Heatherton (Vic.)

Detail

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by Districts since the Census Heatherton's population is estimated at around 2,821 as of May 2026. This reflects a decrease of 5 people (0.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,826 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,786, estimated by Districts following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 2 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 396 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 86.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

Detail

Heatherton has a well-educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation, and an unemployment rate of 8.5%, based on Districts aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 1,451 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 3.7% above Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation is on par with Greater Melbourne's 70.2%. Based on Census responses, a high 33.4% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Detail

The suburb of Heatherton shows a median taxpayer income of $56,686 and an average of $71,285 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by Districts for financial year 2023. This is above the national average, contrasting with Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $62,139 (median) and $78,143 (average) as of March 2026. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Heatherton cluster around the 68th percentile nationally. Income brackets indicate the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 32.4% of the community (914 individuals), mirroring regional levels where 32.8% occupy this bracket. The area demonstrates considerable affluence with earning over per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. High housing costs consume of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the th decile.

Detail

Dwelling structure within Heatherton, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 82.2% houses and 17.8% 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 Heatherton was in line with that of Melbourne metro, at 29.5%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (43.1%) or rented (27.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Melbourne metro average at $2,224, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $471, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390. Nationally, Heatherton's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Detail

Family households dominate at 77.7% of all households, comprising 43.4% couples with children, 21.0% couples without children, and 12.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 22.3%, with lone person households at 20.0% and group households comprising 2.5% of the total. The median household size of 2.8 people is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Detail

Educational qualifications in Heatherton trail regional benchmarks, with 36.3% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 46.0% in SA4 region. This gap highlights potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees lead at 23.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.2%) and graduate diplomas (3.4%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 29.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (11.8%) and certificates (17.4%).

Detail

Public transport analysis reveals 30 active transport stops operating within Heatherton comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 10 individual routes, collectively providing 1,151 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 292 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - car remains the dominant mode at 87%, with 7% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling, above the regional average. A high 33.4% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Detail

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Heatherton, based on Districts' assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions , and the rate of private health cover found to be very high at approximately 55% of the total population (~1,551 people).

Detail

Heatherton scores quite highly on cultural diversity, with 31.9% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 38.4% born overseas. The main religion in Heatherton was found to be Christianity, which makes up 47.4% of people in Heatherton. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Judaism, which comprises 3.7% of the population, compared to 1.0% across Greater Melbourne.

Detail

With a median age of 40, Heatherton is somewhat higher than the Greater Melbourne figure of 37 similarly marginally higher than Australia's 38 years. Compared to the Greater Melbourne average, the 45 - 54 cohort is notably over-represented (17.2% locally), while 25 - 34 year-olds are under-represented (8.5%). This 45 - 54 concentration is well above the national 12.0%. In the period since 2021, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 12.1% to 14.9% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 18.7% to 17.2% and the 25 to group dropped from to . Demographic modeling suggests Heatherton's age profile will evolve significantly by . The to age cohort is projected to see notable expansion, expanding by people () from to . Meanwhile, the to cohort grows by a modest ( people).

Detail

Heatherton currently has an estimated 112 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 88 children aged 0-2 and 58 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 19% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 4% by 2041 (to approximately 117 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 286. Birth rates in the area have averaged 9.9 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.