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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
Sales Activity
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Population
Population growth drivers in Neerim South are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends
The population of Neerim South is estimated at around 1,643 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 44 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,599 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 25 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Neerim South has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 2.4%, outpacing the SA4 region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 59.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.
AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, 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 from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, Neerim South is expected to grow by 79 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of approximately 4.8% in total over the 16-year period.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Neerim South when compared nationally
Neerim South had minimal residential development activity with 3 dwelling approvals annually over five years from 2014 to 2018 inclusive. This resulted in a total of 17 dwelling approvals during this period. The low development levels reflect the rural nature of the area, where development is typically driven by specific local housing needs rather than broad market demand.
It should be noted that the small sample size means individual development projects can substantially influence annual growth and relativity statistics. Neerim South naturally has much lower development activity compared to Rest of Vic.. Development levels are likewise under national averages. Recent building activity consists entirely of detached houses, maintaining the area's rural nature with emphasis on space.
The location has approximately 223 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. Future projections show Neerim South adding 79 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate dated February 2021). Existing development levels seem aligned with future requirements, maintaining stable market conditions without significant price pressures.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Neerim South
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
Infrastructure
Neerim South has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally
No changes were identified by AreaSearch that could potentially impact the area's performance. Key projects include Warragul and Drouin Precinct Structure Plans, Marinus Link, Maryvale Energy from Waste (EfW) Facility, and Gippsland Line Upgrade.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Marinus Link
Marinus Link is a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) electricity and fibre-optic interconnector linking Heybridge in north-west Tasmania with Hazelwood in Victoria's Latrobe Valley. The total project is planned at 1,500 MW capacity, delivered in two 750 MW stages. Stage 1 comprises 255 km of subsea cable across Bass Strait, a shore crossing at Waratah Bay, a communications station at Sandy Point, 90 km of underground land cable through south Gippsland, and converter stations at each end. Final Investment Decision was reached on 1 August 2025 with federal environmental approval granted on 3 August 2025. In December 2025, Marinus Link Pty Ltd awarded the final major Stage 1 contract, valued at approximately 994 million dollars, to TasVic Greenlink (a joint venture of DT Infrastructure and Samsung C and T Corporation) to build the converter stations and undertake the 90 km of land cable civils across Gippsland. Hitachi Energy is supplying the HVDC voltage source converter stations and Prysmian is supplying the cables. In February 2026, the Australian Energy Regulator approved approximately 3.47 billion dollars in Stage 1 capital expenditure, clearing the path for full construction. Preparatory works on the Waratah Bay and Heybridge shore crossings are commencing in early 2026, with commercial operation targeted for 2030. A separate business case for Stage 2 (a further 750 MW) will be considered by governments during 2026.
Victorian Desalination Plant Expansion
Proposed expansion of the existing Victorian Desalination Plant at Wonthaggi (Dalyston) to increase production capacity from 150 GL to 200 GL per year, leveraging the facility's built-in design headroom. The Victorian Water Security Plan released in September 2025 identified expanded desalination as a key long-term measure alongside purified recycled water and stormwater harvesting. Infrastructure Victoria's 2025-2055 strategy recommends the State Government complete a detailed business case for this expansion to help meet water demand until 2035. Urgency has increased following Melbourne storage levels falling to a six-year low in April 2026, prompting a record 150 GL order for 2026-27. Government modelling projects Victoria will require an additional 95 GL per year above the plant's current full capacity by 2030. A second desalination plant west of Melbourne is also under parallel consideration. The existing plant is operated by AquaSure (Ventia/Suez) under a 30-year PPP contract.
Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy
Comprehensive NSW state planning reforms designed to increase housing density in well-located areas. The policy mandates mid-rise apartment buildings (3-6 storeys) and low-rise multi-dwelling housing (terraces, townhouses, and dual occupancies) within 800m of 171 high-frequency transport hubs and town centres. As of May 2026, the policy is fully operational following the phased rollout of dual occupancy provisions in July 2024 and mid-rise apartment provisions in early 2025. Recent updates include refined floor space ratios (FSR) and non-refusal standards to streamline local council assessments.
