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 Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Brown Hill (Vic.) is around 4,693, reflecting an increase of 204 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 4.5% increase from the previous figure of 4,489. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 4,537 in June 2024, following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS, and an additional 127 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 633 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Brown Hill has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 3.0%, outpacing its SA3 area. The primary driver for this growth was overseas migration, contributing approximately 83.0% 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 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. Future trends forecast a significant population increase in the top quartile of regional areas nationally, with Brown Hill expected to grow by 1,448 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 27.5% 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

Brown Hill has seen around 36 dwelling approvals per year based on AreaSearch's analysis of ABS data. Approximately 180 homes were approved between FY-21 and FY-25, with an additional 33 approved in FY-26 to date. On average, about 0.4 new residents arrive per new home annually over the past five financial years.

This indicates that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more options for buyers and potentially driving population growth beyond current projections. The average construction value of new properties is $540,000, suggesting a focus on premium developments. This financial year has seen $2.1 million in commercial approvals registered, reflecting the area's residential nature.

Compared to other Victorian areas, Brown Hill shows around 69% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 62nd percentile nationally. The majority of new building activity consists of standalone homes (86.0%), with townhouses or apartments making up the remaining 14.0%, maintaining the area's low-density character and appealing to those seeking space. Brown Hill has a population density of around 237 people per approval, reflecting its low-density nature. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is projected to grow by 1,292 residents by 2041. Building activity appears to be keeping pace with these growth projections, although buyers may face increased competition as the population grows.

Brown Hill has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified ten projects likely to impact this region. Notable ones are Equinox Ballarat Lifestyle Village Expansion, Vista Estate, Brown Hill development, Apple Tree Hill Estate, and The Meadows on Eureka Estate. Below is a list of 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.

AreaSearch analysis places Brown Hill well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Brown Hill has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well-represented. As of December 2025, the unemployment rate is 2.5%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. In this month, 2,354 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.2% lower than Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%.

The workforce participation rate in Brown Hill is 66.8%, surpassing Regional Vic.'s 61.5%. Census responses indicate that 17.2% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. Brown Hill has a particular specialization in construction, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 1.0% versus the regional average of 7.5%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population compared to resident population. Over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.8% combined with employment decreasing by 0.8%, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable in Brown Hill. In contrast, Regional Vic. experienced an employment decline of 0.6% and a labour force decline of 0.7%, with a 0.1 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can provide further insight into potential future demand within Brown Hill. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, suggest national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Brown Hill's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.0% over ten years.

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

The median income among taxpayers in Brown Hill suburb was $61,351 in financial year 2023. The average income stood at $78,776 during the same period. These figures are higher than those for Regional Vic., which were $50,954 and $62,728 respectively. By September 2025, estimates suggest median income will be approximately $66,412 and average income around $85,275, based on an 8.25% growth rate since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Brown Hill cluster around the 56th percentile nationally. The predominant income cohort spans 36.0% of locals (1,689 people) with incomes between $1,500 and $2,999, mirroring the broader area where 30.3% fall into this bracket. After housing costs, 86.3% of income remains for other expenses. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Brown Hill is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure in Brown Hill, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 27th August 2016, comprised 87.9% houses and 12.1% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is compared to Regional Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. The level of home ownership within Brown Hill was at 30.0%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (45.0%) or rented (25.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,619, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $290. Nationally, Brown Hill's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, as reported on 27th August 2016, while rents are 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 32.8% couples with children, 27.7% couples without children, and 9.3% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 28.8%, with lone person households at 25.6% and group households making up 3.5%. The median household size is 2.5 people, larger than the Regional 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's educational qualifications benchmarked against regional standards show that 26.6% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees, compared to the Victorian average of 33.4%. The most common qualification is a bachelor degree, held by 18.3% of residents. Postgraduate qualifications and graduate diplomas are held by 4.9% and 3.4% respectively. Vocational credentials are prominent, with 37.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.5%) and certificates (26.4%).

Educational participation is high, with 26.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes primary education (10.2%), secondary education (5.9%), and tertiary education (3.8%).

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. These are served by two routes offering a total of 608 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is moderate with residents typically residing 440 meters from the nearest stop. Most commuters travel outward, predominantly using cars (96%). On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 17.2% of residents work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 86 trips daily across all routes, equating to around 38 weekly trips per stop.

Brown Hill's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Brown Hill's health metrics are close to national benchmarks, as assessed by AreaSearch using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 58% of the total population (~2,717 people), compared to 50.5% across Regional Vic.. The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 10.7 and 9.3% of residents respectively, while 66.3% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.4% across Regional Vic.. Working-age residents show above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 15.0% of residents aged 65 and over (703 people), which is lower than the 23.9% in Regional Vic.. National rankings are broadly in line with the general population.

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's population showed low cultural diversity, with 91.5% born in Australia, 93.4% being citizens, and 95.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 49.4%. The 'Other' category was slightly overrepresented at 1.1%, compared to Regional Vic's 0.8%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (30.2%), Australian (29.7%), and Irish (12.5%). Notably, Dutch ancestry was marginally higher than the regional average (1.8% vs 1.7%), Scottish slightly more so (9.0% vs 8.8%), and Sri Lankan noticeably higher (0.3% vs 0.1%).

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

The median age in Brown Hill as of 2021 was 36 years, which is significantly lower than Regional Victoria's average of 43 and slightly younger than Australia's average of 38 years. The 25-34 age group constituted 17.4% of the population, higher than Regional Vic.'s percentage, while the 75-84 cohort made up 4.8%. Post-census data from 2021 shows an increase in the 25 to 34 age group from 15.8% to 17.4%, and a rise in the 35 to 44 cohort from 15.0% to 16.1%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group decreased from 12.9% to 11.9%. Population forecasts for Brown Hill indicate substantial demographic changes by 2041. Notably, the 25 to 34 age group is projected to grow by 56%, adding 456 people and reaching a total of 1,273 from its previous count of 816. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort is expected to decline by 7 people.