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

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Beechworth is around 4,400, reflecting an increase of 126 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 4,274. This growth is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 4,137 based on ERP data released by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 55 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is 27 persons per square kilometer. Beechworth's growth rate of 2.9% since the census places it within 2 percentage points of its SA3 area's growth rate of 4.9%. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted using a method of weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Based on these projections, an above median population growth is projected for national regional areas, with Beechworth expected to increase by 863 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 15.6% over the 17 years.

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

Beechworth recorded around 20 residential properties granted approval each year. Over the past 5 financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 104 homes were approved, with a further 6 approved in FY-26 so far. On average, 0.8 new residents arrived per new home over these years.

This indicates that new construction is matching or outpacing demand, offering buyers more options and enabling population growth. The average value of new homes being built is $590,000, suggesting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY-26, there have been $5.0 million in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's residential character.

Compared to the Rest of Vic., Beechworth records about three-quarters the building activity per person and places among the 56th percentile of areas assessed nationally. Recent development has been entirely comprised of detached houses, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The location has approximately 281 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Beechworth is expected to grow by 685 residents through to 2041. Development is keeping reasonable pace with projected growth, though buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified five projects expected to influence 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.

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Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 2.9%, 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 is 2.9%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data as of September 2025. There are 2,009 residents in work, which is 0.9% below Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation is broadly similar to Rest of Vic.'s 61.4%. Census responses indicate that a moderate 21.7% of residents work 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. Over the 12 months to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 1.6%, alongside a 2.4% employment decline, causing unemployment to rise by 0.7 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Vic., where employment contracted by 0.7%, the labour force fell by 0.6%, and unemployment rose marginally. 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, suggest that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. 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 it is noted that 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 released for financial year 2023 indicates that Beechworth's median income among taxpayers is $48,181, with an average of $59,846. This is below the national average. The median income in Rest of Vic. is $50,954 and the average is $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Beechworth would be approximately $52,156 (median) and $64,783 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Beechworth, between the 28th and 42nd percentiles. The largest segment comprises 29.9% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (1,315 residents), aligning with the region where this cohort likewise represents 30.3%. Housing costs are manageable with 87.2% retained. However, disposable income sits below average at the 33rd percentile and 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

Beechworth's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 94.5% houses and 5.5% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Vic. had 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Beechworth was 46.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.3% and rented ones at 21.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,550, higher than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,430. The median weekly rent in Beechworth was $300, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Beechworth's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,550 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially lower at $300 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute the remaining 32.7%, with lone person households at 30.7% and group households making up 2.2% of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of 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 notably high, with 33.4% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications. This figure exceeds the broader benchmarks of 19.8% for the SA4 region and 21.1% for the SA3 area. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 20.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.9%) and graduate diplomas (6.2%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, 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 operational public transport stops. These are served by two separate routes, offering a total of 85 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is limited, with residents typically located 879 meters from the nearest stop. Predominantly residential, most commuters travel outward. Cars are the primary mode of transport at 87%, while 10% walk. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling.

In 2021 Census data (which may reflect COVID-19 conditions), 21.7% of residents worked from home. Service frequency averages 12 trips daily across all routes, equating to roughly 42 weekly trips per individual 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 analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions among its general population is low but higher than the national average for older, at-risk cohorts.

Approximately 51% of Beechworth's total population (~2,223 people) has private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 10.1% and 8.8% of residents respectively, while 63.2% report no medical ailments, similar to Rest of Vic.'s 63.4%. Health outcomes among Beechworth's working-age population are generally typical. The area has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 27.9% (1,227 people), compared to Rest of Vic.'s 23.9%, but ranks lower nationally than 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 data gathered, had a cultural diversity below average. Its population comprised 88.9% citizens, with 87.4% born in Australia and 95.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 38.6%.

Judaism, however, was overrepresented at 0.2%, compared to 0.1% in the rest of Victoria. For ancestry, the top groups were English (31.6%), Australian (27.0%), and Irish (12.1%). Notably, Scottish (10.4%) and Welsh (0.7%) were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 8.8% and 0.4%, respectively. Dutch representation was similar at 1.7%.

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

Beechworth's median age is 49, exceeding Rest of Vic.'s figure of 43 and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Vic., Beechworth has an over-representation of the 65-74 cohort at 14.9%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 7.2%. The 65-74 concentration in Beechworth is notably higher than Australia's national figure of 9.5%. From 2021 to present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 8.0% to 9.6%, while the 55-64 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 projected to grow by 154 people (29%), from 523 to 678, while population declines are projected for the 55-64 and 15-24 cohorts.