Marong

Marong 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 Marong statistical area, as estimated by AreaSearch based on ABS updates and new addresses validated since the 2021 Census, was around 2,276 as of Nov 2025. This figure represents an increase of 271 people (13.5%) from the population recorded in the 2021 Census, which stood at 2,005 people. The estimated resident population of 2,234, derived by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 63 validated new addresses since the Census date, indicates a population density ratio of 29 persons per square kilometer. The Marong (SA2) experienced a growth rate of 13.5% between the 2021 Census and Nov 2025, outperforming both the SA4 region at 7.9% and the non-metro area during this period. Interstate migration contributed approximately 66.0% of overall population gains in recent periods, though all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration were positive factors. AreaSearch's population projections for Marong are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for SA2 areas covered by this data, while adjustments employing weighted aggregation methods are used for areas not covered, utilizing the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023.

Future population trends predict exceptional growth for Marong, placing it in the top 10 percent of Australia's non-metropolitan areas, with an expected increase of 1,245 persons by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections. This reflects a total gain of 48.4% over the period from Nov 2025 to 2041.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Marong had around 20 dwelling approvals per year. From FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 104 homes were approved, with 11 more in FY-26 so far. Each new home attracted an average of 2.2 people annually over the past five financial years.

The average construction cost for these dwellings was $559,000, indicating a focus on premium developments. In FY-26, commercial approvals totaled $1.9 million.

All recent development has been standalone homes, maintaining Marong's low density character. As of around 222 people per approval, the area reflects market transitioning. By 2041, AreaSearch estimates Marong will grow by 1,101 residents. Development pace is keeping up with projected growth, but increasing competition may arise as population expands.

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

AreaSearch has identified two projects that could significantly impact the area due to changes in local infrastructure. These key projects are Marong Estate, also known as Discover Marong, Bendigo Regional Employment Precinct (BREP), Water and Sewer Network Program, and Greater Bendigo Managed Growth Strategy Implementation. The following list provides details on those most likely to have a relevant impact.

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.

AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Marong performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Marong has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue-collar jobs. Key sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and manufacturing.

Manufacturing stands out with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average. Agriculture, forestry & fishing have limited presence, at 3.6% compared to 7.5% regionally. As of September 2025, 1,130 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.2%, below Rest of Vic.'s 3.8%. Workforce participation is high at 72.9%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.7%. The area shows notable employment concentration in manufacturing. However, there are limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. In the 12 months prior, employment increased by 2.7% while labour force grew by 3.0%, raising unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Vic., where employment contracted by 0.7%. State-level data from 25-Nov shows VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Marong's employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 6.0% over five years and 12.9% over ten years.

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

Marong's income level is higher than average nationally according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Marong is $58,236 and the average income stands at $71,437. This compares to figures for Rest of Vic., which are $50,954 and $62,728 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $63,040 (median) and $77,331 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Marong cluster around the 65th percentile nationally. Income brackets indicate that the largest segment comprises 45.0% earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly (1,024 residents), consistent with broader trends across the broader area showing 30.3% in the same category. After housing, 86.2% of income remains for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Marong is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile

Marong's housing stock, as per the latest Census, was 97.8% houses and 2.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Marong stood at 23.6%, with 64.9% of dwellings mortgaged and 11.5% rented. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,560, and the median weekly rent was $350. Nationally, Marong's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Marong features high concentrations of family households, with a median household size of 3.0 people

Family households constitute 85.3% of all households, including 47.3% couples with children, 29.2% couples without children, and 7.1% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 14.7%, with lone person households at 13.9% and group households comprising 1.5%. The median household size is 3.0 people.

Marong shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

The area's university qualification rate is 16.8%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.5%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.4%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.9%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 43.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 11.3% and certificates at 31.9%. Educational participation is high, with 30.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 14.2% in primary education, 7.1% in secondary education, and 2.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Marong has two active public transport stops operating, both serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are served by two distinct routes in total, offering eight weekly passenger trips combined. The accessibility of these services is rated as moderate, with residents typically residing 484 meters away from the nearest transport stop.

On average, service frequency across all routes amounts to one trip per day, equating to approximately four weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Marong 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

Marong demonstrates above-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 55% (~1,252 people) of Marong's total population has private health cover. The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues (8.6%) and asthma (8.5%). A significant majority, 71.9%, report having no medical ailments, compared to 0% in the rest of Victoria. As of a recent study on Marong's demographics, 12.1% (~275 people) are aged 65 years or older. While overall health outcomes are positive, seniors require more attention and healthcare resources than the broader population.

The latest Census data sees Marong placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Marong's population showed low cultural diversity, with 93.1% being citizens, 93.6% born in Australia, and 96.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 41.1%. Judaism was not present in Marong, unlike other regions where it constituted None%.

The top three ancestral groups were Australian (38.4%), English (31.0%), and Irish (8.3%). Serbian (0.3%), South African (0.4%), and Dutch (1.3%) groups were overrepresented compared to regional averages of None% each.

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

Marong's median age is 31, which is lower than the Rest of Vic.'s figure of 43 and Australia's national average of 38 years. The 25-34 age group comprises 19.3%, compared to the Rest of Vic., while the 55-64 cohort makes up 7.3%. Between 2021 and present, the 15-24 age group has increased from 9.1% to 10.3%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort has decreased from 8.7% to 7.3%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Marong's age structure: the 25-34 group is expected to grow by 85%, adding 373 people and reaching a total of 813, while the 55-64 cohort will grow modestly by 10%, adding 15 people.