Bacchus Marsh Surrounds
Statistical Area - sa2

Population growth drivers in Bacchus Marsh Surrounds are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Bacchus Marsh Surrounds' population is around 6842 as of August 2025. This reflects an increase of 283 people, a 4.3% rise since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 6559 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 6725 in June 2024 and an additional 160 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 6.6 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Bacchus Marsh Surrounds has shown resilient growth patterns with a 1.4% compound annual growth rate, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth was primarily driven by natural growth contributing approximately 53.8% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and interstate 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 utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusting 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. According to these projections, over this period, the area's population is expected to decline by 399 persons by 2041. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 25 to 34 age group projected to expand by 162 people.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Bacchus Marsh Surrounds when compared nationally

Bacchus Marsh Surrounds has received around 50 dwelling development approvals per year. The Australian Bureau of Statistics provides this data on a financial year basis, showing 253 homes approved over the past five financial years from FY-20 to FY-25, with nine approvals so far in FY-26. On average, each new dwelling constructed has accommodated 1.8 new residents annually over these five financial years. This balance between supply and demand supports stable market conditions, with new dwellings valued at an average of $441,000.

In the current financial year, there have been $4.3 million in commercial approvals, reflecting Bacchus Marsh Surrounds' primarily residential nature. Compared to Rest of Vic., Bacchus Marsh Surrounds has 11.0% lower construction activity per person but ranks at the 67th percentile nationally among assessed areas. New development consists of 90.0% detached dwellings and 10.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character focused on family homes.

With around 215 people approved per dwelling, Bacchus Marsh Surrounds reflects a low-density area. Population projections indicate stability or decline, suggesting reduced housing demand pressures in the future, which could benefit potential buyers.

Bacchus Marsh Surrounds has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 31stth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 17 projects that may affect the region. Notable initiatives include Autumn Grove Estate, Ballan Precinct 5 Residential Development (Gillespies Lane Area), Ballan Library and Community Hub, and Ballan Precinct 5 Residential Development. The following list details those likely to have the most relevance.

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

The labour market strength in Bacchus Marsh Surrounds positions it well ahead of most Australian regions

Bacchus Marsh Surrounds has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 2.1% in June 2025, which is lower than the Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%.

There was an estimated employment growth of 7.2% over the past year. As of June 2025, 3,597 residents were in work and workforce participation was at 62.1%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. The dominant employment sectors include construction, health care & social assistance, and public administration & safety. Construction is particularly specialized with an employment share of 1.5 times the regional level.

However, health care & social assistance employs only 11.9% of local workers, below Rest of Vic.'s 16.8%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by the Census working population versus resident population count. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 7.2%, while labour force increased by 6.9%, leading to a decrease in unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic.'s employment fell by 0.9%, labour force contracted by 0.4%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data from Sep-25 shows VIC employment grew by 1.08% year-on-year, adding 39,880 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. Nationally, the unemployment rate was 4.5%, and employment growth outpaced the national average of 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Bacchus Marsh Surrounds' employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.1% over five years and 12.7% over ten years, although these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Bacchus Marsh Surrounds' median income among taxpayers is $54,237, with an average of $67,233. This is higher than the national average and compares to Rest of Vic.'s median of $48,741 and average of $60,693. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.11% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $59,720 (median) and $74,030 (average) as of March 2025. Census 2021 income data ranks household, family, and personal incomes modestly in Bacchus Marsh Surrounds, between the 43rd and 49th percentiles. The largest segment comprises 34.7% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (2,374 residents), aligning with the region where this cohort likewise represents 30.3%. After housing, 86.4% of income remains for other expenses and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

The dwelling structure in Bacchus Marsh Surrounds, as per the latest Census conducted on 28 August 2016, consisted of 96.0% houses and 4.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This is compared to Non-Metro Vic., which had 96.1% houses and 3.9% other dwellings. As of this date, the level of home ownership in Bacchus Marsh Surrounds was 37.8%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (49.0%) or rented (13.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area, as of 2021, was $1,700, which is above Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,538. The median weekly rent figure for Bacchus Marsh Surrounds, also as of 2021, was recorded at $330, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $300. Nationally, Bacchus Marsh Surrounds's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 73.8% of all households, including 32.5% couples with children, 30.0% couples without children, and 10.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 26.2%, with lone person households at 24.2% and group households comprising 2.0%. The median household size is 2.5 people, larger than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate of 21.4%, as of the latest data, is significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 14.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.9%) and graduate diplomas (3.5%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 41.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas at 11.4% and certificates at 29.9%.

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.0% in primary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 3.4% pursuing tertiary education. As of the 2021 census, Bacchus Marsh Surrounds has five schools with a combined enrollment of 583 students. The area demonstrates typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 997) with balanced educational opportunities. Education provision is balanced with four primary and one secondary school serving distinct age groups.

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

Public transport analysis indicates five active transport stops operating within Bacchus Marsh Surrounds. These comprise a mix of train and bus services, with thirteen individual routes collectively providing six hundred twenty-five weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located forty-three hundred sixty-seven meters from the nearest transport stop.

Service frequency averages eighty-nine trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately one hundred twenty-five weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Bacchus Marsh Surrounds is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Bacchus Marsh Surrounds faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

Approximately 53% of its total population (~3,653 people) has private health cover. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 9.9% and 8.6% of residents respectively. 65.0% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.5% across Rest of Vic. 19.5% of residents are aged 65 and over (1,332 people), lower than the 24.2% in Rest of Vic.. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Bacchus Marsh Surrounds is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Bacchus Marsh Surrounds, as per the 2016 Census, had a cultural diversity index of below average. It was reported that 89.4% of its population were Australian citizens, with 86.4% having been born in Australia and 95.7% speaking only English at home. Christianity was found to be the dominant religion, comprising 46.6% of the population in Bacchus Marsh Surrounds.

However, Judaism showed an overrepresentation at 0.1%, compared to the rest of Victoria's average of 0.1%. The top three ancestral groups were Australian (30.1%), English (29.4%), and Irish (10.2%). Notable divergences included Maltese being overrepresented at 2.7% versus the regional average of 1.3%, Macedonian at 0.3% versus 0.2%, and Scottish at 8.5% versus 9.9%.

Bacchus Marsh Surrounds hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Bacchus Marsh Surrounds has a median age of 43, which is equal to the Rest of Vic figure and higher than the national average of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 35-44 are notably prominent at 14.8%, while those aged 65-74 are comparatively smaller at 10.7% compared to the Rest of Vic. Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 75-84 has grown from 5.6% to 7.0%, and the 15-24 cohort has increased from 9.5% to 10.7%. Conversely, the 5-14 age group has decreased from 13.1% to 11.9%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Bacchus Marsh Surrounds' age structure. Notably, the 25-34 group is expected to grow by 19%, reaching 806 people from 678. Conversely, population declines are projected for those aged 45-54 and 75-84.