Suburb profile · Rest of Vic.
Rochester (Vic.) has an estimated 2,843 residents, down 9.9% since the 2021 Census, with 49 projects tracked in the area around Rochester (Vic.).
Updated 14 Oct 2026.
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Located 163 kilometres north from Melbourne CBD, the suburb of Rochester (Vic.) provides a tranquil rural lifestyle framed by rich agricultural surroundings, picturesque riverways, and historic streetscapes. The township is characterised by accessible housing and exceptional rates of unencumbered home ownership, alongside smaller households that average 2.2 residents per dwelling. Community demographics display a mature profile marked by an above-average presence of families with children as well as prominent concentrations of residents aged 75 to 84 and 85 and over. Domestic living arrangements are largely shaped by lone person dwellings and couples without children, with income brackets predominantly falling within the lower quartile and educational attainment leaning toward practical trade backgrounds.
As of August 2026, the suburb of Rochester (Vic.) has an Estimated Resident Population (ERP) of approximately 2,843, derived from aggregated SA2-level data and quarterly address validations.
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01Profile
The analysis, national rankings and who lives there.
Located 163 kilometres north from Melbourne CBD, the suburb of Rochester (Vic.) provides a tranquil rural lifestyle framed by rich agricultural surroundings, picturesque riverways, and historic streetscapes. The township is characterised by accessible housing and exceptional rates of unencumbered home ownership, alongside smaller households that average 2.2 residents per dwelling. Community demographics display a mature profile marked by an above-average presence of families with children as well as prominent concentrations of residents aged 75 to 84 and 85 and over. Domestic living arrangements are largely shaped by lone person dwellings and couples without children, with income brackets predominantly falling within the lower quartile and educational attainment leaning toward practical trade backgrounds.
As of August 2026, the suburb of Rochester (Vic.) has an Estimated Resident Population (ERP) of approximately 2,843, derived from aggregated SA2-level data and quarterly address validations.
Estimated resident population by year (ABS, not Census counts): 2,866 in 2006 and 2,839 in 2025. The dashed segment ends at the AreaSearch estimate for Aug 2026: 2,843 (ABS June 2025 base).
Share of residents in each age band (ABS age profile, scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate). Largest: 65 to 74, 16.7%.
Share of households in each weekly household income band (2021 Census). Largest: $400 - 799, 30.5%.
Rochester (Vic.) ranks in the 81st percentile nationally for infrastructure drivers and the 59th for employment drivers.
Each bar and spoke is a national percentile; the dashed ring is the typical area. 99th = higher than 99 in every 100 neighbourhood-sized areas across Australia (ABS SA2 areas). Higher means more of the measure, not necessarily better. Orange marks the top three measures where a higher percentile is better; not Age, Housing or Housing Cost.
02Market and pipeline
Rents, sale prices and what is being built.
The median rent in Rochester (Vic.) is $398 a week, for the 12 months to Sep 2025 and 13% below Regional Vic..
13% below Regional Vic. on median weekly rent
Median weekly rent by year, lodged bonds. Houses (solid line): $262 in 2017, $428 in 2025; Units (dashed orange line): $196 in 2017, $307 in 2025. The latest is to Sep 2025.
The change over 12 months, by dwelling type, is charted in Full.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $398 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Median rent, houses | $428 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Median rent, units | $307 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Median rent, Campaspe | $444 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Median rent, Shepparton | $453 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent, Regional Vic. | $458 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 | |
| Median rent, VIC | $560 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Sep 2025 |
See the development applications we track, then draw your own catchment and map retailers, health, schools and more.
Status of the 5 tracked applications: 0 approved, 0 under assessment, 5 other (refused, withdrawn or no status).
Add retailers, health, schools and development applications around Rochester (Vic.), then export the list.
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AreaSearch tracks 49 projects in and around Rochester (Vic.), 14 of them under construction.
Master-planned residential community delivering over 1,000 homes across more than 100 hectares of former farmland in Echuca West. Lots range from 480 to 800 sqm. The estate features 6.9 hectares of open space including parks, wetlands, walking tracks, playgrounds, and a full-sized sports oval. Smart home features include fibre optic NBN.
