Horsham

Horsham has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, Horsham's population is estimated at around 15,755 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 621 people (4.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 15,134 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 15,125 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 183 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 661 persons per square kilometer. Horsham's growth of 4.1% since the 2021 census exceeded that of the SA3 area (0.8%), along with the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 64.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, making adjustments 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. Anticipating future population dynamics, an above median population growth is projected for locations outside capital cities, with the Horsham statistical area (Lv2) expected to grow by 2,624 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 12.7% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Horsham recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Based on AreaSearch analysis using ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Horsham averaged approximately 72 new dwelling approvals annually. Between financial years FY-21 to FY-25, an estimated 362 homes were approved, with a further 31 approved so far in FY-26. Over the past five financial years, an average of 0.6 new residents per year was associated with each dwelling constructed.

This indicates that new supply has kept pace with or exceeded demand, providing ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings was $461,000, suggesting developers targeted the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY-26, there have been $41.8 million in commercial approvals, indicating high levels of local commercial activity.

Compared to the Rest of Vic., Horsham had 39.0% more development per person over the five-year period, maintaining good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. However, building activity has slowed in recent years. The new building activity comprised 80.0% standalone homes and 20.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. Horsham reflected a low-density area, with approximately 328 people per approval. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Horsham is expected to grow by 2,004 residents through to 2041. Existing development levels appear aligned with future requirements, suggesting stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

Horsham has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 13 projects likely influencing the region. Key initiatives are Horsham Hospital Campus Redevelopment Masterplan Implementation by Grampians Health, Avonnefields Regional Development, Horsham City Urban Renewal Project, and Horsham Recreation Infrastructure Improvements. 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 labour market in Horsham shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Horsham has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate is 2.0%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, 7,553 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.7% below Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Horsham is broadly similar to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. The area has a particularly strong specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.2 times the regional level.

Manufacturing has limited presence in Horsham, with 4.2% employment compared to 7.7% regionally. During the year to September 2025, the labour force decreased by 4.0%, alongside a 2.2% employment decline, causing unemployment to fall by 1.8 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Vic. recorded an employment decline of 0.7%, labour force decline of 0.6%, with unemployment rising marginally. State-level data from 25-Nov shows VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Horsham's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

Horsham suburb's median taxpayer income is $48,394 and average income is $58,177, based on latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is lower than the national average of $62,728 in Rest of Vic., with median income at $50,954 and average income at $62,728. By September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $52,387 and average income $62,977, considering Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023. Census data shows personal income ranks at the 38th percentile ($748 weekly) and household income at the 19th percentile. Income distribution reveals 30.2% (4,758 individuals) earn within the $1,500 - $2,999 range, similar to regional levels at 30.3%. Housing costs are modest with 87.4% of income retained, but total disposable income ranks at only the 24th percentile nationally.

Horsham is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Horsham's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consists of 88.7% houses and 11.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Vic.'s 93.0% houses and 6.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Horsham stands at 37.4%, with the rest either mortgaged (31.7%) or rented (30.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,187, higher than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,043. Median weekly rent in Horsham is $245, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $215. Nationally, Horsham's mortgage repayments are lower at $1,187 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 61.9% of all households, including 23.1% couples with children, 26.5% couples without children, and 11.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 38.1%, with lone person households at 34.8% and group households comprising 3.2%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which aligns with the average in the Rest of Vic.

Educational outcomes in Horsham fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 17.6%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 12.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Vocational credentials are common, with 37.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.5%) and certificates (27.3%). Educational participation is high, with 26.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 10.2% in primary education, 7.7% in secondary education, and 2.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis indicates that there are currently 117 active public transport stops operating within Horsham. These consist of a mix of train and bus services. There are 12 individual routes in operation, collectively providing 441 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of these transport services is rated as excellent, with residents typically located approximately 180 meters from the nearest stop. On average, service frequency across all routes is around 63 trips per day, which equates to roughly three weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Horsham faces significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Approximately half (around 7,860 people) of its population has private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.7%.

The most frequent medical issues are arthritis (10.5%) and mental health problems (9.6%), while 62.1% report no medical conditions, slightly higher than the Rest of Vic's 61.2%. About a quarter (22.9%, or 3,607 people) of residents are aged 65 and over, lower than Rest of Vic's 25.2%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors show some challenges but generally perform better than the overall population.

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

Horsham's cultural diversity was below average, with 90.9% citizens, 91.6% born in Australia, and 93.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 51.5%, compared to 51.6% regionally. The top three ancestry groups were English (31.4%), Australian (31.2%), and Scottish (8.5%).

Notably, German ancestry was overrepresented at 7.7% versus 6.6% regionally, while Macedonian was at 0.1% versus 0%. Dutch ancestry stood at 1.2%, slightly higher than the regional average of 1.1%.

Horsham's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Horsham is 40 years, which is slightly below Rest of Vic.'s average of 43 but above Australia's median of 38. The 25-34 age cohort is notably higher at 15.1% compared to the Rest of Vic. average, while the 55-64 age group is under-represented at 10.6%. From the 2021 Census, the 25-34 age group has increased from 13.9% to 15.1%, and the 35-44 cohort has risen from 11.2% to 12.3%. Conversely, the 55-64 age group has decreased from 12.2% to 10.6%. Population forecasts for 2041 suggest significant demographic changes in Horsham. The 35-44 age cohort is projected to grow by 658 people (34%), from 1,937 to 2,596. Meanwhile, the 15-24 and 65-74 age cohorts are expected to decrease in population.