Stratford (Vic.)

Stratford lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of November 2025, the estimated population of Stratford (Vic.) is around 3,241 people. This figure reflects an increase of 261 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,980 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 3,196 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 84 validated new addresses since the Census date. The suburb's population density equates to approximately 21 persons per square kilometer. Stratford's growth rate of 8.8% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA3 area (5.0%) and the non-metro area, marking it as a leader in regional growth during this period. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing around 53.0% of overall population gains.

Other factors such as overseas migration and natural growth also played positive roles. 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, AreaSearch utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Future trends indicate a significant population increase in Stratford (Vic.), with an expected expansion of 1,057 persons by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections. This reflects an overall increase of 28.5% over the 17-year period from 2025 to 2041.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Stratford recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Stratford has recorded approximately 27 residential properties granted approval each year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 138 homes from FY-21 to FY-25. As of FY-26, 12 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.4 new residents per year per dwelling constructed were recorded between FY-21 and FY-25.

The average construction value for new homes is $434,000. This financial year has seen $8.6 million in commercial approvals. Stratford shows 55.0% higher construction activity per person relative to the Rest of Vic. New building activity comprises 95.0% detached houses and 5.0% medium and high-density housing.

There are approximately 176 people per approval in Stratford, indicating a developing area. Future projections estimate Stratford will add 923 residents by 2041. Construction is maintaining a reasonable pace with projected growth, but buyers may face growing competition as population increases.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified five projects that could impact this region. Notable ones are Stratford Structure Plan (2025), Regional Housing Fund Gippsland, Gippsland Digital Infrastructure Upgrade, and Perry Bridge Solar Farm. The following details those most relevant:.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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AreaSearch assessment positions Stratford ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Stratford's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with prominent essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 2.6% as of June 2025, lower than the Rest of Vic.'s 3.8%.

Workforce participation stood at 60.3%, slightly higher than the regional average of 57.4%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and public administration & safety, with a notable specialization in the latter (1.6 times the regional level). Manufacturing employs fewer residents (5.5%) compared to Rest of Vic.'s 7.7%. Between June 2024 and June 2025, Stratford's labour force decreased by 0.7%, employment fell by 1.2%, leading to a rise in unemployment by 0.5 percentage points.

This contrasts with Rest of Vic., where employment fell by 0.9% and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia projects national employment growth of 6.6% over five years (Sep-22) and 13.7% over ten years, but local projections based on Stratford's industry mix suggest a 6.1% increase over five years and 13.0% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Stratford had a median taxpayer income of $50,045 and an average income of $60,898 in financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This was lower than the national average at that time. The Rest of Vic., meanwhile, had a median income of $48,741 and an average income of $60,693 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for Stratford as of September 2025 would be approximately $56,130 (median) and $68,303 (average). The 2021 Census figures showed household, family, and personal incomes in Stratford ranking modestly, between the 30th and 32nd percentiles. Income analysis revealed that the majority of residents, 33.3% or 1,079 people, fell into the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket, reflecting a pattern seen in the surrounding region where 30.3% occupied this range. Housing costs were manageable with 87.6% retained, but disposable income was below average at the 35th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 4th decile.

Stratford is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

The dwelling structure in Stratford, as per the latest Census, consisted of 96.6% houses and 3.4% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Vic had 91.9% houses and 8.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Stratford was at 41.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 45.9% and rented ones at 13.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,308, higher than Non-Metro Vic's average of $1,300. The median weekly rent in Stratford was $290, compared to Non-Metro Vic's $260. Nationally, Stratford's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,308 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Stratford has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 73.2% of all households, including 30.6% couples with children, 33.7% couples without children, and 7.7% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 26.8%, with lone person households at 25.1% and group households comprising 1.8%. The median household size is 2.5 people, larger than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.3.

Educational attainment in Stratford aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 14.8%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.6%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.5%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.7%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 45.7% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 11.3% and certificates at 34.4%. Educational participation is high, with 26.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 10.6% in primary, 7.6% in secondary, and 2.5% in tertiary education. The area has two primary schools - Stratford Primary School and St Patrick's School, serving a total of 243 students. These schools focus on primary education, with secondary options available nearby. There are 7.5 school places per 100 residents, below the regional average of 14.5. Some students may attend schools in adjacent areas due to this shortage.

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

Stratford has six operational public transport stops offering a combination of train and bus services. These stops are served by twelve different routes that facilitate eighty-eight weekly passenger trips in total. Residents' access to these transport facilities is considered limited, with an average distance of 757 meters to the nearest stop.

The service frequency across all routes averages twelve trips per day, equating to roughly fourteen weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Stratford is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Stratford faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population, which is around 1,651 people. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, impacting 9.6% and 9.1% of residents respectively. Sixty-six point four percent of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 62.7% across the rest of Victoria. The area has 20.2% of residents aged 65 and over, which is around 654 people, lower than the 23.5% in the rest of Victoria. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing even better than the general population in health metrics.

The latest Census data sees Stratford placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Stratford, as per the census data from 2016, had a low cultural diversity with 91.7% of its population born in Australia, 93.4% being citizens, and 98.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Stratford, accounting for 44.9% of the population. There was an overrepresentation of Judaism, which constituted 0.0% of the population compared to the rest of Victoria's 0.0%.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (35.5%), English (32.8%), and Irish (8.5%). Notably, Dutch ethnicity was slightly overrepresented at 1.9% in Stratford compared to the regional average of 2.1%, Scottish at 8.5% versus 8.6%, and Macedonian at 0.1% matching the regional figure.

Stratford's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Stratford has a median age of 38, which is lower than the Rest of Vic.'s figure of 43 but equivalent to Australia's national norm of 38. The 25-34 age group makes up 13.3% of Stratford's population compared to Rest of Vic., while the 55-64 cohort constitutes 11.0%. According to the 2021 Census, the 15-24 age group has increased from 11.1% to 12.1%, whereas the 55-64 cohort has decreased from 12.8% to 11.0%. By 2041, demographic modeling indicates Stratford's age profile will change significantly. The 25-34 group is projected to grow by 61% (adding 261 people), reaching a total of 693 from the current 431. Meanwhile, the 55-64 group is expected to grow modestly at 2%, adding only 5 residents.