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

Ascot's population is estimated at around 2,689 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 118 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,571 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 2,528 following examination of ABS data released in June 2024 and validation of additional 22 new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 254 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Ascot has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 3.5%, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth was primarily driven by natural growth contributing approximately 44.0% during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year, and VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 for areas not covered by this data. Exceptional growth is predicted over the period to 2041, with the suburb expected to increase by 1,302 persons based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 42.4% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Ascot has received approximately 5 dwelling approvals annually over the past 5 financial years ending FY-25. This totals an estimated 29 homes. In FY-26 so far, 3 approvals have been recorded.

On average, each home built between FY-21 and FY-25 accommodates around 13.4 new residents per year. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $315,000. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Ascot has significantly less development activity, 68.0% below the regional average per person. This limited 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 constructions in Ascot have been detached houses, maintaining its low density character with a focus on family homes. 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 1,141 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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified six projects likely to affect the area. Notable ones are 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 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 was 3.0% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.2%. As of December 2025, 1,337 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.7% lower than Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%.

Workforce participation was higher at 72.0%, compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.5%. According to Census responses, 13.6% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Leading employment industries included health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area had a significant employment specialization in mining, with an employment share 5.4 times the regional level.

However, agriculture, forestry & fishing had limited presence at 2.2% compared to the regional average of 7.5%. Employment opportunities appeared limited locally, as indicated by the working population vs resident population count. Over the year to December 2025, employment increased by 1.2%, labour force by 1.7%, and unemployment rose by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Vic. experienced employment decline of 0.6% and labour force decline of 0.7%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Ascot. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Ascot's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.5% over ten years.

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

The suburb of Ascot shows a median taxpayer income of $55,054 and an average income of $67,473 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is approximately average nationally, contrasting with Regional Vic.'s median income of $50,954 and average income of $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $59,596 (median) and $73,040 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Ascot cluster around the 58th percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 40.7% of residents (1,094 people), aligning with regional levels where this cohort likewise represents 30.3%. After housing costs, residents retain 88.2% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places 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, was 98.9% houses and 1.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Ascot stood at 35.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 48.1% and rented ones at 16.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, higher than Regional Vic.'s average of $1,430. Median weekly rent in Ascot was $350, compared to Regional Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Ascot's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,517 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were also lower at $350 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 17.7%, with lone person households at 15.8% and group households at 1.9%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Regional 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 held by 39.2% of residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 11.1% and certificates at 28.1%. Educational participation is 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

Transport analysis indicates three active stops operating within Ascot. These stops are served by two routes, collectively facilitating 253 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is assessed as moderate, with residents typically situated 592 meters from the nearest stop. Primarily residential, most residents commute outward; car remains the dominant mode at 97%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.9 per dwelling, exceeding the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 13.6% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 36 trips daily across all routes, 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. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover is more prevalent than average at approximately 54% of the total population (~1,438 people), compared to 50.5% in Regional Vic.. Mental health issues impact 9.2% of residents, while asthma affects 9.1%. Conversely, 66.4% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.4% across Regional Vic.. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 15.0% of residents aged 65 and over (403 people), lower than the 23.9% in Regional 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 cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 91.7% of its population being citizens born in Australia who speak English only at home (as of 2016). Christianity was the predominant religion in Ascot, comprising 46.7% of its population. However, Judaism was overrepresented compared to Regional Vic., making up 0.2% of Ascot's population versus 0.1%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (32.3%), Australian (31.2%), and Irish (9.8%). Notably, Welsh (0.6%) was overrepresented compared to Regional Vic.'s 0.4%, while Dutch (1.3%) showed a slight underrepresentation from its regional figure of 1.7%. German ancestry remained consistent with Regional Vic., at 3.5%.

Ascot's population is younger than the national pattern

Ascot's median age is 34, which is lower than Regional Vic.'s figure of 43 and Australia's figure of 38. Compared to the Regional Vic. average, Ascot has a notably higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (16.5%) and a lower percentage of those aged 65-74 (9%). Between 2021 and present, the median age decreased by 1 year to 34 due to an increase in younger residents. The 25-34 age group grew from 14.1% to 16.5%, while the 35-44 cohort increased from 14.4% to 16.5%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 10.2% to 8.2% and the 55-64 group dropped from 11.6% to 10.1%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Ascot, with the 25-34 age group expected to grow by 68%, reaching 745 people from its current total of 443.