Miners Rest

Miners Rest 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 Miners Rest statistical area (Lv2) had an estimated population of around 3,986 as of November 2025. This reflected an increase of 157 people (4.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,829 people. The change was inferred from the resident population of 3,887 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 30 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equated to a density ratio of 132 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 75.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the 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 from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. As we examine future population trends, the Miners Rest (SA2) is forecasted to have a significant population increase in the top quartile of Australian non-metropolitan areas, with an expected growth of 1,249 persons by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 28.8% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Miners Rest, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Miners Rest has seen approximately seven new homes approved annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 39 homes were approved, with two more in FY-26 as of the present time. Each dwelling is estimated to accommodate an average of 2.1 new residents per year over these five financial years.

The average construction cost value for new homes is $385,000, which is higher than regional norms due to quality-focused development. In FY-26, there have been $19.1 million in commercial approvals, indicating balanced commercial development activity. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Miners Rest has significantly lower building activity, with 83.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new dwellings typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. The area's activity is also under the national average, suggesting its established nature and potential planning limitations. New development in Miners Rest consists of 67.0% detached dwellings and 33.0% townhouses or apartments.

This marks a significant shift from existing housing patterns, which are currently 99.0% houses. This change suggests diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. The estimated population per dwelling approval in Miners Rest is 644 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, the area is expected to grow by 1,149 residents through to 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 11 projects likely to impact the region. Notable ones are Western Victoria Aviation Precinct Ballarat, Waters Edge, Miners Rest, Miners Rest Township Plan, and Miners Rest Primary School Redevelopment.

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

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AreaSearch assessment positions Miners Rest ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Miners Rest has a skilled workforce with notable representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.9%, lower than the national average of 4.7%.

Over the past year, employment growth was estimated at 2.4%. As of September 2025, 2,175 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.9% below Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation at 75.6%, significantly higher than the regional average of 57.4%. The leading employment industries among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Arts & recreation services show particularly high concentration with employment levels at 3.1 times the regional average.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing have lower representation at 2.6% compared to the regional average of 7.5%. The area functions as an employment hub with 1.1 workers for every resident, attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 2.4%, while unemployment remained broadly flat. This contrasts with Rest of Vic., where employment contracted by 0.7% over the same period. State-level data to November 25 shows VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Miners Rest's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

The suburb of Miners Rest had one of the highest income levels in Australia according to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest ATO data for the financial year ended June 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Miners Rest was $68,037, with an average income of $84,338. This compares to figures for Rest of Vic., which had a median income of $50,954 and an average income of $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since the financial year ended June 2023, current estimates for Miners Rest would be approximately $73,650 (median) and $91,296 (average) as of September 2025. Census data shows that incomes in Miners Rest cluster around the 67th percentile nationally. The predominant income cohort spans 45.6% of locals (1,817 people), falling within the $1,500 - 2,999 category, similar to the regional distribution where 30.3% occupy this bracket. After housing expenses, 86.4% of income remains for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Miners Rest is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Miners Rest's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, was 98.9% houses and 1.2% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Vic. had 85.6% houses and 14.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Miners Rest was at 23.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 59.6% and rented ones at 16.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, higher than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,499. The median weekly rent in Miners Rest was $360, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $300. Nationally, Miners Rest's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,517 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were also lower at $360 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 81.5% of all households, including 39.4% couples with children, 29.5% couples without children, and 11.4% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 18.5%, with lone person households at 15.8% and group households at 2.9%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Rest of Vic average of 2.4.

Educational attainment in Miners Rest aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 20.2%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 14.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.1%) and graduate diplomas (3.1%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 41.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas account for 10.6% and certificates for 30.8%. Educational participation is high at 31.3%, including 13.1% in primary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 3.3% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 31.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.1% in primary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 3.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Miners Rest has 17 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by two routes that together offer 228 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport in Miners Rest is rated as good, with residents typically living 275 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 32 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 13 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Miners Rest 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

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

Approximately 60% (2394 people) of Miners Rest residents have private health cover, which is significantly higher than the 51.9% average in the rest of Victoria. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 10.4% and 9.5% of residents respectively. A total of 68.7% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 62.3% across the rest of Victoria. Miners Rest has a lower proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 7.8% (310 people) compared to the 17.8% average in the rest of Victoria.

Miners Rest is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Miners Rest had a cultural diversity score below average, with 91.6% of its population born in Australia, 93.9% being citizens, and 95.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 43.8% of people in Miners Rest as of 2016 data. However, Islam showed an overrepresentation with 0.8%, compared to the regional average of 0.7%.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (33.8%), English (30.7%), and Irish (9.7%). Notable deviations included Dutch at 2.6% (vs regional 2.1%), Maltese at 0.5% (vs 0.4%), and Scottish at 8.3% (vs 9.2%).

Miners Rest's young demographic places it in the bottom 15% of areas nationwide

The median age in Miners Rest is 32 years, which is notably lower than the average for the rest of Victoria (43) and substantially under the Australian median of 38. Compared to the rest of Victoria, Miners Rest has a higher concentration of residents aged 25-34, at 18.0%, but fewer residents aged 65-74, at 5.9%. According to the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 25 to 34 has grown from 16.1% to 18.0%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 5 to 14 has declined from 16.8% to 15.2%, and the proportion of residents aged 45 to 54 has dropped from 11.7% to 10.6%. By 2041, Miners Rest is expected to experience significant shifts in its age composition. The demographic shift will be led by the 25 to 34 age group, which is projected to grow by 67%, adding 480 people and reaching a total of 1,198 residents. Meanwhile, the 75 to 84 age group is expected to display modest growth, with no additional residents added by 2041.