Chart Color Schemes
This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
Find a Recent Sale
Sales Detail
Blairgowrie has an estimated 2,664 residents, down from 2,786 at the 2021 Census — a change of 122 people, or 4.4%. The population has thinned by an average 0.5% a year over five years, slower than 99% of areas nationally. That puts 424 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to calculations derived from ABS demographic updates covering the broader region, combined with address records verified by AreaSearch subsequent to the Census, the population of the suburb of Blairgowrie is approximated at 2,664 as of May 2026. This represents a reduction of 122 people (4.4%) from the 2,786 residents documented in the 2021 Census. This shift is determined from a resident population count of 2,663, estimated by AreaSearch using the June 2025 ABS ERP figures alongside 2 newly validated addresses found since the census. The current population translates to a density of 423 persons per square kilometer, indicating low density and potential scope for future development.
Over the last ten years, the suburb of Blairgowrie has shown consistent development with a 1.0% compound annual growth rate, exceeding the wider SA3 region. Growth in the local population was mostly fueled by net overseas migration, which served as almost the sole driver of population expansion in recent times. Projections from ABS and Geoscience Australia released in 2024 with a 2022 baseline are utilized by AreaSearch for local SA2 zones. For locations where this dataset is unavailable, estimations are based on 2023 Victorian State Government LGA and Regional projections, adjusted by allocating growth from LGA to SA2 levels using a weighted methodology. Age cohort growth trends from these calculations are applied across all regions for the period spanning 2032 to 2041. Based on expected demographic patterns, population growth is projected to exceed the median for national statistical divisions, with the suburb of Blairgowrie expected to add 501 residents by 2041 under aggregated SA2 models, marking a total expansion of 18.8% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
112 new dwellings have been approved in Blairgowrie over the past five years, an average of 22 a year. That is 8.2 approvals per 1,000 residents. Few approvals have been recorded in the most recent months, well below the longer-run average; the latest ABS periods are still being reported. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Based on analysis of ABS building approvals matched to local statistical areas, the suburb of Blairgowrie recorded an average of roughly 22 residential approvals annually, totaling 112 dwelling approvals over the last 5 financial years (from FY-21 to FY-25) and no residential approvals in FY-26. Given the recent population decline, the pace of construction has been relatively sufficient, creating favorable conditions for home buyers. Furthermore, commercial approvals totaling $2.6 million have been documented during this financial year, which highlights the residential focus of the neighborhood. The volume of construction per capita in the suburb of Blairgowrie is 57.0% higher than the rate observed in Greater Melbourne, presenting home buyers with a wider selection of properties, despite a recent slowdown in building activity.
Additionally, recent residential construction has consisted entirely of detached single-family residences, preserving the low-density profile of the neighborhood and catering to families looking for spacious properties. Looking forward, the population of the suburb of Blairgowrie is projected to grow by 500 residents by 2041 according to the latest quarterly estimates from AreaSearch. Considering historical building activity, the supply of new housing is expected to easily satisfy this demand, maintaining favorable purchasing conditions and potentially enabling growth to exceed current projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Blairgowrie
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 59 current infrastructure and development projects close to Blairgowrie, worth an estimated $1.54 billion. 16 are already under construction and 17 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities, precincts & urban renewal and environmental & disaster management. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local infrastructure projects, planning choices, and development projects can significantly alter area dynamics. Currently, no projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are expected to influence the local area. Key regional projects include the Geelong Renewable Energy Zone, the Melbourne Outer Metropolitan Ring Road/E6 corridor preservation, the Level Crossing Removal Project, and the delivery of additional VLocity trains, with details on the most relevant schemes provided below.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Rye Foreshore Promenade Redevelopment
The Rye Foreshore Promenade Redevelopment is part of the Rye Township Plan Stage 1, Part B. The project creates a strong central axis to the pier, acting as the main gateway to the foreshore. Works include a refurbished central walkway, new plaza spaces, pedestrian crossings on Point Nepean Road, connecting pathways, and landscaping. The project enhances public open space by replacing the eastern pier carpark and improves connectivity and accessibility for the community.
6 Napier Street Hotel Development
DA approved development for a residential boutique hotel comprising a five-storey building with basement parking, ground floor restaurant, and onsite parking. Positioned on a 1,029sqm corner site close to the waterfront in Rye's commercial precinct.
2135 Point Nepean Road, Rye
A three-storey, mixed-use building comprising 20 architecturally designed apartments (9 x 2-bedroom and 11 x 3-bedroom) above a ground-floor retail and car park area. The Cera Stribley Architects-designed development features a curved facade, high-end finishes, residents' lounge, beach showers, 'beach box' storage, and a rooftop with a pool, deck, and barbecue facilities, with coastal views.
