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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
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Junortoun has an estimated 3,734 residents, down from 3,862 at the 2021 Census — a change of 128 people, or 3.3%. That puts 174 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
As of Aug 2026, the suburb of Junortoun has an estimated population of around 3,734, derived from AreaSearch evaluation of broader ABS population updates alongside new addresses verified following the Census. Compared to the 3,862 people recorded at the 2021 Census, this represents a contraction of 128 people (3.3%). The figure is drawn from an estimated resident population of 3,682 determined by AreaSearch after reviewing the ABS June 2025 ERP release, combined with 34 validated new addresses added post-Census. With a density ratio of 174 persons per square kilometer, the locality offers generous space per occupant and capacity for future expansion.
Across the previous ten years, the suburb of Junortoun maintained steady growth with a 1.9% compound annual growth rate, exceeding the broader SA4 region. Inward interstate migration served as the principal growth driver, generating roughly 64.0% of recent population additions, while overseas migration and natural increase also provided positive contributions. For local projections, AreaSearch applies 2024 ABS/Geoscience Australia figures using 2022 as a baseline for each SA2 area, while utilising 2023 VIC State Government Regional/LGA projections adjusted via weighted population growth aggregation from LGA to SA2 scale where coverage is missing. Age-specific growth rates from this modeling are further extended across all territories for 2032 to 2041. Over the forecast horizon, the suburb of Junortoun is slated for outstanding demographic expansion that ranks within the top 10 percent of Australian non-metropolitan areas, with aggregated SA2-level figures projecting a gain of 1,596 persons to 2041, which equates to an overall expansion of 41.4% across the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
113 new dwellings have been approved in Junortoun over the past five years, an average of 22 a year. That is 5.9 approvals per 1,000 residents. Of the 22 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 100% were detached houses and the rest townhouses or apartments. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 5, well below that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Analysis of ABS building approvals by AreaSearch indicates that Junortoun has averaged approximately 22 new residential approvals per year, accumulating an estimated 113 homes over the past 5 financial years. During FY-25 to date, 5 approvals have been documented. Amid recent population decreases, residential building has kept pace with local requirements, maintaining an evenly balanced environment with ample choice for purchasers. Approved dwellings show an average expected construction cost of $525,000—surpassing typical regional figures and pointing toward higher-quality residential projects. In addition, $1.2 million in commercial approvals has been registered during the current financial year, highlighting an environment centered predominantly on residential development.
All recent residential construction activity has consisted exclusively of detached houses, preserving the neighborhood's established low-density setting and delivering family-oriented housing tailored to buyers seeking spacious living. Reflecting this quiet development pace, the locality records an estimated 741 people per dwelling approval. Based on the most recent AreaSearch quarterly figures, Junortoun is projected to add 1,544 residents by 2041. If residential construction continues at its current rate, housing output may trail demographic gains, which could heighten buyer demand and provide upward support for local property values.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Junortoun
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 5 current infrastructure and development projects inside Junortoun, worth an estimated $181 million. A further 43 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $3.87 billion. 23 are already under construction and 17 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities, precincts & urban renewal and transport & logistics. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Infrastructure investments and urban planning initiatives play a major role in shaping local community progression. AreaSearch has highlighted 7 key projects expected to influence the locality, most notably Forest Ridge Estate, Rangelea Rise, McIvor Heights, and the Mercy Junortoun Sporting Precinct.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
McIvor Heights
Boutique residential subdivision offering 18 half-acre (approx. 2,000sqm minimum) lifestyle allotments bordered by the O'Keefe walking trail. All services including town water, gas, electricity, and NBN are available. Close to Catherine McAuley College and minutes from Bendigo CBD. Works are almost complete.
Forest Ridge Estate
Boutique residential estate in a family-focused neighbourhood in Strathfieldsaye, offering 67 lots ranging from 560sqm to over an acre. The estate is framed by established bushland with walking tracks and is close to schools, parks, shopping centres, and medical facilities.
Mercy Junortoun Sporting Precinct
A state-of-the-art junior sporting hub and joint-use facility for Catherine McAuley College and the wider community, featuring four AFL/Cricket ovals, two netball courts, an indoor stadium with two courts, a six-lane cricket training net facility, changerooms, and social spaces. The project opened in September 2023.
Rangelea Rise
Rangelea Rise is an exclusive 11-lot land subdivision at 735 McIvor Highway, Junortoun, on the northern fringe of Bendigo. Each lot exceeds 2,000 square metres, offering a semi-rural lifestyle with direct access to the O'Keefe Rail Trail. Titles have been issued and lots are now selling, with lot prices ranging from approximately $480,000 to $620,000.
