Ascot (Greater Bendigo - Vic.)

Ascot lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

As of February 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Ascot (Greater Bendigo - Vic.) is around 2,689. This reflects a growth of 118 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,571. The increase is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 2,528 in June 2024 and an additional 22 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 254 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Ascot has shown resilient growth with a compound annual growth rate of 4.0%, outpacing its SA3 area. Natural growth contributed approximately 44.0% to overall population gains recently, while other factors such as interstate and overseas migration were also positive.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 for areas not covered by the first data set. Future population trends predict exceptional growth, placing Ascot in the top 10 percent of regional areas nationally. By 2041, the suburb is expected to increase by 1,661 persons based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 65.8% over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Ascot when compared nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Ascot has experienced around 6 dwellings receiving development approval annually over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 30 homes between FY-21 and FY-25. So far in FY-26, 3 approvals have been recorded.

On average, each home built over these years accommodates approximately 12.6 new residents per year. Given this demand outpaces supply, it typically exerts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $315,000. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Ascot has significantly less development activity, being 69.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings.

However, construction activity has intensified recently, though it remains under the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. All new construction in Ascot has been comprised of detached houses, maintaining its traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The location has approximately 263 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Ascot is expected to grow by 1,770 residents through to 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Ascot has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

AreaSearch has identified six projects that could impact the area. Key projects include Victory Christian College Epsom Campus, Maiden Gully Road/Calder Highway Intersection Upgrade, Epsom Village Shopping Centre Redevelopment, and Maiden Gully Growth Area. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment performance in Ascot exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Ascot has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 2.9%. Over the past year, there was an estimated employment growth of 2.3%.

As of September 2025, 1,334 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.8% below Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation is high at 72.2%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 61.4%. According to Census responses, 13.6% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Ascot has a particular specialization in mining, with an employment share 5.4 times the regional level. However, agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 2.2%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 2.3%, while labour force increased by 2.9%, leading to a slight rise in unemployment. In contrast, Rest of Vic. experienced employment and labour force declines. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Ascot's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

The suburb of Ascot had a median taxpayer income of $55,054 and an average income of $67,473 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is roughly in line with national averages, while Rest of Vic.'s median income was $50,954 and average income was $62,728. By September 2025, based on an 8.25% growth since financial year 2023, estimated incomes would be approximately $59,596 (median) and $73,040 (average). Ascot's household, family, and personal incomes clustered around the 58th percentile nationally in the 2021 Census. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 dominated with 40.7% of residents (1,094 people), similar to regional levels where this cohort represented 30.3%. After housing costs, residents retained 88.2% of their income, indicating strong purchasing power, and the area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 4th decile.

Ascot is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Ascot's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 98.9% houses and 1.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Vic. had 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Ascot was 35.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 48.1% and rented ones at 16.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, higher than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,430. The median weekly rent in Ascot was $350, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Ascot's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,517 vs. Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were also lower at $350 vs. the national figure of $375.

Ascot features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 82.3% of all households, including 36.8% couples with children, 31.9% couples without children, and 13.1% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 17.7%, with lone person households at 15.8% and group households comprising 1.9%. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is larger than the Rest of Vic average of 2.4.

Educational achievement in Ascot places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

The area's university qualification rate is 22.0%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 15.1%, followed by graduate diplomas (4.0%) and postgraduate qualifications (2.9%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.1%) and certificates (28.1%). Educational participation is high, with 30.2% currently enrolled in formal education: 11.9% in primary, 7.6% in secondary, and 3.1% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.9% in primary education, 7.6% in secondary education, and 3.1% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

The analysis of public transport in Ascot shows that there are three active transport stops currently operating within the area. These stops are served by two individual routes combined, which provide a total of 253 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to these transport services is rated as moderate, with residents typically located an average distance of 592 meters from their nearest transport stop. Ascot is primarily residential and most residents commute outward for work or other purposes. The car remains the dominant mode of transportation in the area, used by 97% of residents. On average, there are 1.9 vehicles owned per dwelling in Ascot, which is higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, some 13.6% of residents work from home, a figure that may have been influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 36 trips per day across all routes combined, equating to approximately 84 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Ascot is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Ascot faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 54% of the total population (~1,438 people), leading that of the average SA2 area. This compares to 50.5% across Rest of Vic.. The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 9.2% and 9.1% of residents respectively. 66.4% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.4% across Rest of Vic.. Working-age residents show an above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 14.5% of residents aged 65 and over (389 people), lower than the 23.9% in Rest of Vic.. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Ascot is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Ascot's population showed low cultural diversity, with 91.7% being citizens, 90.6% born in Australia, and 92.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 46.7%. Judaism was slightly overrepresented at 0.2%, compared to 0.1% regionally.

The top three ancestry groups were English (32.3%), Australian (31.2%), and Irish (9.8%). Notably, Welsh (0.6%) and Dutch (1.3%) were overrepresented in Ascot compared to regional averages of 0.4% and 1.7%, respectively.

Ascot's population is younger than the national pattern

Ascot has a median age of 34, which is lower than the Rest of Vic's figure of 43 and Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of Vic average, Ascot's 25-34 cohort is notably over-represented at 16.5%, while the 75-84 year-olds are under-represented at 4.4%. Between 2021 and present, younger residents have shifted the median age down by 1 year to 34 years. Specifically, the 25-34 age group has grown from 14.1% to 16.5%, while the 35-44 cohort increased from 14.4% to 16.4%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 10.2% to 8.1%, and the 55-64 group dropped from 11.6% to 10.2%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Ascot, with the 25-34 age group projected to grow by 93% (413 people), reaching 857 from 443.