Blairgowrie

Blairgowrie lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validations, Blairgowrie's estimated population as of Feb 2026 is around 2,705. This shows a decrease of 81 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 2,786. The current estimate is based on AreaSearch's resident population figure of 2,674 from Jun 2024 ERP data and three additional validated addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 430 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Blairgowrie has shown resilient growth with a 1.8% compound annual growth rate, outperforming its SA3 area. Overseas migration was the primary driver for population growth recently.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, it utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusting using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on these projections, Blairgowrie is expected to have above median population growth, increasing by 605 persons to reach 3,310 by 2041, a gain of 28.8% over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Blairgowrie recorded approximately 24 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 120 homes. No approvals have been recorded so far in FY-26. Over these five years (FY-21 to FY-25), an average of 1.9 people moved to the area for each dwelling built. However, this figure has increased to 10.8 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting growing popularity and potential supply constraints. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost value of $1,271,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments.

This year, $2.6 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting Blairgowrie's residential character. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Blairgowrie shows 72.0% higher construction activity per person. However, recent data suggests this has eased recently. All development so far has consisted of standalone homes, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

The estimated population count is 714 people per dwelling approval, reflecting its quiet, low-activity development environment. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Blairgowrie is expected to grow by 780 residents through to 2041. Building activity appears to be keeping pace with growth projections, though buyers may face increased competition as the population grows.

Blairgowrie has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 29thth percentile nationally

No changes can influence a region's performance more than modifications to local infrastructure, significant projects, and planning initiatives. Zero projects have been pinpointed by AreaSearch that could potentially impact this area. Key projects include Geelong Renewable Energy Zone, Corridor Preservation For Melbourne Outer Metropolitan Ring Road/E6, Level Crossing Removal Project, and Additional VLocity Trains, with the following list providing details on those most likely to be relevant.

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

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Blairgowrie ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Blairgowrie has a well-educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate is 1.7%, with an estimated employment growth of 2.2% over the past year (AreaSearch data). As of September 2025, 1,254 residents are employed, while Blairgowrie's unemployment rate is 2.9% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%.

Workforce participation in Blairgowrie lags at 53.7%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. Census data shows that 39.1% of residents work from home, potentially impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key industries for employment are construction, professional & technical services, and retail trade. Blairgowrie specializes in construction with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level, but has lower representation in health care & social assistance at 9.2% versus the regional average of 14.2%.

Employment opportunities appear limited locally due to a higher resident population than working population. Over the year ending September 2025, Blairgowrie's employment increased by 2.2%, while labour force and unemployment remained broadly flat (AreaSearch analysis). In comparison, Greater Melbourne saw employment grow by 3.0% and unemployment rise slightly. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Blairgowrie's industry mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch reports that Blairgowrie had a median taxpayer income of $47,906 and an average income of $82,442 in the financial year 2023. These figures are higher than national averages. Compared to Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164 during the same period. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $51,858 (median) and $89,243 (average), based on an 8.25% increase from financial year 2023. Census data from 2021 shows Blairgowrie's household, family, and personal incomes rank modestly between the 35th and 46th percentiles. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 is dominant with 27.0% of residents (730 people). Housing costs are manageable with 88.2% retained, but disposable income ranks at the 40th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

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

The dwelling structure in Blairgowrie, according to the latest Census evaluation, consisted of 98.9% houses and 1.1% other dwellings. In comparison, Melbourne metro had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Blairgowrie stood at 60.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 25.4% and rented dwellings at 14.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, aligning with the Melbourne metro average, while the median weekly rent was $400, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Blairgowrie's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

Blairgowrie has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 68.6% of all households, including 18.9% couples with children, 43.6% couples without children, and 5.9% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 31.4%, with lone person households at 29.8% and group households comprising 1.6%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Blairgowrie demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 32.8%, higher than the SA4 region average of 23.5% and the SA3 area's 25.0%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 22.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.8%) and graduate diplomas (3.9%). Vocational credentials are held by 35.9% of residents aged 15+, including advanced diplomas (15.7%) and certificates (20.2%).

A total of 22.6% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, with 7.3% in primary, 6.5% in secondary, and 3.9% in tertiary education.

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

Blairgowrie has 35 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by two routes that together facilitate 306 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is considered good, with residents typically located 310 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Blairgowrie being primarily residential. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 94%. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling, which is higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a high proportion of residents, 39.1%, work from home. The service frequency averages 43 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 8 weekly trips per stop.

Blairgowrie's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

AreaSearch's assessment of Blairgowrie shows excellent health outcomes. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are very low across all age groups.

Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 59% (1,605 people), compared to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne. The most common conditions are arthritis (11.7%) and asthma (7.6%). 63.8% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among working-age residents are typical. Blairgowrie has 44.3% (1,198 people) aged 65 and over, higher than Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. Senior health outcomes are strong, ranking nationally in line with the general population.

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

Blairgowrie's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 87.8% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia (85.4%), and speaking English only at home (94.8%). Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 48.0% of Blairgowrie's population. However, Judaism was overrepresented, making up 0.2%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 1.0%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (33.5%), Australian (25.6%), and Irish (11.6%), all substantially higher than regional averages. Other ethnic groups with notable divergences included Scottish at 10.6% (vs 5.6%), Polish at 0.9% (vs 0.8%), and Russian at 0.4% (vs 0.4%).

Blairgowrie ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Blairgowrie's median age is 59, significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and the national norm of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Blairgowrie has a higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (23.4%), but fewer residents aged 25-34 (4.1%). This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is well above the national figure of 9.5%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the proportion of Blairgowrie's population aged 75 to 84 has grown from 12.7% to 16.6%, while those aged 85+ increased from 3.0% to 4.3%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 45-54 has declined from 11.6% to 9.8%, and those aged 5-14 decreased from 7.2% to 5.6%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Blairgowrie's age structure. The 75 to 84 age group is projected to grow by 59% (263 people), reaching 713 from 449. Those aged 65 and above are expected to comprise 83% of the population growth. Conversely, both the 35-44 and 25-34 age groups are projected to decrease in number.