%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 1.5 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 2.1% and labour force growth of 2.3%, with a 0.2 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within the suburb of Chelsea Heights. 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 the suburb of Chelsea Heights's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.0% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).
Employment Change (Persons)
DEWR / ABS / Districts
| Metrici | Chelsea Heights | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Employment | 2,850 | 2,999,459 | 14,651,372 |
| –Health Care & Social Assistance | 13.6% | 14.2% | 15.2% |
| –Construction | 13.3% | 9.7% | 9.3% |
| –Manufacturing | 11.2% | 7.2% | 6.2% |
| Labour Force | 3,032 | 3,149,663 | 15,298,546 |
| Participation Rate | 68.7% | 70.2% | 67.2% |
| Working from Home | 28.2% | 32.6% | 23.9% |
| Unemployment | 6.0% | 4.8% | 4.2% |
| 1Yr Emp. Growth | 1.3% | 2.1% | 1.5% |
| 5Yr Emp. Growth Forecast | 6.2% | 6.6% | 6.5% |
| Employment Drivers Ranking | 29 | 67 | 100 |
Latest Annual Income Estimate
ATO / ABS / Districts
| Metrici | Chelsea Heights | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Income Est. | 58,332 | 63,238 | 62,634 |
| Average Annual Income Est. | 70,542 | 82,395 | 80,499 |
| ATO Median Taxable Income | 53,213 | 57,688 | 57,137 |
| ATO Average Taxable Income | 64,351 | 75,164 | 73,435 |
| Median Household Income | 1,867 | 1,901 | 1,746 |
| –$0 to 399 | 115 (5.7%) | 124,775 (6.3%) | 638,312 (6.3%) |
| –$400 to 799 | 357 (17.8%) | 273,317 (13.8%) | 1,671,771 (16.5%) |
| –$800 to 1,499 | 375 (18.7%) | 398,092 (20.1%) | 2,158,104 (21.3%) |
| –$1,500 to 2,999 | 672 (33.5%) | 649,623 (32.8%) | 3,201,695 (31.6%) |
| –$3,000 to 3,999 | 265 (13.2%) | 235,687 (11.9%) | 1,114,514 (11.0%) |
| –$4,000+ | 223 (11.1%) | 299,065 (15.1%) | 1,357,681 (13.4%) |
| Median Family Income | 2,313 | 2,243 | 2,120 |
| –$0 to 399 | 44 (2.9%) | 51,956 (3.7%) | 236,192 (3.3%) |
| –$400 to 799 | 147 (9.8%) | 126,379 (9.0%) | 758,676 (10.6%) |
| –$800 to 1,499 | 269 (17.9%) | 263,993 (18.8%) | 1,474,408 (20.6%) |
| –$1,500 to 2,999 | 591 (39.4%) | 504,114 (35.9%) | 2,562,321 (35.8%) |
| –$3,000 to 3,999 | 249 (16.6%) | 203,611 (14.5%) | 973,396 (13.6%) |
| –$4,000+ | 201 (13.4%) | 254,163 (18.1%) | 1,145,171 (16.0%) |
| Median Personal Income | 805 | 841 | 805 |
| –$0 to 399 | 1,458 (26.8%) | 1,470,816 (26.9%) | 7,303,780 (26.3%) |
| –$400 to 799 | 1,257 (23.1%) | 1,170,091 (21.4%) | 6,526,191 (23.5%) |
| –$800 to 1,499 | 1,415 (26.0%) | 1,399,736 (25.6%) | 7,137,153 (25.7%) |
| –$1,500 to 2,999 | 1,159 (21.3%) | 1,099,011 (20.1%) | 5,359,808 (19.3%) |
| –$3,000 to 3,499 | 76 (1.4%) | 114,822 (2.1%) | 527,649 (1.9%) |
| –$3,500+ | 82 (1.5%) | 213,241 (3.9%) | 944,215 (3.4%) |
| –Low Income (<$800/wk) | 23.5% | 20.1% | 22.8% |
| –High Income (>$3,000/wk) | 24.3% | 27.0% | 24.4% |
| Largest Income Group | $1,500 - 2,999 | $1,500 - 2,999 | $1,500 - 2,999 |
| Household Disposable Income | 6,927 | 6,948 | 6,376 |
| SEIFA Score | 6.3 | 6.3 | 5.6 |
Chelsea Heights at a glance
Source: ABS 2021 Census
Rents today
$591/wk
DFFH median rent
Period ending Sep 2025
+4.2%
DFFH rent movement, 1 yr
Rents are rising
The DFFH median weekly rent rose 4.2% year on year to $591/wk (Period ending Sep 2025).
