Bendigo

An assessment of population growth drivers in Bendigo reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area around Bendigo, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb's population is estimated at approximately 5,592 as of February 2026. This figure reflects a decrease of 60 people (1.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,652 people in Bendigo. The change is inferred from the resident population of 5,496 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 46 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,016 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for Bendigo was primarily driven by overseas migration during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking at population projections moving forward, Bendigo is expected to experience above median population growth among Australia's non-metropolitan areas, with an increase of 762 persons projected by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections. This reflects an overall increase of 11.9% in total over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Bendigo had approximately 27 new homes approved annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 137 homes were approved, with 12 more in FY-26 so far. Despite population decline, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $461,000, indicating developers target the premium market segment. This financial year saw $143.6 million in commercial approvals, suggesting strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Rest of Vic., Bendigo has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 60th percentile nationally. New building activity consists of 59.0% detached houses and 41.0% attached dwellings, reflecting a shift from the area's existing housing composition (currently 82.0% houses).

Bendigo has around 250 people per approval, indicating low density. By 2041, AreaSearch estimates Bendigo will grow by 666 residents. With current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, potentially enabling growth that exceeds forecasts.

Bendigo has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 21 projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include Water and Sewer Network Program, Regional Sports Infrastructure Program - Bendigo, Bendigo Art Gallery Redevelopment, and Bendigo Stadium and Showgrounds Redevelopment. 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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Bendigo recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Bendigo has a well-educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 5.9% as of December 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 2.2% over the past year. This is based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data.

In December 2025, 2,748 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 2.2% higher than Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation was on par with Regional Vic.'s 61.5%. According to Census responses, 17.9% of residents worked from home. Dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, education & training, and accommodation & food.

The area has a particular specialization in health care & social assistance, employing 1.3 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 1.3% of local workers, below Regional Vic.'s 7.5%. There were 2.9 workers for every resident as at the Census, indicating Bendigo functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over a 12-month period ending in December 2025, employment increased by 2.2% while labour force increased by 1.7%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.4 percentage points. In comparison, Regional Vic. recorded an employment decline of 0.6%, labour force decline of 0.7%, with a decrease in unemployment by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer further insight into potential future demand within Bendigo. These projections estimate national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Bendigo's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.6% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not consider localised population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that income in Bendigo is above the national average. The median income is $54,568 and the average income stands at $71,376. This contrasts with Regional Vic.'s figures of a median income of $50,954 and an average income of $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $59,070 (median) and $77,265 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows personal income ranks at the 53rd percentile ($821 weekly), while household income sits at the 31st percentile. Income brackets indicate that 29.7% of the community earns between $1,500 and $2,999 (1,660 individuals), mirroring the region where 30.3% occupy this bracket. After housing costs, 85.3% of income remains for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Bendigo is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Bendigo, as per the latest Census evaluation, 82.0% of dwellings were houses while 18.1% consisted of other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is compared to Regional Victoria's figures of 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bendigo stood at 31.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 22.9% and rented ones at 45.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,482, exceeding Regional Victoria's average of $1,430. The median weekly rent in Bendigo was recorded at $290, slightly higher than Regional Victoria's figure of $285. Nationally, Bendigo's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 56.5% of all households, including 17.4% couples with children, 25.7% couples without children, and 11.7% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 43.5%, with lone person households at 38.5% and group households comprising 5.1%. The median household size is 2.1 people, smaller than the Regional Vic average of 2.4.

The educational profile of Bendigo exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Educational attainment in Bendigo is significant, with 35.2% of residents aged 15 years and over holding university qualifications as of 2021. This compares to 21.7% in the rest of Victoria and 23.6% in the SA3 area. Bachelor degrees are most common at 21.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.6%) and graduate diplomas (5.2%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 30.3% of residents aged 15 years and over holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 10.3% and certificates for 20.0%. Educational participation is high in Bendigo, with 25.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education as of the latest data available.

This includes 6.7% in secondary education, 6.6% in primary education, and 5.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Bendigo has 77 active public transport stops serving a mix of train routes. These stops are covered by 42 different routes, offering a total of 7,218 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from residents' homes to the nearest stop is 181 meters, indicating excellent accessibility. In this predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport, used by 79% of residents, with 16% walking instead. On average, there are 1.1 vehicles per dwelling, lower than the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, 17.9% of Bendigo's residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 1,031 trips daily across all routes, resulting in approximately 93 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Bendigo faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 55% of the total population (~3,077 people), compared to 50.5% across Regional Vic.. Mental health issues impact 11.7% of residents, while arthritis impacts 9.5%. 64.0% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.4% across Regional Vic.. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. As of 2021, 18.9% of residents are aged 65 and over (1,056 people), which is lower than the 23.9% in Regional Vic.. National rankings for some conditions are even higher than the general population.

Bendigo ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Bendigo's cultural diversity was below average, with 87.5% citizens, 86.7% born in Australia, and 91.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity dominated Bendigo's religion at 43.3%. Judaism was overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to Regional Vic's 0.1%.

Top ancestry groups were English (30.8%), Australian (25.8%), and Irish (12.3%). Scottish representation was notably higher at 9.6% in Bendigo, versus 8.8% regionally. Welsh stood at 0.6%, compared to regional 0.4%. French was also slightly higher at 0.5%, against regional 0.3%.

Bendigo hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Bendigo's median age is 42 years, similar to Regional Vic.'s average of 43 but older than Australia's 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 25-34 are particularly prominent at 20.3%, while the 5-14 group is smaller at 7.5% compared to Regional Vic.. This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is higher than the national average of 14.4%. Between 2021 and the present, Bendigo's median age has decreased by 1.4 years to 42 from 43. During this period, the 25-34 age group grew from 15.3% to 20.3%, while the 35-44 cohort increased from 10.7% to 11.9%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 13.5% to 11.2% and the 15-24 group dropped from 13.0% to 11.5%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Bendigo. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 41%, adding 459 residents to reach 1,595. Conversely, the 75-84 and 65-74 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.