Yallarah is a landmark 142-hectare masterplanned community in Echuca West by Wel.Co, designed to deliver over 2,000 homesites. Civil construction has officially commenced.
The largest transport infrastructure project in northern Victoria completed in 2022. A second bridge crossing connecting Echuca and Moama via the Campaspe and Murray rivers with new 4.5km walking and cycling pathway.
Funded via the Victorian Government's Regional Health Infrastructure Fund and managed by the Victorian Health Building Authority, this $10.2 million project delivers major upgrades at Echuca Regional Health.
Completed community Australian rules football facility at St Joseph's College Kildare Campus in Echuca, officially unveiled on 20 October 2025 as Victoria's first completed project under the AFL Breaking New Ground initiative.
Completed residential estate featuring established homes around constructed lakes with recreational facilities and landscaped parklands.
Redevelopment of Victoria Park in Echuca into a multipurpose community and emergency relief centre. Features a 400-seat accessible grandstand, community facility with change rooms, function space (250 seated/400 standing), emergency relief centre with companion animal shelter, 99kW solar system, upgraded playground and sealed car parking.
Murray River Council is seeking proposals for the future purchase and redevelopment of the former Murray Shire Office site at 6 Meninya Street, Moama. The 1,700 sqm council-owned site sits at the southern gateway to Moama's CBD. Stage 1 (Expression of Interest) closed 28 August 2026, with shortlisted respondents moving to a Request for Proposal stage.
The Moama and District Preschool Development is a completed $5.9 million early childhood education facility delivered by Murray River Council at 31 Bushlark Drive, within the Moama Recreation Reserve education precinct.
Moama residential subdivision featuring 44 allotments developed across three stages, with lot sizes starting from 753 square metres. The estate is positioned off Lignum Road within Moama's northern growth corridor, situated between Lakeview, Perricoota Run, Dungala Rise, and The Vines estates.
Dungala Rise is a premium residential land estate in Moama, NSW, developed in three stages near Perricoota Road and the Murray River. The estate provides generous residential allotments, generally ranging from approximately 1,050 to 1,215 square metres, with wide tree-lined streets, building covenants, boundary fencing, NBN connectivity, town services and…
The Vines Estate is a completed residential subdivision developed by Chadwick Investments on Lignum Road in Moama, NSW. The development occupies approximately 11.8 hectares of former vineyard land and comprises 63 residential allotments ranging from 989 to 1,142 square metres.
Images marked AI impression are illustrative only and not photographs of the project; follow the project links for actual imagery. Original imagery? Contact us.
Estimated completion year of the 15 projects in and around the area that are not yet completed and have one: 2025 3, 2026 4, 2027 2, 2028 4, 2029 0, 2030 0, 2031 1, 2032 0, 2033 0, 2034 0, 2035 1. 6 have no completion year.
AreaSearch has tracked 5 substantial development applications lodged in and around Rochester (Vic.) over the period covered (about 2.1 years), 3 in the last 12 months. Coverage varies by council.
Applications per year (dashed: part year): 2024 (part year) 1, 2025 1, 2026 (to Nov) 3.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tracked applications | 5 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, period covered (about 2.1 years) | |
| Tracked, last 12 months | 3 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area | |
| ABS building approvals | 1.9 per 1,000 people | ABS building approvals | 25th percentile nationally |
| Average approvals a year | 6 | ABS building approvals | 13th percentile nationally |
Key infrastructure and planning changes likely to influence the suburb of Rochester include: Bendigo and Echuca Line Upgrade (Completed). These projects represent significant developments that will shape the area's future infrastructure landscape.
Infrastructure projects impacting the suburb of Rochester are primarily focused on Transport & Logistics.
While specific investment values are not publicly disclosed for all projects impacting the suburb of Rochester, the area shows active development across multiple infrastructure categories within 15km.
With an infrastructure score in the top 40%, the suburb of Rochester demonstrates above-average development activity compared to national benchmarks.
