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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of Nov 2025, Stratford's estimated population is around 3,387. This reflects an increase of 407 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,980. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 3,157 following examination of the latest ERP data release by ABS in June 2024 and an additional 84 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 22 persons per square kilometer. Stratford's growth rate of 13.7% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA3 area (7.9%) and the non-metro area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 53.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year, and for areas not covered, it 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. Future population trends forecast a significant increase in the top quartile of Australian non-metropolitan areas, with Stratford expected to expand by 1,062 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 23.1% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Stratford when compared nationally

Stratford has recorded approximately 28 residential properties granted approval each year over the past five financial years ending FY-25. This totals an estimated 142 homes. In the current financial year, FY-26, 14 approvals have been recorded to date. On average, between FY-21 and FY-25, 1.4 new residents per year were associated with each dwelling constructed.

Commercial approvals in Stratford totalled $4.7 million this financial year. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Stratford's construction activity per person is 60.0% higher. The majority of new building activity consists of detached houses, at around 95.0%, while medium and high-density housing accounts for approximately 5.0%. As of FY-25, there were roughly 167 people per approval in Stratford.

Future projections suggest that by 2041, Stratford is expected to add 782 residents based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate.

Stratford has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified five projects likely impacting the area. Key projects are Stratford Structure Plan (2025), Regional Housing Fund Gippsland, Gippsland Digital Infrastructure Upgrade, and Perry Bridge Solar Farm. The following list details those 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 Stratford significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Stratford's workforce comprises both white and blue-collar jobs with notable representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 2.2% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 4.4%.

As of September 2025, 1,521 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.5% below Rest of Vic.'s 3.8%. Workforce participation was 60.3%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. The dominant employment sectors included health care & social assistance, construction, and public administration & safety, with the latter being particularly strong at 1.6 times the regional level. Manufacturing employed only 5.5% of local workers, below Rest of Vic.'s 7.7%.

Employment opportunities appeared limited locally based on Census data. Over a 12-month period ending in late 2024 or early 2025, employment increased by 4.4%, while the labour force grew by 4.1%, leading to a decrease in unemployment rate of 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic. saw employment fall by 0.7% and unemployment rise marginally during this period. State-level data from November 25, 2024 showed VIC employment growth of 1.13%, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. National employment forecasts from May 25, 2025 projected a national expansion of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but these rates varied significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Stratford's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, although these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

The suburb of Stratford had a median taxpayer income of $50,045 and an average of $60,898 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is lower than the national average, with Rest of Vic.'s median income being $50,954 and average income being $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $54,174 (median) and $65,922 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Stratford rank modestly, between the 30th and 32nd percentiles. Income analysis shows that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 33.3% of residents (1,127 people), reflecting patterns seen in the surrounding region where 30.3% similarly occupy this range. Housing costs are manageable with 87.6% retained, but disposable income is below average at the 35th percentile.

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 (semi-detached, apartments, '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 the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (45.9%) or rented (13.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Stratford was $1,308, higher than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,300. The median weekly rent figure in Stratford was $290, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $260. Nationally, Stratford's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 make up 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, which is 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 held by 45.7% of residents aged 15 and above, with 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 education, 7.6% in secondary education, and 2.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Stratford has seven active public transport stops, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by five different routes that collectively facilitate 51 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is limited in the area, with residents typically residing 868 meters away from the nearest stop.

On average, there are seven daily trips across all routes, equating to roughly seven 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 (~1725 people). The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, impacting 9.6% and 9.1% of residents respectively. Sixty-six point four percent declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 62.7% across Rest of Vic. Twenty point four percent of residents are aged 65 and over (690 people), which is lower than the 23.5% in Rest of Vic. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing 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 June 2016, had a low level of cultural diversity. The majority of its population were born in Australia (91.7%), were citizens (93.4%), and spoke English at home exclusively (98.0%). Christianity was the predominant religion, with 44.9% of residents identifying as such.

Notably, Judaism was not represented in Stratford's population, mirroring the regional average of 0%. Regarding ancestry, Australians made up the largest group at 35.5%, followed by English at 32.8% and Irish at 8.5%. Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Dutch were slightly overrepresented (1.9% vs 2.1%), Scottish had near-equal representation (8.5% vs 8.6%), and Macedonian representation was negligible in both Stratford and the region (0.1%).

Stratford's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

Stratford's median age is 38, which is lower than the Rest of Vic.'s figure of 43 but matches the national norm of 38. The 25-34 age group comprises 13.3% of Stratford's population, higher than Rest of Vic., while the 55-64 cohort makes up 11.0%. According to the 2021 Census, the 15-24 age group has increased from 11.1% to 12.1%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort has decreased from 12.8% to 11.0%. Demographic modeling indicates Stratford's age profile will significantly change by 2041. The 25-34 group is projected to grow by 54%, adding 242 people, reaching 693 from the current 450. Meanwhile, population declines are forecast for the 65-74 and 55-64 cohorts.