Cobden

Cobden is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Cobden's population is estimated at around 1,808 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 4 people (0.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,804 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,709 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 16 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 23 persons per square kilometer. Cobden's 0.2% growth since census positions it within 2.7 percentage points of the SA3 area (2.9%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 56.99999999999999% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the 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 from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking at population projections moving forward, an above median population growth of locations outside of capital cities is projected, with the Cobden statistical area (Lv2) expected to expand by 299 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 16.3% over the 17 years.

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

Cobden had 3 dwelling approvals annually over the past five years, totalling 16. This low development activity is typical of rural areas with modest housing needs and limited construction due to local demand and infrastructure capacity. Note that the small number of approvals can significantly impact annual growth statistics.

Cobden's development levels are much lower than those in Rest of Vic., and also below national averages. All new constructions were standalone homes, preserving the area's rural nature. The estimated population per dwelling approval was 723 people. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Cobden's population is forecasted to grow by 294 residents by 2041.

If current construction levels continue, housing supply may lag behind population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

Cobden has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 41stth percentile nationally

No infrastructure changes can significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 0 projects that could impact this area. Notable projects include Warrnambool Line Upgrade, Telstra InfraCo Intercity Fibre Network, Victorian Renewable Energy Zones, and Melbourne To Adelaide Freight Rail Improvements, with the following list detailing those most relevant.

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Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.4%, Cobden has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Cobden has a balanced workforce comprising both white and blue-collar jobs, with manufacturing and industrial sectors prominently featured. The unemployment rate in Cobden is 3.4%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025789 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.3% lower than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation stands at 53.2%, slightly below Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Dominant employment sectors include agriculture, forestry & fishing, manufacturing, and health care & social assistance. Agriculture, forestry & fishing is particularly strong, with an employment share 2.2 times the regional level.

Conversely, accommodation & food services have limited presence, at 3.3% compared to the regional 6.9%. The area may lack local employment opportunities, as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Cobden's labour force decreased by 4.1%, with employment declining by 4.7%, leading to a 0.7 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. In contrast, Rest of Vic. saw an employment decline of 0.7% and a labour force decline of 0.6%, with a marginal rise in unemployment rate. State-wide, VIC's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year to 25-Nov-25, adding 41,950 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Cobden's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.1% over five years and 11.6% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023 shows Cobden had median taxpayer income of $40,106 and average income of $48,723. These figures are lower than national averages of $50,954 and $62,728 respectively in Rest of Vic. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since June 2023, estimated median and average incomes for Cobden as of September 2025 would be approximately $43,415 and $52,743 respectively. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Cobden fall between the 10th and 15th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows 30.2% of residents earn $400 - $799 weekly, differing from surrounding regions where the $1,500 - $2,999 category is predominant at 30.3%. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 89.6% income retention, total disposable income ranks at just the 17th percentile nationally.

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

Cobden's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 92.0% houses and 8.0% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compares to Non-Metro Vic.'s 93.2% houses and 6.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cobden stood at 49.4%, with mortgaged properties at 30.5% and rented dwellings at 20.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,083, lower than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,300. The median weekly rent in Cobden was $220, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $250. Nationally, Cobden's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,083 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Cobden features high concentrations of lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households comprise 66.2% of all households, including 21.0% couples with children, 32.6% couples without children, and 10.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 33.8%, with lone person households making up 33.0% and group households comprising 1.8%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which aligns with the average in the Rest of Vic.

Cobden faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 9.2%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 7.1%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.4%) and postgraduate qualifications (0.7%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.5% of residents aged 15 and above holding them - advanced diplomas at 9.2% and certificates at 31.3%. A total of 24.8% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, including 10.0% in primary, 8.7% in secondary, and 1.5% in tertiary education.

A substantial 24.8% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 10.0% in primary education, 8.7% in secondary education, and 1.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Cobden has five active public transport stops operating, all of which are bus stops. These stops are serviced by a single route, providing a total of 28 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 399 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages four trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately five weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Cobden is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Critical health challenges are evident in Cobden, with various health conditions impacting both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (around 835 people), compared to 48.3% across Rest of Vic. Nationally, this figure stands at 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 9.9 and 9.3% of residents respectively. Conversely, 59.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 65.0% across Rest of Vic. Cobden has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 29.9% (around 540 people), compared to the 24.6% in Rest of Vic..

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

Cobden, as per the census data from June 2016, had a cultural diversity index of below average. The population was predominantly Australian citizens, with 92.7% holding citizenship, and 93.8% having been born in Australia. English was spoken at home by 98.7% of residents.

Christianity was the major religion, practiced by 54.3%, compared to 50.0% across Rest of Vic.. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (38.0%), English (34.1%), and Irish (9.8%). Notably, Dutch ancestry was higher than average at 2.0%, Scottish was lower at 8.1%, and Maltese was slightly higher at 0.4%.

Cobden ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Cobden's median age at 51 years is significantly higher than the Rest of Vic. average of 43 and considerably older than the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Rest of Vic., the 75 - 84 cohort is notably over-represented in Cobden, with 11.0% locally compared to a national average of 6.0%. Meanwhile, the 35 - 44 age group is under-represented at 8.8%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 9.8% to 11.1%, while the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 13.0% to 10.8% and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 12.0% to 10.1%. By 2041, Cobden's age composition is expected to change notably. The 85+ group will grow by 103%, reaching 191 people from 94. Those aged 65 and above will comprise 58% of the projected growth, while both the 5 to 14 and 55 to 64 age groups are expected to decrease in number.