On AreaSearch's development drivers ranking, residential development activity in Rochester is exceptionally low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally.
Dwelling approval activity in the suburb of Rochester area has seen 13 residential approvals over the past two financial years, based on AreaSearch's SA2 aggregation method. The suburb of Rochester's current population of 2,843 has been supported by 6 approvals on average over recent years.
The suburb of Rochester has seen 1.9 approvals per 1,000 people in recent years, compared to 7.6 approvals in Regional Vic.. This means that one dwelling has been approved for every 437 people in the suburb of Rochester, compared to one for every 145 in Regional Vic..
The long-run outlook for development is part of AreaSearch Operator and Pro. Log in to see the forecast detail in Full.
Looking at development activity over the past five years, the suburb of Rochester's approval levels have been significantly below the yearly average of 6, showing a notable downturn in recent development.
Over the past five years, the suburb of Rochester has seen 29 residential approvals while population has remained stable or declined, indicating potential market oversupply.
03People
Population, age, income, work, education and more.
99th = higher than 99 in every 100 neighbourhood-sized areas across Australia (ABS SA2 areas). Higher means more of the measure, not necessarily better.
Rochester is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,843 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, from the ABS June 2025 base | |
| Growth since 2021 Census | -9.9% | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, against the 2021 Census | |
| Population density | 33 per km² | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, from the ABS June 2025 base | 22nd percentile nationally |
| Average yearly growth, 2020 to 2025 | -1.8% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Average yearly growth, 2015 to 2025 | -0.9% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population at the 2021 Census | 3,154 | 2021 Census | |
| Average yearly growth, 2022 to 2025 | -2.6% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Population growth, 2024 to 2025 | -0.1% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Land area | 86.36 km² | AreaSearch boundary analysis |
Total population for the suburb of Rochester was estimated to be approximately 2,843 as at Aug 2026. This is based upon an estimated resident population of 2,839 from the ABS up to June 2025.
The suburb of rochester has lost approximately 311 people and shown a 9.86% decrease from the 3,154 people recorded at the 2021 Census period.
The population density in the suburb of Rochester is estimated at 33 persons per square kilometre based on the latest population estimate.
Over the past 10 years, the population in the suburb of Rochester has shown a compound annual growth rate of -0.9% per annum.
Population growth in the suburb of Rochester is driven by: Overseas migration (100.0%), Natural increase (0.0%), Interstate migration (0.0%). The primary driver is Overseas migration, contributing 100.0% of overall population gains.
Rochester ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age | 53 years | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | 95th percentile nationally |
| Aged 65 and over | 35.4% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Children under 15 | 13.7% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 15 to 34 | 16.3% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 25 to 64 | 41.3% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age at the 2021 Census | 53 years | 2021 Census | |
| Aged 0 to 4 | 4.5% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 5 to 14 | 9.2% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 15 to 24 | 9.9% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 25 to 34 | 6.4% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 35 to 44 | 8.6% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 45 to 54 | 11.5% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 55 to 64 | 14.8% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 65 to 74 | 16.7% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 75 to 84 | 12.2% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 85 and over | 6.5% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate |
AreaSearch estimates the median age in the suburb of Rochester at 53 years as at August 2026. That is in line with the 2021 Census figure of 53 years, on an age profile AreaSearch re-estimates for population change recorded since the Census.
At an estimated 53 years as at August 2026, Rochester is 10 years older than the Regional Vic. 2021 Census average (43 years) and 15 years older than the national Census average (38 years).
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most over-represented age group in the suburb of Rochester compared to the Regional Vic. region is the 65 - 74 group, making up 16.7% of the population.
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most under-represented age group in the suburb of Rochester compared to the Regional Vic. region is the 25 - 34 group, making up 6.4% of the population.
Yes, certain age groups in the suburb of Rochester show significant variance compared to Regional Vic.. The most over-represented age groups are 85+ year-olds (6.5% vs 2.9%) and 75-84 year-olds (12.2% vs 8.4%). The most under-represented age group is 25-34 year-olds (6.4% vs 11.0%).