The 2021 Census recorded a median rent of $412/wk — an older point-in-time figure, kept separate from current medians.
RTBA rental bond lodgements are not in this extract. Rents above are report medians, not bond data.
Housing Tenure (Census)
ABS / Districts
| Metrici | Chelsea Heights | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Dwellings (Census) | 1,983 | 1,781,344 | 9,275,218 |
| –Owned Outright | 40.4% | 30.7% | 32.1% |
| –Owned with Mortgage | 46.3% | 38.2% | 36.2% |
| –Rented | 13.3% | 31.1% | 31.7% |
| –Detached Houses | 79.0% | 67.9% | 72.5% |
| –Semi-Detached | 13.2% | 16.2% | 12.6% |
| –Apartments | 7.8% | 15.6% | 14.3% |
| –Other Dwellings | 0.0% | 0.3% | 0.6% |
| –Median Monthly Mortgage | 2,001 | 2,000 | 1,863 |
| –Median Weekly Rent | 412 | 390 | 375 |
| –$0-149/wk | 5.2% | 4.6% | 7.3% |
| –$150-349/wk | 23.6% | 27.4% | 33.4% |
| –$350-649/wk | 69.2% | 59.7% | 50.9% |
| –$650-949/wk | 0.0% | 6.4% | 6.6% |
| –>$950/wk | 2.0% | 1.9% | 1.8% |
| –Aggregate Housing Cost | 1,163 | 1,289 | 1,189 |
| –Mortgage / Income | 24.7% | 24.3% | 24.6% |
| –Rent / Income | 22.1% | 20.5% | 21.5% |
| –Persons per Bedroom | 0.8 | 0.9 | 0.8 |
| Metrici | Chelsea Heights | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Current Household Est. | 2,007 | 1,980,559 | 10,142,077 |
| Median Household Size | 2.6 | 2.6 | 2.5 |
| Total Households (Census) | 1,987 | 1,781,346 | 9,275,217 |
| –Lone Person Households | 23.4% | 24.8% | 25.6% |
| –Group Households | 1.6% | 4.3% | 3.9% |
| –Other Households | 0.3% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| –Family Households | 74.8% | 70.9% | 70.5% |
| –Couple with Children | 39.5% | 34.5% | 31.4% |
| –Couple No Children | 23.2% | 24.5% | 26.8% |
| –One Parent Family | 11.4% | 10.6% | 11.1% |
| –Avg Children per Family | 1.6 | 1.4 | 1.6 |
| Currently Married | 50.1% | 47.0% | 46.5% |
| Never Married | 32.1% | 38.0% | 36.5% |
Qualification Attainment by Type - Residents Aged 15+ (Census)
ABS / Districts
| Metrici | Chelsea Heights | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| University Qualifications | 24.7% | 37.0% | 30.4% |
| –Bachelor Degree | 16.9% | 23.7% | 20.0% |
| –Postgraduate Degree | 5.2% | 9.9% | 7.6% |
| –Advanced Diploma | 12.1% | 11.2% | 10.8% |
| –Certificate | 24.1% | 16.7% | 22.0% |
| No Tertiary Qualifications | 39.1% | 35.2% | 36.8% |
| Number of Schools | 1 | 1,767 | 11,054 |
| Total School Attendance | 406 | 805,274 | 4,176,099 |
| ICSEA Score | 1,050 | 1,056 | 1,001 |
| Education Drivers Ranking | 68 | 97 | 100 |
Schools detail
| # | School name | Type | Places | ICSEA | Distance (km) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chelsea Heights Primary School | Primary | 406 | 1050 | 0.42 |
Showing 1 to 1 of 1 results
Parcel Locker
0km · score 0
Dentist
1.1km · score 63
Hospital
9.4km · score 24
Shopping Centre
4.3km · score 19
Banks
3.8km · score 31
Pharmacy
1.0km · score 69
Fitness Centre
1.5km · score 61
Schools
1.3km · score 27
Transport Servicing
GTFS / Districts
