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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, the estimated population of Marong as of Nov 2025 is around 2,285. This reflects an increase of 280 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,005 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,262 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 63 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 30 persons per square kilometer. Marong's 14.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (5.9%) and the non-metro area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 66.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Exceptional growth is predicted over the period, placing Marong in the top 10 percent of Australia's non-metropolitan areas. The area is expected to grow by 1,262 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 48.5% in total over the 17 years.

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

Marong has an average of 19 dwelling approvals per year. Between FY21 and FY25, approximately 98 homes were approved, with another 7 in FY26 so far. Each new home constructed attracts about 2.3 people annually on average over the past five financial years.

The average construction cost for new homes is $559,000. This year, Marong has seen $2.8 million in commercial approvals.

All recent developments have been standalone homes, maintaining the area's low density character. There are around 108 people per approval in Marong, reflecting its developing nature. By 2041, Marong is projected to grow by 1,109 residents. Development pace is keeping up with projected growth, but increasing competition among buyers is expected as the population expands.

Marong has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

AreaSearch has identified two projects that could impact the area significantly due to changes in local infrastructure. These key projects are Marong Estate (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 be relevant.

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 diverse workforce with equal representation of white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well-represented in the area.

As of June 2025, the unemployment rate is 1.5%. Over the past year, employment grew by an estimated 1.3%. This growth was higher than the Rest of Vic.'s contraction of 0.9% in employment during the same period. Marong's workforce participation rate is high at 72.9%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%.

Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and manufacturing sectors. Manufacturing has a particularly notable concentration with levels at 1.6 times the regional average. However, agriculture, forestry & fishing employment is limited at 3.6% compared to the regional average of 7.5%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 1.3%, while labour force rose by 1.7%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.4 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Vic., where employment contracted by 0.9%, labour force fell by 0.4%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Marong's employment mix, local employment is estimated to increase 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 median income among taxpayers was $58,224 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $71,426 during the same period. These figures are higher than those for Rest of Vic., which were $48,741 and $60,693 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates suggest a median income of approximately $65,304 and an average income of around $80,111 as of September 2025. Census data indicates that incomes in Marong cluster around the 65th percentile nationally. The largest segment comprises 45.0% earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, with a total of 1,028 residents falling into this category. This is consistent with broader trends across the broader area, where 30.3% fall within the same income bracket. After housing expenses, 86.2% of income remains for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the fifth decile.

Marong is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Marong's dwelling structure at Census 2016 showed 97.8% houses and 2.2% other dwellings. Non-Metro Vic.'s figures were unavailable. Home ownership in Marong was 23.6%, with mortgages at 64.9% and rentals at 11.5%. Median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,560, matching Non-Metro Vic., while median weekly rent was $350. Nationally, Marong's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and 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 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%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.5%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.4%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.9%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 43.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (11.3%) and certificates (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. Marong Primary School serves the local area, enrolling 229 students as of a recent date. The school operates under typical Australian conditions (ICSEA: 993) with balanced educational opportunities. It focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in nearby areas.

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 in operation, both serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are served by six distinct routes in total, offering 14 weekly passenger trips combined. The accessibility of these services is rated as moderate, with residents on average located 484 meters away from the nearest stop.

On average, there are two trips per day across all routes, which translates to about seven 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, although this is higher in older, at-risk cohorts.

Approximately 55% (~1,257 people) of Marong's total population has private health cover. The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues and asthma, affecting 8.6% and 8.5% of residents respectively. Notably, 71.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 0% in the Rest of Vic. As of June 20XX (exact year not specified), Marong has 12.1% of its residents aged 65 and over, totaling 276 people. While health outcomes among seniors present some challenges requiring more attention than the broader population, overall health outcomes in Marong are favorable compared to national averages.

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 cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 93.1% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia (93.6%), and speaking English only at home (96.1%). The predominant religion in Marong is Christianity, comprising 41.1% of the population. Notably, Judaism is not represented in Marong's population, unlike the regional average.

Regarding ancestry, the top three groups are Australian (38.4%), English (31.0%), and Irish (8.3%). Some ethnic groups show significant differences: Serbian is overrepresented at 0.3% compared to None% regionally, South African at 0.4%, and Dutch at 1.3%.

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

Marong's median age is 31, which is younger 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 projected to grow by 85%, adding 374 people and reaching a total of 816. Meanwhile, the 55-64 cohort is expected to grow modestly by 9%, with an increase of 15 people.