Federal Electorate · Area profile
Higgins
39 km²
High incomes and a strong professional workforce define Higgins, a prosperous area of Greater Melbourne. It is a highly educated community where over half of adults hold a bachelor degree or higher. This wealth is reflected in the typical family income, which is well above the national figure. The neighborhood is evolving rapidly, with a surge in high-earning professionals and a shift toward denser living, making it a sophisticated and well-connected hub.
Higgins's schools draw a community as advantaged as its high household incomes suggest.
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The community is slightly younger than the state average, with a typical resident aged 37. It is a place where children under 15 are much less common than in most areas, while those in de facto relationships have seen a significant increase since 2011.
Many residents were born overseas, with 32.5% born abroad, which is well above the national figure. English and Australian are the most common ancestries, followed by Irish and Chinese.
About a quarter of the population uses a language other than English at home, though this is lower than it was in 2011. Mandarin is the most common second language spoken.
A large number of people report having no religion, at 44.3%, which is well above the national figure. This reflects a significant 25 point increase since 2011.
This is an exceptionally qualified area, with 52.4% of adults holding a bachelor degree or higher—far above the national figure of 26.3%. Year 12 completion is also very high at 81.7%.
Household wealth is very high, with 35% of homes earning $3,000 or more a week. The typical weekly family income of $3,179 is well above the national figure.
Residents generally enjoy good health, with fewer people needing help with daily activities and lower rates of long-term health conditions than most other areas.
Volunteer rates are higher than most areas, although fewer people provide unpaid childcare or housework compared to the state average.
The area has a high proportion of people living alone, at 36.2%, which is far above the national figure. This is consistent with the smaller typical household size of 2.2 people.
Living arrangements are shifting toward apartments, with 45.1% of homes being flats and renting far more common than in the state average. Rent and mortgage payments are both well above the national figure.
Working from home is very common here, with 43.2% of the workforce doing so. This high rate of home-working is alongside a significant number of homes that have no motor vehicle.
The area is quite transient, with 47.1% of people moving house in the last five years. Recent overseas arrivals are also much more common here than in most other areas.
Employment is strong and concentrated in professional roles, with 40.2% of workers being professionals and 64.1% employed full-time.
Higgins is a walker's paradise, with almost every home within a 15-minute walk of public transport, parks, schools, and groceries.