Avoca
Statistical Area - sa2

Avoca has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Avoca's population is approximately 4,168 as of August 2025. This figure represents an increase of 636 people, a rise of 18.0%, since the 2021 Census which recorded a population of 3,532. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,638 in June 2024 and an additional 262 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2.4 persons per square kilometer. Avoca's growth rate exceeds that of the non-metro area (5.5%) and the SA3 area, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 85.3% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch employs VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 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. By 2041, the area is projected to increase by 478 persons based on the latest numbers, resulting in a decrease of 1.4% over the 17-year period.

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

Avoca has recorded approximately 14 residential properties granted approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling 71 homes. As of FY26, 4 approvals have been recorded. On average, about 3 people per year moved to the area for each new home constructed between FY21 and FY25, indicating robust demand that supports property values. New homes were built at an average cost of $677,000 during this period, suggesting developers targeted the premium market segment with higher-end properties.

In FY26, there have been $6.3 million in commercial approvals, reflecting limited focus on commercial development. Compared to the rest of Victoria, Avoca records about three-quarters the building activity per person and ranks among the 48th percentile of areas assessed nationally, suggesting somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established dwellings. Recent development has been entirely comprised of detached houses, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers.

The estimated population count of 365 people per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. With population expected to remain stable or decline, Avoca should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Avoca has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 22ndth percentile nationally

Ten projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. These include Ararat to Maryborough Line Upgrades (Murray Basin Rail Project), Western Highway Ballarat to Stawell Upgrade, Carisbrook Levee Project, and Talbot Futures Sewerage System. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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

Employment performance in Avoca has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Avoca has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, heavily represented in manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate was 5.5% as of June 2025.

Employment grew by 8.4% over the past year. As of June 2025, 1,517 residents were employed with an unemployment rate at 1.7% above Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation was lower at 46.6%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Leading employment industries among Avoca residents included agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and manufacturing.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing showed strong specialization with an employment share of 2.8 times the regional level. However, education & training had limited presence at 5.9% compared to the regional figure of 9.1%. Employment opportunities appeared limited locally based on Census data comparisons between working population and resident population. In the 12-month period ending June 2025, employment increased by 8.4%, while labour force grew by 7.1%, leading to a decrease in unemployment rate by 1.2 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Vic. saw employment decline by 0.9% and labour force decline by 0.4%, with unemployment rising by 0.4 percentage points during the same period. State-wide data from Sep-25 showed VIC employment grew by 1.08% year-on-year, adding 39,880 jobs, with a state unemployment rate of 4.7%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia projected growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Avoca's employment mix suggested local growth of approximately 5.1% over five years and 11.7% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2022 shows Avoca's median income among taxpayers was $44,147 with an average of $52,493. This is lower than the national average, compared to Rest of Vic.'s median of $48,741 and average of $60,693. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.11% since then, current estimates would be approximately $48,610 (median) and $57,800 (average) as of March 2025. According to the Census conducted in August 2021, household, family and personal incomes in Avoca fall between the 3rd and 5th percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows that 30.1% earn $400 - $799 weekly (1,254 residents), unlike trends in surrounding regions where 30.3% fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range. The concentration of 41.0% in sub-$800 weekly brackets highlights economic challenges facing a significant portion of Avoca's community. While housing costs are modest with 90.5% of income retained, total disposable income ranks at just the 7th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure in Avoca, as per the latest Census, consisted of 97.6% houses and 2.3% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Vic. had 93.8% houses and 6.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Avoca was 58.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.5% and rented ones at 11.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,006, below Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,127. Median weekly rent in Avoca was $200, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $230. Nationally, Avoca's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Avoca features high concentrations of lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 64.0% of all households, including 19.1% couples with children, 35.3% couples without children, and 9.0% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 36.0%, with lone person households at 33.5% and group households making up 2.0% of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, which aligns with the average for the Rest of Vic.

Avoca faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 16.4%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.1%) and certificates (29.2%). Educational participation is high at 25.7%, comprising primary education (9.4%), secondary education (8.7%), and tertiary education (2.4%).

Avoca has a network of 7 schools educating approximately 196 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 951) and balanced educational opportunities. These schools focus on primary education, with secondary options available nearby due to limited local capacity (4.7 places per 100 residents vs regional average of 10.7). Some families travel for schooling as a result. Note: for schools marked 'n/a' in enrolments, refer to the parent campus.

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

The analysis of public transport in Avoca shows that there are currently 18 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops primarily serve buses, with a total of 6 individual routes providing service to them. Together, these routes offer 22 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport in Avoca is rated as limited, with residents typically residing 1701 meters away from their nearest transport stop. On average, there are 3 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 1 weekly trip per individual stop.

Health performance in Avoca is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Avoca faces significant health challenges with a variety of conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Private health cover is low at approximately 47% of the total population (~1,946 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (13.0%) and mental health issues (9.9%), while 58.2% report no medical ailments, slightly higher than the Rest of Vic's 56.8%. Residents aged 65 and over comprise 29.5%, or 1,229 people, which is higher than the Rest of Vic's 27.9%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Avoca are better than those of the general population.

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

Avoca's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 87.3% of its population being Australian citizens and 89.4% born in Australia. The majority of residents, 97.6%, spoke English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 48.5% of Avoca's population.

Notably, Judaism was overrepresented in Avoca at 0.3%, compared to 0.1% across the rest of Victoria. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (34.5%), Australian (31.8%), and Scottish (10.2%). Some ethnic groups showed notable divergences: Hungarian was overrepresented at 0.4% in Avoca compared to 0.3% regionally, Irish was almost equally represented at 9.6% versus 9.2%, and Maltese remained steady at 0.6%.

Avoca ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Avoca is 52 years, significantly higher than Rest of Vic.'s average of 43 years and well above the national norm of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of Vic. average, the 65-74 cohort is notably over-represented at 16.8% in Avoca, while the 25-34 year-olds are under-represented at 7.5%. This concentration of the 65-74 age group is well above the national average of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 8.3% to 10.0%, while the 75 to 84 cohort has increased from 8.7% to 10.0%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 19.4% to 16.8% and the 45 to 54 group has dropped from 14.5% to 12.7%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Avoca, with the 25 to 34 cohort projected to grow by 35%, adding 109 residents to reach 420. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 55 to 64 and 5 to 14 age cohorts.