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 Feb 2026, Stawell's population is estimated at around 6,190, reflecting a decrease of 30 people since the 2021 Census. The 2021 Census reported a population of 6,220. This estimate is inferred from AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and examination of ERP data released by the ABS in June 2024. Stawell has a population density ratio of 66 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, ending in 2021, Stawell demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 0.2%, outpacing its SA3 area. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted employing weighted aggregation methods. 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 expand by 387 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 5.8% 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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Stawell has recorded around 17 residential properties granted approval annually. Approximately 85 homes were approved over the past five financial years, between FY21 and FY25, with 7 so far in FY26. On average, 0.7 new residents arrive per year for each new home constructed over these five years, indicating that new construction is matching or outpacing demand.

The average value of new homes being built is $410,000, suggesting a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. This financial year has seen $11.9 million in commercial approvals registered, indicating steady commercial investment activity. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Stawell records about three-quarters the building activity per person and ranks among the 52nd percentile of areas assessed nationally, suggesting an established area 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.

With around 317 people per approval, Stawell reflects a low-density area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Stawell is expected to grow by 356 residents through to 2041. Current construction levels 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 can significantly be influenced by changes in its local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. A total of one project has been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting this area. Notable projects include the Western Highway Upgrade from 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 have the most relevance:.

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AreaSearch analysis indicates Stawell maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Stawell's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with essential services well represented. Its unemployment rate was 2.7% as of September 2025, lower than the Rest of Vic.'s 3.8%. There were 2,912 residents employed, with a participation rate of 57.3%, below the regional average of 61.4%.

A low 8.4% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. Manufacturing is particularly prominent, with an employment share 2.1 times the regional level, while construction's presence is limited at 6.2%, compared to 10.4% regionally. Local employment opportunities appear limited, as indicated by the working population vs resident population count.

Between September 2024 and September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 4.2%, and employment declined by 1.2%, leading to a 3.0 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published May-25, project national 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 approximately 5.7% over five years and 12.9% over ten years.

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 financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is lower than the national average, with Rest of Vic.'s median income being $50,954 and average income being $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 shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Stawell fall between the 8th and 20th percentiles nationally. The largest earnings segment in Stawell comprises 27.4% earning $800 - $1,499 weekly, with 1,696 residents falling into this bracket, contrasting with the region where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket leads at 30.3%. Housing costs are modest in Stawell, with 89.6% of income retained, but the 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 structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 90.2% houses and 9.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Stawell was 46.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.1% and rented ones at 25.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $973, lower than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,430. Weekly rent in Stawell averaged $210, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Stawell's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $973 vs Australia's $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 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 account for the remaining 38.9%, with lone person households at 35.4% and group households comprising 3.4% of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, smaller than the Rest of Vic. 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%. This disparity 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%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 38.7% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas comprise 10.1% and certificates make up 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% 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 excellent with residents typically living 195 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily. Car remains the dominant transport mode at 91%, while 6% walk. Average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.4.

According to the 2021 Census, 8.4% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 30 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 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 based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age cohorts. Only approximately 48% (~2952 people) of Stawell's population has private health cover, compared to 50.5% in the rest of Victoria and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (12.4%) and mental health issues (10.1%). While 58.8% claim no medical ailments, this is lower than the 63.4% in the rest of Victoria. Working-age residents face notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. Stawell has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 26.4% (1634 people), compared to 23.9% in the rest of Victoria. Health outcomes among seniors present additional challenges, ranking even higher than those of the general population nationally.

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 on 97.9% of occasions, and speaking English only at home in 91.5% of cases. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 46.3% of Stawell's population as of 2016 data. The category 'Other' showed an overrepresentation in Stawell compared to the rest of Victoria, with 0.8% versus 0.7%.

In terms of ancestry, Australian was the top group at 33.1%, followed by English at 32.0% and Scottish at 8.7%. Notably, Filipino (1.5% vs 0.6%), German (3.8% vs 3.5%), and Samoan (0.1% vs 0%) were overrepresented in Stawell compared to regional averages.

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

Stawell's median age is 46, which is higher than Rest of Vic.'s figure of 43 and significantly higher than Australia's national norm of 38. The 25-34 age group makes up 14.3% of Stawell's population, compared to Rest of Vic., while the 45-54 cohort is less prevalent at 9.2%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 35 to 44 age group grew from 9.5% to 11.8%, and the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 12.6% to 14.3%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort declined from 11.5% to 9.2%. By 2041, Stawell's age composition is expected to shift notably. Leading this shift, the 35 to 44 group is projected to grow by 27%, reaching 925 people from its current total of 730. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 and 65 to 74 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.