Jackass Flat

Jackass Flat 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 Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Jackass Flat is around 2,170. This reflects a growth of 263 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,907. The increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 2,132 following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 186 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 981 persons per square kilometer. Jackass Flat's growth rate of 13.8% since the 2021 census exceeds the SA4 region (8.0%) and the Rest of Vic., indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 46.0% to overall population gains during recent periods, with natural growth and overseas migration also being positive factors.

AreaSearch's projections for Jackass Flat are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for SA2 areas. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch uses the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on these projections, Jackass Flat is expected to experience exceptional growth, placing it in the top 10 percent of Australian non-metropolitan areas. By 2041, the suburb's population is projected to increase by 1,080 persons, reflecting a total increase of 48.0% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Jackass Flat when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Jackass Flat averaged around 38 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 193 homes from FY-21 to FY-25. So far in FY-26, 20 approvals have been recorded. The average number of new residents per year arriving per new home is around 0.7.

This indicates supply meeting or surpassing demand, providing greater buyer choice and supporting potential population growth above projections. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $407,000, suggesting developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY-26, $1.4 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Rest of Vic., Jackass Flat shows 198.0% higher building activity per person, offering buyers greater choice. However, development activity has moderated in recent periods.

This level is significantly above the national average, reflecting robust developer interest in the area. Recent construction comprises 94.0% detached houses and 6.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The location has approximately 120 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Population forecasts indicate Jackass Flat will gain 1,042 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.

Jackass Flat has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Two projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area: Bendigo and Echuca Line Upgrade - Electronic Train Order (ETO) System, Victory Christian College Stage 1, Bendigo Low Line, La Trobe University Bendigo Campus Transformation.

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

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Jackass Flat has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Jackass Flat has a skilled workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 5.9% and there was an estimated employment growth of 1.6% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025931 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.2% higher than Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%.

Workforce participation is on par with Regional Vic.'s 61.5%. Census responses indicate that only 11.0% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and construction. The area has a notable concentration in health care & social assistance, with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

However, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 1.4% of Jackass Flat's workforce compared to 7.5% in Regional Vic.. Over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 1.6% and labour force increased by 1.5%, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable. This contrasts with Regional Vic., where employment fell by 0.6%, labour force contracted by 0.7%, and unemployment fell by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Jackass Flat's employment mix, local employment is estimated to increase by 6.6% over five years and 14.1% over ten years.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

The suburb of Jackass Flat had a median taxpayer income of $62,226 and an average of $69,234 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is slightly above the national average, contrasting with Regional Vic.'s median income of $50,954 and average income of $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $67,360 (median) and $74,946 (average). Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Jackass Flat cluster around the 57th percentile nationally. The earnings profile indicates that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 45.9% of residents (996 people), reflecting patterns seen at regional levels where 30.3% similarly occupy this range. High housing costs consume 16.0% of income, leaving disposable income at the 54th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure in Jackass Flat, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 99.4% houses and 0.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Jackass Flat was at 16.4%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (49.0%) or rented (34.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,515, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $340. Nationally, Jackass Flat's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 81.6% of all households, including 38.7% couples with children, 24.7% couples without children, and 16.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 18.4%, with lone person households at 14.5% and group households comprising 2.8%. The median household size is 2.9 people, larger than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.

Jackass Flat 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 17.9%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 12.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Vocational credentials are common, with 41.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.5%) and certificates (30.9%). Educational participation is high, with 31.3% currently enrolled in formal education: 11.0% in primary, 7.4% in secondary, and 4.2% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 31.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.0% in primary education, 7.4% in secondary education, and 4.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Jackass Flat has eight operational public transport stops serviced by two routes, offering a total of 169 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 331 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward, with car being the dominant mode at 97%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.7 per dwelling, exceeding the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, only 11% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 24 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 21 weekly trips per individual stop.

Service frequency averages 24 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 21 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Jackass Flat is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Jackass Flat faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch's mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover is found to be fairly high at approximately 54% of the total population (~1,176 people), compared to 50.5% in Regional Vic.. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 11.9% and 9.8% of residents respectively. 70.4% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.4% across Regional Vic.. Working-age residents show above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 5.1% of residents aged 65 and over (110 people), which is lower than the 23.9% in Regional Vic..

In terms of cultural diversity, Jackass Flat records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Jackass Flat's cultural diversity was found to be roughly in line with the wider region, with 85.0% of its population born in Australia, 90.6% being citizens, and 83.7% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion in Jackass Flat was Christianity, accounting for 34.3% of people. However, there was an overrepresentation in the 'Other' category, comprising 1.7% compared to Regional Vic's average of 0.8%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were Australian (32.5%), English (29.7%), and Other (10.9%). Notably, Australian Aboriginal was overrepresented at 3.0%, Filipino at 1.0%, and Indian at 1.3%, compared to regional averages of 1.4%, 0.6%, and 0.8% respectively.

Jackass Flat hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Jackass Flat has a median age of 26 years, which is younger than Regional Vic.'s average of 43 and the national average of 38. Compared to Regional Vic., Jackass Flat has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (31.4%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (2.9%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.4%. Post-census data from 2021 shows that younger residents have reduced the median age to 26 years. The proportion of residents aged 25-34 has increased from 25.4% to 31.4%, while those aged 35-44 have risen from 12.1% to 13.4%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 65-74 has decreased from 5.2% to 2.9%, and those aged 55-64 have dropped from 6.6% to 4.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Jackass Flat's age profile will change significantly. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 74%, adding 503 residents and reaching a total of 1,185 residents in this age bracket.