| Metrici | Chelsea Heights | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Transport Stops | 41 | 21,358 | 171,981 |
| Routes | 7 | 670 | 12,966 |
| Weekly Trips | 841 | 317,563 | 1,140,068 |
| Avg Dist. Between Stops (m) | 85 | 90 | 235 |
| Avg Dist. to Local Pop. (m) | 153 | 267 | 7,586 |
| Population per Stop | 133 | 256 | 161 |
| Population per Trip | 6.5 | 17.2 | 24.3 |
| Population per Route | 779 | 8,156 | 2,136 |
| Public Transport Access Ranking | 57 | 91 | 100 |
| Vehicles per Dwelling | 1.5 | 1.3 | 1.4 |
| Work from Home | 28.2% | 32.6% | 23.9% |
| Single Mode Commute | 70.5% | 64.8% | 73.8% |
| Two Mode | 1.2% | 2.1% | 1.9% |
| Three+ Mode | 0.1% | 0.5% | 0.3% |
| –Car | 92.3% | 81.9% | 84.1% |
| –Train | 3.8% | 7.7% | 4.9% |
| –Bus | 1.1% | 2.4% | 3.6% |
| –Walk | 0.7% | 3.2% | 3.7% |
| –Cycle | 0.3% | 1.2% | 1.0% |
| –Ferry | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.1% |
| –Tram/Light Rail | 0.2% | 1.9% | 0.5% |
| –Other | 0.6% | 0.9% | 1.1% |
Private Health Insurance Coverage
ATO / Districts
| Metrici | Chelsea Heights | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Private Health Cover Rate | 52.3% | 56.7% | 55.7% |
| Need for Assistance | 5.2% | 5.5% | 5.8% |
| Zero L/T Health Conditions | 68.8% | 72.6% | 69.8% |
| One Long Term Condition | 21.6% | 19.3% | 20.5% |
| Two Long Term Conditions | 6.3% | 5.5% | 6.4% |
| 3+ Long Term Conditions | 3.3% | 2.6% | 3.3% |
| –Arthritis | 7.8% | 6.4% | 7.7% |
| –Asthma | 8.6% | 7.3% | 7.4% |
| –Cancer | 2.9% | 2.3% | 2.6% |
| –Dementia / Alzheimers | 0.5% | 0.6% | 0.7% |
| –Diabetes | 4.3% | 4.1% | 4.3% |
| –Heart Disease | 3.4% | 3.1% | 3.6% |
| –Kidney Disease | 0.9% | 0.8% | 0.8% |
| –Lung Condition | 1.2% | 1.1% | 1.6% |
| –Mental Health Issue | 7.8% | 7.5% | 8.0% |
| –Stroke | 0.9% | 0.8% | 0.8% |
| –Other Condition | 7.3% | 7.2% | 7.3% |
Place of Birth (Census)
ABS / Districts
| Metrici | Chelsea Heights | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Born Overseas | 26.1% | 37.3% | 29.3% |
| Born in Australia | 73.9% | 62.7% | 70.7% |
| Australian Citizens | 90.6% | 81.1% | 83.8% |
| Speak English Only | 82.8% | 64.1% | 76.4% |
| Speak Other Language | 17.2% | 35.9% | 23.6% |
| Indigenous Population | 0.4% | 0.5% | 2.2% |
| Largest Ethnic Group | English | English | English |
| Main Religion | Christianity | Christianity | Christianity |
| –Buddhism | 1.7% | 4.2% | 2.6% |
| –Christianity | 48.5% | 43.0% | 47.5% |
| –Hinduism | 1.4% | 4.4% | 2.9% |
| –Islam | 1.1% | 5.6% | 3.5% |
| –Judaism | 0.3% | 1.0% | 0.4% |
| –Other | 0.3% | 2.3% | 1.4% |
| –No Religion | 46.7% | 39.5% | 41.6% |
Age Distribution
ABS / Geoscience Australia / State Govts / Districts
| Metrici | Chelsea Heights | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Age | 40 | 37 | 38 |
| Largest Age Group | 35 to 44 | 25 to 34 | 25 to 34 |
| Children (0-14) | 18.9% | 17.5% | 17.5% |
| Working Age (15-64) | 61.2% | 67.5% | 64.7% |
| Seniors (65+) | 20.1% | 15.0% | 17.8% |
| Age Distribution Variance | 15.0% | 22.0% | 16.0% |
| Dependency Ratio | 64.0% | 48.0% | 55.0% |