Warragul and Drouin Precinct Structure Plans
The Warragul and Drouin Precinct Structure Plans (PSPs) provide the long-term strategic framework guiding urban expansion across 1,856 hectares in the Baw Baw Shire growth corridor. Originally gazetted in October 2014 under Amendment C108, the plans are designed to deliver around 20,000 new homes and accommodate approximately 50,000 people over a 20-30 year horizon, with around 12,600 lots planned for Warragul and 7,400 for Drouin. As of 2026, Baw Baw Shire Council is undertaking a comprehensive review of the associated Development Contributions Plans (DCPs), with consequential changes to the PSPs. The review aims to update infrastructure costs, revise concept designs for arterial road intersections, address implementation issues identified since 2015, and ensure timely delivery of roads, drainage, community facilities, sporting reserves, and open space to support a Plan Victoria housing target of more than 25,700 new homes for the shire. A community information session was held in December 2025, with draft PSP and DCP documents and public consultation on final drafts expected ahead of a future Planning Scheme Amendment.
Star of the South Offshore Wind Farm
Star of the South is a proposed offshore wind farm in Bass Strait off Gippsland, Victoria. The project has a feasibility licence area of about 586 square kilometres and proposes up to 2.2 GW of offshore wind capacity, enough to power around 1.2 million homes. It would connect to the grid through underground cables landing near Reeves Beach and transmission infrastructure toward the Latrobe Valley. As of the latest official updates, the project has lodged its Commonwealth EIS and Victorian EES for government adequacy review, with public review expected around mid 2026. It still requires environmental and planning approvals, a Victorian offshore wind auction outcome, a commercial licence and final investment decision before construction can proceed.
Victorian Renewable Energy Zones
The Victorian Renewable Energy Zones (REZs) represent a strategic 15-year roadmap to upgrade the state electricity grid as it transitions from coal to renewable energy. Managed by VicGrid, the 2025 Victorian Transmission Plan identifies six onshore zones (Central Highlands, Central North, Gippsland, North-West, South-West, and Western/Grampians) and a Gippsland Shoreline zone for offshore wind. The plan coordinates the connection of approximately 25GW of new solar, wind, and storage capacity by 2035, requiring nearly 800km of transmission upgrades. As of early 2026, VicGrid is finalizing the declaration of these zones following extensive community consultation on draft REZ orders, which closed in March 2026.
NSW Renewable Energy Zones (REZ) Program
NSW is delivering five Renewable Energy Zones (Central-West Orana, New England, South West, Hunter-Central Coast, and Illawarra) to coordinate wind and solar generation, storage, and high-voltage transmission. Led by EnergyCo NSW under the Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap, the program targets at least 12 GW of new renewable generation and 2 GW of long-duration storage by 2030. Major construction of the first REZ (Central-West Orana) transmission project began in June 2025, involving 90km of 500kV and 150km of 330kV lines. As of February 2026, the project reached a milestone with the Australian Energy Regulator's final decision on network revenue determinations, and significant progress has been made on temporary worker accommodation and road upgrades between the Port of Newcastle and the Central-West Orana region.
Gippsland Line Upgrade
The Gippsland Line Upgrade, now complete as of mid-2025, has delivered more frequent and reliable train services to the growing communities of Gippsland. Key features include station upgrades at Bunyip, Longwarry, Morwell, and Traralgon (including new second platforms and accessibility improvements), a new bridge over the Avon River at Stratford, new signalling and train control systems, track duplication, and the extension of VLocity trains to Bairnsdale. From September 2025, over 80 additional weekly services were introduced, enabling trains approximately every 40 minutes between Melbourne and Traralgon for much of the day, 7 days a week. The project created over 500 jobs during construction.
Employment
The labour market in Neerim South shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions
Neerim South has a skilled workforce with the construction sector prominent. The unemployment rate was 2.7% in an unspecified period, with estimated employment growth of 5.4%. As of December 2025799 residents were employed at an unemployment rate of 1.0%, below Regional Vic.'s 3.7%.
