Heywood

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

As of May 2026, the estimated population of Heywood is around 1,773, reflecting a decrease of 42 people since the 2021 Census. This decrease corresponds to a 2.3% drop from the previous population count of 1,815. The current estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and analysis of resident populations using ERP data released by the ABS in June 2025. This results in a population density ratio of 7.0 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Heywood has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 0.2%, outpacing its SA3 area. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population gains during this period.

AreaSearch's projections for Heywood are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024, using 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch uses 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. By 2041, Heywood is expected to increase its population by approximately 109 persons, reflecting a total increase of around 6.0% over the 16-year period. This growth rate is just below the median for locations outside capital cities.

The level of residential development activity in Heywood is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Heywood had minimal construction activity with 3 new dwellings approved annually on average between 2016 and 2020 (total of 17 approvals). This low level is typical in rural areas due to modest housing needs and limited development by local demand and infrastructure capacity. Note that the small number of approvals can significantly impact annual growth rates and comparisons.

Heywood had less construction activity than Rest of Vic., with levels below national averages. Recent development comprised solely detached dwellings, reflecting the area's rural character where larger properties are common. The estimated population per dwelling approval was 510 people, indicating quiet, low-activity development. By 2041, Heywood is projected to grow by 107 residents (AreaSearch quarterly estimate).

Development pace aligns with projected growth, but increasing competition may arise as the population expands.

Heywood has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 34thth percentile nationally

Infrastructure projects can significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three such projects for this region. Notable projects include the Tyrendarra Town Area Restructure Plan, Princes Highway West - Bridge Upgrade Fitzroy River at Tyrendarra, Princes Highway West - Overtaking Lane at Tyrendarra (Westbound), and Budj Bim Cultural Landscape Infrastructure. The following list focuses on those most relevant to this area.

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

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AreaSearch analysis indicates Heywood maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Heywood has a balanced workforce with diverse sector representation. As of December 2025, its unemployment rate is 2.6%, based on AreaSearch data. In this month, 792 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.1% lower than Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%.

Workforce participation in Heywood lags behind Regional Vic., at 55.8% compared to 61.0%. According to Census responses, 14.1% of residents work from home. The dominant employment sectors are agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Heywood specializes in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 2.5 times the regional level.

Conversely, education & training employs only 3.7% of local workers, below Regional Vic.'s 9.1%. The area may have limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data. Over the year to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 6.8%, with employment down by 6.9%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Regional Vic. saw an employment decline of 0.6% and a labour force decline of 0.7%, with unemployment falling by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Heywood's employment could increase by 5.4% over five years and 12.0% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 30, 2023 shows that income in Heywood is lower than average nationally. The median income is $44,525 while the average stands at $55,622. This contrasts with Regional Vic.'s figures of a median income of $50,954 and an average of $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% from July 1, 2023 to March 2026, current estimates would be approximately $48,808 (median) and $60,973 (average). According to the Census conducted on August 10, 2021, household, family and personal incomes in Heywood all fall between the 6th and 14th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that the largest segment comprises 28.6% earning $400 - $799 weekly (507 residents), differing from the surrounding region where the $1,500 - $2,999 category predominates at 30.3%. Despite modest housing costs with 89.2% of income retained, total disposable income ranks at just the 11th percentile nationally.

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

Heywood's dwelling structure, as assessed at the latest Census in 2016, consisted of 95.0% houses and 5.0% other dwellings. Compared to Regional Victoria's 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings, Heywood had a higher proportion of houses. Home ownership in Heywood stood at 46.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.9% and rented ones at 20.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,025, below Regional Victoria's average of $1,430. The median weekly rent in Heywood was $180, compared to Regional Victoria's $285. Nationally, Heywood's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 61.6% of all households, including 19.5% couples with children, 28.5% couples without children, and 11.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 38.4%, with lone person households at 35.3% and group households comprising 2.0%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Regional Vic average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 8.6%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 6.0%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.8%) and postgraduate qualifications (0.8%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 43.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.6%) and certificates (34.8%). Educational participation is high, with 28.5% currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 13.0% in primary, 6.8% in secondary, and 1.7% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.0% in primary education, 6.8% in secondary education, and 1.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Heywood has two active public transport stops, each served by separate routes. These routes combined offer 25 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is limited in Heywood, with residents typically residing 720 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily. Car remains the primary mode of transportation, used by 92% of residents, while 5% walk. On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 14.1% of Heywood's residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages three trips per day across all routes, translating to around twelve weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Heywood is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Heywood's health data shows significant challenges, according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high among both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is low at approximately 49% of Heywood's total population (around 866 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis, affecting 12.1% of residents, and mental health issues, impacting 9.7%. Conversely, 59.4% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 63.4% in Regional Vic.. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Heywood has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over, at 27.9% (around 494 people), than the Regional Vic. average of 23.9%. National rankings for this age group are even higher than the general population.

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

Heywood had a cultural diversity level below average, with 86.4% of its population being citizens, 91.8% born in Australia, and 98.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Heywood, comprising 46.1% of people, compared to 47.3% across Regional Vic. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (33.1%), English (32.9%), and Scottish (7.9%).

Notably, Dutch (1.9%) and Maltese (1.4%) were overrepresented in Heywood compared to regional averages of 1.7% and 0.5%, respectively. Additionally, the representation of Australian Aboriginal was higher at 5.5% than the regional average of 1.4%.

Heywood hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Heywood's median age of 48 years is significantly older than Regional Vic.'s median age of 43 and is notably higher than Australia's median age of 38. The age profile indicates that individuals aged 65-74 are particularly prominent, comprising 16.3% of the population, which is considerably higher than the national average of 9.4%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group constitutes only 9.1%, which is smaller compared to Regional Vic.'s profile. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 10.6% to 11.8%, while the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 11.0% to 9.1%. Additionally, the 55 to 64 age group has decreased from 16.0% to 14.3%. Demographic modeling suggests that Heywood's age profile will significantly change by 2041. The 85+ age cohort is projected to expand considerably, increasing by 51 people (78%) from 65 to 117. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 65-74 and 15-24 age cohorts.