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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
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Ararat has an estimated 8,414 residents, down from 8,500 at the 2021 Census — a change of 86 people, or 1.0%. 215 new addresses have been validated here since Census night. Density is about 52 people per square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
Based on AreaSearch's evaluation of ABS population updates for the wider region alongside newly validated addresses since the Census, Ararat's current population is estimated to be approximately 8,414 as of May 2026. Compared to the 2021 Census population of 8,500 people, this represents a minor drop of 86 people (1.0%). This shift is calculated from a resident population of 8,399, derived from the latest June 2025 ABS ERP figures, combined with an additional 215 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level translates to a density ratio of 52 persons per square kilometer, indicating a spacious environment.
While Ararat recorded a 1.0% decline since the 2021 census, this outcome was more favorable than the SA3 area's contraction of -1.6%. Growth in the area was almost exclusively driven by overseas migration during recent periods. ABS and Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a 2022 baseline are applied to each SA2 area. Where these are unavailable, VIC State Government projections from 2023 are used, adjusted by weighting growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age brackets from these aggregations are also utilized for the years 2032 to 2041. Looking forward, the population is projected to grow at a pace slightly below the median for non-metropolitan Australia, with the local population expected to expand by 657 persons to 2041, representing a total increase of 7.6% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
219 new dwellings have been approved in Ararat over the past five years, an average of 43 a year. That is 5.2 approvals per 1,000 residents. Of the 45 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 84% were detached houses and the rest townhouses or apartments. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 36, broadly in line with that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Based on analysis of ABS building approvals, Ararat averages approximately 43 dwellings approved each year, with 219 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 33 in the current FY-26 period. Despite a shrinking population, building activity remains relatively strong, which is positive for prospective buyers, while new homes average an estimated construction cost of $479,000, suggesting a developer focus on high-end, premium properties. Furthermore, commercial approvals have reached $10.1 million this financial year, showing moderate commercial investment. Ararat exhibits relatively high construction levels compared to Rest of Vic.
(50.0% above the regional average per capita over the 5 year period), supporting buyer choices while sustaining property values. Recent developments consist of 84.0% detached houses and 16.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the region's low-density profile and appealing to buyers seeking extra space. The area averaging about 156 people per dwelling approval is typical of a low-density region. According to population projections, Ararat is set to add 642 residents by 2041 based on the most recent quarterly estimates. Current construction rates should comfortably meet this demand, offering advantageous conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth that outpaces these predictions.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Ararat
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 53 current infrastructure and development projects close to Ararat, worth an estimated $3.88 billion. 10 are already under construction and 21 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans communities, precincts & urban renewal, residential development and education & training. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local infrastructure projects, major works, and planning initiatives significantly shape regional trends. No projects have been identified by AreaSearch as having a likely impact on the area. Key regional upgrades include the Western Highway Upgrade - Ararat to Stawell, Western Highway Ballarat to Stawell Upgrade, Ararat to Maryborough Line Upgrades (Murray Basin Rail Project), and Melbourne To Adelaide Freight Rail Improvements, with details provided on those most relevant.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Correa Park Residential Development
Developed by the Pyrenees Shire Council, Correa Park aimed to create affordable residential housing lots to meet the needs of a growing population. The development proceeded in stages over seven years and was completed in 2021. Approximately 100 blocks of land were sold.
Beaufort Commuter Car Park Upgrade
A new car park at Beaufort Station, delivered through the Victorian Government's Car Parks for Commuters program. The project includes at least 40 new car parking spaces, two new accessible spaces, and 15 new bicycle hoops. It also features new lighting and CCTV for enhanced security and landscaping.
Beaufort Bypass
The Beaufort Bypass project, part of the Western Highway Upgrade, comprises 11 kilometres of dual carriageway bypassing Beaufort and connecting to duplicated sections of the Western Highway. It includes half-diamond interchanges, a full diamond interchange at Beaufort-Lexton Road, one road-over-rail bridge, overpass structures, culverts, small bridges, and watercourse realignments. The Environment Effects Statement (EES) process was concluded in November 2023.
Beaufort Lake Caravan Park Upgrade
Phase one of the Beaufort Lake Caravan Park upgrade has been completed, delivering seven new visitor cabins including an all-abilities access cabin (two bedrooms, toilet, kitchen and ramp access). The works form part of a broader $3.8 million masterplan and included associated civil upgrades to power, wastewater, plumbing, roads and drainage. The new cabins double the total cabins in the park to 14 and are intended to support both tourism and short-term worker accommodation.
