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' population is around 7075 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 516 people (7.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6559 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6722 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 168 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 6.8 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Bacchus Marsh Surrounds' 7.9% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's 7.3%, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area 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, 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. Over this period, 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.

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

Bacchus Marsh Surrounds has seen approximately 41 dwellings granted development approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, a total of 207 homes have been approved, with an additional 16 approved in FY26 so far. On average, about 1.8 people have moved to the area each year for every dwelling built during these five financial years.

This balance between supply and demand has contributed to stable market conditions. The average construction cost of new properties is around $323,000. In terms of commercial approvals, there has been $4.3 million in FY26, indicating the area's residential character.

Compared to the rest of Victoria, Bacchus Marsh Surrounds shows 11.0% lower construction activity per person but ranks among the 67th percentile nationally when assessed areas are considered. New developments consist predominantly of detached dwellings (90.0%) with a smaller proportion being attached dwellings (10.0%), reflecting the area's traditional low density character and appeal to families seeking space. The population reflects a transitioning market, with approximately 215 people per approval. Given stable or declining population projections, Bacchus Marsh Surrounds is expected to experience reduced housing demand pressures, potentially benefiting potential buyers.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 23 projects likely to affect the region. Notable initiatives include Autumn Grove Estate, Ballan Precinct 5 Residential Development, Ballan Library and Community Hub, and Bacchus Marsh Grammar - Maddingley Campus Expansion. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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AreaSearch analysis reveals Bacchus Marsh Surrounds significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Bacchus Marsh Surrounds has a skilled labour force with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 2.2% as of September 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.9%.

In September 2025, 3612 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.6% lower than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation was 66.3%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 61.4%. According to Census responses, 23.0% of residents worked from home. Dominant employment sectors include construction, health care & social assistance, and public administration & safety.

Construction employment share is 1.5 times the regional level, while health care & social assistance employs 11.9%, below Rest of Vic.'s 16.8%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census working population vs resident population comparison. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 1.9% and labour force increased by 1.7%, reducing unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic. saw employment fall by 0.7%, labour force contract by 0.6%, and marginal unemployment rise. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May-25) project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Bacchus Marsh Surrounds' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.7% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

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

The median income among taxpayers in Bacchus Marsh Surrounds SA2, based on AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023, is $56,654. The average income during this period was $68,556. Nationally, the median income was lower at $50,954 with an average of $62,728. By September 2025, estimates based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% suggest the median income would be approximately $61,328 and the average would be around $74,212. According to Census 2021 income data, household, family, and personal incomes in Bacchus Marsh Surrounds rank modestly, between the 42nd and 48th percentiles. The largest segment of residents, comprising 34.7% or 2,455 individuals, earn $1,500 - $2,999 weekly. This aligns with the region where this cohort represents 30.3%. After housing expenses, 86.4% of income remains for other expenses. 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

Bacchus Marsh Surrounds' dwellings, as recorded in the latest Census, consisted of 96.0% houses and 4.1% other dwellings (including semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bacchus Marsh Surrounds stood at 37.8%, with mortgaged properties at 49.0% and rented ones at 13.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,700, higher than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,430. The median weekly rent was $330, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Bacchus Marsh Surrounds' mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were 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 constitute 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, which is 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 is 21.4%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 14.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.9%) and graduate diplomas (3.5%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 41.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.4%) and certificates (29.9%). Educational participation is 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

Bacchus Marsh Surrounds has ten active public transport stops, offering a mix of train services. These are served by six different routes, collectively facilitating 378 weekly passenger trips. Residents have limited access to these stops, with an average distance of 4323 meters to the nearest one. The area is predominantly residential, and most commuters travel outward, primarily by car (92%). On average, there are 1.9 vehicles per dwelling, higher than the regional norm. According to the 2021 Census, 23% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 54 trips per day, translating to roughly 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

Bacchus Marsh Surrounds shows below-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are higher than average, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover is at approximately 53% of the total population (~3,770 people), slightly above Victoria's average of 50.5%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (9.9%) and mental health issues (8.6%). However, 65.0% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 63.4% across Rest of Vic.. Working-age residents have an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 19.4%, compared to the state average of 23.9%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with 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, as per the 2016 Census, had a population with 89.4% being Australian citizens and 86.4% born in Australia. English was spoken exclusively at home by 95.7% of residents. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 46.6%.

Judaism, however, was proportionally similar to the Rest of Vic., with 0.1% of Bacchus Marsh Surrounds population identifying as such. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (30.1%), English (29.4%), and Irish (10.2%). Notably, Maltese, Macedonian, and Scottish ethnicities showed some divergence from regional averages: Maltese at 2.7% vs 0.5%, 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

The median age in Bacchus Marsh Surrounds is 43, matching the figure for the Rest of Vic. and exceeding the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that individuals aged 35-44 are notably prominent at 15.2%, while those aged 65-74 are comparatively smaller at 10.6% than in the Rest of Vic.. Between the 2021 Census and present, the proportion of the population aged 35 to 44 has increased from 13.6% to 15.2%, while those aged 75 to 84 have grown from 5.6% to 7.2%. Conversely, the proportion of individuals aged 5 to 14 has declined from 13.1% to 11.6%, and those aged 45 to 54 have decreased from 14.6% to 13.5%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Bacchus Marsh Surrounds's age structure. Notably, the population aged 25 to 34 is projected to grow by 10%, reaching 806 from 729. Conversely, population declines are anticipated for those aged 0 to 4 and 35 to 44.