Winchelsea

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

The suburb of Winchelsea had an estimated population of around 2,705 as of November 2025, according to AreaSearch's analysis of ABS population updates. This figure reflects a growth of 249 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,456. The increase is inferred from an estimated resident population of 2,621 by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 223 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 11.5 persons per square kilometer. Winchelsea's growth rate of 10.1% since the 2021 census exceeded both the non-metro area average of 6.0% and the national average, indicating strong growth for the suburb. Natural growth contributed approximately 45.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including interstate migration and overseas migration were positive factors.

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 uses the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusting them 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 trends project an above median population growth for locations outside capital cities, with the suburb expected to increase by 432 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 11.9% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Winchelsea among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Winchelsea has seen approximately 32 new homes approved annually, with a total of 162 homes approved between the financial years FY-21 to FY-25. In FY-26, 6 homes have been approved so far. On average, 2.1 people move to the area per new home constructed over these five years.

The estimated construction cost value for new homes is $559,000, slightly higher than the regional average, indicating a focus on quality developments. This year has seen $6.3 million in commercial approvals, suggesting limited commercial development activity.

New development consists of 88% detached houses and 12% medium to high-density housing, maintaining Winchelsea's low-density character and attracting space-seeking buyers with an average of 93 people per dwelling approval. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Winchelsea is projected to add 323 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially facilitating growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Winchelsea has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 43rdth percentile nationally

No changes can influence a region's performance more than modifications to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. Zero projects have been identified by AreaSearch that could potentially impact this area. Notable projects include Geelong Line Upgrade (Geelong Fast Rail), Geelong Renewable Energy Zone, Telstra InfraCo Intercity Fibre Network, and Additional VLocity Trains, with the following list providing details on those most likely to be 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.

The labour market in Winchelsea demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

Winchelsea has a skilled workforce with the construction sector being notably prominent. Its unemployment rate was 3.1% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.1%.

As of June 2025, 1,332 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.7% below Rest of Vic.'s 3.8%. Workforce participation was at par with Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Key employment sectors included health care & social assistance, construction, and agriculture, forestry & fishing. Construction had a particularly high share of employment at 1.3 times the regional level, while manufacturing was under-represented at 6.3% compared to Rest of Vic.'s 7.7%.

Employment opportunities locally appeared limited based on Census data comparison. In the 12 months prior, employment increased by 2.1% alongside labour force increasing by 2.2%, with unemployment remaining stable. This contrasted with Rest of Vic., where employment fell by 0.9%, labour force contracted by 0.4%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 projected national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Winchelsea's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, though this was a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and did not account for localised population projections.

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

Winchelsea's median income among taxpayers was $46,032 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $60,740 during the same period. These figures compare to Rest of Vic.'s median and average incomes of $48,741 and $60,693 respectively. Based on a Wage Price Index growth rate of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Winchelsea's median income would be approximately $51,629 as of September 2025, with the average income estimated at around $68,126 during the same period. According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Winchelsea rank modestly, between the 32nd and 38th percentiles. The income distribution shows that 33.1% of residents (895 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, which mirrors regional levels at 30.3%. Housing affordability pressures in Winchelsea are severe, with only 84.8% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 33rd percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

Winchelsea is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Winchelsea's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 94.8% houses and 5.2% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Vic had 0.0% houses and 0.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Winchelsea was at 35.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 44.3% and rented ones at 20.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,560, aligning with Non-Metro Vic's average. The median weekly rent was $295, while Non-Metro Vic had figures of $0 for both. Nationally, Winchelsea's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,560 compared to the Australian average of $1,863. Rents in Winchelsea were also lower at $295 compared to the national figure of $375.

Winchelsea has a typical household mix, with a median household size of 2.4 people

Family households make up 69.7% of all households, including 28.4% couples with children, 30.6% couples without children, and 9.8% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 30.3%, with lone person households at 28.5% and group households comprising 2.2% of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 18.7%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 44.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (12.5%) and certificates (31.5%). Educational participation is high, at 27.8%, comprising 9.8% in primary, 7.1% in secondary, and 3.2% in tertiary education.

Winchelsea Primary School serves the local community with an enrollment of 148 students as of a recent date. The school operates under typical Australian conditions (ICSEA: 978) and offers balanced educational opportunities, focusing exclusively on primary education while secondary options are available nearby.

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

Winchelsea has two active public transport stops, offering a mix of train and bus services. Six routes serve these stops, collectively providing 116 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is limited, with residents typically located 1044 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 16 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 58 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Winchelsea is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Winchelsea faces significant health challenges, as indicated by health data.

Both younger and older age groups have high prevalence rates for common health conditions. Private health cover is relatively low, at approximately 51% of the total population, which is around 1,376 people. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 9.1 and 8.9% of residents respectively. Conversely, 62.4% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 0% in the rest of Victoria. Winchelsea has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 21.3% (around 576 people). Health outcomes among seniors present challenges, broadly reflecting those of the general population.

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

Winchelsea had a low cultural diversity, with 89.5% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia (90.5%), speaking English only at home (97.4%). Christianity was the dominant religion, followed by 0.0% Judaism compared to None% across Rest of Vic.. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (33.2%), English (32.6%), and Irish (9.5%).

Notably, Scottish (9.0%) was overrepresented in Winchelsea compared to None% regionally, as were Dutch (1.7%) and Maltese (0.7%).

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

The median age in Winchelsea is 40 years, which is slightly below Rest of Vic.'s average of 43 but above Australia's median of 38. The 25-34 cohort is notably over-represented at 15.6% locally compared to the Rest of Vic. average, while the 15-24 age group is under-represented at 8.7%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 25-34 age group has grown from 14.1% to 15.6%, and the 75-84 cohort increased from 6.4% to 7.5%. Conversely, the 55-64 group declined from 13.6% to 11.6%, and the 65-74 group dropped from 12.5% to 11.3%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Winchelsea. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to expand by 124 people (29%), from 421 to 546. Meanwhile, the 75-84 and 15-24 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.