suburb.guide

VIC · Casey Council

Harkaway, 3806

Est. population · Jun 2025

887

Growth (1 yr)

+0.9%

Growth (5 yr)

-1.6%

Median age

40

Median income

$2,805/wk

Employment rate

66.5%

Languages at home

9.1%non-English

Most common: Italian, Tamil, Mandarin

2021 Census · usual residence

Desirability score

42/100
Average

680th in VIC

Verified 70% confidence

How this score is calculated
  • National parks
  • Education hub
  • High desirability
What Harkaway is known for: National parks, Education hub, High desirability

Suburb profile

Harkaway is a quieter residential smaller community in Casey Council, more about homes and street life than a busy local strip. Working households and growing families are the backbone of local life, with family life visible on every street. Everyday cafés are limited locally, with the wider metro area covering the bigger food and entertainment trips.

Parks and open space are a real strength relative to many metro suburbs, easy for walks, sport and weekend downtime. Day-to-day life is more car-oriented here than in denser, more walkable pockets. Housing is expensive relative to much of the state.

Crime trends have improved of late compared with the previous period. Construction and infill projects are noticeably reshaping parts of the area.

Desirability lands around average here: softer schools and education weighing on the result versus similar metro suburbs, even with community and employment, plus growth momentum holding up better. Limited access to some essential local services also trimmed the result.

At a glance

Harkaway snapshot

A quick read of housing, growth, livability, and risk

Median house price

—

No data available

Median rent

$560/wk

Population (ERP)

887

+0.9% annual growth

Dwelling vacancy

6.9%

Census unoccupied dwellings

Livability profile

Desirability pillars vs the peer median (50th percentile)

How it compares

Relative standing using percentiles, ranks, and national deciles

Desirability

#147

among Metro Melbourne · Established

Safety

26th

percentile in state (higher = safer)

Pop. growth

66th

percentile in VIC

Advantage (IRSAD)

10/10

national SEIFA decile

School ICSEA

58th

percentile among schools with ICSEA

Population growth

Recent ERP change over 1 and 5 years

Housing mix

Dwelling types from the 2021 Census

Risks & flags

Quick scan — open a section below for full context

Living here

Desirability

Ranks & confidence
Desirability score
42.0/100 — Average
National rank
3410th in Australia
State rank
680th in VIC
Peer rank
#147 among Metro Melbourne · Established suburbs
Cohort rank
#357 among Metro Melbourne suburbs
Data confidence
70%

Data sources & freshness

  • Suburb Guide desirability index — Suburb Guide (derived) · current · Updated

Housing

All types (Sep 2025 (council median))
$560

Median weekly rent from Victorian government rent reports. Council median fallback may apply where suburb rent is unavailable.

Contributes to desirability score · Housing (15%) · Future Growth (7%)

Median price, rental yield and vacancy Recent price momentum

Data sources & freshness

Population

Estimated resident population

887(June 2025)

+0.9% annual · -1.6% over 5 years · 66th percentile in VIC

Growth figures & methodology
Annual growth
+0.9%
5-year growth
-1.6%
Change in 1 year
+8
Change in 5 years
-14
Growth rank in VIC
66th percentile

ABS Estimated Resident Population allocated to this suburb from SA2-level data. Not an official ABS suburb count.

Methodology

Figures are allocated from ABS Estimated Resident Population at Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2), using 2021 Census share within overlapping SA2 regions. Where Census data is unavailable, area overlap is used instead.

The dashed chart line is a simple growth-trend estimate to June 2030 (~950), extrapolated at +0.9% average annual growth since 2011. It is illustrative only — not an official ABS forecast.

2021 Census figures

2021 Census

Population
1,011
Median age
40
Median household income / week
$2,805
Dwelling vacancy
6.9%
Unoccupied private dwellings
22 of 317
Median monthly mortgage
$2,307
Employment rate
66.5%
Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
294 / 0 / 0

Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)

Employment, household income and age diversity (2021 Census)

Data sources & freshness

  • 2021 Census — General Community Profile — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Updated

    The 2026 Census runs in August 2026; suburb-level updates are expected from mid-2027.

