Herne Hill (Vic.)

Detail

According to investigations of ABS demographic releases for the wider region, alongside newly confirmed locations by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Herne Hill (Vic.) has a population of approximately 3,471 in May 2026. This represents a decline of 36 people (1.0%) from the 2021 Census, when 3,507 people were recorded. This variation is calculated from a local population of 3,471, determined by Districts through analyzing the ABS June 2025 ERP release, with an extra 21 validated new addresses registered since the Census. Such occupancy levels represent a density of 2,314 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the typical figure for locations nationwide analyzed by Districts. Inward migration from overseas was the primary demographic driver, accounting for roughly 52.0% of recent population increases.

Detail

Herne Hill benefits from a highly educated labor pool, strong representation in essential service sectors, and an unemployment rate of just 3.5%, according to Districts aggregations of regional statistical data. In March 2026, 2,004 residents were employed, while the local jobless rate sat 0.2% below the Regional Vic. average of 3.7%, and labor force participation was exceptionally high, reaching 72.0% compared to 61.1% in Regional Vic. Census data indicated that a moderate 21.6% of the workforce operated from home, though this may have been influenced by COVID-19 lockdowns.

Detail

The suburb of Herne Hill has a median taxpayer income of $54,129 and an average of $68,791, based on postcode-level ATO data from financial year 2023 compiled by Districts. This slightly exceeds the national average, contrasting with a median of $50,954 and an average of $62,728 for Regional Vic. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, updated estimates point to approximately $59,336 (median) and $75,409 (average) as of March 2026. The 2021 Census reveals individual earnings place at the 62nd percentile ($870 weekly), while household earnings rank at the 30th percentile. The dominant household bracket is $1,500 - 2,999, containing 29.3% of the community (1,017 people), which closely matches the regional figure of . Financial pressure from housing is high, with residents retaining only of their income, placing in the th percentile, while the local SEIFA index puts the area in the th decile.

Detail

Residential architecture in Herne Hill at the time of the latest Census consisted of 71.4% standalone houses and 28.6% alternative housing types (such as semi-detached properties, apartments, and other dwellings), compared to Regional Vic. where houses made up 90.1% and alternative dwellings 9.9%. Home ownership rates in Herne Hill lagged behind Regional Vic. at 27.5%, with the remaining properties being purchased with a mortgage (33.4%) or occupied by tenants (39.2%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,733 was significantly higher than the Regional Vic. average of $1,430, whereas median weekly rents were $270, compared to $285 regionally. On a national level, mortgage repayments in Herne Hill are below the Australian median of $1,863, and rental costs are considerably lower than the national figure of $375.

Detail

Families make up the majority of households at 55.8%, which consists of 22.7% couples with children, 22.5% couples without children, and 10.4% single parents. Non-family households represent the remaining 44.2%, with single-person households making up 40.1% and group houses accounting for 3.6%. The typical household size of 2.1 people is lower than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.

Detail

Educational attainment in this locality is distinct within the region, with university graduation rates representing 29.3% of residents aged 15 and over, compared to the Rest of Vic. average of 21.7%, showing a strong local focus on tertiary education. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 20.0%, followed by postgraduate degrees (6.0%) and graduate diplomas (3.3%). Vocational qualifications are also common, with 36.9% of residents aged 15 and over holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (11.2%) and certificates (25.7%).

Detail

Analysis of the public transport network shows 17 active transport stops in Herne Hill. These stops are served by 2 separate routes, which combine to offer 363 weekly passenger journeys. Accessibility is rated as high, with residents living an average of 201 meters from their nearest transit stop. Because the suburb is mostly residential, the majority of workers travel outside the area to work, with cars being the primary mode of travel for 91% of commuters. Average vehicle ownership is 1.1 per household, which is below the regional average. Census data from 2021 indicates 21.6% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 dynamics.

Detail

Herne Hill faces notable medical difficulties, according to Districts evaluations of mortality statistics and chronic disease trends, with typical illnesses recurring among both younger and older residents, while private health insurance coverage is relatively high at approximately 54% of the population (~1,875 people). This compares to 50.5% throughout Regional Vic.

Detail

Cultural diversity in Herne Hill is below the national average, with 86.7% of residents born in Australia, 91.1% holding citizenship, and 92.2% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 48.2% of residents. The most noticeable disproportionate representation is in Judaism, which accounts for 0.1% of the population, matching the 0.1% proportion seen across Regional Vic.

Detail

With a median age of 35 years, Herne Hill is much younger than the Regional Vic. average of 43 and also sits below the national median of 38. The 25 - 34 age bracket is highly represented locally at 19.5% compared to the regional average, while seniors aged 65 - 74 are underrepresented at 8.4%. Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age bracket has risen from 14.5% to 16.5% of the population, whereas the 55 to 64 bracket has fallen from 11.2% to 10.1%. Demographic projections suggest the age distribution in Herne Hill will change significantly by 2041. The 25 to 34 bracket is set for the largest growth at , adding residents to reach a total of . By contrast, the to age bracket is projected to contract by residents.

Detail

Herne Hill currently has an estimated 249 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 154 children aged 0-2 and 102 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 8% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 34% by 2041 (to approximately 334 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 314. Recent growth has been driven by high birth rates observed in the area, with approximately 13.0 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the top 20% of areas assessed nationally.