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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
Sales Activity
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Population
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 May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Stawell is around 6,194, reflecting a decrease of 26 people from the 2021 Census figure of 6,220. This decline of 0.4% is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 6,189, based on their examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 62 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is 66 persons per square kilometer. While Stawell experienced a decline since the 2021 census, it performed better than the SA3 area (-1.6%). Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth in recent periods. AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.
For areas not covered by this data, they utilise VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted using 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 aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb of Stawell is expected to increase by 405 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 6.5% over the 16-year period.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Stawell, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally
Stawell recorded approximately 17 residential properties granted approval annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Around 85 homes were approved over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, with an additional 8 approved so far in FY-26. Despite population decline during this period, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, indicating a balanced market with good buyer choice.
The average construction value of new homes is $410,000, suggesting developers focus on the premium market. This year, Stawell has registered $11.9 million in commercial approvals, showing steady commercial investment activity. Compared to Rest of Vic., Stawell records about three-quarters the building activity per person and ranks among the 52nd percentile nationally, indicating its established nature and potential planning limitations. New development consists predominantly of detached dwellings (94.0%) with a minority of townhouses or apartments (6.0%), preserving Stawell's low-density character.
With around 316 people per approval, Stawell reflects a low-density area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Stawell is projected to grow by approximately 400 residents by 2041. Current construction levels should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Stawell
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
Infrastructure
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: Western Highway Upgrade - Ararat to Stawell (2021-2023). Other notable projects include Melbourne To Adelaide Freight Rail Improvements (commencing 2024), VNI West - Victorian Section (planned for 2025), and Victorian Renewable Energy Zones (implementation starting 2026).
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Enabling Infrastructure for Hydrogen Production
A national program to coordinate and deploy the enabling infrastructure required to support large-scale renewable hydrogen production across Australia. Building on the 2024 National Hydrogen Strategy and the National Hydrogen Infrastructure Assessment (NHIA), the program aligns electricity transmission, water supply, transport corridors, port and storage infrastructure with Renewable Energy Zones and prospective hydrogen hubs (Bell Bay, Darwin, Eyre Peninsula, Gladstone, Latrobe Valley, Hunter Valley, Pilbara). Two key federal mechanisms underpin delivery. The Hydrogen Headstart program provides up to 4 billion AUD in long-term revenue support via production credits, with Round 2 (2 billion AUD administered by ARENA) opening for Expressions of Interest in October 2025 with EOIs closing 8 December 2025. The Hydrogen Production Tax Incentive (HPTI), legislated through the Future Made in Australia (Production Tax Credits and Other Measures) Act 2025 which received Royal Assent on 14 February 2025, provides an uncapped refundable tax offset of 2 AUD per kilogram of eligible renewable hydrogen for up to 10 years between 1 July 2027 and 30 June 2040 for projects reaching final investment decision by 2030. The HPTI is jointly administered by the ATO and Clean Energy Regulator and requires certification under the Guarantee of Origin scheme. Round 1 of Hydrogen Headstart shortlisted six projects representing more than 3.5 GW of electrolyser capacity, with 814 million AUD ultimately awarded.
Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy
Comprehensive NSW state planning reforms designed to increase housing density in well-located areas. The policy mandates mid-rise apartment buildings (3-6 storeys) and low-rise multi-dwelling housing (terraces, townhouses, and dual occupancies) within 800m of 171 high-frequency transport hubs and town centres. As of May 2026, the policy is fully operational following the phased rollout of dual occupancy provisions in July 2024 and mid-rise apartment provisions in early 2025. Recent updates include refined floor space ratios (FSR) and non-refusal standards to streamline local council assessments.
Mildura Passenger Rail Return
Long-running advocacy and planning initiative to reinstate passenger rail services between Mildura and Melbourne, restoring a connection that ended in 1993. Mildura remains the largest Victorian regional centre without a passenger rail link. The current focus, as of 2026, has shifted to a staged 'Rails to Recovery' concept circulated by the Rail Revival Alliance Victoria, proposing a standard-gauge locomotive-hauled shuttle between Mildura and Maryborough, connecting with the existing V/Line VLocity service to Melbourne via Ballarat. Two active Victorian Parliament petitions are pushing for the trial: a Legislative Assembly e-petition closing 10 May 2026 and Legislative Council Petition #730 closing 28 February 2026. Mildura MP Jade Benham has renewed parliamentary calls and is meeting rail stakeholders to identify practical pathways. Mildura Rural City Council continues to advocate for the project under its Mildura Future Ready strategy. Significant infrastructure considerations remain, including upgrades at around 145 level crossings, rolling stock provisioning, and operating model. The Victorian Government has not committed funding for delivery as of early 2026.
Victorian Renewable Energy Zones
The Victorian Renewable Energy Zones (REZs) represent a strategic 15-year roadmap to upgrade the state electricity grid as it transitions from coal to renewable energy. Managed by VicGrid, the 2025 Victorian Transmission Plan identifies six onshore zones (Central Highlands, Central North, Gippsland, North-West, South-West, and Western/Grampians) and a Gippsland Shoreline zone for offshore wind. The plan coordinates the connection of approximately 25GW of new solar, wind, and storage capacity by 2035, requiring nearly 800km of transmission upgrades. As of early 2026, VicGrid is finalizing the declaration of these zones following extensive community consultation on draft REZ orders, which closed in March 2026.
