Bright (Vic.)

Population growth drivers in Bright are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of November 2025, the estimated population of Bright (Vic.) is around 2,661 people. This figure reflects an increase of 41 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,620 people. The growth was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 2,626 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 27 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 20 persons per square kilometer. Bright's growth rate of 1.6% since the census places it within 2.6 percentage points of the SA3 area (4.2%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. The primary driver for this growth was overseas migration, contributing around 89.0% of overall population gains 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 from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to reach SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on these projections, Bright is expected to increase its population by approximately 138 persons by the year 2041, reflecting a total increase of around 4.5% over the 17-year period. This anticipated growth places the suburb just below the median for Australia's regional areas in terms of demographic shifts.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Bright recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Bright has recorded approximately 15 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 76 homes. So far in FY-26, two approvals have been recorded. Between FY-21 and FY-25, an average of 1.7 new residents was associated with each dwelling constructed. This indicates a balanced supply and demand, creating stable market conditions.

The average construction value of new homes is $963,000, suggesting developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In this financial year, $1.3 million in commercial approvals have been registered, predominantly for residential projects. Compared to the rest of Victoria, Bright shows 15.0% lower construction activity per person while it ranks among the 62nd percentile of areas assessed nationally.

Recent construction comprises 86.0% standalone homes and 14.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 240 people per dwelling approval, Bright shows characteristics of a low density area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Bright is projected to add 119 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Bright has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 43rdth percentile nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified four projects that are expected to impact the area. Among these key projects are Alpine Shire Land Development Strategy 2024, Bright Valley, Porepunkah Roadworks and Rail Trail Reconstruction, and The Great Valley Trail. The following list details those projects likely to be 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 places Bright well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Bright has a highly educated workforce with prominent tourism and hospitality sectors. Its unemployment rate was 2.1% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 0.8%.

As of June 2025, 1,372 residents are employed, while the unemployment rate is 1.7% lower than Rest of Vic.'s 3.8%. Workforce participation is similar to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Key employment sectors include accommodation & food, retail trade, and health care & social assistance. Bright has a strong specialization in accommodation & food, employing 3.1 times the regional level, but health care & social assistance employs only 9.8% of local workers, below Rest of Vic.'s 16.8%.

The area offers limited employment opportunities locally, as shown by the Census working population vs resident population count. In the past year, employment increased by 0.8%, labour force by 1.4%, leading to a 0.7 percentage point rise in unemployment. By comparison, Rest of Vic. recorded an employment decline of 0.9% and unemployment rising by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest that Bright's employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.6% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

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

Bright had a median taxpayer income of $45,265 and an average income of $58,423 in financial year 2022. This was lower than the national averages of $48,741 and $60,693 for Rest of Vic. By September 2025, estimated median and average incomes would be approximately $50,769 and $65,527 respectively, based on a 12.16% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. In the 2021 Census, personal income ranked at the 43rd percentile ($774 weekly) and household income at the 24th percentile. Among Bright's population of 2,658 individuals, 29.6% (787 people) earned between $800 - $1,499 annually. Housing costs are modest with 86.9% of income retained, but total disposable income ranks at the 28th percentile nationally and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the sixth decile.

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

Bright's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 86.2% houses and 13.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Vic.'s 91.6% houses and 8.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bright stood at 48.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.9% and rented ones at 24.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,638, higher than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,473. Median weekly rent in Bright was $300, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $280. Nationally, Bright's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,638 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 66.1% of all households, including 21.3% couples with children, 35.4% couples without children, and 8.2% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 33.9%, with lone person households at 30.8% and group households comprising 3.6% of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.4.

Bright shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

The area's university qualification rate, at 29.5% of residents aged 15+, exceeds the SA4 region average of 19.8% and the SA3 area average of 21.1%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 20.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.1%) and graduate diplomas (4.4%). Vocational credentials are held by 38.9% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 13.6% and certificates at 25.3%.

Educational participation is high, with 28.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 10.9% in primary, 8.0% in secondary, and 3.2% in tertiary education. Bright P-12 College serves the local educational needs within Bright, enrolling 514 students as of a recent count. The area demonstrates above-average socio-educational conditions, with an ICSEA score of 1054. All schools offer integrated K-12 education for academic continuity.

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

Bright has one active public transport hub serving a mix of bus routes. This hub is served by three distinct routes offering sixty weekly passenger trips in total. The accessibility of these services is limited, with residents living an average of 974 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are eight trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately sixty weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Bright are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Bright's health indicators show below-average results with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age groups. The prevalence of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~1,329 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 9.7% of residents) and asthma (7.1%), while 67.7% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 64.1% in Rest of Vic.. As of the latest data, Bright has 27.1% of its population aged 65 and over (721 people), which is higher than the 20.7% in Rest of Vic.. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Bright's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 86.1% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia (82.5%), and speaking English only at home (92.3%). Christianity was the predominant religion in Bright, comprising 37.9% of the population. While Judaism was slightly overrepresented in Bright at 0.2%, compared to 0.1% across Rest of Vic., other religions were not specified.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (32.0%), Australian (27.8%), and Irish (9.3%). Notably, Scottish ancestry was slightly overrepresented in Bright at 9.3%, compared to 8.3% regionally, Dutch at 1.7% (vs 1.6%), and German at 4.5% (vs 4.8%).

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

Bright's median age of 48 years is significantly older than Rest of Vic.'s 43 and Australia's median of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 75-84 are particularly prominent, making up 10.3% of the population, while the 5-14 group is smaller at 9.3%. Post-2021 Census data indicates that the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 8.8% to 11.0%, while the 5-14 cohort has declined from 11.4% to 9.3% and the 55-64 group has dropped from 14.4% to 12.6%. Demographic modeling suggests that Bright's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041, with the 25-34 age cohort projected to grow steadily, increasing by 91 people (31%) from 292 to 384. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 75-84 and 15-24 cohorts.