Princes Hill

VIC 3054 • Greater Melbourne

2,005
Population (2021)
$60,112
Median Income
0.43 km²
Area
$462/wk
Median Rent
LeafyInner-CityFamily-FriendlyEstablishedAffluent

About Princes Hill

Princes Hill is a compact, leafy inner-Melbourne suburb located approximately 4 kilometres north of Melbourne CBD, within the City of Yarra. Covering just 0.43 square kilometres, it is one of Melbourne's smallest suburbs, bounded by Carlton North, Fitzroy North, and the expansive Royal Park. The 2021 Census recorded a population of 2,005, with a median age of 39 and median household income of $2,218 per week — well above the national average — reflecting the suburb's appeal to established professionals and longstanding residents.

Residents enjoy exceptional proximity to Melbourne's inner north lifestyle offerings, including the cafés and restaurants of Lygon Street in nearby Carlton, and the vast open green spaces of Royal Park and the Melbourne Zoo. Tram services on Royal Parade provide quick access to the CBD, while Princes Hill Secondary College is a well-regarded local state school serving the community. The suburb has a diverse, multicultural character with a notable Italian heritage presence, and its quiet, tree-lined streets attract a mix of professionals, academics, and long-term families who value its village-like atmosphere within easy reach of the city.

Princes Hill falls under postcode 3054 and is governed by Yarra Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Brunswick (Northern Metropolitan) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Postcode
3054
Urban Area
Yarra
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-37.78°, 144.97°
Statistical Area
Greater Melbourne
Area
0.43 km²
Elevation
44m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Royal Park Station
0.5 km
6 min

Bus Services

  • Route 504, 506 — Melbourne CBD (city loop) 15-20 min

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
4 km
By Train
10 min from Royal Park Station via Upfield Line to Melbourne Central
By Car (Peak)
15-25 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
10-15 min

🛣️ Trams on Royal Parade (route 19) and good bus connections; very well serviced for inner Melbourne

Walkability Very Walkable

Most daily errands can be done on foot with shops, parks, and schools within walking distance

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$462
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$3,000
Avg Household Size
2.2 people
Median Age
39 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
8.1%

64 state housing + 5 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
2,126
Census 2021
2,005
5.7% decline

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$46,228
Income 2021
$60,112
30.0% increase

Income Comparison

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,468
Born Overseas 436

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 66
  • 2. New Zealand 39
  • 3. Italy 31
  • 4. United States 22
  • 5. Scotland 19
  • 6. Germany 18
  • 7. Greece 17
  • 8. Malaysia 14
  • 9. Vietnam 11
  • 10. China 10

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 680
Australian 497
Irish 375
Italian 269
Scottish 266
German 94
Greek 64
Chinese 62
Dutch 44
Indian 35

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

958
Both parents born in Australia
618
Both parents born overseas
326
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
57.1%
Christianity
29.5%
Islam
2.9%
Buddhism
1.7%
Judaism
0.9%
Hinduism
0.5%
Sikhism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
80 (4.0%)
5-14 years
175 (8.7%)
15-19 years
87 (4.3%)
20-24 years
181 (9.0%)
25-34 years
390 (19.5%)
35-44 years
254 (12.7%)
45-54 years
222 (11.1%)
55-64 years
219 (10.9%)
65-74 years
225 (11.2%)
75-84 years
129 (6.4%)
85+ years
48 (2.4%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Princes Hill known for? +

Princes Hill is known for its quiet, leafy streets, proximity to Royal Park and the Melbourne Zoo, and its location just minutes from Melbourne's CBD. Princes Hill Secondary College is one of the suburb's most recognised institutions, and the area has a strong community identity despite its small size.

How far is Princes Hill from Melbourne CBD? +

Princes Hill is approximately 4 kilometres north of Melbourne CBD, a drive of around 10–25 minutes depending on traffic, or about 10 minutes by train from Royal Park Station.

Does Princes Hill have public transport? +

Princes Hill is well-served by public transport. Royal Park Station on the Upfield Line is within walking distance, and tram route 19 runs along Royal Parade providing direct access to the CBD. Several bus routes also serve the suburb.

What is the population of Princes Hill? +

According to the 2021 Census, Princes Hill has a population of 2,005 — slightly down from 2,126 in 2016. As one of Melbourne's smallest suburbs at 0.43 square kilometres, it is relatively densely populated for its compact footprint.

Is Princes Hill a good place to live? +

Princes Hill is an excellent choice for those seeking inner-city living with a neighbourhood feel. Its proximity to Royal Park, good schools, easy CBD access, and the cultural offerings of nearby Carlton and Fitzroy make it particularly popular with professionals and families.

What is the postcode for Princes Hill? +

The postcode for Princes Hill, Victoria is 3054.