McIvor Forest Estate
McIvor Forest Estate is a premier 400-lot masterplanned residential community in Junortoun, East Bendigo. Developed by Villawood Properties, the estate is characterized by its integration with the Greater Bendigo National Park and commitment to Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD). The development features over 6.6 hectares of dedicated parkland, wetlands, and extensive walking trails, offering a semi-rural lifestyle with modern infrastructure. Construction of all major stages is complete, with the estate now an established community featuring large allotments ranging from 667m2 to over 1100m2.
Emu Rise Estate
Family-oriented residential land subdivision in Strathfieldsaye along Emu Creek Road, offering 119 lots ranging from 469m2 to 1068m2. The estate features the Barramal Baring Reserve, a $1 million park with a lake, sheltered picnic areas, play spaces, and a multi-purpose netball/basketball court. Stages 1 and 2 are titled and Stage 3a is now selling, with titles expected in Q2 2027. Close to Strathfieldsaye Primary School, St Francis of the Fields Primary School, shops, medical facilities, and under 15 minutes from Bendigo CBD.
Imagine Estate
Large masterplanned residential community in Strathfieldsaye, on Bendigo's eastern fringe, developed by Villawood Properties across 650 planned dwellings and 300+ lots. Offers large allotments from around 350sqm to over 800sqm in a landscaped setting adjoining Emu Creek, with open space reserves, wetlands, walking and cycling paths, and a central playground. Hosts Regional Victoria's largest display village with more than a dozen builder partners. Located minutes from Strathfieldsaye town centre and around 9km from Bendigo CBD, with a future childcare centre planned within the estate.New land releases (including Stage 22A and the Serene Release) are progressively coming to market, with additional stages expected to be delivered over the coming years.
Bendigo Fields Country Club
Masterplanned lifestyle and retirement village community for over 55s comprising 206 homes. Features resort-style amenities including an onsite private golf course, bowling green, community clubhouse, and walking tracks. Early stages completed with further residential stages under ongoing construction.
1,699 residents of Junortoun are employed, from a labour force of 1,720. Unemployment sits at 1.2%, with participation at 58.5%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.9% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 2,964, about 79% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Junortoun features a highly skilled labor force with substantial representation across essential service industries and a low unemployment rate of 1.2%, according to AreaSearch statistical aggregations. As of March 2026, employed residents total 1,699, with local joblessness tracking 2.5% below the 3.7% recorded across Regional Vic., while participation stands at 58.5% compared to 61.1% regionally. Census records show that 20.3% of workers performed their duties from home, though this figure was influenced by prevailing Covid-19 restrictions. The primary employment sectors for resident workers are health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction.
Concentration in health care & social assistance is particularly pronounced, tracking at 1.2 times the regional benchmark. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing accounts for only 0.7% of local employment, well beneath the Regional Vic. level of 7.5%. Comparing the Census resident workforce against local workplace counts indicates that the area functions primarily as a dormitory suburb with limited internal commercial job generation. Review of ABS and SALM statistical data by AreaSearch reveals that the labor force contracted by 3.7% alongside a 3.6% reduction in employed persons over the 12-month period, which lowered the unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. Over the same timeline, Regional Vic. experienced an employment contraction of 0.1%, a 0.3% decrease in its labor force, and a 0.2 percentage points reduction in unemployment. National outlooks from Jobs and Skills Australia as of Mar-26 provide additional context for Junortoun's future employment trajectory. These five and ten-year forecasts have been applied to the local workforce distribution, where country-wide employment is anticipated to rise by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Weighted against Junortoun's industry breakdown, local employment is projected to expand by 6.9% over five years and 14.3% over ten years (representing an illustrative weighting model that excludes localized demographic projections).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Junortoun is $2,170 a week (about $113,000 a year), with median personal income at $847 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $51,319 a year against an average of $61,747. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
According to AreaSearch's evaluation of ATO postcode data for financial year 2023, personal earnings in Junortoun sit below national benchmarks, recording a median income of $51,319 and an average of $61,747, compared to Regional Vic.'s median of $50,954 and average of $62,728. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, updated estimates as of March 2026 reach approximately $56,256 for median income and $67,687 for average income. At the 2021 Census, weekly household earnings placed in the 76th percentile ($2,170 weekly), with individual earnings sitting in the 58th percentile.