  • Estimated Resident Population — Australian Bureau of Statistics · 2025 · Updated · SA2 ERP allocated to suburb boundaries

Community & culture

No 2021 Census cultural diversity data for this suburb yet.

Data sources & freshness

  • 2021 Census — General Community Profile — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Updated

    The 2026 Census runs in August 2026; suburb-level updates are expected from mid-2027.

Crime & safety

Reported offences decreased compared with the previous period.

Offence counts & rates
Total offences (2026)
27
Against the person
6
Against property
19
Rate per 1,000 residents
30.4
Person-crime prevalence
About 1 in 168 residents
State safety percentile
25.6th (lower crime is better)
Decrease (daily rate)
-22.9%

Most common offence types

  • B21 Criminal Damage3
  • B321 Residential Non-Aggravated Burglary4
  • B41 Motor Vehicle Theft3
  • B42 Steal From A Motor Vehicle4
  • B49 Other Theft4

Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)

Crime rate and year-on-year trend

Data sources & freshness

Family & Lifestyle

Schools & preschools

Schools within 2 km
1
Median school ICSEA
1,026
Median ICSEA percentile
58th
School list
  • Harkaway Primary SchoolPrimary · Government · ICSEA 1026 · 58th percentile · LBOTE 8% · 106 students · Top SEA quarter 13% · 1.5 km awayView on My School →

Contributes to desirability score · Education (15%)

School and preschool counts, median school ICSEA

Data sources & freshness

Amenities

3 nearby amenities within ~1.5 km

Local character & venue list

Local character

  • Limited walkable amenities nearby
Walkability proxy
0/100
Cafés per 1,000 residents
0
Food & drink per 1,000 residents
0
Parks per 1,000 residents
1.98
Other(3)
  • Bench
  • Walsdorf Creek Nature ReserveInformation
  • Walsdorf Creek Nature ReserveNature Reserve

    125I King Road

Names and addresses from OpenStreetMap. Unnamed venues show as their type (e.g. Cafe). Transport stops are summarised by type rather than listed individually.

Contributes to desirability score · Lifestyle (15%)

Food, shopping, recreation and sport (OpenStreetMap)

Data sources & freshness

  • Local amenity insights — Suburb Guide (derived) · current · Updated
  • OpenStreetMap amenities — OpenStreetMap contributors · current · Updated

Parks & reserves

4 parks and public open space in this suburb

  • Dalton ReservePark
  • Harkaway Road Linear ReserveNature reserve
  • Jessie Traill Nature ReserveNature reserve
  • Walsdorf Creek Nature ReserveNature reserve

Data sources & freshness

Green cover

Parks & woodland (OSM)
30
Parks (OSM)
2

OpenStreetMap parks and natural woodland features mapped within the suburb boundary.

Contributes to desirability score · Environment (10%)

Parks and green cover (OpenStreetMap)

Data sources & freshness

Health access

Nearest hospital
St John of God Langmore Centre (4.6 km)
Nearest hospital type
Hospital
Nearest hospital emergency
Emergency department

Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)

Hospitals and GP clinics

Data sources & freshness

NDIS participation

NDIS participants (31 March 2026)
20
Participants per 1,000 residents
22.5

Active NDIS participants allocated from NDIA Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2, ASGS 2016) counts to this suburb boundary. Not an official suburb-level NDIS figure · as at 31 March 2026.

For NDIS spend and service-demand exploration by SA2 or postcode, see the Care Sector Demand Map.

Data sources & freshness

Weather

Typical conditions by season for suburbs in the same ~44 km climate area. Rainfall totals are summed from monthly WorldClim layers; rainy-day counts are approximate.

Summer (Dec–Feb)

Usual max / min
24° / 13°
Rainfall
155 mm · ~19 rainy days

Autumn (Mar–May)

Usual max / min
20° / 11°
Rainfall
186 mm · ~23 rainy days

Winter (Jun–Aug)

Usual max / min
14° / 6°
Rainfall
203 mm · ~25 rainy days

Spring (Sep–Nov)

Usual max / min
18° / 9°
Rainfall
207 mm · ~26 rainy days

Contributes to desirability score · Lifestyle (15%)

Temperature and humidity comfort

Data sources & freshness

  • Seasonal climate normals — WorldClim 2.1 · Updated

Future & Planning

Planning & development

Development applications from PPARS statewide register (lodged 2020–2022). Free public PPARS MapServer — applications through ~2022 (service last updated Feb 2024).

