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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
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Rochester (Vic.) has an estimated 2,839 residents, down from 3,154 at the 2021 Census — a change of 315 people, or 10.0%. The population has thinned by an average 1.8% a year over five years, slower than 100% of areas nationally. Density is about 33 people per square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
As of Aug 2026, the suburb of Rochester (Vic.) has an estimated population of approximately 2,839, according to AreaSearch evaluations combining broader regional ABS releases with 15 validated new addresses added following the Census. This total denotes a reduction of 315 people (10.0%) from the 3,154 residents documented in the 2021 Census, with current estimates stemming from June 2025 ABS ERP figures alongside the recent address additions. Population density stands at 32 persons per square kilometer, ensuring spacious living conditions throughout the locality. Over recent periods, inward overseas migration has served as virtually the exclusive source of local demographic gains.
Demographic projections compiled by AreaSearch utilize 2024 ABS/Geoscience Australia data baseline-anchored to 2022 across individual SA2 areas, supplemented where necessary by 2023 VIC State Government Regional/LGA projections converted via weighted growth aggregation from LGA to SA2 geographies. Age-specific rates from these aggregations inform trajectories across all districts for the years 2032 to 2041. For the suburb of Rochester (Vic.), anticipated demographic expansion exceeds the national regional median, with aggregated SA2 modeling indicating an increase of 311 persons to 2041, representing an overall expansion of 10.9% across the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
21 new dwellings have been approved in Rochester (Vic.) over the past five years, an average of 4 a year. That is 1.9 approvals per 1,000 residents. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 7, running ahead of that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Analysis of statistical area ABS building permit figures indicates that Rochester has seen an average of roughly 4 residential approvals annually, yielding a total of 21 dwellings across the preceding 5 financial years. During FY-25 to date, 7 building permits have been logged. In the context of local population contraction, this delivery volume appears adequate to satisfy ongoing demand and preserve buyer selection, while an average expected construction cost of $499,000—surpassing regional norms—points toward higher-grade builds. Furthermore, commercial building approvals have reached $2.7 million during this financial year, underscoring a modest level of non-residential development activity.
Per capita residential construction in Rochester stands at roughly half the rate observed across Rest of Vic., placing the locality in the 31st percentile across the nation. This subdued building volume curtails purchaser supply while bolstering interest in pre-existing properties. Such below-average development on a national scale reflects both the established status of the town and potential planning constraints. Furthermore, all recent building permits have focused solely on separate houses, reinforcing the low-density urban form and drawing buyers in search of standalone space. A metric of 476 people in the area per dwelling approval highlights the restrained pace of local building. Projections indicate that Rochester will add 311 residents through to 2041, based on the most recent quarterly calculation from AreaSearch. If residential development continues at its historical cadence, dwelling construction may fall behind demographic expansion, heightening buyer rivalry and placing upward pressure on property values.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Rochester (Vic.)
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 49 current infrastructure and development projects close to Rochester (Vic.), worth an estimated $2.1 billion. 18 are already under construction and 14 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, transport & logistics and education & training. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Infrastructure investments, planning initiatives, and major developments serve as vital determinants of regional growth and performance. No major infrastructure initiatives have been identified by AreaSearch as directly influencing the local catchment. Broad-scale regional endeavors with potential relevance include the Bendigo and Echuca Line Upgrade, the Shepparton Line Upgrade, the Water and Sewer Network Program, and the Regional Housing Fund, with the surrounding portfolio outlining the primary projects of significance.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
McMahon's Place Estate
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. Civil works on Stages 1 and 2 commenced August 2025 with land titles expected late 2026. The project is expected to increase Echuca's housing stock by over 10% and inject $1.6 billion into the regional economy.
Yallarah Estate
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. It features lot sizes from 420sqm to 2,000sqm, a future early learning centre, a large display village, and extensive outdoor lifestyle amenities including walking and cycling paths near the Murray River.
Echuca-Moama Bridge Project
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.
Echuca Regional Health Infrastructure Upgrade
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. The scope includes relocating and expanding the Central Sterile Services Department and the Oral Health Unit within the refurbished Lumeah building on Francis Street. Works are actively progressing to enhance surgical processing standards and dental clinical capacity.
AFL Breaking New Ground - St Joseph's College Echuca
MCG-sized oval facility at St Joseph's College Kildare Campus with 100 lux lighting, primarily for Australian rules football. Partnership between AFL Victoria and Echuca Junior Football Club.
Kilkerrin Lakes Estate
Completed residential estate featuring established homes around constructed lakes with recreational facilities and landscaped parklands.