AreaSearch estimates children aged 0-14 years at 13.7% of the population in the suburb of Rochester as at August 2026.
AreaSearch estimates people aged 65 and over at 35.4% of the population in the suburb of Rochester as at August 2026.
Income metrics place the area in the bottom 6% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median taxable income (ATO) | $46,701 a year | ATO FY-24, annual | 7th percentile nationally |
| Average taxable income | $55,503 a year | ATO FY-24, annual |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Census household income / week | $1,073 | 2021 Census, weekly | 6th percentile nationally |
| Census personal income / week | $583 | 2021 Census, weekly | 10th percentile nationally |
| High-income households | 9.6% | 2021 Census | |
| Census family income / week | $1,439 | 2021 Census, weekly | |
| Low-income households | 38.6% | 2021 Census |
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the suburb of Rochester is approximately $49,783. The official ATO data from FY-24 recorded a median of $46,701.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the suburb of Rochester is approximately $59,166. The official ATO data from FY-24 recorded an average of $55,503.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the suburb of Rochester is approximately $49,783 compared to $57,266 in Regional Vic.. The official ATO data from FY-24 shows $46,701 and $53,720 respectively.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the suburb of Rochester is approximately $59,166 compared to $70,544 in Regional Vic.. The official ATO data from FY-24 shows $55,503 and $66,176 respectively.
As per the 2021 Census, the weekly household income bracket containing the largest proportion of the suburb of Rochester's households (~30.5% / 397 households) is the $400 - 799 cohort.
The largest weekly household income cohort in the suburb of Rochester is the $400 - 799 group, representing about 30.5% of households. In comparison, Regional Vic.'s largest household income cohort is the $1,500 - 2,999 group, representing 30.3% of its households, according to the 2021 Census.
The 2021 Census data indicates that the median household income in the suburb of Rochester is $1,073/wk.
According to the 2021 Census, the median family income in the suburb of Rochester is $1,439/wk.
The 2021 Census shows that the median personal income in the suburb of Rochester is $583/wk.
As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-24, the suburb of Rochester's median income among taxpayers is $46,701, with an average of $55,503. This is lower than average on a national basis, and compares to Regional Vic.'s median of $53,720 and average of $66,176. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 6.6% since FY-24, current estimates would be approximately $49,783 (median) and $59,166 (average) as of June 2026.
The estimated disposable income in the suburb of Rochester is $4,153 per year according to AreaSearch analysis.
The suburb of rochester's disposable income is $4,153 compared to $5,209 for Regional Vic., based on AreaSearch analysis.
Employment performance in Rochester exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unemployment rate | 3.1% | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Workforce participation | 53.3% | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Employed residents | 1,270 | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Daytime population | 2,342 | AreaSearch estimate of residents and workers present on a weekday | |
| Labour force | 1,311 | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch |
As of March 2026, the suburb of Rochester has approximately 1,270 employed residents with an unemployment rate of 3.1%. This healthy unemployment rate suggests a well-functioning labour market. Employment performance is above the national median, showing positive labour market dynamics.
As of March 2026, the unemployment rate in the suburb of Rochester stands at 3.1%, which is 0.6 percentage points below Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%. This lower unemployment rate suggests stronger local employment conditions. For comparison, the national unemployment rate is 4.2%.
The employment landscape in the suburb of Rochester is dominated by several key sectors. The largest employers are health care & social assistance (17.8% of employment), agriculture, forestry & fishing (11.7%), and manufacturing (10.9%). Other significant employers include retail trade and construction.
Over the past year to March 2026, the suburb of Rochester has experienced employment growth, with total employment increasing while the labour force increased. As a result, the unemployment rate has risen. By comparison, Regional Vic. saw employment decreased and its unemployment rate dropped.
The workforce participation rate in the suburb of Rochester is 53.3%, which represents the proportion of working-age residents who are either employed or actively seeking work. This moderate participation rate suggests some residents may face barriers to workforce entry. The local rate trailing the Regional Vic. average of 61.1%, suggesting potential for increased workforce participation.
