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 for the Brown Hill (Vic.) statistical area (Lv2) is around 4,686, reflecting an increase of 197 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 4.4% rise from the previous population figure of 4,489. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 4,537 following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 113 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 632 persons per square kilometer. The primary driver for this population growth was overseas migration, contributing approximately 83.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

However, all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth were positive factors. AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted 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 Brown Hill (Vic.) (SA2) is forecasted to grow by 1,417 persons, reflecting a gain of 27.2% in total over the 17-year period.

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 averaged approximately 36 new dwelling approvals each year. Over the past five financial years, between FY21 and FY25, around 181 homes were approved, with an additional 32 so far in FY26. On average, about 0.4 people per year have moved to the area for each dwelling built during these years.

This suggests that new construction is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, providing buyers with more options and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current expectations. The average expected construction cost value of new homes in Brown Hill is around $540,000, indicating a focus on the premium market segment with higher-end properties. This financial year has seen approximately $2.1 million in commercial approvals registered, suggesting a predominantly residential focus for development in the area.

When compared to Rest of Vic., Brown Hill records about 66% of the building activity per person and places among the 62nd percentile of areas assessed nationally in terms of building activity. Recent construction in Brown Hill comprises approximately 86.0% detached houses 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 238 people per dwelling approval, Brown Hill exhibits characteristics of a low-density area. Future projections indicate that Brown Hill is expected to add approximately 1,275 residents by 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Construction activity is maintaining a reasonable pace with projected growth, although buyers may face increasing competition for properties as the population continues to grow.

Brown Hill has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified ten projects expected to impact the region. Notable ones include Equinox Ballarat Lifestyle Village Expansion, Vista Estate, Brown Hill, Apple Tree Hill Estate, and The Meadows on Eureka Estate. The following list details those most likely to be 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.

The labour market in Brown Hill shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Brown Hill has a skilled workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 2.6% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 1.8% over the past year.

This is based on AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, 2332 residents were employed, while the unemployment rate was 1.2% lower than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Brown Hill was higher at 67.2%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training.

Notably, the concentration in construction is high, with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 1% of Brown Hill's workforce compared to 7.5% in Rest of Vic. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 1.8%, while the labour force increased by 1.5%. This resulted in a decrease in unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic experienced an employment decline of 0.7% and a labour force decline of 0.6% during this period. State-level data as of 25-Nov shows VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia offer further insight into potential future demand within Brown Hill. National employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Brown Hill's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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 2023 shows that income in Brown Hill is well above average nationally. The median income is $61,351 and the average income stands at $78,776. This contrasts with Rest of 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 $66,412 (median) and $85,275 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Brown Hill cluster around the 56th percentile nationally. The earnings profile shows that 36.0% of the population (1,686 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, which is similar to the surrounding region where 30.3% occupy this range. After housing, 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, had 87.9% houses and 12.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Vic. had 85.6% houses and 14.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Brown Hill was 30.0%, with the rest being mortgaged (45.0%) or rented (25.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,619, above Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,499. The median weekly rent figure was $290 compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $300. Nationally, Brown Hill's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,619 than the Australian 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 constitute 71.2% of all households, including couples with children (32.8%), couples without children (27.7%), and single parent families (9.3%). Non-family households comprise the remaining 28.8%, with lone person households at 25.6% and group households at 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 has 26.6% of residents aged 15 and above holding university degrees, compared to the Victorian average of 33.4%. This indicates a gap in educational qualifications that suggests potential for development and skill enhancement. Bachelor degrees are the most common, held by 18.3% of residents, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.9%) and graduate diplomas (3.4%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 37.9% of residents aged 15 and above 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.

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 facilitate 608 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is moderate, with residents generally located 440 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 86 trips per day across both routes, equating to approximately 38 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 prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 58% of the total population (2,713 people), compared to 51.9% across Rest of Vic..

Mental health issues impact 10.7% of residents, while asthma affects 9.3%. Sixty-six point three percent declare 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 (698 people), which is lower than the 17.8% in Rest of Vic.. This is broadly in line 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, as per the findings, exhibited below-average cultural diversity. Its population was predominantly born in Australia, with 91.5%, and held citizenship at a rate of 93.4%. English was spoken exclusively at home by 95.8% of residents.

Christianity emerged as the primary religion, accounting for 49.4% of Brown Hill's inhabitants. Notably, the 'Other' religious category showed an overrepresentation in Brown Hill compared to the rest of Victoria, with 1.1% versus 1.0%. Regarding ancestry, the top three groups were English at 30.2%, Australian at 29.7%, and Irish at 12.5%. Some ethnic groups demonstrated notable differences: Dutch was overrepresented at 1.8% compared to the regional average of 2.1%, Scottish at 9.0% versus 9.2%, and Sri Lankan at 0.3% compared to 0.1%.

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

The median age in Brown Hill is 36 years, which is significantly lower than Rest of Vic.'s average of 43 years and somewhat younger than Australia's median age of 38 years. The 25-34 age group comprises 16.9% of the population in Brown Hill, higher than Rest of Vic., while the 75-84 cohort makes up 4.7%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 25-34 age group has increased from 15.8% to 16.9%, and the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 11.3% to 10.7%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes for Brown Hill. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 61% (481 people), reaching 1,273 from 791. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort is expected to decline by 17 people.