In terms of earnings distribution, the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket encompasses 30.3% of residents (1,131 individuals), matching the 30.3% regional benchmark. Furthermore, 33.0% of earners receive more than $3,000/week, demonstrating strong local financial capacity. Occupants retain 88.1% of their income once housing outlays are met, supporting high disposable funds and placing the community in the 7th decile of the SEIFA income index.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Junortoun had 1,301 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 99% detached houses and 0% apartments. 53% are owned with a mortgage, 5% rented and 42% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $380 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,950 a month. Rent absorbs 17.5% of household income here and mortgage repayments 20.7%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
According to the latest Census, Junortoun's housing stock consisted of 99.3% standalone houses and 0.7% other dwellings including apartments and semi-detached units, compared to 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings across Regional Vic.. Outright home ownership stood at 42.0%, aligning with the wider regional rate, while mortgaged properties accounted for 52.9% and rental accommodation comprised 5.1%. The local median monthly mortgage repayment reached $1,950, noticeably above the Regional Vic. figure of $1,430 and the national figure of $1,863. Similarly, the median weekly rent of $380 exceeded both the regional level of $285 and the Australian benchmark of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Junortoun counted 1,301 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.8 people each. 43% are couples with children, more than in 85% of areas nationally, against 33% couples without children. 17% of households are people living alone, and families average 2.0 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
The local household structure is predominantly family-based, with families accounting for 81.9% of all dwellings. This includes 42.7% couples with children, 32.5% couples without children, and 6.2% single parent households. Non-family living arrangements represent 18.1%, consisting of single-person households at 17.3% and group households at 0.7%. Household occupancy averages 2.8 people, higher than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
30.3% of adults in Junortoun hold a university qualification, including 20.9% with a bachelor degree and 4.8% with postgraduate qualifications, higher than 99% of areas nationally. A further 22.1% hold a vocational qualification. 1 school serves the area. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Junortoun displays a distinguished educational profile within the region, where 30.3% of residents aged 15+ hold a university degree, exceeding the Rest of Vic. average of 21.7% and the SA4 region benchmark of 25.4%. Attainment is led by bachelor degrees at 20.9%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 4.8% and graduate diplomas at 4.6%. In addition, vocational qualifications are held by 34.1% of the population aged 15+, comprising 12.0% with advanced diplomas and 22.1% with certificate-level awards. Engagement in learning is strong across the community, with 31.3% of residents actively enrolled in formal study.
This cohort comprises 12.0% attending primary school, 10.4% in secondary schooling, and 3.3% undertaking tertiary programs.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Junortoun reaches 15 stops on 3 routes, timetabled for about 170 services a week. The typical home sits about 570 m from its nearest stop. Households keep an average of 2.0 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transit infrastructure in Junortoun comprises 15 passenger stops across 3 distinct routes, generating 166 scheduled trips per week. Local accessibility is moderate, with residents situated an average distance of 568 meters from their nearest boarding point. Commuters predominantly travel outward by private vehicle, with cars accounting for 98% of journeys. Vehicle availability averages 2.0 per household, exceeding regional norms. In addition, 20.3% of workers operated from home at the 2021 Census, subject to pandemic conditions. Transit services provide an average frequency of 23 daily trips across all operational routes, translating to roughly 11 services weekly per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
68.2% of residents in Junortoun report no long-term health condition. 3.9% need daily assistance with core activities, and 51.3% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 4.2 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
AreaSearch indicators for chronic condition prevalence and mortality show favorable overall health levels in Junortoun, where standard health issues remain uncommon across the broader populace and align with national figures for senior cohorts. Meanwhile, private health insurance coverage is relatively subdued, held by approximately 51% of the population (~1,914 people). The leading diagnosed conditions across the area are arthritis and mental health issues, reported by 9.3% and 8.3% of the community respectively, while 68.2% of residents report no chronic health conditions, exceeding the 63.4% recorded across Regional Vic.. Health outcomes among individuals under 65 rank better than average.
Residents aged 65 and over represent 23.4% of the population (873 people), exhibiting above-average health results that nonetheless place somewhat lower in national rankings than younger age groups.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Junortoun is largely Australian-born, at 90.9% of residents, with 4.5% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (31.4%) and English (31.3%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity in Junortoun is comparatively low, with 90.9% of inhabitants born in Australia, 93.9% holding Australian citizenship, and 95.5% using only English in the home. Christianity represents the predominant faith, practiced by 56.1% of residents compared to 47.3% across Regional Vic.. Looking at parental ancestry, the leading reported heritages in Junortoun are Australian at 31.4%, English at 31.3%, and Irish at 12.1%. Certain other backgrounds also show distinct representation, with Scottish ancestry accounting for 9.4% (against 8.8% regionally), Hungarian at 0.3% (against 0.2%), and New Zealand at 0.7% (against 0.4%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Junortoun is 43. 17.3% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
Junortoun is characterised by an established family demographic. As at August 2026, younger residents aged 0 - 24 comprise 32.6% of the population, compared to 28.5% across Regional Vic., whereas adults aged 25 - 44 represent 18.7% versus 23.1% regionally. The estimated median age is 43, matching the 2021 Census result as well as the Regional Vic. median of 43 at that Census, while tracking above the national median of 38. Since the Census, residents aged 65+ have increased from 20.6% to an estimated 23.4%. By 2041, the 25 - 44 age bracket is projected to deliver the greatest nominal increase, adding 410 residents (59%) to reach a total of 1,108.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Junortoun
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Sep 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · Jun 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Sep 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Sep 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Aug 2026 last month all 5 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Aug 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 6 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 2 months ago all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 34 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (3,862 at the 2021 Census → 3,734 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL21279). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.