Victoria Park Multipurpose Community and Emergency Relief Centre
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. The entire facility, including the new community building and emergency relief centre, was officially opened on 29 November 2025.
Rich River Lakes Estate
Lakeside residential estate adjacent to Rich River Golf Club featuring premium lots with golf course and lake views, recreational facilities including swimming pool, tennis court, and community amenities.
1,193 residents of Rochester (Vic.) are employed, from a labour force of 1,233. Unemployment sits at 3.2%, with participation at 50.0%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 5.7% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 2,377, about 84% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Rochester maintains a diverse labor market spanning both professional and industrial roles, underpinned by substantial representation in manufacturing and an unemployment rate of merely 3.2%, alongside an annual job growth rate of 0.6% derived from AreaSearch statistical area aggregations. By March 2026, employed residents numbered 1,193, with unemployment sitting 0.4% lower than the 3.7% recorded across Regional Vic., though the local participation rate of 50.0% falls notably short of the regional 61.1%. In addition, only 8.7% of local workers reported working from home at the Census, a figure potentially shaped by pandemic-era movement restrictions.
The primary employment sectors among local residents comprise health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and manufacturing. Agricultural, forestry, and fishing activities demonstrate significant local concentration, engaging a workforce proportion 1.6 times greater than regional benchmarks. Conversely, public administration & safety accounts for merely 2.7% of local employment, trailing the 6.5% regional standard. A comparison between resident workers and the local Census working population indicates a constrained volume of employment within the immediate town boundaries. According to AreaSearch evaluations of aggregated ABS and SALM statistical data, the year to March 2026 recorded a 0.6% rise in employment alongside a 2.0% increase in the total labor force, generating an increase in unemployment of 1.3 percentage points. Over the identical timeframe across Regional Vic., employment decreased by 0.1%, the workforce shrank by 0.3%, and the unemployment rate declined by 0.2 percentage points. Longer-term employment expectations can be evaluated using Jobs and Skills Australia projections from Mar-26, which model five- and ten-year demand across local sector distributions. Across Australia, workforce numbers are anticipated to climb by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though trajectories diverge by sector. Applying these sectoral weightings to the existing occupational baseline of Rochester suggests potential local job expansion of 5.7% over five years and 12.6% over ten years, noting that this simple weighting extrapolation serves illustrative purposes without incorporating localized population forecasts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Rochester (Vic.) is $1,073 a week (about $56,000 a year), with median personal income at $583 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $43,274 a year against an average of $49,513. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
ATO postcode records for financial year 2023 compiled by AreaSearch indicate that personal earnings in the suburb of Rochester track below nationwide benchmarks, showing a median income of $43,274 and an average of $49,513, in contrast to Regional Vic. benchmarks of $50,954 (median) and $62,728 (average). Adjusting for a 9.62% increase in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023 yields updated benchmarks of roughly $47,437 (median) and $54,276 (average) as of March 2026. The 2021 Census placed local household, family, and individual earnings between the 6th and 10th percentiles across the country.
The dominant earning bracket contains 30.5% of workers making $400 - 799 weekly (865 residents), differing from metropolitan areas where 30.3% fall in the $1,500 - 2,999 band. Even though 89.3% of income is preserved after housing outlays, overall disposable earnings sit in the 11th percentile nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Rochester (Vic.) had 1,303 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 92% detached houses and 0% apartments. 28% are owned with a mortgage, 20% rented and 52% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $220 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,083 a month. Rent absorbs 20.5% of household income here and mortgage repayments 23.3%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
At the time of the latest Census, separate houses constituted 92.4% of Rochester's housing stock, with semi-detached, apartment, and other accommodations making up 7.5%, compared to 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings across Regional Vic.. Outright homeownership in Rochester was notably elevated compared to regional averages, standing at 51.9%, while mortgaged properties accounted for 28.2% and rental dwellings represented 20.0%. Typical monthly mortgage payments stood at $1,083 and median weekly rent was $220, substantially below the Regional Vic. medians of $1,430 and $285 respectively. Relative to broader national averages, mortgage repayments in Rochester sit far below the Australian median of $1,863, with rents also well beneath the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Rochester (Vic.) counted 1,303 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.2 people each. 19% are couples with children, fewer than in 89% of areas nationally, against 33% couples without children. 34% of households are people living alone, and families average 2.2 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family units represent the majority of living arrangements at 63.2% of all households, consisting of 32.9% couples without children, 19.0% couples with children, and 10.1% single parent households. The remaining 36.8% comprises non-family residences, where single-person households account for 33.8% and group households constitute 2.8%. The typical household size is 2.2 people, which tracks below the Regional Vic. standard of 2.4.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
12.1% of adults in Rochester (Vic.) hold a university qualification, including 9.0% with a bachelor degree and 1.1% with postgraduate qualifications, lower than 84% of areas nationally. A further 28.4% hold a vocational qualification. 3 schools serve the area, with 572 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 973 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Tertiary qualification rates in the district reflect significant educational disparities, with university degree attainment standing at 12.1% relative to the 33.4% VIC benchmark, highlighting a key focus area for local educational programs. Bachelor degrees form the primary higher education credential at 9.0%, followed by graduate diplomas at 2.0% and postgraduate qualifications at 1.1%. Meanwhile, vocational and technical pathways are heavily represented, with 37.0% of individuals aged 15+ holding trade credentials, comprising advanced diplomas (8.6%) and certificates (28.4%). An aggregate of 23.7% of the local population is enrolled in educational programs.