41 planning-related records

2021· 19 proposals

  • September 2021

  • Development of Three Dams for Stock and Domestic Use
    2 FINKEL ROAD HARKAWAY 3806Withdrawn
  • Development of a Fire Access Track
    2 FINKEL ROAD HARKAWAY 3806Withdrawn
  • Development of a Shed for Stock Feed
    2 FINKEL ROAD HARKAWAY 3806Withdrawn
  • Development of a Habitable Outbuilding ancillary to an existing dwelling
    181 HARKAWAY ROAD HARKAWAY 3806Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Development of a Shed in the Green Wedge A Zone, Bushfire Management Overlay and Significant Landscape Overlay
    76-80 BAKER ROAD HARKAWAY 3806Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • July 2021

  • Development of a Dwelling, Carport, Shed, Pergola and Garage
    20-22 NOACK ROAD HARKAWAY 3806Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Development of Alterations and Additions to an existing Dwelling (Vergola)
    5-6 ST FORT COURT HARKAWAY 3806No permit required
  • Development of Sheds (Retrospective)
    16-18 NOACK ROAD HARKAWAY 3806NOD issued by a delegate

  • June 2021

  • Development of a Replacement Dwelling and Garage
    306-328 HARKAWAY ROAD HARKAWAY 3806Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Section 24A (Removal of Reserve Status & Vesting of Reserve to Council)
    1I HILDEN DRIVE HARKAWAY 3806Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • May 2021

  • Development of a Replacement Dwelling, an Outbuilding (Pool Shade) and associated Native Vegetation Removal
    88-92 BAKER ROAD HARKAWAY 3806Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • April 2021

  • Development of Alterations and Additions to an existing Dwelling, a Machinery Shed and Removal of Vegetation and associated works
    21-25 ROWALLAN AVENUE HARKAWAY 3806Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Earthworks Associated with the Development of a Dam and Native Vegetation Removal
    83-115 CHADWICK ROAD HARKAWAY 3806NOD issued by a delegate

  • March 2021

  • Change of Use of Existing Caretaker's House to Group Accommodation Use (Associated with the Existing Equestrian Facility)
    191 KING ROAD HARKAWAY 3806Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • VICSMART - Development of Alterations and Additions to the Existing Dwelling
    25-29 Baker RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Development of a Replacement Dwelling
    37-41 ROWALLAN AVENUE HARKAWAY 3806Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • February 2021

  • Removal of Native Vegetation (Two Trees)
    115-117 KING ROAD HARKAWAY 3806Lapsed
  • VICSMART - Removal of a Tree
    7-13 BAKER ROAD HARKAWAY 3806Withdrawn

  • January 2021

  • Development of a Shed
    14-24 Hyde Hill RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
2020· 21 proposals

  • December 2020

  • Earthworks and Development of Two Sheds and Stables and Outdoor Menage with Associated Works
    2 FINKEL ROAD HARKAWAY 3806Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Development of an Outbuilding
    5-6 St Fort CourtPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • October 2020

  • Use and Development of a Tennis Court
    37-41 ROWALLAN AVENUE HARKAWAY 3806Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • VICSMART - Development of a Barn and Shed
    37-41 Rowallan AvenuePermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Development of a Shed and Retaining Wall
    21-23 Peak DrivePermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • September 2020

  • Removal of Native Vegetation and Works associated with a Vehicle Crossover
    134-138 King RoadLapsed

  • July 2020

  • Two Lot Subdivision on Land Affected by a Bushfire Management Overlay, Land Subject to Inundation Overlay, Heritage Overlay, Significant Landscape Overlay and Environmental Significance Overlay
    2 FINKEL ROAD HARKAWAY 3806Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • VICSMART - Removal of One Tree
    2 Finkel RoadWithdrawn
  • Development of a Dwelling, Carport and Shed) to include:- development of a pool house
    20-22 Noack RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Development of a Horse Stable Building
    58 Rowallan AvenuePermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • VICSMART - Development of a Garage and Carport
    59-61 Baker RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • June 2020

