Bacchus Marsh
Statistical Area - sa2

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 is around 27,240 as of August 2025. This reflects an increase of 2,523 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 24,717 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 26,584 in June 2024 and an additional 1,233 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 138 persons per square kilometer. Bacchus Marsh's growth rate exceeded the national average (8.6%) since the 2021 census, primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 48.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area as released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing weighted aggregation methods. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends project an above median growth for the area, expecting an increase of 6,376 persons to 2041 based on latest numbers, with a total increase of 21.0% 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 per year over the past five financial years, totalling 1387 homes. As of FY-26, there have been 51 approved dwellings so far. On average, each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25 attracted around 2.3 new residents annually, indicating strong demand that supports property values. New homes are being constructed at an average cost of $431,000, which aligns with broader regional development trends.

In terms of commercial development, Bacchus Marsh has received $17.4 million in approvals this financial year, reflecting moderate levels of commercial activity compared to the Greater Melbourne region. The town's constrained new construction often reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings, a trend that is substantially higher than national averages, suggesting strong developer confidence. The majority of new development consists of detached houses (88%), with townhouses or apartments making up the remaining 12%, maintaining Bacchus Marsh's traditional low-density character focused on family homes. The location has approximately 109 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. By 2041, Bacchus Marsh is projected to grow by around 5712 residents.

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

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 46 such projects likely influencing the region. Notable ones include Darling Darley Estate, Summerfield North Estate, Federation Park Upgrade, and Orchard Square Bacchus Marsh Estate, with further details provided below for those deemed most relevant.

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

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 4.3% as of June 2025, which is 0.4% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 5.1%, with 14,977 residents in work. Workforce participation is on par with Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Resident employment is concentrated in construction, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area has a particular 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 appear limited, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Over a 12-month period ending June 2025, employment increased by 5.1%, while labour force grew by 5.8%, resulting in an unemployment rate rise of 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment growth of 3.5% and a 0.5 percentage point increase in unemployment over the same period. State-level data to Sep-25 shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.08% year-on-year, adding 39,880 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. Nationally, employment growth was 0.26%, and the unemployment rate was 4.5%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project a 6.6% expansion over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Bacchus Marsh's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.2% over five years and 12.8% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 indicates Bacchus Marsh's median income among taxpayers is $55,531 and the average is $70,022. This is higher than national averages of $48,698 (median) and $67,048 (average). Comparing to Greater Melbourne's figures of $54,892 (median) and $73,761 (average), Bacchus Marsh's incomes are slightly lower. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.11% since financial year 2022, estimated median income as of March 2025 would be approximately $61,145 and average income $77,101. Census data shows household, family and personal incomes in Bacchus Marsh are at the 53rd percentile nationally. Income distribution reveals that 34.5% (9,397 individuals) earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually, similar to regional levels where 32.8% fall within this bracket. After accounting for housing costs, 85.1% of income remains for other expenses. Bacchus Marsh's SEIFA income ranking places it in the fifth decile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure in Bacchus Marsh, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 28 August 2016, comprised 90.2% houses and 9.7% other dwellings. In Melbourne metro, this was recorded as 90.9% houses and 9.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bacchus Marsh stood at 29.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 49.4% and rented dwellings at 21.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,733, lower than Melbourne metro's $1,800. Median weekly rent in Bacchus Marsh was $340, compared to Melbourne metro's $351. Nationally, Bacchus Marsh's mortgage repayments are below 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 lower-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 constitute the remaining 24.6%, with lone person households at 22.8% and group households comprising 1.9%. The median household size is 2.7 people, smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 3.0.

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 prominent, with 39.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 11.9% and certificates at 27.6%. Educational participation is high, with 29.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 11.1% in primary, 7.7% in secondary, and 3.7% pursuing tertiary education.

Eight schools operate within Bacchus Marsh, educating approximately 6,768 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1013) offering balanced educational opportunities. The area functions as an education hub with 24.9 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 16.3, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Bacchus Marsh's public transport system operates through 81 active stops, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 14 routes that collectively facilitate 2,023 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is assessed as moderate, with residents generally situated 440 meters from their nearest stop.

On average, service frequency stands at 289 daily trips across all routes, translating to roughly 24 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Bacchus Marsh is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts

Bacchus Marsh faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across all age groups but particularly high among older residents. Approximately 54% of Bacchus Marsh's total population (~14,818 people) have private health cover, compared to 50.8% in Greater Melbourne.

Mental health issues affect 9.5% of Bacchus Marsh residents, while asthma impacts 9.2%. Around 66.0% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 73.7% in Greater Melbourne. In Bacchus Marsh, 16.7% of the population is aged 65 and over (4,554 people), higher than the 10.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention due to the challenges they face.

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 level below average, with 83.7% of its population born in Australia, 89.2% being citizens, and 89.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion in Bacchus Marsh as of 2016 Census data, comprising 46.0% of people. However, the category 'Other' was notably overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, making up 2.5% versus 5.6%.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), Australians were most prevalent at 28.3%, significantly higher than the regional average of 18.6%. English ancestry also stood out at 27.9%, surpassing the regional average of 16.9%. Irish ancestry was another notable group, comprising 8.4% of Bacchus Marsh's population. Other ethnic groups with significant representation included Maltese at 3.2% (versus 5.1% regionally), Polish at 0.9%, and Croatian at 0.8%.

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

Bacchus Marsh has a median age of 37, which matches Greater Melbourne's figure and is comparable to Australia's median age of 38 years. The 5-14 age group constitutes 13.6% of Bacchus Marsh's population, higher than Greater Melbourne's percentage. Conversely, the 25-34 age cohort makes up 14.0%, which is less prevalent compared to Greater Melbourne. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group has increased from 13.9% to 15.2% of Bacchus Marsh's population, while the 75-84 cohort rose from 4.8% to 6.0%. During this period, however, the 45-54 age group declined from 12.7% to 12.1%. Looking forward to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Bacchus Marsh's age structure. The 45-54 group is projected to grow by 37%, adding 1,204 people and reaching a total of 4,501 from the current figure of 3,296. Meanwhile, the 0-4 cohort is expected to grow by a modest 4%, an increase of 63 people.