Beaufort Linear Park Master Plan
The Beaufort Linear Park project aims to create a recreational corridor along the course of the Garibaldi Creek, extending from Beaufort Lake to Yam Holes Creek north of the railway line. The master plan, completed in May 2024, focuses on enhancing water quality and biodiversity, promoting community health and wellbeing, and improving the experience for visitors to Beaufort.
Maryborough Municipal Olympic Swimming Pool Upgrade
Renovation and rebuild of the heritage-listed Maryborough Municipal Olympic Pool Complex, the only heritage-listed outdoor Olympic-sized pool operating in regional Victoria. Stage One, completed in December 2024, delivered a full rebuild of the Octagonal Toddlers Pool, pavilion roof and carpentry repairs, and pump room restoration. Stage Two, currently in detailed design (due for completion by 30 October 2026) and fully funded, will replace the intermediate learn-to-swim pool with a new filtration system, balance tank, disability access ramp, a new standalone change room building, pavilion entry and kiosk upgrades, and site services works, with delivery expected across 2026 and 2027.Stage Three, also in detailed design, covers demolition and rebuild of the 50-metre pool, a new concourse, filtration system and connecting footpaths, but remains unfunded, with Council advocating to the Victorian Government for an additional 5 million AUD to proceed. The pool has been closed since 2022 after an independent assessment found the 50-metre pool at end-of-life due to structural cracking and subsidence.
Maryborough Central Activity District (MCAD)
The Maryborough Central Activity District (MCAD) involves significant public sector investment to revitalise key civic anchor sites in Central Maryborough. It aims to leverage these projects to drive public realm improvements, support affordable town-centre housing, and stimulate private sector investment in retail, tourism, hospitality, and services. The project includes re-imagining spaces like the Post Office, courthouse, and Town Hall as a civic square or open plaza, integrating urban infrastructure treatments to enhance walkability and connect key areas such as the Central Goldfields Art Gallery, High Street retail area, and the redeveloped Hospital precinct.The MCAD forms a central component of the Victorian Goldfields UNESCO World Heritage Bid.
Maryborough Town Hall Revitalisation
Revitalisation of the historic Maryborough Town Hall through a significant electrical upgrade to ensure community safety, support arts, civic activities, and align with modern standards as a regional centre. The main hall and lower hall are now open for community use.
3,510 residents of Ararat are employed, from a labour force of 3,605. Unemployment sits at 2.6%, with participation at 50.0%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 5.7% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Ararat features a diverse workforce across both white and blue-collar occupations, with strong representation in essential services and an unemployment rate of only 2.6%. As of March 2026, there are 3,510 employed residents, with the unemployment rate sitting 1.0% lower than the Regional Vic. average of 3.7%, though participation is considerably lower at 50.0% compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.1%. Only a small fraction of residents (7.3%) reported working from home during the Census, although COVID-19 restrictions likely influenced this figure. The principal sectors of employment for residents are healthcare & social assistance, manufacturing, and public administration & safety.
The region shows a high concentration of manufacturing employment, which is 1.9 times the regional average, while construction is underrepresented at 6.2% compared to the regional average of 10.4%. Although local positions are available, local resident counts relative to Census worker data suggest many individuals travel outside the area for employment. Labour force figures dropped by 3.6% and employment fell by 1.2% over the 12 months to March 2026, leading to a 2.4 percentage point decline in the unemployment rate. Over the same timeframe, Regional Vic. saw employment drop by 0.1%, labour force levels decrease by 0.3%, and the unemployment rate fall by 0.2 percentage points. National forecasts from May-25 by Jobs and Skills Australia provide further context on future employment trends in Ararat. Over a five and ten-year horizon, national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% and 13.7% respectively, with varying rates across sectors. Applying these industry projections to the local profile suggests employment in Ararat could grow by 5.7% over five years and 12.9% over ten years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Ararat is $1,216 a week (about $63,000 a year), with median personal income at $681 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $46,346 a year against an average of $54,693. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
Tax data for financial year 2023 indicates Ararat's income levels are below the national average. The median income for taxpayers is $46,346, while the average is $54,693, compared to Regional Vic. levels of $50,954 and $62,728. Adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, these estimates would rise to approximately $50,804 (median) and $59,954 (average) as of March 2026. Census data places household, family, and personal incomes between the 14th and 25th percentiles nationally. The $1,500 - 2,999 weekly income bracket contains 29.6% of residents (2,490 individuals), close to the wider region's average of 30.3%.
