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 the Jackass Flat statistical area (Lv2) is estimated to be around 2,162 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 255 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,907 people. The increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 2,132 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), along with an additional 176 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio for Jackass Flat (SA2) is 978 persons per square kilometer, which aligns with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's population growth of 13.4% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA4 region at 7.9% and the non-metro area. Interstate migration contributed approximately 46.0% of overall population gains for Jackass Flat (SA2) during recent periods, with natural growth and overseas migration also being positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch uses the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering these projections, exceptional growth is predicted for Jackass Flat (SA2) over the period from 2025 to 2041. The area is expected to increase by 1,042 persons by 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 41.9% in total population over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Jackass Flat shows an average of around 38 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 194 homes. In FY-26 so far, 18 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years, an average of 0.8 new residents per year has arrived per new home, indicating that supply is meeting or surpassing demand. The average construction value of new homes is $407,000, suggesting a focus on the premium market with high-end developments.

This financial year, $1.4 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, predominantly residential-focused. Compared to Rest of Vic., Jackass Flat has 182.0% higher building activity per person, offering buyers greater choice but with moderating development activity in recent periods. This level is significantly above the national average, indicating robust developer interest. Recent construction comprises 94.0% detached houses and 6.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character focused on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The location has approximately 120 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market.

Population forecasts indicate Jackass Flat will gain 906 residents by 2041, with current construction levels expected to adequately meet demand and potentially enable growth exceeding current forecasts.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified two projects likely affecting the 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 details projects most relevant to the area.

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 has a skilled workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 6.1% as of the past year.

Employment growth during this period was estimated at 2.1%. As of September 2025, there are 939 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.3%, which is above Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Jackass Flat stands at 72.1%, higher than Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. The leading employment industries among residents are health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and construction.

Notably, health care & social assistance has employment levels at 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 September 2025, employment increased by 2.1%, while labour force increased by 2.8%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.8 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Vic., where employment fell by 0.7% and unemployment rose marginally. State-level data from 25-Nov shows VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, with a state unemployment rate of 4.7%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 14.1% over ten years. Applying these projections to Jackass Flat's employment mix suggests local employment could grow by 6.6% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

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

The suburb of Jackass Flat has a median taxpayer income of $62,226 and an average income of $69,234 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year ended June 2023. This is slightly above national averages, with Rest of Vic.'s median income being $50,954 and average income being $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% from July 2023 to September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $67,360 (median) and $74,946 (average) by the end of that period. Census data indicates household, family, and personal incomes in Jackass Flat are around the 57th percentile nationally. The earnings profile shows that 45.9% of residents (992 people) fall into the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket, reflecting regional patterns where 30.3% occupy this range. High housing costs consume 16.0% of income, but strong earnings place 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, with the remaining 0.6% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other dwelling types. This is in contrast to Non-Metro Vic., where 90.6% of dwellings were houses and 9.4% were other types. 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, higher than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,408. The median weekly rent in Jackass Flat was $340, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $295. Nationally, Jackass Flat's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,515 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were also lower at $340 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 18.4%, with lone person households at 14.5% and group households making up 2.8%. 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 (2.8%) and graduate diplomas (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.

This includes primary education (11.0%), secondary education (7.4%), and tertiary education (4.2%).

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

Transport analysis indicates eight active public transport stops within Jackass Flat. These stops offer a mix of bus services, with two routes providing 169 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 331 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 24 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 21 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 superior health outcomes with a low prevalence of common health conditions among its general population compared to national averages. However, older and at-risk cohorts exhibit higher prevalence rates.

Approximately 54% (~1,171 people) of Jackass Flat's population has private health cover, which is slightly higher than the Rest of Vic.'s average of 50.4%. The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are mental health issues (11.9%) and asthma (9.8%). A total of 70.4% of residents claim to be free from any medical ailments, compared to 62.0% across Rest of Vic.. Jackass Flat has a lower percentage of residents aged 65 and over at 5.1% (110 people) than the Rest of Vic.'s average of 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 population, born in Australia, was 85.0%. Citizenship stood at 90.6%, with English spoken exclusively at home by 83.7%. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 34.3% of residents.

The 'Other' religious category was overrepresented at 1.7%, compared to Rest of Vic's 0.7%. In terms of ancestry, Australian (32.5%), English (29.7%), and Other (10.9%) were the top groups. Australian Aboriginal (3.0%), Filipino (1.0%), and Indian (1.3%) ethnicities were notably higher than regional averages.

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 29.7%, but fewer 65-74 year-olds at 3.0%. This 25-34 age group is significantly higher than the national average of 14.5%. Between 28th February 2021 and the same date in 2022, Jackass Flat's median age decreased by 1.4 years to 27. During this period, the 25-34 age group grew from 25.4% to 29.7%, while the 65-74 cohort declined from 5.2% to 3.0%. Additionally, the 55-64 age group decreased 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 increase substantially by 464 people (72%), from 642 to 1,107. Conversely, the 65-74 group is not expected to grow at all, with no new residents added.