Rye Pier Reconstruction
Two-stage reconstruction of Rye Pier delivering a wider timber deck, updated L-shaped head with accessible low landings, solar lighting, seating, interpretative signage trail and improved all-abilities access. Stage 1 rebuilt the pier approach in 2022; Stage 2 rebuilt and upgraded the outer pier and head in 2023-2024. The pier reopened to the community and final works were completed in June 2024.
Rosedale Residential Development
A luxury private estate featuring 40 single-level townhouses (2-3 bedrooms) designed for downsizers and young families on the Mornington Peninsula. Located in its own boutique community within Rosebud, offering quality low-maintenance homes near beaches, golf courses, vineyards and Peninsula amenities.
Queenscliff Ferry Terminal Redevelopment
A $15.9 million redevelopment to upgrade the Queenscliff Ferry Terminal with modern facilities, improved access, car parking, and retail opportunities. Aims to enhance ferry services and boost the local visitor economy.
Hesse Street South Redevelopment
Streetscape upgrades to Hesse Street south of King Street, including undergrounding power lines, improved street lighting and drainage, creating extra parking spaces, and planting new trees. Aims to make the street safer for cars and pedestrians while improving visual appeal.
Queenscliff Harbour Redevelopment
Modernisation of the existing Queenscliff Harbour, including new roadway, carparking, increased wet and dry berth capacity, site decontamination, and new commercial buildings (retail, cafe, restaurant) with an observation tower.
1,215 residents of Blairgowrie are employed, from a labour force of 1,239. Unemployment sits at 1.9%, with participation at 51.2%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.7% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 2,206, about 83% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The suburb of Blairgowrie has a highly educated workforce with a significant proportion employed in professional fields, alongside an unemployment rate of only 1.9% based on AreaSearch figures. As of March 2026, there are 1,215 employed residents, and the unemployment rate is 2.8% lower than the Greater Melbourne average of 4.8%. However, workforce participation is notably lower, standing at 51.2% compared to 70.2% for the Greater Melbourne area. Census data indicates that a high proportion of employed residents, at 39.1%, worked from home, though this figure likely reflects the influence of pandemic lockdowns.
Local employment is largely concentrated in the building, professional and technical services, and retail sectors. The workforce shows a notable concentration in the building sector, which is 1.6 times the regional average. Conversely, the healthcare and social assistance sector accounts for only 9.2% of jobs, compared to 14.2% in Greater Melbourne. The discrepancy between the local working population and resident employment figures indicates that this residential area offers limited local jobs. Based on analysis of SALM and ABS statistics for the surrounding region, the labor force shrank by 0.8% over the 12-month period, while employment fell by 0.7%, resulting in a stable unemployment rate. This is in contrast to Greater Melbourne, which experienced a 2.1% increase in employment, a 2.3% expansion of the labor force, and a 0.2 percentage point rise in unemployment. National employment forecasts from May-25 published by Jobs and Skills Australia provide further context regarding future labor demand in the suburb of Blairgowrie. These five and ten-year projections have been applied to local workforce data to project future trends. While national employment is anticipated to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, the rates of change vary widely across industries. Applying these sector-specific forecasts suggests that employment among residents of the suburb of Blairgowrie should grow by 6.7% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, though this is a simple weighted extrapolation that does not account for local population changes.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Blairgowrie is $1,490 a week (about $77,000 a year), with median personal income at $787 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $47,906 a year against an average of $82,442. The average runs 72% above the median, a wider spread than most areas and a sign of a concentrated group of high earners. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
According to tax data from the ATO for financial year 2023 aggregated to postcode level, taxpayers in the suburb of Blairgowrie recorded a median income of $47,906 and an average income of $82,442. This average ranks among the highest in the country, compared to $57,688 (median) and $75,164 (average) across Greater Melbourne. Adjusting for Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since the financial year 2023 yields estimated values of approximately $52,515 for the median and $90,373 for the average as of March 2026. Data from the 2021 Census shows that local personal, family, and household incomes are modest, falling between the 35th and 46th percentiles nationally.
The figures show that 27.0% of the population (719 residents) earn between $1,500 and $2,999, which is comparable to the wider region where 32.8% of the population falls into this bracket. Homebuyers and renters retain 88.2% of their income after housing costs, though disposable income is below the national average at the 40th percentile, and the local SEIFA income score places the area in the 8th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Blairgowrie had 1,144 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 99% detached houses and 0% apartments. 25% are owned with a mortgage, 15% rented and 60% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $400 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,000 a month. Rent absorbs 26.8% of household income here and mortgage repayments 31.0%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Data from the latest census indicates that houses make up 98.9% of the residential stock in the suburb of Blairgowrie, with other options like townhouses and apartments comprising 1.1% of dwellings, compared to 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings in Greater Melbourne. Home ownership is high at 60.1%, with mortgaged properties accounting for 25.4% of homes and rented properties representing 14.5%. The median monthly mortgage payment in the area of $2,000 matches the Greater Melbourne average, while the median weekly rent is $400, compared to Melbourne metro averages of $2,000 and $390.