NSW Renewable Energy Zones (REZ) Program
NSW is delivering five Renewable Energy Zones (Central-West Orana, New England, South West, Hunter-Central Coast, and Illawarra) to coordinate wind and solar generation, storage, and high-voltage transmission. Led by EnergyCo NSW under the Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap, the program targets at least 12 GW of new renewable generation and 2 GW of long-duration storage by 2030. Major construction of the first REZ (Central-West Orana) transmission project began in June 2025, involving 90km of 500kV and 150km of 330kV lines. As of February 2026, the project reached a milestone with the Australian Energy Regulator's final decision on network revenue determinations, and significant progress has been made on temporary worker accommodation and road upgrades between the Port of Newcastle and the Central-West Orana region.
Bulk Water Supply Security
Nationwide program led by the National Water Grid Authority to improve bulk water security and reliability for non-potable and productive uses. Activities include strategic planning, science and business cases, and funding of state and territory projects such as storages, pipelines, dam upgrades, recycled water and efficiency upgrades to build drought resilience and support regional communities, industry and the environment.
Western Highway Upgrade - Ararat to Stawell
Planning is underway to duplicate the Western Highway between Ararat and Stawell, including adding two lanes in each direction with a central median, upgrading intersections, providing new access points that connect to local roads, and delivering a bypass to the north of Great Western. The scope also includes new bridge works and safer access along the corridor to improve regional safety and freight efficiency.
Regional Housing Fund
A $1 billion Homes Victoria program delivering more than 1,300 social and affordable homes across at least 30 regional and rural Victorian LGAs. Delivery uses modern construction methods, redevelopment of existing social housing, community housing partnerships, refurbishments and purchases in new developments. Homes Victoria reports more than 630 homes completed or under construction, including 377 completed, with fund completion targeted for 2028.
Employment
AreaSearch analysis reveals Stawell significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide
Stawell has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. As of December 2025, the unemployment rate is 2.2%, with an estimated employment growth of 2.0% over the past year. The unemployment rate in Stawell is lower than Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%.
Workforce participation stands at 56.5%, below Regional Vic.'s 61.0%. Only 8.4% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Employment in Stawell is concentrated in health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade sectors. Manufacturing employment is particularly notable at 2.1 times the regional average, while construction has limited presence with 6.2% compared to Regional Vic.'s 10.4%.
Over the year ending December 2025, employment increased by 2.0%, but labour force decreased by 2.1%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate of 4.0 percentage points. In comparison, Regional Vic. saw an employment decline of 0.6% and a slight decrease in unemployment. 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 should increase by approximately 5.7% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
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 Regional Vic.'s median income being $50,954 and average income being $62,728. Based on a Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for March 2026 would be approximately $48,147 (median) and $57,615 (average). Census 2021 income data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Stawell all fall between the 8th and 20th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile indicates that the largest segment comprises 27.4% earning $800 - $1,499 weekly (1,697 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 the total disposable income ranks at just the 14th percentile nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
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 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, significantly lower than Regional Vic.'s average of $1,430. Median weekly rent in Stawell was recorded at $210, compared to Regional Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Stawell's mortgage repayments were considerably lower than the Australian average of $1,863, with rents substantially below the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Stawell features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size
Family households account for 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 constitute the remaining 38.9%, with lone person households at 35.4% and group households comprising 3.4%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
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. Advanced diplomas account for 10.1% and certificates for 28.6%.
Educational participation is 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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
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 different routes, offering a total of 214 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport is rated as excellent, with residents typically living 195 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards daily. Cars remain the primary mode of travel at 91%, while 6% walk. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling.
According to the 2021 Census, 8.4% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 30 trips per day across all routes, equating to about 3 weekly trips per stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
Health performance in Stawell is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts
Stawell faces substantial health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~2,954 people), compared to 50.5% in Regional Vic., and the national average of 55.7%.
The most common medical conditions are arthritis (12.4%) and mental health issues (10.1%). 58.8% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.4% across Regional Vic. Working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 27.8% of residents aged 65 and over (1,721 people), higher than the 23.9% in Regional Vic. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings even higher than the general population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
Stawell ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics
Stawell, surveyed in June 2016, had a population with 85.5% being Australian 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 comprised 0.8%, similar to Regional Vic's 0.8%.
Ancestry wise, Australian (33.1%), English (32.0%), and Scottish (8.7%) were the top groups. Notably, Filipino (1.5% vs regional 0.6%), German (3.8% vs 3.5%), and Samoan (0.1% vs 0.1%) had higher representations in Stawell compared to Regional Vic.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Stawell hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide
Stawell's median age is 46, which is slightly higher than Regional Vic.'s figure of 43 and significantly greater than the national norm of 38. The 25-34 age group comprises 13.5%, a strong representation compared to Regional Vic., while the 45-54 cohort makes up 9.6%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 35-44 age group grew from 9.5% to 11.5%, and the 75-84 cohort increased from 8.3% to 10.1%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort decreased from 11.5% to 9.6%. By 2041, Stawell's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 35-44 group will grow by 25%, reaching 888 people from 712. Meanwhile, the 15-24 and 65-74 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.