suburb.guide

VIC · Melton Council

Harkness, 3337

Est. population · Jun 2025

13,714

Growth (1 yr)

+0.4%

Growth (5 yr)

+5.6%

Median age

30

Median income

$1,752/wk

Employment rate

60.4%

Median house price · 4th Quarter 2025

$637,000

Languages at home

33.4%non-English

Most common: Punjabi, Hindi, Samoan

2021 Census · usual residence

Desirability score

55.3/100
Good

Top 29% of Victoria's suburbs

Verified 96% confidence

How this score is calculated
  • Green suburb
  • National parks
  • Excellent transport
  • High desirability
  • Education hub
What Harkness is known for: Green suburb, National parks, Excellent transport, High desirability, Education hub

Suburb profile

Harkness is a practical established suburb in Melton Council, well placed for families who want metro access without the inner-city squeeze. A younger crowd gives the area energy, with a strong presence of young families throughout. Many residents were born overseas or speak a language other than English at home.

Dining is thinner on the ground than in busier metro pockets, so many residents head to neighbouring suburbs for a night out. Outdoor life is easy here, with generous parks and room for kids, dogs and weekend strolls. Buses are a genuine asset, linking residents to work, study and nearby neighbourhoods.

Purchase and rent costs sit on the more affordable side of the local range. A trickle of new development is refreshing selected pockets without changing the overall feel.

Schools and education, plus growth momentum push the suburb to a good desirability read, even as community and employment look more ordinary among similar metro suburbs. Limited access to some essential local services also trimmed the result.

At a glance

Harkness snapshot

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

Median house price

$637k

+16% change

Median rent

—

No data available

Population (ERP)

13,714

+0.4% annual growth

Dwelling vacancy

3.9%

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

#116

among Metro Melbourne · Established

Safety

42nd

percentile in state (higher = safer)

Pop. growth

51st

percentile in VIC

Advantage (IRSAD)

3/10

national SEIFA decile

School ICSEA

46th

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
55.3/100 — Good
State standing
Top 29% of Victoria's suburbs
National rank
1519th in Australia
State rank
367th in VIC
Peer rank
#116 among Metro Melbourne · Established suburbs
Cohort rank
#253 among Metro Melbourne suburbs
Data confidence
96%

Data sources & freshness

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

Housing

Median house price (4th Quarter 2025)
$637,000
Median price change
+15.8%

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

13,714(June 2025)

+0.4% annual · +5.6% over 5 years · 51th percentile in VIC

Growth figures & methodology
Annual growth
+0.4%
5-year growth
+5.6%
Change in 1 year
+57
Change in 5 years
+723
Growth rank in VIC
51th 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 (~15,950), extrapolated at +3.1% average annual growth since 2011. It is illustrative only — not an official ABS forecast.

2021 Census figures

2021 Census

Population
12,463
Median age
30
Median household income / week
$1,752
Dwelling vacancy
3.9%
Unoccupied private dwellings
154 of 3,921
Median monthly mortgage
$1,700
Employment rate
60.4%
Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
3,546 / 162 / 64

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)
614
Against the person
170
Against property
255
Rate per 1,000 residents
44.8
Person-crime prevalence
About 1 in 73 residents
State safety percentile
42.4th (lower crime is better)
Decrease (daily rate)
-11.1%

Most common offence types

  • A231 Fv Common Assault37
  • B21 Criminal Damage70
  • B42 Steal From A Motor Vehicle52
  • C32 Drug Possession40
  • E21 Breach Family Violence Order71

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
999
Median ICSEA percentile
46th
School list
  • Arnolds Creek Primary SchoolPrimary · Government · ICSEA 999 · 46th percentile · LBOTE 50% · 724 students · Top SEA quarter 9% · 1.4 km awayView on My School →

Contributes to desirability score · Education (15%)

School and preschool counts, median school ICSEA

Data sources & freshness

Childcare

5 childcare services from OpenStreetMap

  • childcarechildcare
  • childcarechildcare
  • childcarechildcare
  • childcarechildcare
  • childcarechildcare

Contributes to desirability score · Education (15%)

Childcare centre count

Data sources & freshness

  • Childcare services — OpenStreetMap · current · Updated

Public transport

33 public transport stops in this suburb

  • Coburns Rd/Scarlet Oak Ave
  • Galilee Bvd/Centenary Ave
  • Nodosa Gr/Scarlet Oak Ave
  • Sugar Berry Rise/Scarlet Oak Ave
  • Woodland Rise/Roslyn Park Dr

Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)

Public transport stop coverage

Data sources & freshness

Amenities

32 nearby amenities within ~1.5 km

1 places of worship · 2 playgrounds

Local character & venue list

Local character

  • A car helps for daily errands
  • Great for outdoor family life — 22 parks mapped in suburb, 2 playgrounds nearby
  • Well connected by public transport — 33 public transport stops
Walkability proxy
30/100
Cafés per 1,000 residents
0
Food & drink per 1,000 residents
0
Parks per 1,000 residents
1.77
Community(4)
  • Childcare (3)
  • Arnolds Creek Primary SchoolSchool

