Beechworth

Population growth drivers in Beechworth are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

The estimated population of Beechworth as of May 2026 is around 4,222 people. This figure reflects a decrease since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,274 people. The current population estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025, as well as an additional 53 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 26 persons per square kilometer. The primary driver of population growth in Beechworth has been overseas migration.

AreaSearch uses 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 released in 2023 for areas not covered by the first data set. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas from 2032 to 2041. Based on these projections, Beechworth is expected to have an above median population growth by 2041, with a projected increase of 848 persons, reflecting a total increase of 20.0% over the 16-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Beechworth according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Beechworth recorded approximately 20 residential properties granted approval each year based on AreaSearch analysis. Around 104 homes were approved over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, with an additional 10 approved in FY-26. On average, 0.2 new residents arrived per new home built annually between FY-21 and FY-25.

This indicates that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more options for buyers and enabling population growth. The average value of new homes constructed over this period was $590,000, suggesting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY-26, commercial approvals totaled $5.0 million, reflecting the area's residential character.

Compared to the rest of Victoria, Beechworth has about three-quarters the building activity per person and ranks in the 56th percentile nationally among areas assessed. Recent development has consisted entirely of detached houses, preserving the area's low-density nature while attracting space-seeking buyers. There are approximately 276 people per dwelling approval in the location. By 2041, Beechworth is projected to grow by 846 residents according to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Beechworth has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified five projects likely to affect this region. Key initiatives include Alma Place Sustainable Subdivision, Beechworth Railway Precinct Revitalisation (Murray to Mountains Rail Trail Enhancements), Beechworth to Yackandandah Rail Trail, and Beechworth Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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.

Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.1%, Beechworth has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Beechworth has a well-educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 3.1% as of December 2025, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. In this month, 2,010 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.6% lower than Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%.

Workforce participation was somewhat below standard at 58.3%, compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.0%. Census responses indicated that a moderate 21.7% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and public administration & safety. The area has a particularly notable concentration in public administration & safety, with employment levels at 1.7 times the regional average.

Meanwhile, agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence with 4.3% employment compared to 7.5% regionally. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 3.4%, alongside a 4.4% employment decline, causing unemployment to rise by 0.9 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional Vic., where employment contracted by 0.6%, the labour force fell by 0.7%, and unemployment fell 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer further insight into potential future demand within Beechworth. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Beechworth's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Beechworth had a median taxpayer income of $48,181 and an average of $59,846. This is below the national average. Regional Vic.'s median was $50,954 with an average of $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, current estimates for Beechworth are approximately $52,816 (median) and $65,603 (average) as of March 2026. Census 2021 income data ranks Beechworth's household, family, and personal incomes modestly, between the 28th and 42nd percentiles. The largest segment comprises 29.9% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (1,262 residents), aligning with the region where this cohort also represents 30.3%. Housing costs are manageable with 87.2% retained. Disposable income is below average at the 33rd percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

Dwelling structure in Beechworth, as evaluated at the Census conducted 2021, comprised 94.5% houses and 5.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Regional Vic.'s dwelling structure was 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Beechworth stood at 46.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.3% and rented dwellings at 21.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,550, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $300. Nationally, Beechworth's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Beechworth features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 67.3% of all households, including 22.7% couples with children, 33.7% couples without children, and 10.1% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 32.7%, with lone person households at 30.7% and group households making up 2.2%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Regional Vic average of 2.4.

Beechworth shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Educational attainment in Beechworth is notable, with 33.4% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications. This compares to 19.8% in the SA4 region and 21.1% in the SA3 area. Bachelor degrees are most common at 20.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.9%) and graduate diplomas (6.2%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 34.0% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications.

This includes advanced diplomas (12.6%) and certificates (21.4%). Educational participation is high, with 28.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes primary education (10.6%), secondary education (8.8%), and tertiary education (3.1%).

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

Beechworth has two active public transport stops. These are served by two different routes, together offering 85 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is limited, with residents usually located 879 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards, primarily using cars (87%), while 10% walk. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 21.7% of residents work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency is approximately 12 trips per day across all routes, resulting in about 42 weekly trips per stop.

The level of general health in Beechworth is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Beechworth shows better-than-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions among its general population is low but exceeds the national average for older, at-risk cohorts.

Approximately 51% (~2,133 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 10.1%) and asthma (8.8%), with 63.2% reporting no medical ailments compared to Regional Vic.'s 63.4%. Health outcomes among working-age residents are largely typical. Beechworth has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over, at 28.7% (1,211 people), than Regional Vic.'s 23.9%, but ranks lower nationally compared to the broader population.

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

Beechworth, as per the census data from June 2016, had a cultural diversity index of below average. The population was predominantly Australian citizens, with 88.9% holding citizenship, and 87.4% having been born in Australia. English was spoken at home by 95.3% of the population.

Christianity was the most prevalent religion, accounting for 38.6% of Beechworth's population. Judaism, however, showed an overrepresentation compared to regional Victoria, with 0.2% of Beechworth's population identifying as Jewish, while regionally it was 0.1%. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (31.6%), Australian (27.0%), and Irish (12.1%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences in representation: Scottish at 10.4% compared to 8.8% regionally, Welsh at 0.7% versus 0.4%, and Dutch at 1.7%.

Beechworth hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Beechworth's median age is 49, exceeding Regional Victoria's figure of 43 and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Regional Victoria, Beechworth has an over-representation of the 65-74 age cohort (15.5% locally) and under-representation of the 25-34 age group (6.8%). The 65-74 concentration is notably higher than the national average of 9.4%. Since 2021, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 8.0% to 9.6%, while the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 15.0% to 13.7%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Beechworth's age structure: the 5-14 age group is expected to grow by 169 people (34%), from 502 to 672, while numbers in the 15-24 age range are projected to decrease by 27.