Within this student cohort, 9.4% attend primary school, 7.5% are enrolled in secondary institutions, and 1.7% are engaged in tertiary studies.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Rochester (Vic.) reaches 23 stops on 5 routes, timetabled for about 110 services a week. The typical home sits about 220 m from its nearest stop. Households keep an average of 1.5 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transit infrastructure in Rochester includes 23 operational boarding points incorporating train services. Across these access points, 5 separate transit routes operate to deliver 108 weekly passenger trips. Network coverage is favorable, with residents situated an average of 219 meters from the closest transport point. Commuting remains heavily oriented outward via private transport, with driving accounting for 93% of journeys and walking representing 5%. Households maintain an average of 1.5 vehicles. Working from home was recorded at 8.7% in the 2021 Census, a rate that may have been influenced by COVID-19 settings.
Transit service across the combined network averages 15 daily trips, which translates to roughly 4 weekly trips across each specific stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
56.5% of residents in Rochester (Vic.) report no long-term health condition, a less healthy profile than 84% of areas nationally. 10.2% need daily assistance with core activities, and 46.5% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 7.2 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health evaluations conducted by AreaSearch show notable healthcare challenges across Rochester, evidenced by local mortality figures and a high incidence of chronic conditions spanning older and younger demographics alike. Private health insurance uptake is particularly subdued, with roughly 47% of the populace (~1,320 people) holding coverage, trailing the Regional Vic. rate of 50.5% and the national standard of 55.7%. Arthritis and mental health conditions are the most prevalent ailments locally, affecting 12.6% and 9.9% of the population respectively, whereas 56.5% of residents reported having no medical conditions compared to 63.4% throughout Regional Vic..
Chronic ailments are notably elevated among working-age individuals. Seniors aged 65 and over constitute 35.5% of local residents (1,007 people), exceeding the 24.0% regional proportion, with health metrics for this elderly group presenting distinct difficulties that rank higher on a national comparison than the general populace.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Rochester (Vic.) is largely Australian-born, at 93.8% of residents, with 2.3% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (35.0%) and English (34.7%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Measures of cultural diversity in Rochester remain below broader standards, with 93.8% of residents born in Australia, 91.2% holding citizenship, and 97.7% speaking solely English at home. Christianity constitutes the predominant religious affiliation, encompassing 53.9% of the community compared to 47.3% across Regional Vic.. Examining parental country of birth, the three largest ancestral backgrounds in Rochester are Australian at 35.0% (surpassing the 29.6% regional benchmark), English at 34.7%, and Irish at 10.0%. Specific variations in other backgrounds include Scottish representation at 8.7% (compared to 8.8% regionally), Sri Lankan ancestry at 0.2% (versus 0.1% regionally), and Macedonian ancestry at 0.1% (versus 0.2% regionally).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Rochester (Vic.) is 53, older than 95% of areas nationally. 16.4% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
Demographic records for the suburb of Rochester (Vic.) highlight an older community structure relative to the wider district. In updates to August 2026, individuals aged 65 and older represent 35.5% of the populace, compared to 24.0% across Regional Vic., while residents aged 25 - 44 account for 15.2% against a 23.1% regional baseline. The estimated median age stands at 53 as at August 2026, matching the 2021 Census figure and sitting 10 years higher than the Regional Vic. mark of 43 at that Census, while the nationwide median was 38.
Retirees and senior cohorts have expanded from 32.1% at the Census to 35.5% currently. Projections to 2041 anticipate the most substantial cohort growth among adults aged 25 - 44, increasing by 117 residents (27%) to reach 549.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Rochester (Vic.)
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Sep 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Sep 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Sep 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 4 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 6 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 2 months ago all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 15 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (3,154 at the 2021 Census → 2,839 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
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.