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

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, as of Nov 2025, Beechworth's estimated population is around 4,398. This reflects an increase of 124 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,274. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 4,137 residents in Jun 2024 and 53 validated new addresses since the Census date. This equates to a density ratio of 27 persons per square kilometer. Beechworth's growth rate of 2.9% since the Census is within 1.9 percentage points of its SA3 area (4.8%). Overseas migration primarily drove this population growth.

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 employs VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Projected demographic shifts indicate an above median population growth in national regional areas. By 2041, the Beechworth (SA2) is projected to increase by 863 persons, 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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Beechworth has recorded around 20 residential properties granted approval each year. Over the past 5 financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 104 homes were approved, with a further 6 approved so far in FY-26. On average, about 0.8 new residents arrive per new home constructed 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 around $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 consisted entirely of detached houses, preserving the area's low density nature. This focus on detached housing attracts space-seeking buyers. The location has approximately 281 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. Looking ahead, Beechworth is expected to grow by 686 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Development is keeping pace with projected growth, though increasing competition among buyers can be anticipated as the population expands.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified five projects expected to influence the region. Notable projects 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. Below is a list of projects likely to be 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 as of September 2025 was 2.9%, lower than the Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation was somewhat below standard at 55.4% compared to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and public administration & safety. The area has a notably high concentration in public administration & safety, with employment levels at 1.7 times the regional average. 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 1.7%, 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. To provide broader context, state-level data to 25-Nov shows VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that while national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Beechworth's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.7% over ten years.

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

In AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for the financial year ended June 2023, Beechworth had a median income among taxpayers of $48,181 and an average of $59,846. This was below the national average. Rest of Vic., meanwhile, had a median income of $50,954 and an average of $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since June 2023, current estimates for Beechworth would be approximately $52,156 (median) and $64,783 (average) as of September 2025. According to Census 2021 income data, household, family, and personal incomes in Beechworth ranked modestly, between the 28th and 42nd percentiles. The largest segment comprised 29.9% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (1,315 residents), similar to the regional average of 30.3%. Housing costs were manageable with 87.2% retained, but disposable income was below average at the 33rd percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed 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 assessed in the latest Census, consisted of 94.5% houses and 5.5% other dwellings. This compares to Non-Metro Vic.'s figures of 91.6% houses and 8.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Beechworth stood at 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 $1,473. Median weekly rent in Beechworth was $300, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $280. Nationally, Beechworth's median monthly mortgage repayment is lower at $1,550 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and its median weekly rent is 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 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 account for the remaining 32.7%, with lone person households at 30.7% and group households comprising 2.2%. 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

Beechworth's educational attainment is notably higher than broader averages. Specifically, 33.4% of its residents aged 15+ have university qualifications, compared to 19.8% in the SA4 region and 21.1% in the SA3 area. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 20.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.9%) and graduate diplomas (6.2%). Vocational credentials are also common, with 34.0% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 12.6% and certificates for 21.4%.

Educational participation is high, with 28.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.6% in primary education, 8.8% in secondary education, and 3.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis shows two active transport stops operating within Beechworth. These stops serve a mix of buses, with two individual routes providing 85 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 879 meters from the nearest transport stop.

Service frequency averages 12 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 42 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Beechworth faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~2,222 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 10.1 and 8.8% of residents respectively, while 63.2% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 64.1% across Rest of Vic.. The area has 27.9% of residents aged 65 and over (1,227 people), which is higher than the 20.7% in Rest of Vic..

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

Beechworth's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 88.9% of its population being citizens, 87.4% born in Australia, and 95.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the main religion in Beechworth, comprising 38.6% of people. Judaism, however, is overrepresented at 0.2%, compared to 0.1% across Rest of Vic..

The top three ancestry groups are English (31.6%), Australian (27.0%), and Irish (12.1%). Notable divergences exist in the representation of Scottish (10.4% vs regional 8.3%), Welsh (0.7% vs 0.4%) and Dutch (1.7% vs 1.6%) ethnic groups.

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

Beechworth's median age is 49, which exceeds Rest of Vic.'s figure of 43 and is higher than Australia's 38 years. Compared to Rest of Vic., Beechworth has a notably over-represented 65-74 cohort (15.2%) and an under-represented 25-34 age group (7.3%). This 65-74 concentration is higher than the national average of 9.4%. From 2021 to present, Beechworth's 75-84 age group has grown from 8.0% to 9.5% of its population. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort has declined from 15.0% to 14.0%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Beechworth's age structure. The 35-44 age group is projected to grow by 162 people (31%), from 527 to 690. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 65-74 and 55-64 cohorts.