Bacchus Marsh Surrounds

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Bacchus Marsh Surrounds's population is around 7,075 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 516 people (7.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,559 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,722 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 168 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 6.8 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Bacchus Marsh Surrounds's 7.9% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (7.3%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed 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, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising 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. Regarding demographic trends, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to decline by 399 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 25 to 34 age group, which is projected to expand by 162 people. See the age section for more details.

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

Bacchus Marsh Surrounds has experienced around 41 dwellings receiving development approval per year, with 207 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 17 so far in FY-26. With an average of 1.8 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply and demand seem well-matched, fostering stable market dynamics, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $323,000. There have also been $4.3 million in commercial approvals this financial year, supporting the area's residential character.

Compared to the Rest of Vic., Bacchus Marsh Surrounds shows 11.0% lower construction activity (per person) while it places among the 67th percentile of areas assessed nationally. New development consists of 90.0% detached dwellings and 10.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. At around 215 people per approval, Bacchus Marsh Surrounds reflects a transitioning market.

With population projections showing stability or decline, Bacchus Marsh Surrounds should see reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

Bacchus Marsh Surrounds has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 23 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Autumn Grove Estate, Ballan Precinct 5 Residential Development, Ballan Library and Community Hub, 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 reveals Bacchus Marsh Surrounds significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Bacchus Marsh Surrounds has a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of just 2.0%, and relative employment stability over the past year. As of December 2025, 3,647 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.7% below Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (66.8% compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.5%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 23.0% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include construction, health care & social assistance, and public administration & safety. The area has a particular employment specialization in construction, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level. On the other hand, health care & social assistance is under-represented, with only 11.9% of Bacchus Marsh Surrounds's workforce compared to 16.8% in Regional Vic.. 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, during the year to December 2025, the labour force decreased by 0.6% alongside a 0.4% employment decline, resulting in the unemployment rate falling by 0.2 percentage points. This compares to Regional Vic., where employment fell by 0.6%, the labour force contracted by 0.7%, and unemployment fell 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Bacchus Marsh Surrounds. 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 Surrounds's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.7% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Bacchus Marsh Surrounds SA2's median income among taxpayers is $56,654, with an average of $68,556. This is slightly above average nationally, and compares to Regional Vic.'s median of $50,954 and average of $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $61,328 (median) and $74,212 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Bacchus Marsh Surrounds, between the 42nd and 48th percentiles. The data shows the largest segment comprises 34.7% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (2,455 residents), aligning with regional levels 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

Dwelling structure within Bacchus Marsh Surrounds, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 96.0% houses and 4.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Bacchus Marsh Surrounds slightly lagged that of Regional Vic. at 37.8%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (49.0%) or rented (13.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Regional Vic. average at $1,700, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $330, compared to Regional Vic.'s $1,430 and $285. 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 dominate at 73.8% of all households, comprising 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% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 people is larger than the Regional 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (21.4%) substantially below the VIC average of 33.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 14.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.9%) and graduate diplomas (3.5%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 41.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.4%) and certificates (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.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 10 active transport stops operating within Bacchus Marsh Surrounds, comprising a mix of train services. These stops are serviced by 6 individual routes, collectively providing 378 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 4323 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward, and the car remains the dominant mode at 92%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.9 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. Some 23.0% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 54 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 37 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Bacchus Marsh Surrounds are marginally below the national average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Health indicators suggest below-average outcomes in Bacchus Marsh Surrounds, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover just leads the average SA2 area at approximately 53% of the total population (~3,770 people), compared to 50.5% across Regional Vic..

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 9.9% and 8.6% of residents, respectively, while 65.0% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.4% across Regional Vic.. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 19.4% of residents aged 65 and over (1,373 people), which is lower than the 23.9% in Regional Vic.. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 89.4% of its population being citizens, 86.4% born in Australia, and 95.7% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Bacchus Marsh Surrounds is Christianity, which makes up 46.6% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Judaism, which comprises 0.1% of the population, compared to 0.1% across Regional Vic..

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Bacchus Marsh Surrounds are Australian, comprising 30.1% of the population, English, comprising 29.4% of the population, and Irish, comprising 10.2% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Maltese is notably overrepresented at 2.7% of Bacchus Marsh Surrounds (vs 0.5% regionally), Macedonian at 0.3% (vs 0.2%) and Scottish at 8.5% (vs 8.8%).

Bacchus Marsh Surrounds's median age exceeds the national pattern

With a median age of 43, Bacchus Marsh Surrounds is equal to the Regional Vic. figure of 43 and well above the 38-year national average. The age profile shows 35 - 44 year-olds are particularly prominent (15.2%), while the 65 - 74 group is comparatively smaller (10.6%) than in Regional Vic.. Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 13.6% to 15.2% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 5.6% to 7.2%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 13.1% to 11.6% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 14.6% to 13.5%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Bacchus Marsh Surrounds's age structure. Leading the demographic shift, the 25 to 34 group will grow by 10% (76 people), reaching 806 from 729. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0 to 4 and 35 to 44 cohorts.