  • Earthworks associated with a Dam and the Removal of Native Vegetation
    83-115 Chadwick RoadLapsed

  • May 2020

  • Development of an Outbuilding
    69-75 King RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Development of an Extension to an existing Shed
    191-207 Harkaway RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Use and Development of a Dwelling, Use of Land for Animal Husbandry and associated structures (Shed, Stable, Horse Arena) and Associated Earthworks
    30 King RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • April 2020

  • Construction of a building and the construction and carrying out of works associated with an accommodation (dwelling) use, pursuant to Clause 44.06-2 of the Casey Planning Scheme
    33-35 Peak DrivePermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Removal of a Tree affected by a Heritage Overlay
    15-19 Rowallan AvenuePermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • March 2020

  • Use and Development of a Dwelling and associated Buildings and works; and to vary covenant PS616811W (to relocate the building envelope)
    10-18 Halleur RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Development of a Shed
    306-328 Harkaway RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • February 2020

  • Development of a Shed Outside the Building Envelope
    300 Harkaway RoadNOD issued by a delegate
  • Development of Alterations and Additions to an existing Dwelling
    17-29 Halleur RoadNo permit required

Contributes to desirability score · Future Growth (7%)

Development and planning activity

Data sources & freshness

Hazards

Bushfire planning zone
No overlay at centroid

Bushfire overlay checked at suburb centroid via Victorian Bushfire Management Overlay mapping.

Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)

Bushfire hazard overlays

Data sources & freshness

  • Hazard planning overlays — State government hazard layers · current · Updated

Politics & representation

Federal electorate
Bruce
Member of Parliament
Julian HILL (Australian Labor Party)
Results from
2025 federal election
Electorate enrolment (2025)
127,622
Turnout (2025)
91.4%
Swing since 2022 (2025)
+9.3 pp toward Labor

Two-party preferred (2025)

Coalition 35.4%Labor 64.6%

Estimated suburb voting profile

Estimated from 8 nearby ordinary polling places (up to 5.0 km away).

Coalition 50.2%Labor 49.8%

14.8 percentage points more Coalition-leaning than the electorate

Estimated swing since 2022: +8.8 pp toward Labor

Nearest polling places

  • HarkawayLabor 42.7% · Coalition 57.3% TPP (2025)1.3 km away
  • Narre Warren NorthLabor 49.6% · Coalition 50.4% TPP (2025)3.8 km away
  • Narre Warren CentralLabor 64.5% · Coalition 35.5% TPP (2025)3.9 km away
  • Berwick NorthLabor 60.9% · Coalition 39.1% TPP (2025)4.1 km away
  • Berwick (Bruce)Labor 54.5% · Coalition 45.5% TPP (2025)4.3 km away

Federal electorate from AEC federal division boundaries (2025 redistribution). Division-level results are official AEC figures from the latest general election, with by-election updates where applicable. The estimated suburb profile blends up to eight nearest ordinary polling booths in the same electorate using inverse-distance weighting from the suburb centroid — an approximation, not official AEC data. Nearest polling places are shown for reference.

Data sources & freshness

Socio-economic

IRSAD decile (2021)
10/10
IRSD decile (2021)
10/10

ABS Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA), 2021 release — the latest available, derived from the 2021 Census. Deciles rank suburbs nationally from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest).

What do IRSAD and IRSD measure?

IRSAD — Index of Relative Socio-economic Advantage and Disadvantage. Combines indicators of advantage (e.g. high income, skilled occupations) and disadvantage. Higher decile = more advantaged relative to other Australian areas.

IRSD — Index of Relative Socio-economic Disadvantage. Focuses on disadvantage only (e.g. low income, unemployment, limited education). Higher decile = less disadvantage nationally.

A new SEIFA edition typically follows each census; the ABS has not announced a release date beyond 2021.

Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)

Socio-economic advantage (IRSAD decile)

Data sources & freshness

More in Casey Council

Other suburbs in the same local government area.

Comparable suburbs

Similar population and socio-economic profile in other parts of Victoria.