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 November 2025, the estimated population for the Cardigan statistical area (Lv2) is around 2,107. This reflects a significant increase from the 2021 Census figure of 1,064 people. The population growth of 1,043 people (98.0%) since the census is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 2,023 residents based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 698 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population density equates to approximately 51 persons per square kilometer. The Cardigan (SA2) has shown remarkable growth, exceeding both the non-metro area's average of 7.9% and the national average since the 2021 census. Interstate migration contributed significantly to this growth, accounting for about 74.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

However, natural growth and overseas migration also played positive roles in the population increase. AreaSearch projections for the Cardigan (SA2) are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilizes 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, demographic trends suggest exceptional growth for the Cardigan (SA2), placing it in the top 10 percent of Australia's non-metropolitan areas. According to aggregated SA2-level projections, the area is expected to grow by 919 persons by 2041, reflecting an increase of approximately 3.1% over the 17-year period.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Cardigan has experienced around 91 dwellings receiving development approval annually. An estimated 456 homes have been approved over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, with a further 36 approved so far in FY-26. Over these five years, an average of only 0.8 people per year moved to the area for each dwelling built, indicating that new construction is matching or outpacing demand.

This offers buyers more options and enables population growth that could exceed current expectations. New dwellings are developed at an average value of $497,000, revealing that developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties. There have been $412,000 in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating minimal commercial development activity compared to residential. When measured against Rest of Vic., Cardigan records 647.0% more building activity per person, which should provide buyers with ample choice despite recent easing in construction activity. This level is substantially higher than nationally, suggesting strong developer confidence in the location.

New building activity shows 97.0% detached dwellings and 3.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving the area's low density nature while attracting space-seeking buyers. The location has approximately 22 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Looking ahead, Cardigan is expected to grow by 66 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Cardigan 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 25 projects that may impact the area. Notable projects 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 an unemployment rate of 0.8% as of September 2025. It experienced an estimated employment growth of 3.2% over the past year.

The unemployment rate is 3.0% lower than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%, and the workforce participation rate is 75.1%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction employment share is 1.4 times the regional level. Agriculture, forestry & fishing employ only 3.6% of local workers, below Rest of Vic.'s 7.5%.

There are 2.7 workers for every resident, indicating Cardigan functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. In the 12-month period ending September 2025, employment increased by 3.2%, while labour force increased by 3.0%, causing a decrease in unemployment rate of 0.2 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these 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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Cardigan suburb had a median income among taxpayers of $52,739 and an average of $67,538. These figures align with national averages. Rest of Vic.'s median was $50,954 and average was $62,728. Considering Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated current incomes (as of September 2025) would be approximately $57,090 median and $73,110 average. According to 2021 Census figures, household incomes rank at the 94th percentile ($2,713 weekly), while personal incomes rank at the 64th percentile. Distribution data reveals that 34.6% of residents (729 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, reflecting patterns seen in the surrounding region where 30.3% occupy this range. Notably, 43.4% earn above $3,000 weekly, indicating prosperous pockets driving robust local economic activity. After housing costs, residents retain 88.7% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

Cardigan's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, was 98.7% houses and 1.3% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Vic.'s dwelling structure was 85.6% houses and 14.5% other dwellings. The home ownership rate in Cardigan was 36.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 55.9% and rented dwellings at 7.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Cardigan was $2,167, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure in Cardigan was $350, while Non-Metro Vic.'s was $300. Nationally, Cardigan's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863 and rents were lower than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 89.9 percent of all households, including 60.8 percent couples with children, 24.8 percent couples without children, and 3.6 percent single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 10.1 percent, with lone person households at 7.8 percent and group households comprising 1.6 percent of the total. 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 prominent, with 35.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.5%) and certificates (26.3%). Educational participation is high at 35.5%, with 13.5% in secondary education, 13.0% in primary education, and 4.4% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably 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

The public transport analysis indicates one active transport stop operating within Cardigan. This stop is a mix of bus services. It is serviced by one individual route, providing 197 weekly passenger trips in total.

Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 1803 meters from the nearest transport stop. The service frequency averages 28 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 197 weekly trips per individual stop.

Cardigan's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Health outcomes data shows excellent results across Cardigan, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 54%, leading that of the average SA2 area (~1,127 people). Asthma and mental health issues are the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 7.8% and 7.0% of residents respectively. A total of 74.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 62.3% across Rest of Vic. The area has 7.9% of residents aged 65 and over (166 people), lower than the 17.8% in Rest of Vic.. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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

Cardigan's population is predominantly Australian-born, with 90.3% born in the country. Citizenship is also high, with 94.9% of residents being citizens. English is widely spoken, with 93.8% speaking it at home.

Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 59.7%. This is higher than the regional average of 45.0%. The top three ancestral groups are Australian (32.1%), English (28.2%), and Irish (10.3%). Notably, Sri Lankan ancestry is disproportionately high at 0.9% compared to the regional average of 0.1%. Welsh ancestry is also higher than average at 0.8%, compared to 0.5%. Maltese ancestry is notably present at 1.7%, compared to the regional average of 0.4%.

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 the Australian median of 38 years. The 15-24 cohort is notably over-represented in Cardigan at 17.4%, while the 65-74 year-olds are under-represented at 5.0%. Following the Census conducted on 2021/08/10, the 25 to 34 age group grew from 8.1% to 9.5% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 14.1% to 15.5%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort declined from 17.6% to 16.7%. Demographic modeling suggests that Cardigan's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041/07/01. The 25 to 34 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 36%, adding 72 residents to reach 273. Both the 75 to 84 and 65 to 74 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.