Healesville (Vic.)

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Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by Districts since the Census the suburb of Healesville's population is estimated at around 7,772 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 183 people (2.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,589 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 7,754, estimated by Districts following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 78 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 54 persons per square kilometer, a level providing ample space per person. Healesville's 2.4% growth since census positions it within 1.1 percentage points of the SA3 area (3.5%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of population gains during recent periods.

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The locality is characterized by a skilled resident workforce, with particularly high representation in the building trades, alongside a jobless rate of 5.2% and annual employment growth estimated at 1.7%. As of March 2026, working residents numbered 3,788, while the local unemployment rate sat 0.4% higher than the Greater Melbourne benchmark of 4.8%. Furthermore, the rate of labor force participation is notably lower at 60.9% compared to 70.2% across the metropolitan area. Census data indicates that a moderate 24.2% of the workforce operated from home, though this figure was likely influenced by pandemic-related movement restrictions.

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Taxpayer data from the ATO reveals Healesville residents recorded a median income of $46,524 and an average income of $59,297 for the 2023 financial year. These figures sit below the national benchmarks, and contrast with the Greater Melbourne median of $57,688 and average of $75,164. Adjusting these values for a 9.62% increase in the Wage Price Index since the 2023 financial year yields estimated figures of approximately $51,000 for the median and $65,001 for the average as of March 2026. According to the 2021 Census, local incomes for individuals, families, and households are relatively modest, placing Healesville between the 29th and 34th percentiles nationally. Looking at income distribution, 31.7% of the population (representing 2,463 individuals) earn weekly incomes between $1,500 and which is highly consistent with the broader region where fall into this bracket. Housing costs consume a significant portion of earnings, leaving residents with only of their disposable income, which ranks in the th percentile, while the SEIFA index places the area in the th decile for income resources.

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Residential stock in Healesville at the time of the last Census consisted of 89.6% separate houses and 10.4% alternative dwelling structures like townhouses and apartments, differing from the Melbourne metropolitan split of 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. The rate of outright home ownership stood at 41.2%, which is higher than the metropolitan average, while 41.3% of homes were held with a mortgage and 17.5% were rented. Typical monthly mortgage payments were lower than the Melbourne average at $1,733, and the median weekly rent was $350, compared to metropolitan benchmarks of $2,000 and $390 respectively. Nationally, local mortgage commitments sit below the Australian median of $1,863, and weekly rents are lower than the country-wide figure of $375.

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The local household structure is predominantly family-based at 70.1%, consisting of 27.3% couples with children, 30.4% couples without children, and 11.9% single-parent households. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 29.9% of households, with lone person households representing 27.8% and group living situations making up 2.0%. The median household size of 2.4 residents is slightly below the metropolitan Melbourne average of 2.6.

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Educational attainment profiles reveal some local challenges, with tertiary qualification rates at 22.8% compared to the Greater Melbourne average of 37.0%. Among those with higher education, bachelor degrees are the most common at 15.4%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 4.3% and graduate diplomas at 3.1%. Technical and trade qualifications are highly prevalent, with 40.0% of the population aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, split between advanced diplomas at 12.9% and certificate-level training at 27.1%.

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Public transport infrastructure consists of 38 active bus stops within Healesville. These locations are served by 3 separate routes, which support a total of 389 passenger trips each week. Transport access is classified as moderate, with residents living an average of 403 meters from their nearest stop. Given the residential nature of the suburb, the majority of working residents travel outside the area for employment, with private vehicles serving as the primary mode of travel for 90% of commuters, while 5% walk. Households average 1.6 vehicles, which is higher than the metropolitan average. Additionally, 24.2% of residents worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-related working arrangements.

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Health indicators point to notable challenges within the community, reflected in local mortality statistics and the prevalence of chronic illnesses across multiple age brackets. Additionally, the uptake of private health insurance is relatively low, covering approximately 50% of the population, which represents about 3,910 people. This rate is lower than the Greater Melbourne average of 56.7% and the national average of 55.7%.

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The demographic profile reveals a relatively low level of cultural diversity compared to broader benchmarks, with 84.1% of residents born in Australia, 90.0% holding citizenship, and 95.1% speaking only English in a household setting. Christianity represents the largest religious affiliation at 37.1% of the population. The most distinct variance from broader metropolitan trends is seen in the Buddhist population, which accounts for 1.2% of local residents compared to 4.2% across Greater Melbourne.

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The median age of Healesville residents is 46 years, which is higher than the Greater Melbourne average of 37 and the national median of 38. The local population has a higher concentration of residents in the 75 - 84 age bracket (10.5%) compared to the metropolitan average, while young adults aged 25 - 34 are underrepresented at 8.3%. Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 increased from 8.3% to 10.5%, and the 35 to 44 cohort grew from 11.5% to 12.7%. During the same timeframe, the 25 to 34 age group decreased from 10.2% to 8.3%, and the to bracket fell from to . Projections to suggest a significant demographic shift, with the cohort aged and over expected to grow by people (), rising from to . This aging trend is prominent, with residents aged and older accounting for of the projected population growth, while the to and to age groups are expected to contract.

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Healesville currently has an estimated 388 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 237 children aged 0-2 and 159 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 0% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 12% by 2041 (to approximately 342 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 716. Birth rates in the area have averaged 10.3 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a moderate rate (within the middle tier nationally).