The suburb of rochester shows notable specialisation in agriculture, forestry & fishing, which employs 11.7% of the local workforce compared to 7.5% across Regional Vic.. This concentration suggests the area has developed competitive advantages in this sector. The area also shows above-average employment in 1 other sectors, contributing to a distinctive economic profile.
The long-run outlook for employment is part of AreaSearch Operator and Pro. Log in to see the forecast detail in Full.
The suburb of rochester's employment market shows above-average performance nationally, placing in the top half of areas assessed. Employment indicators suggest healthy labour market conditions relative to other regions. Recent job advertisement trends show the broader employment region experienced 5.3% growth, ranking 11th out of 37 regions nationally.
Rochester faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor qualifications | 9.0% | 2021 Census | 9th percentile nationally |
| Postgraduate qualifications | 1.1% | 2021 Census | 4th percentile nationally |
| University qualifications | 12.1% | 2021 Census | |
| Vocational qualifications | 28.4% | 2021 Census | 63rd percentile nationally |
| Graduate diploma or certificate | 2.0% | 2021 Census | 37th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced diploma or diploma | 8.6% | 2021 Census | 13th percentile nationally |
| No post-school qualification | 51.0% | 2021 Census | |
| Residents attending an educational institution | 23.7% | 2021 Census | |
| Residents attending university or other higher education | 1.7% | 2021 Census | 7th percentile nationally |
| Residents attending primary school | 9.4% | 2021 Census | 35th percentile nationally |
| Residents attending secondary school | 7.5% | 2021 Census | 38th percentile nationally |
12.1% of people aged 15 and over in the suburb of Rochester have university qualifications, compared to 21.7% in Regional Vic..
51.0% of people aged 15 and over in the suburb of Rochester have no formal qualifications, compared to 40.4% in Regional Vic..
The suburb of rochester ranks in the 16th percentile nationally for education based on AreaSearch's analysis of qualification and performance metrics.
The most common qualifications in the suburb of Rochester are: Certificate (28.4%), Bachelor Degree (9.0%), Advanced Diploma (8.6%).
23.7% of the population in the suburb of Rochester is currently engaged in formal education, including 9.4% in primary school, 7.5% in secondary school, 1.7% at university (all shares of total residents).
The average ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) score for schools in the suburb of Rochester is 973, indicating below-average socio-educational advantage compared to the national average of 1000.
There are 3 schools within the suburb of Rochester, with a combined enrollment of approximately 572 students.
The suburb of rochester includes 2 primary schools, 1 secondary school.
Rochester features high concentrations of lone person households and couples without children but relatively few couples with children, with a smaller average household size than Regional Vic.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household size | 2.2 people | 2021 Census | 19th percentile nationally |
| Lone-person households | 33.8% | 2021 Census | 86th percentile nationally |
| Couples with children | 19.0% | 2021 Census | 11th percentile nationally |
| Couples without children | 32.9% | 2021 Census | 83rd percentile nationally |
| One-parent families | 10.1% | 2021 Census | 45th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group households | 2.8% | 2021 Census | 51st percentile nationally |
| Households at the 2021 Census | 1,303 | 2021 Census | |
| Estimated households | 1,175 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026 | |
| Family households | 63.2% | 2021 Census | 20th percentile nationally |
| Average children per family | 2.2 per family | 2021 Census | 99th percentile nationally |
As of the 2021 Census, the suburb of Rochester had 1,303 households. Based on population growth patterns, this has decreased by approximately 9.8% to an estimated 1,175 households today.
The average household size in the suburb of Rochester is 2.2 people. This compares to 2.4 in Regional Vic. and reflects the area's household composition mix.
Family households dominate at 63.2% of all households. Non-family households consist of lone person households (33.8%), group households (2.8%), and other household types (0.0%).
Of the 823 family households, couples with children account for 19.0% of all households, couples without children at home 32.9%, and single parent families 10.1%. This mix shapes local demand for schools, family services, and housing types.