Workforce participation was similar to Regional Vic.'s 61.0%. A moderate 20.3% worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key industries included construction, health care & social assistance, and agriculture, forestry & fishing. Agriculture, forestry & fishing had notable concentration with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average.
Health care & social assistance employed 12.2% of local workers, below Regional Vic.'s 16.8%. Employment opportunities locally appeared limited based on Census data comparison. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 5.4% while labour force grew by 4.9%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Vic.'s employment declined by 0.6% with a 0.1 percentage point drop in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Neerim South. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Neerim South's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.5% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch
The suburb of Neerim South had a median taxpayer income of $45,101 and an average income of $58,881 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This was below the national average, with Regional Vic.'s median income being $50,954 and average income being $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Neerim South would be approximately $49,440 (median) and $64,545 (average) as of March 2026. Census data shows that household, family and personal incomes in Neerim South all fall between the 24th and 24th percentiles nationally. The data indicates that 27.6% of the population (453 individuals) have incomes within the $800 - $1,499 range, unlike surrounding regions where 30.3% fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range. Housing costs are modest in Neerim South, with 87.2% of income retained, but total disposable income ranks at just the 29th percentile nationally and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Neerim South is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership
In Neerim South, as per the latest Census evaluation, 96.1% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 3.9% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This compares to Regional Vic.'s figures of 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Neerim South stood at 48.2%, with mortgaged properties accounting for 39.7% and rented dwellings making up 12.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,549, exceeding Regional Vic.'s average of $1,430. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent in Neerim South was $260, compared to Regional Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Neerim South's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Neerim South has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size
Family households account for 75.4% of all households, including 30.6% couples with children, 35.7% couples without children, and 8.1% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 24.6%, with lone person households at 23.6% and group households comprising 1.9%. The median household size is 2.5 people, larger than the Regional Vic average of 2.4.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
Neerim South shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist
The area's university qualification rate is 18.9%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common, at 12.7%, followed by graduate diplomas (3.3%) and postgraduate qualifications (2.9%). Vocational credentials are held by 45.5% of residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 14.0% and certificates at 31.5%. Educational participation is high, with 29.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.
This includes 10.7% in primary education, 9.1% in secondary education, and 2.3% pursuing tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
No public transport data available for this catchment area.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
Health performance in Neerim South is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts
Neerim South faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.
The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~824 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis, impacting 12.0% of residents, and mental health issues, affecting 9.1%. Conversely, 60.4% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.4% across Regional Vic.. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 29.0% of residents aged 65 and over (476 people), which is higher than the 23.9% in Regional Vic.. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
Neerim South is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics
Neerim South's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 88.4% of its population being Australian citizens and 88.7% born in Australia. English is spoken exclusively at home by 97.5% of the population. Christianity is the predominant religion, practiced by 45.5% of Neerim South's residents.
While Buddhism makes up only 1.1% of the population, this is slightly higher than the regional average of 1.0%. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups in Neerim South are English (32.7%), Australian (31.5%), and Irish (10.1%). Notably, Dutch ancestry is overrepresented at 3.5%, compared to the regional average of 1.7%, as are Scottish (9.1% vs 8.8%) and Welsh (0.7% vs 0.4%) ancestries.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Neerim South hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide
Neerim South's median age is 47 years, significantly higher than Regional Vic.'s average of 43 and substantially exceeding the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 are particularly prominent at 15.3%, while the 45-54 group is comparatively smaller at 9.3% than in Regional Vic., with this concentration being well above the national figure of 9.4%. Between 2021 and the present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 8.2% to 9.9%, while the 15 to 24 cohort has increased from 9.8% to 11.2%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 15.0% to 13.4% and the 45 to 54 group has dropped from 10.8% to 9.3%. By 2041, Neerim South is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition, with the 25 to 34 group projected to grow by 29%, reaching 227 people from a starting point of 175. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 and 65 to 74 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.