Bacchus Marsh

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

Bacchus Marsh's population was approximately 27,272 as of February 2026. This figure represents an increase of 2,555 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 24,717. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 26,577 in June 2024 and an additional 1,231 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 138 persons per square kilometer. Bacchus Marsh's growth rate of 10.3% since the 2021 census exceeded the national average of 9.9%, indicating significant population growth in the area. Interstate migration contributed approximately 48.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with natural growth and overseas migration also being positive factors.

AreaSearch is using 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, adjusted 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, with the area expected to grow by 6,376 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 20.8% over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Bacchus Marsh was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Bacchus Marsh has received approximately 277 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 1,387 homes. As of FY-26, 90 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25 accommodated around 2.3 new residents per year, indicating strong demand that supports property values. The expected construction cost for new homes averages $267,000, which is below regional norms, suggesting more affordable housing options.

In FY-26, commercial development approvals amounted to $17.4 million, reflecting moderate levels of commercial growth compared to Greater Melbourne, where Bacchus Marsh has 57.0% less development activity per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. The dwelling approval rate in Bacchus Marsh is around 88.0% for detached houses and 12.0% for townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's low-density character focused on family homes. There are approximately 109 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. By 2041, Bacchus Marsh is projected to grow by 5,680 residents based on AreaSearch quarterly estimates.

Given current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, providing favourable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond projections.

Bacchus Marsh 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 52 projects likely to impact the area. Notable ones include Bacchus Marsh Central, Summerfield North Estate, Darling Darley Estate, and Bacchus Marsh Grammar - Maddingley Campus Expansion. The following list details those expected to be most relevant.

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

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AreaSearch analysis indicates Bacchus Marsh maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Bacchus Marsh has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 4.4% as of September 2025, which is 0.3% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.8%.

There were 14,825 residents in work during this period, with workforce participation broadly similar to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. According to Census responses, 21.2% of residents worked from home. Employment is concentrated in construction, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area has particular employment specialization in construction, with an employment share of 1.6 times the regional level.

Conversely, professional & technical services show lower representation at 5.4% compared to the regional average of 10.1%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over a 12-month period ending September 2025, employment increased by 4.8%, while the labour force grew by 5.6%, resulting in an unemployment rise of 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment rise by 3.0% and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points during this period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Bacchus Marsh's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 12.8% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

In AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023, Bacchus Marsh SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $58,795 and an average of $70,128. This is slightly above the national average, with Greater Melbourne having a median of $57,688 and an average of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $63,646 (median) and $75,914 (average). Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Bacchus Marsh are around the 53rd percentile nationally. Income distribution indicates that 34.5% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999, similar to regional levels at 32.8%. After housing expenses, 85.1% of income remains for other costs, and Bacchus Marsh's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Bacchus Marsh's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 90.2% houses and 9.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's structure of 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bacchus Marsh was at 29.4%, similar to Melbourne metro's level. Dwellings were either mortgaged (49.4%) or rented (21.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,733, lower than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Bacchus Marsh was $340, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Bacchus Marsh's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 75.4% of all households, including 35.2% couples with children, 26.8% couples without children, and 12.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 24.6%, with lone person households at 22.8% and group households comprising 1.9% of the total. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 19.8%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.9%) and certificates (27.6%). Educational participation is high, with 29.1% currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 11.1% in primary, 7.7% in secondary, and 3.7% in tertiary education.

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

Bacchus Marsh has 81 operational public transport stops offering a mix of train services. These are served by six distinct routes, collectively facilitating 1,288 weekly passenger journeys. Transport access is deemed moderate with residents typically situated 440 metres from the nearest stop. Predominantly residential, most commuters travel outward and cars remain the primary mode at 92%. On average, there are 1.7 vehicles per dwelling, exceeding regional averages. According to the 2021 Census, 21.2% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Daily service frequency across all routes averages 184 trips, equating to roughly 15 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Bacchus Marsh faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The area has a high prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age cohorts, with mental health issues and asthma being the most prevalent at 9.5% and 9.2% respectively.

Only 66.0% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents have an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. As of 31 December 2020, Bacchus Marsh has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 17.1%, with 4,663 people, compared to the Greater Melbourne average of 15.1%. Health outcomes among seniors in Bacchus Marsh are broadly in line with national rankings.

Bacchus Marsh ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Bacchus Marsh had a cultural diversity index of 45.6, with 83.7% of its population born in Australia, 89.2% being citizens, and 89.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 46.0% of people. The 'Other' category comprised 2.5%, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's 2.3%.

In terms of ancestry, Australian (28.3%) and English (27.9%) were substantially overrepresented compared to regional averages of 18.4% and 20.1% respectively. Irish ancestry was also notable at 8.4%. Maltese (3.2%), Polish (0.9%), and Croatian (0.8%) ethnic groups showed significant divergences in representation compared to Greater Melbourne's 1.1%, 0.8%, and 0.7% respectively.

Bacchus Marsh's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Bacchus Marsh has a median age of 37, matching Greater Melbourne's figure and remaining close to Australia's median age of 38. The 5-14 age group comprises 13.6%, higher than Greater Melbourne, while the 25-34 cohort stands at 13.7%. From 2021 to present, the 75-84 age group has risen from 4.8% to 6.4%, and the 35-44 group increased from 13.9% to 15.3%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort decreased from 12.7% to 12.0%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Bacchus Marsh's age structure. Notably, the 45-54 group is projected to grow by 38%, adding 1,239 people to reach 4,501 from 3,261. Meanwhile, the 0-4 cohort is expected to grow modestly by 6%, adding 105 people.