Locally, mortgage repayments exceed the national average of $1,863, and weekly rents are higher than the Australian median of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Blairgowrie counted 1,144 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.1 people each. 19% are couples with children, fewer than in 89% of areas nationally, against 44% couples without children. 30% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.8 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up 68.6% of all households in the area, consisting of couples with children at 18.9%, couples without children at 43.6%, and single parent households at 5.9%. Single person households account for 29.8% of the total, while group households comprise 1.6%, bringing total non-family households to 31.4%. The median household size is 2.1 persons, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
32.8% of adults in Blairgowrie hold a university qualification, including 22.1% with a bachelor degree and 6.8% with postgraduate qualifications, higher than 96% of areas nationally. A further 20.2% hold a vocational qualification. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The local population displays a strong educational profile, with university graduation rates of 32.8% among residents aged 15 and over exceeding the SA4 regional average of 23.5% and the SA3 average of 25.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 22.1%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 6.8% and graduate diplomas at 3.9%. In addition, vocational training is common, with 35.9% of residents aged 15 and over holding trade qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas (15.7%) and certificates (20.2%). A total of 22.6% of the local population is enrolled in formal education, including 7.3% attending primary schools, 6.5% in high schools, and 3.9% in higher education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Blairgowrie reaches 35 stops on 2 routes, timetabled for about 310 services a week. The typical home sits about 310 m from its nearest stop. Households keep an average of 1.5 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transport services in the suburb of Blairgowrie include 35 active stops serviced by bus routes. These stops are served by 2 routes, which support 306 passenger journeys each week. Local access is good, with residents living an average of 310 meters from the nearest stop. Because the area is primarily residential, most workers commute out of the suburb, with private cars remaining the primary transport mode for 94% of commuters. Average vehicle ownership stands at 1.5 cars per household, which is higher than the regional average. Additionally, 39.1% of residents worked from home according to the 2021 Census, a figure that may reflect pandemic conditions.
Services run at an average frequency of 43 trips per day across all routes, which corresponds to roughly 8 weekly trips for each individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
63.8% of residents in Blairgowrie report no long-term health condition, a healthier profile than 89% of areas nationally. 4.2% need daily assistance with core activities, and 59.3% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 2.4 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health indicators in the suburb of Blairgowrie are favorable, showing low rates of chronic conditions and mortality across all age brackets. Additionally, private health insurance uptake is high, with approximately 59% of the population (1,580 residents) holding cover, compared to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne. Arthritis and asthma are the most common chronic conditions, affecting 11.7% and 7.6% of residents. However, 63.8% of the population reported no chronic conditions, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Health profiles among working-age residents are typical. Residents aged 65 and over make up 42.0% of the population (1,118 people), which is significantly higher than the 15.0% share in Greater Melbourne.
Seniors in the area exhibit strong health outcomes, with national rankings matching those of the general population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Blairgowrie is largely Australian-born, at 85.4% of residents, with 5.2% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (33.5%) and Australian (25.6%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
The suburb of Blairgowrie exhibits lower cultural diversity compared to regional averages, with citizens making up 87.8% of the population, 85.4% of residents born in Australia, and 94.8% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the largest religious group, representing 48.0% of residents. The most notable religious overrepresentation is in Judaism, which accounts for 0.2% of the population, compared to 1.0% across Greater Melbourne. English ancestry is reported by 33.5% of the population in the suburb of Blairgowrie, higher than the regional average of 20.1%. Australian ancestry is claimed by 25.6% of residents, compared to 18.4% regionally, and Irish ancestry is reported by 11.6%, compared to 6.5% across the region.
Other notable ethnic groups include Scottish at 10.6% of the population (compared to 5.6% regionally), Polish at 0.9% (compared to 0.8%), and Russian at 0.4% (compared to 0.4%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Blairgowrie is 58, older than 98% of areas nationally. 12.4% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age of 58 years in the suburb of Blairgowrie is higher than the Greater Melbourne average of 37 and the national average of 38. The 65 - 74 age group is highly represented at 21.7% locally, compared to the Greater Melbourne average and the national average of 9.4%, while the 25 - 34 cohort is underrepresented at 4.9%. Since 2021, the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 has increased from 12.7% to 15.6%, and the 85+ cohort has risen from 3.0% to 4.7%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 age group declined from 23.1% to 21.7%, and the 0 to 4 age group dropped from 4.4% to 3.2%.
By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant changes, with the 75 to 84 cohort expected to grow by 51% (adding 213 people to reach 629). Residents aged 65 and over will account for 89% of all population growth, highlighting the aging trend, while the 15 to 24 and 0 to 4 age brackets are projected to contract.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Blairgowrie
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 2 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (2,786 at the 2021 Census → 2,664 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL20257). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.