North Bendigo

North Bendigo has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

The estimated population of the North Bendigo statistical area as of November 2025 is around 4,219 people. This figure reflects a decrease from the 2021 Census total of 4,277 people, representing a drop of 58 individuals (1.4%). The latest estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024, which indicated a resident population of 4,163. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 1,016 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages seen across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth in the area during recent periods.

AreaSearch employs ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 for areas not covered by this data, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods. According to these projections, the North Bendigo (SA2) is expected to experience above median population growth in Australia's regional areas between now and 2041, with an increase of 675 persons projected over this period, reflecting a total gain of 14.6%.

Residential development activity is lower than average in North Bendigo according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

North Bendigo has recorded approximately 19 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 95 homes. As of FY26, 5 approvals have been recorded. The area's population decline suggests that new supply is likely keeping up with demand, offering good choice to buyers. Developers are focusing on the premium market, with new homes being built at an average expected construction cost value of $461,000.

This financial year has seen $58.4 million in commercial approvals registered, indicating robust local business investment. Compared to the Rest of Vic., North Bendigo shows approximately 62% of the construction activity per person and places among the 84th percentile nationally, though recent construction activity has intensified. Recent developments comprise 43.0% standalone homes and 57.0% townhouses or apartments, reflecting a shift from the area's existing housing composition (currently 88.0% houses). This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. North Bendigo reflects a low density area, with around 116 people per approval.

According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, North Bendigo is expected to grow by 615 residents through to 2041. Building activity appears to be keeping pace with growth projections, though heightened competition among buyers may arise as the population grows.

North Bendigo has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

AreaSearch has identified eight projects that could impact the local area. Key projects include the Water and Sewer Network Program, Bendigo Stadium and Showgrounds Redevelopment, Regional Sports Infrastructure Program - Bendigo, and Greater Bendigo Managed Growth Strategy Implementation. The following list details those likely to be 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 assessment indicates North Bendigo faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

North Bendigo has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 7.4% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.7%.

As of September 2025, 1,893 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 3.6% above Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%, indicating room for improvement. Workforce participation is broadly similar to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and manufacturing, with a particular specialization in health care & social assistance at 1.6 times the regional level. Agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 1.9% of local workers, below Rest of Vic.'s 7.5%.

The ratio of 0.7 workers per resident indicates a level of local employment opportunities above the norm. During the year to September 2025, employment levels increased by 1.7% and labour force increased by 2.4%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.6 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov shows VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 14.5% over ten years. Applying these projections to North Bendigo's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.5% over ten years.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023, North Bendigo had median income among taxpayers of $46,991 and average income of $61,465. These figures are lower than national averages of $50,954 (median) and $62,728 (average) for Rest of Vic. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% from financial year ended June 2023 to September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $50,868 and average income would be around $66,536 in North Bendigo by then. As per the 2021 Census data, incomes in North Bendigo fall between the 19th and 29th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. In North Bendigo, 30.0% of population (1,265 individuals) have income within $1,500 - 2,999 range, similar to surrounding region's 30.3%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in North Bendigo, with only 83.6% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 19th percentile nationally.

North Bendigo is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

North Bendigo's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census evaluation, consisted of 87.8% houses and 12.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s 89.5% houses and 10.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in North Bendigo stood at 27.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 26.2% and rented dwellings at 46.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,290, below Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,408, and the median weekly rent was $285, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $295. Nationally, North Bendigo's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

North Bendigo features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 58.6% of all households, consisting of 20.6% couples with children, 21.4% couples without children, and 14.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 41.4%, with lone person households at 36.1% and group households comprising 5.4%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.4.

North Bendigo faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

North Bendigo's educational qualifications trail Victorian averages. 23.8% of residents aged 15+ have university degrees, compared to the state average of 33.4%. This gap suggests potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are most common at 15.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.9%).

Vocational credentials are prominent, with 36.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas account for 9.3%, while certificates make up 27.2%. Educational participation is high, with 28.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.9% in primary education, 7.3% in secondary education, and 4.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

North Bendigo has 34 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by six different routes that together facilitate 796 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of the transport system is deemed good, with residents on average being located 202 meters from their nearest stop.

Across all routes, there are an average of 113 daily trips, which translates to approximately 23 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in North Bendigo is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

North Bendigo faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups.

Approximately 51% (~2,158 people) have private health cover, which is relatively low compared to other areas. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent conditions, impacting 12.8 and 10.6% of residents respectively. Around 58.8% report having no medical ailments, compared to 62.0% in the rest of Victoria. The area has 18.5% (780 people) of residents aged 65 and over, with health outcomes among seniors presenting challenges similar to those seen in the general population.

North Bendigo ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

North Bendigo's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 84.6% of its population being citizens, 85.2% born in Australia, and 88.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the main religion in North Bendigo, comprising 43.0% of its population. The most significant overrepresentation was seen in the 'Other' category, which makes up 1.3% of North Bendigo's population compared to 0.7% across the rest of Victoria.

In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups are English (30.4%), Australian (29.4%), and Irish (9.9%). Notably, Sri Lankan, Macedonian, and Indian ethnicities were overrepresented in North Bendigo at 0.3%, 0.1%, and 1.8% respectively, compared to regional percentages of 0.1%, 0.0%, and 1.0%.

North Bendigo's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in North Bendigo is 36 years, which is significantly lower than Rest of Vic.'s average of 43 years. This figure is also younger than Australia's median age of 38 years. The 25-34 age group constitutes 21.3% of the population in North Bendigo, compared to Rest of Vic., while the 65-74 cohort makes up 8.4%. Notably, this concentration of young adults is higher than the national average of 14.5%. Post-2021 Census data indicates that North Bendigo has become younger, with its median age dropping from 37 to 36 years. Specifically, the 25-34 age group grew from 17.2% to 21.3%, and the 35-44 cohort increased from 11.4% to 12.5%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 11.4% to 9.6%, and the 15-24 group decreased from 13.5% to 12.2%. By 2041, North Bendigo is projected to experience significant shifts in its age composition. The 25-34 age cohort is expected to grow by 445 people (50%), increasing from 898 to 1,344. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 75-84 and 65-74 cohorts.