Heywood (Vic.)

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According to assessments of ABS demographic updates for the broader region and recent address validations conducted by Districts since the Census, the resident population of the suburb of Heywood is calculated to be approximately 1,773 in May 2026. This represents a contraction of 42 residents (2.3%) from the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 1,815 individuals. This shift is deduced from a resident population of 1,771, determined by Districts following an analysis of the ABS June 2025 release of estimated resident population figures alongside an extra 14 validated new addresses since the Census date. The current population translates to a density of 7.0 persons per square kilometer, indicating a low-density living environment. Throughout the past decade, the suburb of Heywood has shown steady development patterns with a 0.2% compound annual growth rate, exceeding the SA3 average. Population gains in the area were mostly fueled by net overseas migration, which served as the sole contributor to growth during recent periods.

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Heywood possesses a balanced workforce distributed across white-collar and blue-collar roles with representation from multiple sectors, featuring a low unemployment rate of 2.1% based on Districts aggregates of statistical area data. In March 2026790 residents are employed, and the unemployment rate is 1.6% lower than the Regional Vic. average of 3.7%, whereas the participation rate of 55.4% is significantly lower than the Regional Vic. level of 61.1%. According to Census records, a moderate 14.1% of working residents performed their jobs from home, although this may have been influenced by COVID-19 restrictions.

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Taxpayer income levels in the suburb of Heywood are below the national average according to financial year 2023 ATO data compiled by Districts. The median income of taxpayers in the suburb is $44,525, and the average income is $55,622, compared to $50,954 and $62,728 respectively for Regional Vic.. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates for March 2026 are approximately $48,808 for median income and $60,973 for average income. Census figures from 2021 place household, family, and personal incomes in Heywood between the 6th and 14th percentiles nationwide. The largest income group comprises 28.6% of local taxpayers (507 people) who earn between $400 - 799, contrasting with the metropolitan area where of taxpayers fall into the - category. Although housing expenses are low with residents keeping of their income, total disposable income sits in the th percentile nationally.

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The housing stock in Heywood at the time of the latest Census consisted of 95.0% separate houses and 5.0% other dwelling types, including semi-detached houses, apartments, and alternative structures, compared to Regional Vic.'s breakdown of 90.1% separate houses and 9.9% other dwellings. The rate of home ownership in Heywood was high at 46.1%, with the remaining properties being purchased under a mortgage (33.9%) or rented (20.0%). The median monthly mortgage payment was $1,025, which is lower than the Regional Vic. average of $1,430, while the median weekly rent was $180, compared to the regional figure of $285. Nationally, Heywood's mortgage costs are lower than the Australian median of $1,863, and rents are below the national average of $375.

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Family households constitute 61.6% of the local dwelling occupancy, consisting of couples with children at 19.5%, couples without children at 28.5%, and single parent families at 11.4%. The remaining 38.4% are non-family households, which are composed of lone person households at 35.3% and group households at 2.0%. The median household size of 2.2 persons is slightly smaller than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.

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Educational attainment levels in the area show a lower prevalence of tertiary qualifications, with the university qualification rate at 8.6% compared to the VIC average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are held by 6.0% of residents, followed by graduate diplomas at 1.8% and postgraduate qualifications at 0.8%. In contrast, vocational and technical credentials are common, with 43.4% of residents aged 15+ holding qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas (8.6%) and certificates (34.8%).

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Public transport connectivity in the suburb of Heywood includes 2 active passenger stops. These stops are served by 2 distinct routes, which combine to offer 25 weekly passenger services. Accessibility is limited, with the average distance to the nearest stop being 720 meters. As a commuter suburb, most working residents travel out of the area, with private vehicles being the primary mode of travel for 92% of workers, while 5% walk. Household vehicle ownership averages 1.6 cars per dwelling, and 14.1% of residents work from home based on 2021 Census data, which may reflect pandemic-related conditions.

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Health indicators demonstrate notable challenges in Heywood, based on Districts assessments of mortality patterns and chronic condition rates across both younger and older cohorts, alongside a low rate of private health insurance coverage at approximately 49% of the population (~866 people) compared to a national average of 55.7%.

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Heywood displays lower levels of cultural diversity, with citizens making up 86.4% of the population, 91.8% of residents born in Australia, and 98.0% of households speaking only English. Christianity is the primary religion, representing 46.1% of residents, compared to 47.3% across Regional Vic..

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The median age of 48 years in the suburb of Heywood is older than the Regional Vic. median of 43 and the national median of 38. The age structure is characterized by a high proportion of 65 - 74 year-olds (16.3%) and a relatively small 45 - 54 year-old cohort (9.1%) compared to Regional Vic.. This concentration of 65 - 74 year-olds is higher than the national level of 9.4%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 35 to 44 age cohort has increased from 10.6% to 11.8%, while the 45 to 54 group decreased from 11.0% to 9.1% and the 55 to group declined from to . Projections suggest that by the age profile will change, with the + cohort expected to grow by people () from to while the to and to cohorts are expected to decrease.

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Heywood currently has an estimated 104 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 51 children aged 0-2 and 34 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 3% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 12% by 2041 (to approximately 116 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 143. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 8.8 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area within the middle tier nationally.