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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Bacchus Marsh's population is around 27,272 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 2,555 people (10.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 24,717 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 26,577 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 1,231 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 138 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Bacchus Marsh's 10.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 48.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including natural growth and overseas migration, were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilizing the 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 from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. As we examine future population trends, an above-median population growth of national statistical areas is projected, with the area expected to grow by 6,376 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 20.8% in total 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 experienced around 277 dwellings receiving development approval per year, totalling 1,387 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26142 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 2.3 new residents per year gained for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), suggesting solid demand that supports property values, new homes are being built at an average construction cost of $267,000 — below regional norms — reflecting more affordable housing options for purchasers. Additionally, $17.4 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development.

When measured against Greater Melbourne, Bacchus Marsh has significantly less development activity (57.0% below regional average per person). This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. This is substantially higher than nationally, suggesting strong developer confidence in the location. New development consists of 88.0% detached houses and 12.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The location has approximately 109 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market.

Looking ahead, Bacchus Marsh is expected to grow by 5,680 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 52 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Bacchus Marsh Central, Summerfield North Estate, Darling Darley Estate, and Bacchus Marsh Grammar - Maddingley Campus Expansion, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 indicates Bacchus Marsh maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Bacchus Marsh has a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of 4.5%, and 3.7% estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 14,799 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 0.3% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%. Based on Census responses, a moderate 21.2% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in construction, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area has a particular employment specialization in construction, with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level. Conversely, professional & technical services show lower representation at 5.4% versus the regional average of 10.1%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increase by 3.7% alongside a labour force increase of 4.4%, resulting in unemployment rising by 0.6 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne, where employment rose by 2.4%, the labour force grew by 2.8%, and unemployment rose 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Bacchus Marsh. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. 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 (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Bacchus Marsh SA2's median income among taxpayers is $58,795, with an average of $70,128. This is slightly above average nationally, and compares to Greater Melbourne's median of $57,688 and average of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $63,646 (median) and $75,914 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Bacchus Marsh cluster around the 53rd percentile nationally. Distribution data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 34.5% of the community (9,408 individuals), mirroring regional levels where 32.8% occupy this bracket. After housing, 85.1% of income remains for other expenses and the area'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

Dwelling structure within Bacchus Marsh, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 90.2% houses and 9.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Bacchus Marsh was in line with that of Melbourne metro, at 29.4%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (49.4%) or rented (21.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Melbourne metro average at $1,733, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $340, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390. Nationally, Bacchus Marsh's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 75.4% of all households, comprising 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 of 2.7 people 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (19.8%) substantially below the Greater Melbourne average of 37.0%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 13.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 39.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.9%) and certificates (27.6%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.1% in primary education, 7.7% in secondary education, and 3.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 81 active transport stops operating within Bacchus Marsh, comprising a mix of train services. These stops are serviced by 6 individual routes, collectively providing 1,288 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents typically located 440 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 92%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.7 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. Some 21.2% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 184 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 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

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Bacchus Marsh, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is just below the average SA2 area at approximately 54% of the total population (~14,699 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 9.5% and 9.2% of residents, respectively, while 66.0% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 17.1% of residents aged 65 and over (4,663 people), which is higher than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 83.7% of its population born in Australia, 89.2% being citizens, and 89.8% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Bacchus Marsh is Christianity, which makes up 46.0% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Other, which comprises 2.5% of the population, compared to 2.3% across Greater Melbourne.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Bacchus Marsh are Australian, comprising 28.3% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 18.4%, English, comprising 27.9% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 20.1%, and Irish, comprising 8.4% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Maltese is notably overrepresented at 3.2% of Bacchus Marsh (vs 1.1% regionally), Polish at 0.9% (vs 0.8%) and Croatian at 0.8% (vs 0.7%).

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

With a median age of 37, Bacchus Marsh is equal to the Greater Melbourne figure of 37 and remains comparable to Australia's 38 years. The 5 - 14 age group shows strong representation at 13.6% compared to Greater Melbourne, whereas the 25 - 34 cohort is less prevalent at 13.7%. In the period since 2021, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 4.8% to 6.4% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 13.9% to 15.3%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 12.7% to 12.0%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Bacchus Marsh's age structure. Leading the demographic shift, the 45 to 54 group will grow by 38% (1,239 people), reaching 4,501 from 3,261. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 cohort grows by a modest 6% (105 people).