| Fastest Growing Age Group | 85+ | 85+ | 85+ |
Chelsea Heights contains 1 Long Day Care centre (60 places), 1 preschool/kindergarten facility (53 places) and 1 OSHC facility (57 places), while overall provision relative to the local child population appears limited compared to national benchmarks, and is below the Greater Melbourne average, though with certain cohorts and service types experiencing tighter provision. Combined service provision across long day care and preschool/kindergarten services, and the approximate 305 children in the cohort, sees a ratio of children per place of 2.7 - placing the area among the bottom 30% nationally for supply per child. Looking at long day care specifically against the under-5 population, the ratio is 5.1 children per place (lower quintile supply). Further breakdowns by age, to help in identifying the most in-need services, show an undersupply of LDC places across the infant and toddler cohort (<3yo) with just 60 places across 1 facility serving a total of 184 children while preschool supply is moderate with 1 facility providing 53 places (2.3 children aged 3-4 per place compared to the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6). To meet the Greater Melbourne average 98 new places would be required (LDC+PSK to service the under 5 age group). Meanwhile, projected population decline of 5.9% in the under 5 age group between now and 2041 suggests a reduction in demand for childcare services. Socioeconomic performance in the area in the way of income and employment figures, including female workforce participation, are broadly in line with national averages.
In assessing child care markets local school supply is a particularly important factor, given school-run convenience, and enrolment vs child care place analysis can provide useful insight into capacity both for parents seeking child care options and child care operators assessing opportunities in an area. The catchment sees a level of school enrolment relative to population of 7.5 per 100 residents with 406 enrolments across primary and secondary institutions. A lower-than-typical rate which suggests pressure might be taken off local services somewhat by school hubs in nearby areas. Additionally, the level of school places per child care place (LDC+PSK) is moderate. Fee analysis shows high fees are observed suggesting limited supply might be having an outsized impact on inflation.
6 school catchments intersect Chelsea Heights (note; school catchment data provided for public schools only), in which a combined 3,763 children aged under 5 reside, served by 3,239 LDC and preschool places. The overall demand-to-supply ratio across these catchments is 1.2 children per place, with moderate variance in this ratio. Meanwhile, the discrepancy in this ratio between Chelsea Heights and the intersecting school catchments highlights the need for a catchment based approach for specific site assessments.
Children per LDC Place by Geographic Level
ACECQA / ABS / GNAF / Geoscience Australia / State Govts / Districts