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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Stawell's population is estimated at around 6,190 as of Feb 2026. This reflects a decrease of 30 people (0.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,220 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 6,127, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 54 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 66 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. While Stawell experienced a 0.5% decline since census, the SA3 area achieved 1.0% growth, highlighting divergent population trends. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Moving forward with demographic trends, a population increase just below the median of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is expected, with the suburb expected to expand by 408 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 5.6% in total over the 17 years.

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, with an estimated 85 homes approved between FY-21 and FY-25. In FY-26, around 7 homes have been approved so far. On average, 0.8 new residents arrive per year for each new home over the past five financial years.

This indicates that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing buyers with more options and potentially enabling population growth to surpass current expectations. The average value of new homes being built is $410,000, suggesting developers are focusing on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY-26, $11.9 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating steady commercial investment activity. Compared to Rest of Vic., Stawell records about three-quarters the building activity per person and places among the 52nd percentile nationally.

This suggests that the area is established with potential planning limitations. New development consists of 94.0% detached dwellings and 6.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. Stawell reflects a low-density area with around 317 people per approval. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Stawell is expected to grow by 345 residents through to 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

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

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. A single project has been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting this area. Notable projects include Western Highway Upgrade - Ararat to Stawell, Melbourne To Adelaide Freight Rail Improvements, VNI West - Victorian Section, and Victorian Renewable Energy Zones. The following list details those projects 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 analysis reveals Stawell significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Stawell's workforce is balanced across white and blue collar jobs. Key sectors include essential services, with an unemployment rate of 2.2% as of December 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.9%.

The area has a lower unemployment rate than Regional Vic., at 1.5%, but workforce participation is slightly below average at 57.5%. Only 8.4% of residents work from home, potentially impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns. Major employment areas are health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. Manufacturing stands out with employment levels at 2.1 times the regional average.

Conversely, construction has a limited presence at 6.2%, compared to Regional Vic.'s 10.4%. Local employment opportunities appear limited, as suggested by the ratio of working population to resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 1.9% while labour force decreased by 2.1%, leading to a significant drop in unemployment rate of 3.9 percentage points. In comparison, Regional Vic.'s employment declined by 0.6%, labour force by 0.7%, and unemployment fell by 0.1%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Stawell's employment mix suggests local employment could increase by 5.7% in five years and 12.9% in ten years, though these are simple weighted extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

The suburb of Stawell has a median taxpayer income of $43,922 and an average income of $52,559 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This is lower than the national average, with Regional Vic.'s median income being $50,954 and average income $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $47,546 (median) and $56,895 (average). According to Census 2021 income data, household, family, and personal incomes in Stawell fall between the 8th and 20th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that the largest segment comprises 27.4% earning $800 - $1,499 weekly (1,696 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 above-average rates of outright home ownership

Stawell's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 90.2% houses and 9.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Stawell stood at 46.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.1% and rented ones at 25.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $973, lower than Regional Vic.'s average of $1,430. The median weekly rent in Stawell was $210, compared to Regional Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Stawell's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $973 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Stawell features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 61.1 percent of all households, including 19.8 percent that are couples with children, 30.2 percent that are couples without children, and 9.8 percent that are single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 38.9 percent, with lone person households at 35.4 percent and group households comprising 3.4 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Regional Victorian average of 2.4.

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 such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (10.1%) and certificates (28.6%). Educational participation is high, with 26.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 10.2% in primary, 7.7% in secondary, and 1.9% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.2% in primary education, 7.7% in secondary education, and 1.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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. These are served by 8 routes offering a total of 214 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically 195 meters from the nearest stop. Most commuters travel outward, primarily by car (91%), while 6% walk. Average vehicle ownership is 1.4 per dwelling. In 2021 Census data, 8.4% of residents worked from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 30 trips daily across all routes, equating to about 3 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Stawell is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Stawell faces significant health challenges, according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notably high across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is very low, at approximately 48% of the total population (around 2,952 people), compared to 50.5% in Regional Vic.

and 55.7% nationally. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 12.4% and 10.1% of residents respectively. However, 58.8% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.4% in Regional Vic. The working-age population has notably high chronic condition rates. Stawell has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 26.6% (1,646 people), than Regional Vic.'s 23.9%. Health outcomes among seniors present additional challenges, with national rankings even worse than 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 population showed low cultural diversity, with 85.5% being citizens, 87.9% born in Australia, and 91.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 46.3%. The 'Other' category was slightly overrepresented at 0.8%, compared to Regional Vic's 0.8%.

Ancestry-wise, Australian (33.1%), English (32.0%), and Scottish (8.7%) were the top groups. Notably, Filipino representation was higher at 1.5% (vs regional 0.6%), German at 3.8% (vs 3.5%), and Samoan remained similar at 0.1%.

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

Stawell's median age is 46, which is higher than Regional Vic.'s figure of 43 and significantly greater than Australia's national norm of 38. The age group of 25-34 has a strong representation at 14.2%, compared to the regional Victorian average. However, the 45-54 cohort is less prevalent at 9.2%. Post-2021 Census data indicates that the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 9.5% to 11.9% of Stawell's population, while the 25 to 34 cohort has risen from 12.6% to 14.2%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 11.5% to 9.2%. By 2041, Stawell's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 35 to 44 group is projected to grow by 24%, adding 180 people and reaching a total of 917 from the previous count of 736. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 and 65 to 74 age cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.