Hastings (Vic.)

Detail

Following an examination of ABS population updates for the wider region and new addresses verified by AreaSearch since the Census, the suburb of Hastings (Vic.) is calculated to have approximately 10,648 residents as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 279 individuals (2.7%) from the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 10,369 residents. The shift is derived from the resident population of 10,634, calculated by AreaSearch using the most recent ERP statistics published by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 260 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population size corresponds to a density of 411 persons per square kilometer, indicating substantial room per individual and potential space for subsequent expansion. The 2.7% growth in the suburb of Hastings (Vic.) since the 2021 census surpassed the SA3 region (2.0%), establishing it as a primary driver of expansion in the area. Overseas migration drove the majority of the population increases, accounting for roughly of total population additions over recent timeframes.

Detail

Hastings possesses a balanced labor force consisting of white and blue collar workers, with the construction sector showing notable representation, an unemployment rate of 5.5%, and an estimated job growth rate of 2.1% over the past year, according to AreaSearch aggregations of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 4,691 residents are employed, while the unemployment rate is 0.7% higher than the Greater Melbourne rate of 4.8%, and labor force participation is notably lower (56.2% compared to Greater Melbourne's 70.2%). Census statistics show a low 13.0% of residents working from home, although the influence of Covid-19 lockdowns must be taken into account.

Detail

According to the most recent postcode level ATO statistics published by AreaSearch for financial year 2023, the suburb of Hastings's median taxpayer income is $41,767, with an average of $58,217. This stands below the national average, and compares to a median of $57,688 and average of $75,164 in Greater Melbourne. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current projections would be roughly $45,785 for the median and $63,817 for the average as of March 2026. Income data from the 2021 Census reveals that household, family, and individual incomes in Hastings all place between the 13th and 17th percentiles across the country. Income distribution shows that the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly earnings bracket accounts for 28.2% of the community ( individuals), mirroring regional trends where fall into this bracket. Housing affordability pressure is high, with only of income remaining after housing costs, placing the area in the th percentile.

Detail

The residential composition of Hastings, as recorded in the most recent Census, consisted of 72.8% houses and 27.2% other housing options (townhouses, apartments, and alternative dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's distribution of 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Furthermore, home ownership in Hastings was significantly higher than in Melbourne metro at 33.8%, with the remaining properties being purchased with a mortgage (34.1%) or rented (32.1%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the locality was significantly lower than the Melbourne metro average at $1,687, while the median weekly rental cost was recorded at $320, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390. Across the nation, Hastings's mortgage costs are below the Australian average of $1,863, and rental prices are significantly below the national figure of $375.

Detail

Family households constitute the majority at 64.0% of all households, consisting of 22.1% couples with children, 25.6% couples without children, and 15.1% single parent households. Non-family households represent the remaining 36.0%, with single person households accounting for 33.3% and group households making up 2.8% of the total. The median household occupancy of 2.3 people is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Detail

The locality displays educational disparities, with university graduation rates (12.3%) sitting far below the Greater Melbourne average of 37.0%. This situation presents challenges as well as opportunities for focused educational support. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 8.6%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.9%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.8%). Vocational and technical training is highly represented, with 44.1% of residents aged 15+ holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (12.0%) and certificates (32.1%).

Detail

Public transport data shows 28 active transit stops running in Hastings, consisting of various bus options. These stops are serviced by 3 distinct routes, which combine to support 551 weekly passenger journeys. Transport accessibility is classified as moderate, with residents living an average of 421 meters from their closest transport stop. Being a mainly residential locality, the majority of residents travel outward to work, and private vehicles remain the primary transit mode at 94%. Car ownership averages 1.2 per household. A relatively low 13.0% of residents work from home (2021 Census; potentially reflecting COVID-19 rules).

Detail

Health statistics demonstrate significant hurdles for Hastings, based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and the prevalence of chronic illnesses, with several medical issues showing significant impacts on both younger and older demographics, and the proportion of residents with private health insurance is low at approximately 50% of the population (~5,313 people). This compares to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%.

Detail

Hastings displays lower than average levels of cultural diversity, with citizens making up 87.2% of the population, 82.5% of residents born in Australia, and 94.7% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the primary religion in Hastings, accounting for 42.7% of residents. The most noticeable disproportionate representation is Judaism, which accounts for 0.1% of the population, compared to 1.0% across Greater Melbourne.

Detail

The median age of 42 years in Hastings is notably higher than the Greater Melbourne average of 37, and is also older than the Australian median of 38 years. The 75 - 84 age cohort is highly represented at 11.2% compared to Greater Melbourne, whereas the 25 - 34 cohort has a lower presence at 10.8%. This concentration of residents aged 75 - 84 is significantly higher than the national figure of 6.1%. Post-2021 Census figures show the 75 to 84 cohort has expanded from 8.6% to 11.2% of the population, while the 85+ cohort grew from 2.9% to 4.0%. In contrast, the 25 to 34 age group dropped from to . Demographic projections for point to major population shifts in Hastings. Leading this change, the + cohort will expand by ( people), rising to from . Crucially, the combined cohorts aged + will account for of all population growth, showing the aging demographic profile of the area. Conversely, the to and to groups are projected to experience population decreases.

Detail

Hastings currently has an estimated 574 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 320 children aged 0-2 and 214 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 4% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 11% by 2041 (to approximately 511 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 974. Birth rates in the area have averaged 10.9 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a moderate rate (within the middle tier nationally).