Stawell

Stawell is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

As of Nov 2025, Stawell's population is estimated at around 6184 people, a decrease of 36 individuals since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 6220. This change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 6142 based on latest ABS ERP data release (June 2024) and an additional 52 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 66 persons per square kilometer, indicating significant space per person and potential room for further development. Over the past decade, Stawell has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 0.2%, outperforming its SA3 area. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024, using 2022 as the base year.

For areas not covered by this data, they utilise VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 with adjustments made via weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, Stawell is expected to increase its population by 391 persons to reach approximately 6575 people by 2041, reflecting a total increase of around 6.0% over the 17-year period.

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

Stawell recorded approximately 17 residential properties granted approval annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Around 88 homes were approved over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, with a further 8 approved in FY26 so far. This averages out to about 0.7 new residents per year arriving per new home during these years.

The average construction value of new homes is around $410,000, aligning with regional patterns. In terms of commercial activity, Stawell has registered approximately $13.6 million in approvals this financial year. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Stawell records 18.0% less building activity per person. Nationally, it places among the 48th percentile of areas assessed, suggesting more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing properties.

New development in Stawell consists predominantly of detached dwellings at 89.0%, with townhouses or apartments making up the remaining 11.0%. This preserves the area's low density nature and attracts space-seeking buyers. The population per approval is around 344 people, reflecting a low-density area. Looking ahead, Stawell is projected to grow by approximately 369 residents by 2041, according to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Stawell has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project likely impacting the region. Key projects include Western Highway Upgrade from Ararat to Stawell, Melbourne to Adelaide Freight Rail Improvements, VNI West - Victorian Section, and Victorian Renewable Energy Zones. Relevant projects are detailed below.

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The employment landscape in Stawell presents a mixed picture: unemployment remains low at 3.9%, yet recent job losses have affected its comparative national standing

Stawell has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, prominent essential services sectors, and an unemployment rate of 3.9% as per AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation in June 2025. There are 2,896 residents employed, with the unemployment rate aligning with Rest of Vic.'s 3.8%, but workforce participation is lower at 52.0%.

Key employment industries include health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. Manufacturing stands out with an employment share twice the regional level, while construction has a limited presence at 6.2% compared to the regional 10.4%. Local employment opportunities appear limited based on Census working population vs resident population comparison. Over the year to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 4.2% and employment declined by 3.2%, reducing the unemployment rate by 1 percentage point.

In contrast, Rest of Vic. saw a 0.9% employment decline, 0.4% labour force decline, and a 0.4 percentage point unemployment increase. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Stawell's industry mix suggests local employment could grow by 5.7% in five years and 12.9% in ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

Stawell's median taxpayer income was $43,922 and average income was $52,559 in financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is lower than the national average, with Rest of Vic.'s median income being $48,741 and average income being $60,693. By September 2025, estimated median income in Stawell would be approximately $49,263 and average income would be around $58,950, based on a 12.16% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. Census 2021 data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Stawell fall between the 8th and 20th percentiles nationally. The largest earnings segment comprises 27.4% earning $800 - $1,499 weekly (1,694 residents), contrasting with the region where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket leads at 30.3%. Housing costs are modest, with 89.6% of income retained, but total disposable income ranks at just the 14th percentile nationally.

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

In Stawell, as per the latest Census evaluation, 90.2% of dwellings were houses while 9.8% consisted of other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s 93.0% houses and 6.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Stawell stood at 46.2%, with mortgaged properties at 28.1% and rented dwellings at 25.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $973, lower than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,043. Weekly rent median figure in Stawell was recorded at $210, slightly below Non-Metro Vic.'s $215. Nationally, Stawell's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, with rents substantially below the national figure of $375.

Stawell features high concentrations of lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 61.1% of all households, including 19.8% couples with children, 30.2% couples without children, and 9.8% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 38.9%, with lone person households at 35.4% and group households making up 3.4%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which aligns with the Rest of Vic. average.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 14.9%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 38.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.1%) and certificates (28.6%). Educational participation is high at 26.4%, comprising primary education (10.2%), secondary education (7.7%), and tertiary education (1.9%).

Stawell's five schools have a combined enrollment of 872 students, with varied educational conditions indicated by an ICSEA score of 938. The educational mix includes three primary, one secondary, and one K-12 school.

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

Stawell has 56 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 17 different routes, together facilitating 289 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from residents to the nearest stop is 195 meters, indicating excellent transport accessibility.

On average, there are 41 trips per day across all routes, which translates to roughly 5 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Stawell faces significant health challenges across various age groups, with approximately 48% (~2949 people) having private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent conditions are arthritis (12.4%) and mental health issues (10.1%), while 58.8% report no medical ailments, compared to 61.2% in Rest of Vic..

The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 26.6% (1644 people), compared to the state average of 25.2%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are better than those of the general population.

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

Stawell's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 85.5% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia (87.9%), and speaking English only at home (91.5%). Christianity is the predominant religion in Stawell, comprising 46.3% of the population. Notably, the 'Other' category is overrepresented in Stawell at 0.8%, compared to 0.5% across the rest of Victoria.

In terms of ancestry, Australian (33.1%), English (32.0%), and Scottish (8.7%) are the top three represented groups. Some ethnic groups show significant differences: Filipino is overrepresented at 1.5% in Stawell compared to 0.7% regionally, German at 3.8% versus 6.6%, and Samoan at 0.1%.

Stawell hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Stawell's median age is 46, which is higher than Victoria's figure of 43 and significantly above Australia's national norm of 38. The 25-34 age group constitutes 13.7% of Stawell's population, higher than the Rest of Vic., while the 45-54 cohort makes up 9.3%. Post-2021 Census data indicates that the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 9.5% to 11.3%, and the 25 to 34 cohort has risen from 12.6% to 13.7%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 11.5% to 9.3%. By 2041, Stawell's age composition is expected to change significantly. The 35 to 44 group is projected to grow by 32%, adding 224 people and reaching 923 from 698. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 and 65 to 74 cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.