Cardigan

Cardigan 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 Cardigan is around 2,132. This figure represents a significant increase from the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,064 people. The growth can be attributed to an additional 744 validated new addresses since the Census date and a resident population estimate of 2,023 by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024. This results in a population density ratio of 52 persons per square kilometer. The suburb's growth rate of 100.4% since the 2021 Census exceeds both the Rest of Vic. (8.1%) and the national average, positioning Cardigan as a significant growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 74.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch's projections for the suburb are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data 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 SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking ahead, exceptional growth is predicted for Cardigan over the next 17 years, with an expected increase of 952 persons to reach a total population of approximately 3,084 by 2041. This projected growth reflects an overall increase of 3.4% during this period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Cardigan among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis shows Cardigan recorded approximately 91 residential properties granted approval per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 456 homes were approved, with a further 36 approved in FY-26. Over these five years, an average of 0.8 new residents was estimated per dwelling constructed.

This suggests that new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, offering ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction value of new properties is $497,000, indicating developers are targeting the premium market segment. In FY-26, $412,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, demonstrating Cardigan's residential nature. Compared to Rest of Vic., Cardigan has 649.0% more construction activity per person, suggesting greater choice for buyers and strong developer confidence in the location. New building activity is predominantly detached houses (97.0%) with a small proportion of townhouses or apartments (3.0%), preserving the area's low density nature.

With around 22 people per dwelling approval, Cardigan exhibits characteristics of a growth area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Cardigan is expected to grow by 73 residents through to 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.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 25 projects that could affect this region. Notable ones include Lucas Estate Masterplanned Community, Ballarat Private Hospital, Ballarat West Growth Area, and Shayne Reese Swimming Learn to Swim Facility. The following list details 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.

The exceptional employment performance in Cardigan places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

Cardigan has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 0.9% in the past year, showing an estimated employment growth of 3.8%. As of September 2025788 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 2.9% lower than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation lagged significantly at 49.7%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 61.4%. According to Census responses, 14.7% of residents worked from home. Leading employment industries among residents included health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area had a particular specialization in construction with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing had limited presence with 3.6% employment compared to 7.5% regionally. There were 2.7 workers for every resident as at the Census, indicating Cardigan functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. During the year to September 2025, employment levels increased by 3.8% and labour force increased by 3.8%, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable. By comparison, Rest of Vic. recorded employment decline of 0.7%, labour force decline of 0.6%, with unemployment rising marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer further insight into potential future demand within Cardigan. These projections suggest national employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Cardigan's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.1% over ten years.

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

The suburb of Cardigan has an average national income level according to recent Australian Taxation Office (ATO) data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year ending June 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Cardigan is $52,739, with an average income of $67,538. These figures compare to Rest of Vic.'s median income of $50,954 and average income of $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since the financial year ending June 2023, current estimates for Cardigan's median income are approximately $57,090 and average income is around $73,110 as of September 2025. According to Census 2021 data, household incomes in Cardigan rank at the 94th percentile ($2,713 weekly), while personal income ranks lower at the 64th percentile. Income analysis shows that 34.6% of Cardigan residents (737 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band, which is consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region showing 30.3% in the same category. Higher earners represent a substantial presence in Cardigan, with 43.4% exceeding $3,000 weekly, indicating strong purchasing power within the community. After housing costs, residents retain 88.7% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

Cardigan's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 98.7% houses and 1.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Vic. had 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cardigan stood at 36.7%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (55.9%) or rented (7.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, exceeding Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,863. Weekly rent in Cardigan was recorded at $350, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $285 and the national average of $375.

Cardigan features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 89.9% of all households, including 60.8% couples with children, 24.8% couples without children, and 3.6% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 10.1%, with lone person households at 7.8% and group households making up 1.6%. The median household size is 3.4 people, larger than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 21.0%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.4%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 35.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.5%) and certificates (26.3%). Educational participation is high, with 35.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 13.5% in secondary education, 13.0% in primary education, and 4.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Cardigan has one active public transport stop. This stop is served by one route, offering 197 weekly passenger trips in total. The area's transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 1803 meters from the nearest transport stop. Most residents commute outward due to its predominantly residential nature. Cars remain the dominant mode of transportation, used by 99% of residents. On average, there are 2.6 vehicles per dwelling, which is higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 14.7% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 28 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 197 weekly trips per individual stop.

Cardigan's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Cardigan based on AreaSearch's assessment conducted on March 15th, 2021. Both young and old age cohorts saw low prevalence of common health conditions.

The rate of private health cover was approximately 54% of the total population (around 1,141 people), leading that of the average SA2 area. This compares to a rate of 50.5% across Rest of Vic.. The most common medical conditions in the area were asthma and mental health issues, impacting 7.8 and 7.0% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 74.3% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to a rate of 63.4% across Rest of Vic.. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 7.8% of residents aged 65 and over (166 people), which is lower than the 23.9% in Rest of Vic.. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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

Cardigan's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 90.3% of its population born in Australia, 94.9% being citizens, and 93.8% speaking English only at home. The dominant religion in Cardigan is Christianity, making up 59.7% of the population, compared to 47.3% across Rest of Vic. In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups are Australian (32.1%), English (28.2%), and Irish (10.3%).

Notably, Sri Lankan (0.9%) Welsh (0.8%), and Maltese (1.7%) ethnic groups were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.1%, 0.4%, and 0.5% respectively.

Cardigan's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Cardigan's median age is 35 years, which is significantly below the Rest of Vic average of 43 years, and somewhat younger than Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of Vic average, Cardigan has an over-represented cohort of 15-24 year-olds at 17.3%, while those aged 65-74 are under-represented at 5.0%. Post the 2021 Census, the population aged 25 to 34 grew from 8.1% to 10.2%, and the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 14.1% to 15.9%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age group declined from 17.6% to 16.6%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Cardigan's age profile. The 45-54 cohort is expected to grow by 17%, adding 61 residents to reach 415. Meanwhile, both the 75-84 and 65-74 age groups are projected to decrease in number.