Brown Hill (Vic.)

Brown Hill lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population of Brown Hill (Vic.) is around 4,557. This figure reflects a growth of 68 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,489. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 4,471 residents based on ABS ERP data released in June 2024 and an additional 113 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 615 persons per square kilometer. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 83.0% of overall population gains, although all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth were positive factors.

AreaSearch's projections for Brown Hill (Vic.) are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia projections 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 are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the suburb is expected to expand by 1,412 persons based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 30.7% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Brown Hill 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, Brown Hill has experienced around 33 dwellings receiving development approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 169 homes. So far in FY-26, 23 approvals have been recorded. This results in an average of approximately 0.4 new residents arriving per year for each new home developed between FY-21 and FY-25. The average construction cost value of these dwellings is $542,000, slightly above the regional average.

Additionally, $5.3 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating the area's residential character. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Brown Hill records around 62% of the building activity per person and places among the 62nd percentile of areas assessed nationally. Recent construction comprises 84.0% standalone homes and 16.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers.

With around 238 people per dwelling approval, Brown Hill shows characteristics of a low density area. Future projections show Brown Hill adding approximately 1,399 residents by 2041, as per the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Building activity is keeping pace with growth projections, though buyers may experience heightened competition as the population grows.

Brown Hill has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified ten projects likely impacting this area. Key projects include Equinox Ballarat Lifestyle Village Expansion, Vista Estate, Brown Hill, Apple Tree Hill Estate, and The Meadows on Eureka Estate. Below is a list detailing 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.

Employment conditions in Brown Hill demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Brown Hill has a skilled workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.5%, and it experienced an estimated 7.0% employment growth over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025, 2400 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.3% lower than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Brown Hill is high at 67.2%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. Notably, construction employs 1.4 times the regional average.

In contrast, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 1% of local workers, below Rest of Vic.'s 7.5%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 7%, while labour force increased by 6.7%, leading to a slight decrease in unemployment. This contrasts with Rest of Vic., where employment contracted by 0.9%, labour force fell by 0.4%, and unemployment rose by 0.4%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 offer insight into potential future demand within Brown Hill. These projections suggest national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with variations between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Brown Hill's employment mix suggests local employment could increase by 6.8% over five years and 14% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only and does not account for localized population projections.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that median income in Brown Hill is $60,925 and average income stands at $78,228. This contrasts with Rest of Vic.'s median income of $48,741 and average income of $60,693. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, estimated current incomes are approximately $68,333 (median) and $87,741 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, income in Brown Hill clusters around the 56th percentile nationally. Income brackets indicate that 36.0% of individuals earn between $1,500 - 2,999 annually. After housing expenses, 86.3% of income remains for other expenses, and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Brown Hill is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Brown Hill's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 87.9% houses and 12.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s 85.6% houses and 14.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Brown Hill stood at 30.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 45.0% and rented ones at 25.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,619, higher than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,499. The median weekly rent figure in Brown Hill was $290, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $300. Nationally, Brown Hill's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,619 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Brown Hill has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 71.2% of all households, including 32.8% couples with children, 27.7% couples without children, and 9.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 28.8%, with lone person households at 25.6% and group households comprising 3.5%. The median household size is 2.5 people, larger than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.4.

Educational attainment in Brown Hill aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

Brown Hill trail regional benchmarks indicate that 26.6% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees, compared to 33.4% in Victoria. This difference suggests potential for educational development and skill enhancement. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 18.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.9%) and graduate diplomas (3.4%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 37.9% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 11.5% and certificates at 26.4%.

Educational participation is high, with 26.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.2% in primary education, 5.9% in secondary education, and 3.8% pursuing tertiary education. Caledonian Primary School serves the local educational needs within Brown Hill, enrolling 214 students as of a typical Australian school condition (ICSEA: 996), indicating balanced educational opportunities. The area has one primary school focused exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding regions. Local school capacity is limited, with 4.7 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 17.9, leading many families to travel for schooling.

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

Brown Hill has 16 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by two routes that together offer 665 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is moderate, with residents typically living 440 meters away from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 95 trips per day across both routes, which equates to approximately 41 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Brown Hill faces significant health challenges, with common health conditions being somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 58% of the total population (~2,629 people), compared to 50.9% across Rest of Vic..

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 10.7% and 9.3% of residents respectively. Sixty-six point three percent of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 62.3% across Rest of Vic.. Fourteen point nine percent of residents are aged 65 and over (678 people), which is lower than the 17.8% in Rest of Vic.. This aligns broadly with the general population's health profile.

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

Brown Hill had a low level of cultural diversity, with 91.5% of its population born in Australia, 93.4% being citizens, and 95.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 49.4% of people in Brown Hill. The category 'Other' was slightly overrepresented compared to the rest of Victoria, with 1.1% versus 1.0%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (30.2%), Australian (29.7%), and Irish (12.5%). Notably, Dutch representation was higher than average at 1.8%, Scottish was slightly overrepresented at 9.0%, and Sri Lankan was also overrepresented at 0.3%.

Brown Hill's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Brown Hill is 36 years, which is significantly below Rest of Vic.'s average of 43 years. This figure is also somewhat younger than Australia's median age of 38 years. The 25-34 age group shows strong representation at 16.8% compared to Rest of Vic., while the 75-84 cohort is less prevalent at 4.7%. Post-2021 Census data indicates that the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 15.8% to 16.8% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age group has declined from 11.3% to 10.7%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Brown Hill. Leading this shift, the 25 to 34 age group is projected to grow by 66%, reaching 1,273 people from its current figure of 765. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort is projected to decline by 4 people.