Compared to Regional Vic., the suburb of Rochester shows distinct household patterns. This higher proportion of single-person households drives demand for smaller dwellings and different community services.
Families in the suburb of Rochester have an average of 2.2 children, slightly above the Regional Vic. average of 1.8. This influences local demand for child-related services and larger family homes.
Marriage patterns reveal 46.3% of the adult population are currently married, while 28.9% have never married. This compares to 46.3% married and 34.0% never married across Regional Vic..
Single-person households represent 33.8% of all households in the suburb of Rochester, similar to the average for Regional Vic. of 29.3%. This affects demand for smaller dwellings and single-person accommodation.
Group households (unrelated people sharing) account for 2.8% of households, in line with the Regional Vic. average of 2.9%.
The latest Census data sees Rochester placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Born overseas | 6.2% | 2021 Census | 3rd percentile nationally |
| Speak another language at home | 2.3% | 2021 Census | 5th percentile nationally |
| English only at home | 97.7% | 2021 Census | 95th percentile nationally |
| Australian citizens | 91.2% | 2021 Census | 85th percentile nationally |
| Born in Australia | 93.8% | 2021 Census | 96th percentile nationally |
| Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents | 1.5% | 2021 Census | 53rd percentile nationally |
Rochester was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 91.2% of its population being citizens, 93.8% born in Australia, and 97.7% speaking English only at home.
The main religion in Rochester was found to be Christianity, which makes up 53.9% of people in Rochester. This compares to 47.3% across Regional Vic..
In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Rochester are Australian, comprising 35.0% of the population, which is substantially higher than Regional Vic.'s 29.6%, English, comprising 34.7% of the population, and Irish, comprising 10.0% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Scottish is notably overrepresented at 8.7% of Rochester (vs 8.8% across Regional Vic.), Sri Lankan at 0.2% (vs 0.1%) and Macedonian at 0.1% (vs 0.2%).
6.2% of the suburb of Rochester population was born overseas, compared to 13.2% across Regional Vic..
2.3% of the population in the suburb of Rochester speaks a language other than English at home, compared to 7.6% in Regional Vic..
1.5% of the suburb of Rochester population identifies as Australian Aboriginal, compared to 1.4% in Regional Vic..
91.2% of the suburb of Rochester population holds citizenship, compared to 88.6% in Regional Vic..
04Place
Housing, health, transport, local services and the reports on them.
Rochester is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rented homes | 20.0% | 2021 Census | 26th percentile nationally |
| Owned outright | 51.9% | 2021 Census | 94th percentile nationally |
| Detached houses | 92.4% | 2021 Census | 70th percentile nationally |
| Median mortgage repayment | $1,083 a month | 2021 Census, monthly | 10th percentile nationally |
| Owned with a mortgage | 28.2% | 2021 Census | 24th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semi-detached, terrace and townhouses | 5.4% | 2021 Census | 37th percentile nationally |
| Median weekly rent paid, 2021 Census | $220 | 2021 Census, weekly | 9th percentile nationally |
| Median rent as a share of median household income | 20.5% | 2021 Census, ratio calculated by AreaSearch | 49th percentile nationally |
| Median mortgage repayment as a share of household income | 23.3% | 2021 Census, ratio calculated by AreaSearch | 43rd percentile nationally |
| People per bedroom | 0.7 per bedroom | 2021 Census | 23rd percentile nationally |
In the suburb of Rochester, 51.9% of homes are owned outright, 28.2% are owned with a mortgage, and 20.0% are rented.
According to the latest data, 92.4% of dwellings in the suburb of Rochester are houses.
In the suburb of Rochester, 0.0% of dwellings are apartments or units, with an additional 5.4% being semi-detached dwellings.
Outright home ownership in the suburb of Rochester stands at 51.9%, compared to 40.9% in Regional Vic..
The median monthly mortgage repayment in the suburb of Rochester is $1,083, compared to $1,430 in Regional Vic..