    59 Claret Ash Boulevard

Sport & outdoors(10)
  • Park (7)
  • Playground (2)
  • Sports field
Transport(1)

1 bus stops

Other(5)
  • Information (5)
  • Melton Gilgai Woodlands Nature Conservation ReserveNature Reserve
  • Parking (8)
  • Assembly Hall of Jehovah's WitnessesPlace of worship

    624 Bulmans Road

  • Shelter (2)

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

2 parks and public open space in this suburb

  • Melton Gilgai Woodlands Nature Conservation ReserveNature reserve
  • Navan ParkPark

Data sources & freshness

Green cover

Parks & woodland (OSM)
26
Parks (OSM)
22

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

Places of worship

1 places of worship within ~1.5 km

  • Assembly Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses

    624 Bulmans Road

From OpenStreetMap within ~1.5 km of the suburb centre.

Data sources & freshness

Health access

Nearest hospital
Hospital (3.6 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)
707
Participants per 1,000 residents
51.6

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
26° / 12°
Rainfall
128 mm · ~16 rainy days

Autumn (Mar–May)

Usual max / min
21° / 10°
Rainfall
124 mm · ~16 rainy days

Winter (Jun–Aug)

Usual max / min
14° / 6°
Rainfall
149 mm · ~19 rainy days

Spring (Sep–Nov)

Usual max / min
19° / 8°
Rainfall
182 mm · ~23 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).

19 planning-related records

2021· 11 proposals

  • September 2021

  • Six lot subdivision
    40 LADY PENRHYN DRIVE HARKNESS 3337Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • August 2021

  • Three lot subdivision
    1 GRANHOLM GROVE HARKNESS 3337Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • May 2021

  • Three lot subdivision
    17 Scarborough CrescentPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Development of land for three dwellings on one lot
    17 FISHBURN GROVE HARKNESS 3337Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Three lot subdivision
    111 Caitlyn DrivePermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Development of a shed ancillary to an existing dwelling.
    700-714 Bulmans RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • April 2021

  • Two lot subdivision in accordance with an approved development
    21 Golden Wattle WayPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Use and development of land for a dwelling on a lot less than 300 square metres.
    19 Oakham DrivePermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Use and development of land for a dwelling on a lot less than 300 square metres.
    13 OAKHAM DRIVE HARKNESS 3337Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • March 2021

  • Development of land for two single storey dwellings on one lot.
    5 Rimfire CourtPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • January 2021

  • Development of the land for the purpose of Three single storey dwellin gs with associated car parking and landscaping.
    17 Scarborough CrescentPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
2020· 8 proposals

  • November 2020

  • Earthworks and associated removal of native vegetation.
    783-857 COBURNS ROAD HARKNESS 3337Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • October 2020

  • Development of Three Double Storey Dwellings.
    1 Granholm GrovePermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Buildings and works comprising an extension to the existing Community Centre and Kindergarten
    19 Claret Ash BoulevardPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • August 2020

  • Development of the land for the purpose of Two single storey dwellings with associated car parking and landscaping.
    18 Stephanie WayPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • July 2020

  • Amendment to multi-lot subdivision and development and creation of res erves
    559-583 COBURNS ROAD HARKNESS 3337Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • May 2020

  • Construction of two single-storey dwellings
    9 Satchville RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • February 2020

  • Construction of one single-storey dwelling on a lot less than 300m2 in area
    76 Willandra BoulevardPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • January 2020

  • Construction of one single storey dwelling on a lot less than 300 squa
    18 Lancers DrivePermit issued by a delegate of the RA

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
Hawke
Member of Parliament
Sam RAE (Australian Labor Party)
Results from
2025 federal election
Electorate enrolment (2025)
118,785
Turnout (2025)
91.1%
Swing since 2022 (2025)
0.0 pp

Two-party preferred (2025)

Coalition 42.4%Labor 57.6%

Estimated suburb voting profile

Estimated from 8 nearby ordinary polling places (up to 6.4 km away).

Coalition 37.1%Labor 62.9%

5.3 percentage points more Labor-leaning than the electorate

Estimated swing since 2022: -2.5 pp toward Coalition

Nearest polling places

  • HarknessLabor 63.7% · Coalition 36.3% TPP (2025)1.3 km away
  • WestlakeLabor 61.8% · Coalition 38.2% TPP (2025)2.4 km away
  • West MeltonLabor 61.1% · Coalition 38.9% TPP (2025)3.1 km away
  • KurunjangLabor 60.0% · Coalition 40.0% TPP (2025)4.0 km away
  • MeltonLabor 59.8% · Coalition 40.2% TPP (2025)4.5 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)
3/10
IRSD decile (2021)
2/10

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

Compare with

Similar suburbs to weigh up side by side — scores, safety, schools, and lifestyle.

More in Melton Council

Other suburbs in the same local government area.

Comparable suburbs

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