Heywood

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

By Feb 2026, Heywood's population is estimated at around 1,823. This reflects an increase of 8 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,815. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of 1,778 residents following examination of ABS's ERP data release in June 2024 and validation of 9 new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 7.2 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Heywood has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 0.3%, outpacing its SA3 area. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration.

AreaSearch is using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 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. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, Heywood is expected to increase by 122 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 4.2% in total over the 17-year period.

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

Heywood has had minimal residential development activity with 3 dwelling approvals annually on average over the past five years (totalling 17). These low development levels reflect its rural nature, where development is typically driven by specific local housing needs rather than broad market demand. Note that due to the small number of approvals, individual projects can significantly impact annual growth and relativity statistics.

Heywood shows significantly less construction activity than Rest of Vic., with activity levels below national patterns as well. Recent building activity consists entirely of detached houses, focusing on family homes suited for those seeking rural lifestyle and space. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 515 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. Population forecasts indicate Heywood will gain 77 residents by 2041 (from 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.

Heywood has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 32ndth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified three projects likely affecting the region: 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 details those most relevant.

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

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The labour market in Heywood demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

Heywood's workforce comprises both white and blue-collar jobs with varied sector representation. Its unemployment rate is 2.6%, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation in December 2025. There are 801 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 1.1% lower than Regional Vic.'s 3.7%.

Workforce participation is notably lower at 56.3% compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.5%. Census data shows 14.1% of residents work from home, potentially impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns. Dominant sectors include 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, but has lower representation in education & training at 3.7% versus Regional Vic.'s 9.1%.

Local employment opportunities appear limited, as indicated by working population vs resident population count. Over a 12-month period ending December 2025, labour force decreased by 6.4%, employment declined by 6.5%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.2 percentage points, contrasting with Regional Vic.'s milder contractions and unemployment fall. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Heywood's employment should increase by 5.4% over five years and 12.0% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to its current 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 2023 shows that in Heywood, median income is $44,525 and average income is $55,622. This contrasts with Regional Vic.'s median of $50,954 and average of $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY2023, current estimates for Heywood are approximately $48,198 (median) and $60,211 (average) as of September 2025. Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Heywood fall between the 6th and 14th percentiles nationally. The income bracket of $400 - 799 captures 28.6% of Heywood's community (521 individuals), unlike regional trends where 30.3% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. Housing costs are modest with 89.2% of income retained, but 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

The dwelling structure in Heywood, as per the latest Census, consisted of 95.0% houses and 5.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This is compared to Regional Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. 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, lower than Regional Vic.'s average of $1,430. The median weekly rent figure in Heywood was recorded at $180, compared to Regional Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Heywood's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents 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 constitute the remaining 38.4%, with lone person households at 35.3% and group households comprising 2.0% of the total. 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 at 28.5%, with 13.0% in primary education, 6.8% in secondary education, and 1.7% pursuing 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, served by two routes offering a total of 25 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is limited, with residents typically living 720 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward from this primarily residential area. Car use dominates at 92%, with 5% walking. On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 14.1% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages three trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 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

Health data indicates significant challenges for Heywood, as assessed by AreaSearch. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notably high across both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is low at approximately 49% of the total population (around 891 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 being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.4% across Regional Vic.. The working-age population faces substantial health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Heywood has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over, at 26.7% (around 486 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's cultural diversity was found to be 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 main religion in Heywood, making up 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 is 47 years, significantly higher than Regional Vic.'s average of 43 and exceeding the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 make up 15.6%, while the 45-54 group comprises 9.0%. This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is notably higher than the national figure of 9.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 10.6% to 12.4%, while the 55 to 64 cohort has decreased from 16.0% to 13.8%, and the 45 to 54 group has dropped from 11.0% to 9.0%. By 2041, Heywood's age composition is expected to shift significantly. The 85+ group will grow by 75%, reaching 115 from 65. Meanwhile, the 15-24 and 65-74 cohorts are projected to decrease in population.