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 AreaSearch's analysis of ABS population updates and new addresses validated since the 2021 Census, Stawell's estimated population was around 6,186 as of Nov 2025. This reflects a decrease of 34 people (0.5%) compared to the 2021 Census figure of 6,220 people. The estimate is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population count of 6,127 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 52 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 66 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Stawell has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 0.2%, outpacing its SA3 area. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population gains during this period.

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, AreaSearch utilises 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 are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041 based on these aggregations. According to aggregated SA2-level projections, the Stawell area is expected to expand by 388 persons to reach a total population of around 6,574 by 2041, reflecting an increase of approximately 5.9% 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 has recorded approximately 17 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 85 homes were approved, with an additional seven approved in FY-26 so far. On average, about 0.7 new residents arrive per year for each new home constructed between FY-21 and FY-25.

This indicates that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing buyers with more options and potentially enabling population growth beyond current expectations. The average construction value of new homes 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 the rest of Victoria, Stawell records about three-quarters the building activity per person and ranks among the 52nd percentile nationally when measured against other areas assessed.

This activity is below the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. New development consists predominantly of detached dwellings at 94.0%, with townhouses or apartments making up the remaining 6.0%. This preserves Stawell's low-density nature and attracts space-seeking buyers. With approximately 317 people per approval, Stawell reflects a low-density area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Stawell is expected to grow by around 364 residents through to 2041. Given 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 in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project expected to affect this region. Key projects include Western Highway Upgrade from Ararat to Stawell, Melbourne-Adelaide Freight Rail Improvements, VNI West - Victorian Section, and Victorian Renewable Energy Zones. The following details those most relevant:.

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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 indicates Stawell maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Stawell's workforce comprises both white and blue-collar jobs, with essential services well represented. The unemployment rate was 2.8% as of September 2025, according to AreaSearch data aggregation.

In that month, 2,898 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate 1.0% lower than Rest of Vic.'s 3.8%. Workforce participation in Stawell stood at 52.0%, below the regional average of 57.4%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. Manufacturing is particularly prominent, with an employment share 2.1 times higher than the regional level.

Conversely, construction has limited presence, with only 6.2% of jobs compared to the regional figure of 10.4%. Local employment opportunities appear limited, as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population figures. Between September 2024 and September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 4.4%, while employment declined by 1.3%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate of 3.0 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic. saw an employment decline of 0.7% and a labour force decline of 0.6%. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.13%, adding 41,950 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%, slightly higher than the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia indicate a projected growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Stawell's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

The suburb of Stawell had a median taxpayer income of $43,922 and an average income of $52,559 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This was lower than national averages, with Rest of Vic.'s median income being $50,954 and average income $62,728. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $47,546 (median) and $56,895 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023. Census 2021 income data indicated that household, family and personal incomes in Stawell all fell between the 8th and 20th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile showed that the largest segment comprised 27.4% earning $800 - $1,499 weekly (1,694 residents), contrasting with the region where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket led at 30.3%. Housing costs were modest, with 89.6% of income retained, but total disposable income ranked 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

Stawell's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 90.2% houses and 9.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s 93.0% houses and 6.9% 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, below Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,043. Median weekly rent in Stawell was $210, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $215. Nationally, Stawell's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 61.1 percent of all households, including 19.8 percent couples with children, 30.2 percent couples without children, and 9.8 percent 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 matches the average for the Rest of Vic.

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

The area has university qualification rates of 14.9%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 38.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (10.1%) and certificates (28.6%).

Educational participation is high, with 26.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 10.2% in primary, 7.7% in secondary, and 1.9% in 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 offering a mix of train and bus services. These are served by 8 routes, providing 214 weekly passenger trips in total. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 195 meters to the nearest stop.

Service frequency is high, averaging 30 trips per day across all routes, which equates to around 3 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, with various conditions impacting both younger and older residents. Private health cover is low at approximately 48%, compared to the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (12.4%) and mental health issues (10.1%). Conversely, 58.8% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 61.2% in the rest of Victoria. Stawell has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 26.6%, compared to 25.2% in the rest of Victoria. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges but are better than those for 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 below average, with 85.5% being citizens and 87.9% born in Australia. English was spoken at home by 91.5%. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 46.3%.

The 'Other' category was overrepresented at 0.8%, compared to 0.5% regionally. Ancestry-wise, Australian (33.1%), English (32.0%), and Scottish (8.7%) were the top groups. Notably, Filipino (1.5% vs regional 0.7%), German (3.8% vs 6.6%), and Samoan (0.1% vs 0.1%) showed divergent representations.

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

Stawell's median age is 46, slightly higher than Rest of Vic.'s figure of 43 and significantly higher than Australia's national norm of 38. The age group of 25-34 years shows strong representation at 13.7%, compared to Rest of Vic., while the 45-54 cohort is less prevalent at 9.3%. Post-2021 Census data indicates that the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 9.5% to 11.3% of Stawell's population, and the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 12.6% to 13.7%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 11.5% to 9.3%. By 2041, Stawell is projected to experience notable shifts in its age composition. The 35 to 44 group is expected to grow by 32%, adding 224 people and reaching a total of 924 from the previous figure of 699. Meanwhile, both the 15 to 24 and 65 to 74 age cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.