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 ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, the estimated population of the suburb of Miners Rest is around 3,985 as of Feb 2026. This reflects a growth from 3,829 people recorded in the 2021 Census, an increase of 156 people (4.1%). AreaSearch's estimation of resident population at 3,887 is based on latest ERP data release by ABS (June 2024) and 34 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 132 persons per square kilometer. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 75.0% of overall population gains.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered, VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 are used 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. Future trends forecast a significant population increase in the top quartile of Australian non-metropolitan areas, with Miners Rest expected to grow by 1,255 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 29.2% 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

AreaSearch analysis indicates Miners Rest has seen approximately 7 new homes approved annually, with a total of 39 approvals in the past five financial years between FY21-FY25, and 2 so far in FY26. This results in an average of around 2.1 new residents per year for each dwelling over these five years. The average construction cost value for new homes is approximately $385,000, which is higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development.

Commercial approvals this financial year amount to $19.1 million, indicating balanced commercial development activity. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Miners Rest records significantly lower building activity, 83.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new dwellings typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Additionally, this activity is also under the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. New development in Miners Rest consists of 67.0% detached dwellings and 33.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a significant shift from the current housing pattern of predominantly houses (99.0%). 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 AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is expected to grow by 1,163 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 very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 11 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include Western Victoria Aviation Precinct Ballarat, Waters Edge, Miners Rest, Miners Rest Township Plan, and Miners Rest Primary School Redevelopment. The following list details those most 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 places Miners Rest well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Miners Rest has a skilled workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 2.8%, with an estimated employment growth of 2.2% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, there are 2,166 residents employed, and the unemployment rate is 0.9% lower than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%.

The workforce participation rate is higher at 76.4%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 61.4%. Census responses indicate that 14.7% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The leading employment industries among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Arts & recreation has a notably high concentration with employment levels at 3.1 times the regional average, while agriculture, forestry & fishing shows 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 2.2%, and labour force increased by 2.1%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic. saw employment contract by 0.7%, labour force fall by 0.6%, and unemployment rise marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Miners Rest's employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

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

Miners Rest suburb's median income among taxpayers was $68,037 according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year ended 2023. Average income stood at $84,338 in the same period. These figures compare with Rest of Vic.'s median and average incomes of $50,954 and $62,728 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% from financial year ended 2023 to September 2025, estimated current incomes would be approximately $73,650 (median) and $91,296 (average). Census data shows household, family and personal incomes in Miners Rest cluster around the 67th percentile nationally. Income distribution reveals that 45.6% of locals (1,817 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 category, mirroring regional trends where 30.3% occupy this bracket. After housing expenses, 86.4% of income remains for other expenses. Miners Rest'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

The dwelling structure in Miners Rest, as per the latest Census, was 98.9% houses and 1.2% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Vic had 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Miners Rest stood 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 $1,430. The median weekly rent figure in Miners Rest was $360, compared to Non-Metro Vic's $285. 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 against the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute the remaining 18.5%, with lone person households at 15.8% and group households comprising 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 stands at 20.2%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common, with 14.0% of residents holding one, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.1%) and graduate diplomas (3.1%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 41.4% of residents aged 15+ possessing them, including advanced diplomas (10.6%) and certificates (30.8%). Educational participation is high, with 31.3% currently enrolled in formal education, comprising primary (13.1%), secondary (8.0%), and tertiary (3.3%) levels.

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. These are served by two routes offering a total of 228 weekly passenger trips. Residents have good access to transport, with an average distance of 275 meters to the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward from this residential area, predominantly using cars (97%). On average, there are 1.9 vehicles per dwelling, higher than the regional norm. According to the 2021 Census, 14.7% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency is an average of 32 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 13 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Miners Rest are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Miners Rest shows below-average health outcomes, according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are higher than average for both younger and older age groups.

Common health conditions are slightly more prevalent, with asthma and mental health issues affecting 10.4% and 9.5% of residents respectively. Approximately 60% of the population has private health cover, compared to 50.5% in Rest of Vic., with a total population of 2,394 people. 68.7% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 63.4% across Rest of Vic.. Health outcomes among working-age residents are typical. The area has 7.4% of residents aged 65 and over (294 people), which is lower than the 23.9% in Rest of Vic.. National rankings for health outcomes are broadly in line with the general population.

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 below average, with 91.6% born in Australia, 93.9% being citizens, and 95.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 43.8%. Islam was overrepresented at 0.8%, compared to 1.0% across Rest of Vic.

Top three ancestry groups were Australian (33.8%), English (30.7%), and Irish (9.7%). Dutch were notably overrepresented at 2.6% vs regional 1.7%, Maltese was equal at 0.5%, Scottish slightly underrepresented at 8.3% vs regional 8.8%.

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

The median age in Miners Rest is 32, which is notably lower than the average for Rest of Vic., which is 43, and also substantially lower than the Australian median of 38. Relative to Rest of Vic., Miners Rest has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (18.8%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (5.8%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the percentage of residents aged 25-34 has grown from 16.1% to 18.8%. Conversely, the percentage of residents aged 5-14 has declined from 16.8% to 15.0%, and the percentage of residents aged 45-54 has dropped from 11.7% to 10.1%. By 2041, Miners Rest is expected to see significant shifts in its age composition. The demographic shift will be led by the 25-34 age group, which is projected to grow by 59%, adding 443 people and reaching a total of 1,193 from 749. The 85+ age group is expected to display more modest growth, with an increase of only 2 residents.