Camperdown (Vic.)

An assessment of population growth drivers in Camperdown reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As of May 2026, the population of the suburb of Camperdown (Vic.) is estimated at around 3,214 people. This reflects a decrease since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,354 people. The current resident population was estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 23 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 46 persons per square kilometer. Camperdown's -4.2% decline since census is within 2.6 percentage points of the SA3 area (-1.6%), indicating similar population challenges across the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration 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 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 increase by 720 persons based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an overall increase of 22.4% over the 16-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Camperdown, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Camperdown averaged approximately 12 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years ending June 30, totalling an estimated 60 homes. As of July-September 2026, 9 approvals have been recorded. Population decline in recent years has maintained adequate housing supply relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with varied buyer choices. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $541,000, targeting the premium market segment.

This financial year has seen $2.8 million in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's residential character. Compared to Rest of Vic., Camperdown exhibits approximately 75% of construction activity per person and ranks among the 57th percentile nationally. Building activity comprises 67.0% detached dwellings and 33.0% attached dwellings, offering choices across price ranges from spacious family homes to compact options. This shift reflects reduced development site availability and evolving lifestyle demands.

With around 273 people per dwelling approval, Camperdown exhibits low-density characteristics. AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate projects an addition of 720 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

Camperdown has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 39thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified two projects that may impact this region: Leura Aged Care Facility, Camperdown Production Precinct Masterplan, Warrnambool Line Upgrade, and Victorian Renewable Energy Zones. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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

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AreaSearch assessment positions Camperdown ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Camperdown has a balanced workforce with representation from both white and blue collar jobs. Key sectors include essential services. The unemployment rate is 2.2%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of December 2025, 1,408 residents are employed while the unemployment rate stands at 1.5% below Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation is lower in Camperdown at 52.0%, compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.0%. Census data shows that 9.2% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Major employment industries are health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and retail trade.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing has a notable concentration with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average. However, construction is under-represented with only 8.7% of Camperdown's workforce compared to Regional Vic.'s 10.4%. The area appears to have limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparing working population to resident population. In the 12-month period ending in May-25, labour force decreased by 6.7% and employment declined by 6.9%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Vic. experienced a 0.6% employment decline and a 0.7% labour force decline, with a 0.1 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Camperdown's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.8% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that in Camperdown, median income is $45,921 and average income is $54,962. In Regional Vic., median income is $50,954 and average income is $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, estimated current incomes in Camperdown are approximately $50,339 (median) and $60,249 (average) as of March 2026. The 2021 Census reveals that household, family and personal incomes in Camperdown fall between the 8th and 15th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that the largest segment comprises 27.8% earning $800 - $1,499 weekly (893 residents), differing from regional levels where the $1,500 - $2,999 category predominates at 30.3%. Housing costs are modest with 88.9% of income retained, placing total disposable income at the 13th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure in Camperdown, as evaluated at the latest Census conducted on 28 August 2016, comprised 93.5% houses and 6.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional Victoria's 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. The level of home ownership in Camperdown was at 50.0%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged at 29.0% or rented at 21.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,127, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $240. Nationally, Camperdown's median monthly mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 62.1% of all households, including 20.6% couples with children, 30.8% couples without children, and 9.5% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 37.9%, with lone person households at 35.4% and group households comprising 2.8%. The median household size is 2.2 people, smaller than the Regional Vic average of 2.4.

Educational outcomes in Camperdown fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 16.8%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 36.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 8.8% and certificates at 27.7%. A total of 24.8% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, including 10.0% in primary, 8.1% in secondary, and 2.2% in tertiary education.

A substantial 24.8% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 10.0% in primary education, 8.1% in secondary education, and 2.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Camperdown has five operational public transport stops offering a mix of train services. These are served by three distinct routes, collectively facilitating 92 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents typically residing 587 meters from the nearest stop. Primarily residential, most Camperdown residents commute outward using private vehicles, which remain the dominant mode at 90%, while 8% walk. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 9.2% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 13 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 18 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Camperdown faces significant health challenges as per AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover is low at approximately 49% of the total population (~1,562 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (11.0%) and asthma (8.8%). 60.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.4% across Regional Vic.. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 30.6% of residents aged 65 and over (983 people), higher than the 23.9% in Regional Vic.. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

The latest Census data sees Camperdown placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Camperdown, surveyed in June 2016, showed low cultural diversity: 91.6% citizens, 92.4% born Australian, and 97.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, at 59.4%, compared to 47.3% regionally. Ancestry-wise, Australians topped at 35.3% (regional average: 29.6%), followed by English at 33.0%.

Irish ancestry was 11.2%. Notable differences existed in Scottish (Camperdown: 9.7%, regional: 8.8%), Spanish (Camperdown: 0.4%, regional: 0.2%) and Dutch (Camperdown: 1.3%, regional: 1.7%) groups.

Camperdown ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Camperdown's median age is 50, which exceeds Regional Vic.'s figure of 43 and is well above the national average of 38 years. The 75-84 age group comprises 11.6% of Camperdown's population, higher than Regional Vic., while the 5-14 cohort makes up 9.5%. This 75-84 concentration is significantly higher than the national figure of 6.1%. Post the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age group grew from 9.8% to 11.2%, and the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 9.6% to 10.8%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 11.1% to 9.5%, and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 11.2% to 9.9%. By 2041, Camperdown's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 25 to 34 age cohort is expected to increase markedly by 177 people (51%), from 347 to 525. Conversely, population declines are forecast for the 15 to 24 and 55 to 64 cohorts.