Barwon Heads

Barwon Heads lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validations, as of Nov 2025, Barwon Heads statistical area's population is estimated at around 4,732. This reflects an increase of 379 people (8.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,353. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of resident population as 4,135 following examination of ABS ERP data release in June 2024, and an additional 21 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 694 persons per square kilometer. Barwon Heads' growth exceeded non-metro area's 7.9%, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 77.0% of overall gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with base year 2022. For areas not covered, it utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future trends predict exceptional growth, placing Barwon Heads in the top 10 percent of non-metropolitan areas nationally. By 2041, the area is expected to expand by 4,032 persons based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 100.8% over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Barwon Heads averaged around 14 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 74 homes. As of FY-26, 11 approvals have been recorded. Historically, each new dwelling constructed has resulted in approximately 21.9 new residents per year on average between FY-21 and FY-25. This indicates supply is lagging demand, potentially leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures.

The average construction value of new dwellings is $493,000, suggesting developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments. Commercial approvals in FY-26 totalled $187,000, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Rest of Vic., Barwon Heads has significantly less development activity, 81.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Nationally, this activity is also below average, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints.

New building activity comprises 94.0% standalone homes and 6.0% attached dwellings, preserving Barwon Heads' low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers with an average of around 330 people per approval. Looking ahead, AreaSearch estimates Barwon Heads will grow by 4,770 residents through to 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

Barwon Heads has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

AreaSearch has identified six projects that could impact the area, with key ones being 5-7 Bridge Road Mixed Use Development Site, Barwon Heads Village Park Master Plan, IGA Barwon Heads Redevelopment, At The Heads Restaurant Refurbishment and Barwon Heads Caravan Park Cabins.

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

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AreaSearch analysis places Barwon Heads well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Barwon Heads has a highly educated workforce with professional services well represented. The unemployment rate was 1.8% as of September 2025, showing relative employment stability over the past year.

This rate is 1.9% lower than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%, with workforce participation broadly similar at 57.4%. Leading industries for residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. The area has a strong specialization in professional & technical services, with an employment share of 2.1 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 1.9% compared to the regional average of 7.5%.

Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 0.2%, labour force by 0.7%, resulting in unemployment rising by 0.5 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Vic., where employment contracted by 0.7% and the labour force fell by 0.6%. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest employment should increase locally by 7.0% over five years and 14.3% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to Barwon Heads' employment mix.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that income in Barwon Heads is above average nationally. The median income is $60,054 and the average is $78,947. In contrast, Rest of Vic.'s figures are a median income of $50,954 and an average of $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Barwon Heads would be approximately $65,008 (median) and $85,460 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Barwon Heads rank highly nationally, between the 79th and 81st percentiles. Income distribution shows that 28.2% of residents fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range, with 37.1% earning over $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retain 88.8% of their income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Barwon Heads is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Barwon Heads' housing structure, as per the latest Census, was 90.9% houses and 9.0% other dwellings. Non-Metro Vic., in comparison, had 93.0% houses and 7.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Barwon Heads stood at 48.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 34.8% and rented ones at 16.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,184, higher than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,950. Median weekly rent in Barwon Heads was $450, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $402. Nationally, Barwon Heads' mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,184 than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Barwon Heads has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households make up 74.6% of all households, including 33.2% couples with children, 32.2% couples without children, and 8.2% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 25.4%, with lone person households at 24.1% and group households comprising 1.5%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which matches the average for the Rest of Vic.

Barwon Heads demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Educational attainment in Barwon Heads is notably high, with 44.2% of residents aged 15 years and over holding university qualifications. This compares to 21.7% in the rest of Victoria and 28.6% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 30.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.8%) and graduate diplomas (5.0%). Vocational credentials are also common, with 30.0% of residents aged 15 years and over holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 13.7% and certificates at 16.3%. Educational participation is high, with 33.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 13.9% in primary education, 10.2% in secondary education, and 4.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Barwon Heads has 25 active public transport stops, operating between January 1990 and December 2020. These stops are served by a mix of buses on four individual routes, providing a total of 214 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents located an average of 216 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 30 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately eight weekly trips per stop.

The level of general health in Barwon Heads is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Barwon Heads shows superior health outcomes for both young and elderly populations, with low prevalence rates for common conditions.

Approximately 58% (~2,743 individuals) have private health insurance. The most prevalent medical issues are arthritis (9.5%) and asthma (7.2%), while 71.6% report no medical ailments compared to the Rest of Vic's 66.8%. The area has 23.5% residents aged 65 and over (1,112 individuals). Health outcomes among seniors are notably strong, outperforming general population metrics.

The latest Census data sees Barwon Heads placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Barwon Heads, as per the census conducted on 27 June 2016, showed a low level of cultural diversity. The population was predominantly Australian citizens at 91.2%, with 89.8% born in Australia and 98.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 41.4% of the population.

While Judaism's representation was not significantly different from the regional average (0.1%), there were notable variations in ancestry groups. The top three represented groups were English at 32.3%, Australian at 28.9%, and Irish at 12.5%. Scottish ancestry was overrepresented at 11.6% compared to the regional average of 9.7%. Dutch ancestry stood at 1.7%, slightly lower than the regional average of 1.8%, while Welsh ancestry was similar to the regional average at 0.6%.

Barwon Heads hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Barwon Heads has a median age of 45 years, which is slightly higher than Rest of Vic.'s 43 and considerably older than the national average of 38. The 5-14 cohort is notably over-represented in Barwon Heads at 15.6%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 7.9%. Between 2021 and present, the 25-34 age group has grown from 5.5% to 7.9%, and the 35-44 cohort has increased from 12.2% to 13.5%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort has declined from 13.9% to 12.4%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Barwon Heads' age profile, with the 45-54 age cohort projected to surge dramatically, expanding by 917 people (130%) from 705 to 1623.