The aggregate monthly housing cost in the suburb of Rochester is $496, which represents the average monthly cost across all housing types.
In the suburb of Rochester, households with mortgages typically spend 23.3% of their income on mortgage repayments, while renters spend 20.5% of their income on rent.
The average persons per bedroom ratio in the suburb of Rochester is 0.7, indicating the level of household density.
Housing affordability in the suburb of Rochester shows mortgage holders spending 23.3% of income on repayments (vs 23.8% in Regional Vic.), while renters spend 20.5% of income on rent (vs 20.6% in Regional Vic.).
The dwelling mix in the suburb of Rochester consists of 92.4% detached houses, 5.4% semi-detached dwellings, 0.0% apartments, and 2.1% other dwelling types.
Housing in Rochester consumes approximately 10.7% of median household income ($4,646 monthly), indicating costs are highly affordable. The generally accepted benchmark is that housing should not exceed 30% of household income.
Recent development applications in Rochester show attached dwellings contributing 0% of approvals compared to 8% of existing stock, while detached houses represent 100% of applications versus 92% of current dwellings. This suggests development patterns consistent with existing housing mix. The area shows minimal growth in housing density compared to other Australian locations.
Health performance in Rochester is well below the national average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private health cover | 47.1% | ATO FY 2024, private health cover | 8th percentile nationally |
| No long-term health condition | 56.5% | 2021 Census | 3rd percentile nationally |
| Need help with daily activities | 10.2% | 2021 Census | 97th percentile nationally |
| No long-term health condition, under 65 | 68.1% | 2021 Census | 5th percentile nationally |
| Three or more long-term health conditions, under 65 | 3.0% | 2021 Census | 94th percentile nationally |
Around 47.0% of people in the suburb of Rochester are covered by private health insurance, which compares to 50.8% in Regional Vic..
In the suburb of Rochester, 10.2% of the population is identified as requiring ongoing medical assistance. By comparison, 6.9% of people in Regional Vic. require similar assistance.
8.4% of people in the suburb of Rochester are diagnosed with asthma. In comparison, 8.7% of the population across Regional Vic. is affected by asthma.
Diabetes affects 5.9% of the suburb of Rochester population, while in Regional Vic., 4.6% of people are diagnosed with diabetes.
5.8% of people in the suburb of Rochester have heart disease. Across Regional Vic.,4.4% of the population is affected by heart disease.
In the suburb of Rochester, 47.0% of the population are estimated to have private health insurance. Comparatively, Regional Vic. sees an estimated private health coverage rate of 50.8%.
Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transport access | 35 out of 100 | AreaSearch transport analysis of timetable data | 35th percentile nationally |
| Public transport stops | 23 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | 23rd percentile nationally |
| Weekly public transport trips | 108 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | 11th percentile nationally |
| People per public transport stop | 124 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Public transport routes | 5 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per dwelling | 1.5 per dwelling | 2021 Census | |
| Working residents who worked from home | 8.7% | 2021 Census, taken during COVID-19 restrictions |
There are 23 public transport stops within the suburb of Rochester.
The suburb of Rochester has 108 weekly trips across 5 routes, averaging 15 trips per day.
On average, residential properties are 219 metres from the nearest transport stop.
From the typical resident, the nearest school is 802 m away and the nearest child care centre 803 m.
Distance from the typical resident to the nearest of each service. Every bar starts at 0 m. The nearest is orange.
Public transport 23 stops nearby, 108 weekly trips, access rating 35 out of 100.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amenity score | 43 out of 100 | AreaSearch proximity analysis | 43rd percentile nationally |
| Nearest school | 802 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest child care | 803 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest supermarket | 991 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest bank | 995 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest pharmacy | 1.0 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest dentist | 1.0 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest hospital | 1.2 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest GP | 1.2 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest fitness centre | 24.7 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest government service | 26.5 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest shopping centre | 28.5 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident |
Sector reports that go deeper on these services: child care, medical, retail, aged care and specialist disability accommodation (SDA). There is 1 long day care centre with 60 places in Rochester (Vic.), about 2.2 children aged 0-4 per place.
