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

The population of Jackass Flat, as estimated by AreaSearch based on analysis of ABS updates and new addresses validated since Nov 2025, stands at approximately 2,204. This figure represents a rise from the 2021 Census count of 1,907 people, marking an increase of 297 individuals (15.6%). The estimated resident population of 2,176, calculated by AreaSearch using the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date, indicates this growth. This results in a population density ratio of 997 persons per square kilometer. Comparatively, Jackass Flat's growth rate exceeds that of its SA3 area (5.6%) and SA4 region, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 46.0% to overall population gains during recent periods, with other factors such as natural growth and overseas migration also being positive influences.

AreaSearch employs ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, 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 through a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering 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 is projected to increase by approximately 1,069 persons, reflecting a total increase of 40.4% over the 17-year period.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Jackass Flat when compared nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Jackass Flat has averaged approximately 35 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 176 homes. In the current financial year FY-26, 14 approvals have been recorded to date. On average, around 0.9 new residents per year arrive for each new home built in Jackass Flat between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating that supply is meeting or exceeding demand while supporting potential population growth above projections. The average construction value of new homes is approximately $407,000, which aligns with regional patterns.

This financial year has seen $52,000 in commercial development approvals, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Jackass Flat shows 155.0% 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, indicating strong developer interest in the area. Recent construction comprises approximately 93.0% detached houses and 7.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining Jackass Flat's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes that appeal to those seeking space.

The location has around 92 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market. Population forecasts indicate that Jackass Flat will gain approximately 891 residents by 2041, based on 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 moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified two projects that may affect this region: Bendigo and Echuca Line Upgrade - Electronic Train Order (ETO) System, Victory Christian College Stage 1, Bendigo Low Line, and La Trobe University Bendigo Campus Transformation. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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

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Employment performance in Jackass Flat has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Jackass Flat, as of June 2025, has an unemployment rate of 6.0%. The area's skilled workforce is well-represented in essential services sectors with relative employment stability over the past year, according to AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data.

In this period, 927 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 2.2% higher than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation stood at 72.1%, significantly higher than Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and construction. Notably, health care & social assistance has a concentration level of 1.4 times the regional average.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented with only 1.4% of Jackass Flat's workforce compared to Rest of Vic.'s 7.5%. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 0.2% while labour force rose by 1.9%, leading to a 1.4 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. This contrasts with Rest of Vic., where employment fell by 0.9%, labour force contracted by 0.4%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Jackass Flat's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Jackass Flat's median taxpayer income was $62,226 and average income was $69,234 in financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is higher than the national average, contrasting with Rest of Vic.'s median income of $48,741 and average income of $60,693. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $69,793 (median) and $77,653 (average). Census data shows household, family and personal incomes in Jackass Flat cluster around the 57th percentile nationally. The earnings profile reveals that 45.9% of residents (1,011 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket, reflecting patterns seen at regional levels where 30.3% similarly occupy this range. High housing costs consume 16.0% of income, with strong earnings placing disposable income at the 54th percentile.

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

In Jackass Flat, as per the latest Census evaluation, 99.4% of dwellings were houses while 0.6% comprised semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This contrasts with Non-Metro Vic.'s 90.6% houses and 9.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Jackass Flat stood at 16.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 49.0% and rented ones at 34.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,515, surpassing Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,408. The median weekly rent figure in Jackass Flat was recorded as $340, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $295. Nationally, Jackass Flat's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were 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 account for 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% of the total. The median household size is 2.9 people, which is larger than the Rest of 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 common at 12.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 2.8% and graduate diplomas at 2.2%. Vocational credentials are prevalent, 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% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 11.0% in primary, 7.4% in secondary, and 4.2% in tertiary education.

Schools appear to be located outside the immediate catchment boundaries, requiring families to access them in neighboring areas.

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, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by a single route that facilitates 125 weekly passenger trips in total. The area's transport accessibility is considered good, with residents residing an average of 334 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 17 daily trips across all routes, equating to roughly 15 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Jackass Flat is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Jackass Flat shows better-than-average health outcomes, with a low prevalence of common health conditions among its general population compared to national averages. However, older and at-risk cohorts have higher rates of these conditions.

Approximately 54% (~1,194 people) of Jackass Flat's total population has private health cover, slightly higher than the Rest of Vic.'s 50.5%. Mental health issues affect 11.9% of residents, while asthma impacts 9.8%. A total of 70.4% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 62.0% across Rest of Vic. The area has a lower proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 5.1% (112 people), compared to the broader population's 18.9%.

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 aligns with the broader region, with 85.0% born in Australia, 90.6% being citizens, and 83.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 34.3%. The 'Other' category is slightly overrepresented at 1.7%, compared to 0.7% regionally.

In terms of ancestry, Australian (32.5%) and English (29.7%) are the most common, followed by Other at 10.9%, higher than the regional average of 4.9%. Notably, Australian Aboriginal (3.0%), Filipino (1.0%), and Indian (1.3%) groups are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 1.7%, 0.6%, and 1.0% respectively.

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

Jackass Flat has a median age of 27, which is younger than the Rest of Vic.'s figure of 43 and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Jackass Flat has a higher concentration of 25-34 year-olds at 29.6%, but fewer 65-74 year-olds at 3.0%. This 25-34 age group is well above the national figure of 14.5%. Between the 2021 Census and present, Jackass Flat's median age has decreased by 1.4 years to 27 from 28. The population aged 25 to 34 has grown from 25.4% to 29.6%, while the 65-74 year-old cohort has declined from 5.2% to 3.0%. Additionally, the 55-64 age group has dropped from 6.6% to 4.4%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Jackass Flat's age profile. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to rise substantially by 71%, from 652 to 1,115 residents. Meanwhile, the 65-74 year-old group is expected to grow modestly by 3%, adding just one resident.