Although living costs are manageable with residents keeping 88.2% of their income, total disposable income sits at the 19th percentile nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Ararat had 3,225 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 90% detached houses and 0% apartments. 31% are owned with a mortgage, 27% rented and 42% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $250 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,083 a month. Rent absorbs 20.6% of household income here and mortgage repayments 20.6%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Census data reveals that houses represent 89.8% of dwellings in Ararat, while other formats (including semi-detached properties and apartments) account for 10.2%, compared to 90.1% and 9.9% in Regional Vic. The home ownership rate matches the regional benchmark at 42.2%, with 30.6% of properties mortgaged and 27.1% rented. The median monthly mortgage payment is $1,083 and the median weekly rent is $250, both below the Regional Vic. averages of $1,430 and $285. Locally, mortgage repayments are lower than the national average of $1,863, and rents are also well below the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Ararat counted 3,225 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.2 people each. 20% are couples with children, fewer than in 86% of areas nationally, against 29% couples without children. 34% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.9 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up 62.7% of all households, consisting of couples without children (29.1%), couples with children (20.2%), and single parent households (12.2%). Non-family households represent 37.3%, consisting of lone person households (34.1%) and group households (3.1%). The median household size of 2.2 people is below the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
14.3% of adults in Ararat hold a university qualification, including 9.6% with a bachelor degree and 2.5% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 25.3% hold a vocational qualification. 7 schools serve the area, with 1,393 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 974 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
The region shows lower rates of tertiary education, with university qualification levels at 14.3% compared to the VIC average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are held by 9.6% of residents, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 2.5% and graduate diplomas at 2.2%. Vocational training is prominent, with 35.2% of residents aged 15+ holding qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas (9.9%) and certificates (25.3%). A high proportion of the population is engaged in study, with 30.5% of residents enrolled in formal education. Primary school pupils make up 11.3% of the community, secondary students account for 9.3%, and tertiary students comprise 2.7%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Ararat reaches 64 stops on 12 routes, timetabled for about 280 services a week. The typical home sits about 210 m from its nearest stop. Households keep an average of 1.3 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
There are 64 active public transport stops in Ararat, primarily featuring train services. These are served by 12 distinct routes providing 275 weekly passenger trips. Access to transit is favorable, with residents living an average of 205 meters from a stop. Most residents commute out of the suburb, with cars remaining the primary transport method at 90%, and 7% of people walking. Average vehicle ownership is 1.3 per household, which is below the regional average. A low 7.3% of residents worked from home during the 2021 Census, which may reflect the pandemic conditions.
Average service frequency across all routes is 39 trips per day, which translates to roughly 4 weekly trips for each individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
58.6% of residents in Ararat report no long-term health condition, a less healthy profile than 85% of areas nationally. 8.5% need daily assistance with core activities, and 48.5% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 6.4 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Mortality data and chronic illness rates suggest notable health challenges in Ararat, with common health conditions appearing across all age groups. Private health insurance coverage is low, held by approximately 49% of residents (~4,083 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. Arthritis and mental health conditions are the most prevalent illnesses, affecting 11.1% and 10.9% of residents respectively. Conversely, 58.6% of the population reported no chronic conditions, compared to 63.4% across Regional Vic. Elevated rates of chronic conditions are evident among working-age residents. Seniors aged 65 and over make up 24.5% of the population (2,061 people), with health outcomes in this cohort tracking in line with national patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Ararat is largely Australian-born, at 87.1% of residents, with 7.2% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (32.1%) and English (31.5%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity measures are below average, with citizens making up 81.1% of the population, 87.1% born in Australia, and 92.8% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the primary religion at 44.3%. The most pronounced overrepresentation is in Judaism, which accounts for 0.1% of the population, matching the 0.1% rate across Regional Vic. The leading ancestries reported are Australian at 32.1%, English at 31.5%, and Scottish at 9.6%. Certain backgrounds are overrepresented relative to the wider region, including German at 4.6% (compared to 3.5% regionally), Samoan at 0.4% (compared to 0.1%), and Maori at 0.6% (compared to 0.2%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Ararat is 44, older than 80% of areas nationally. That is 1 year younger than at the 2021 Census. 24.6% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age of residents is 44 years, similar to the Regional Vic. average of 43 and higher than the national average of 38 years. Compared to Regional Vic., Ararat has a higher proportion of residents aged 25 - 34 (14.8%) but fewer children aged 5 - 14 (9.9%). The 35 to 44 age bracket increased from 11.1% to 13.3% of the population since the 2021 Census, while the 45 to 54 group decreased from 12.4% to 10.4%. Demographic shifts by 2041 are projected to see the 25 to 34 age bracket increase by 27% (341 people) to reach 1,587 from 1,245, while the 65 to 74 and 15 to 24 brackets are expected to decline.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Ararat
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 215 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (8,500 at the 2021 Census → 8,414 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL20053). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.