Short silent previews of sample pages. Sector reports are ordered for a catchment you draw, not for the suburb as a whole.
05Reports and tools
Order a report and find more tools.
An area report on Rochester (Vic.) is built to order and emailed to you.
Ordered reports
The other sector reports are ordered on a custom catchment: draw your own area to add them. The order window shows the estimate before you place the order.
Order a reportShort silent previews of sample pages. Base and Child Care can be ordered for Rochester (Vic.).
06About this profile
Where the figures come from, downloads and nearby areas.
On AreaSearch's development drivers ranking, residential development activity in Rochester is exceptionally low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally.
Rochester has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 19% nationally.
No headline figures are reported for this area.
Median rent in Rochester (Vic.) is $398 a week for the 12 months to Sep 2025.
Rochester is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends.
Rochester ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide.
Income metrics place the area in the bottom 6% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis.
Employment performance in Rochester exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators.
Rochester faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally.
Rochester features high concentrations of lone person households and couples without children but relatively few couples with children, with a smaller average household size than Regional Vic.
The latest Census data sees Rochester placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics.
Rochester is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership.
Health performance in Rochester is well below the national average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts.
Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility.
Amenity provision was found to be below the typical area assessed nationally by AreaSearch, based on counts and proximity analysis.
Rochester (Vic.) has an estimated 2,843 residents, down 9.9% since the 2021 Census, with 49 projects tracked in the area around Rochester (Vic.).
Latest estimate as at Aug 2026; other figures from the 2021 Census, ATO FY-24 and AreaSearch estimates where labelled. Updated 14 Oct 2026.
Sources: ABS Census 2021, ABS estimated resident population, ATO taxation statistics, state rental bonds and property sales records where published, and AreaSearch analysis for Rochester (Vic.).
Data currency
Refreshed . Rents to Sep 2025, population and age estimated to Aug 2026 and taxable income FY 2024. Housing and cultural diversity are from the 2021 Census (next update with the 2026 Census results).
Infrastructure projects and development applications also include sites in the surrounding area, and are labelled as such. Other sections were compiled 15 Oct 2026 from sources that update on their own cycles; "See the evidence" lists each source and its cycle.
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 a complete picture, consider both boundary types where available.
Main sources: ABS, Geoscience Australia, GNAF, ATO, State governments, Valuer General, Rental Board and Infrastructure Australia.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL22184). QuickStats reports 2021 only; the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.
This page uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries (suburb-style geography). SAL represents commonly-known suburb names used in addresses, while Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census and statistical reporting. Even when sharing the same name, SAL and SA2 boundaries often cover different geographic areas with different populations.
AreaSearch compiles this page from official and industry sources, including ABS, Geoscience Australia, GNAF, ATO, State governments, Valuer General, Rental Board and Infrastructure Australia, then calculates statistics for the boundary shown, and ranks, growth rates and benchmarks itself. Property sales come from the state valuation authority, rents from state rental bond lodgements, development applications from council and state planning portals, school data from ACARA, and public transport from state transport departments. Infrastructure projects and development applications also include sites in the surrounding area, labelled as such.
No. Most of this page is built beyond the Census. Dated for this area: population (Aug 2026), age profile (Aug 2026) and income (FY 2024). Compiled with this profile from sources that publish on their own cycles: development and approvals, property sales and rents, infrastructure projects, employment, households, education, transport, health and services and amenities. Only housing and cultural diversity remain wholly Census-based, because no more current small-area dataset exists for those measures.
Key demographics and figures for Rochester (Vic.) from the 2021 Census, ATO taxpayer data and AreaSearch estimates and analysis. Each topic has its own table of key figures beside the section it belongs to, and each row names its source and date. The percentile compares Rochester (Vic.) with every neighbourhood-sized area across Australia (ABS SA2 areas): a higher percentile means more of that measure than most, not necessarily better.
Source: AreaSearch (areasearch.com.au) compiled from ABS Census 2021, ATO and other public sources.
