Beechworth

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

Beechworth's population, as per AreaSearch's analysis, is approximately 4,964 as of May 2026. This figure represents a decrease of 22 individuals from the 2021 Census count of 4,986 people, indicating a 0.4% decline. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,962 in June 2025 and an additional 55 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 13.4 persons per square kilometer. While Beechworth's population decreased by 0.4% since the census, the SA3 area experienced a 2.4% growth, demonstrating differing trends within the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 70.6% of overall population gains in recent periods for the area.

AreaSearch employs 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 uses Victorian State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using a weighted aggregation method from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, the area is projected to grow by 973 persons by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 19.6% over the 16-year period. This anticipates an above-median population growth for non-metropolitan areas nationally.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Beechworth according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Beechworth has experienced approximately 25 dwelling approvals per year. In the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25127 homes were approved, with an additional 14 approved in FY-26 so far. On average, 0.7 people have moved to the area annually for each dwelling built over these five years.

This indicates that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and allowing for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average expected construction cost of new dwellings is $366,000, which is moderately above regional levels, suggesting an emphasis on quality construction. In the current financial year, $7.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting Beechworth's primarily residential nature.

Compared to the Rest of Vic., Beechworth has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 58th percentile nationally for areas assessed. Recent building activity consists solely of standalone homes, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. This is evident in the population density, which stands at approximately 297 people per dwelling approval. Looking ahead, Beechworth is projected to grow by 971 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Development appears to be keeping pace with projected growth, although buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

Beechworth has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 29thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified five projects likely to affect this region. Key initiatives include Alma Place Sustainable Subdivision, Beechworth to Yackandah Rail Trail, Beechworth Railway Precinct Revitalisation (Murray to Mountains Rail Trail Enhancements), and Beechworth Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade. The following details those most relevant.

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The employment landscape in Beechworth presents a mixed picture: unemployment remains low at 2.9%, yet recent job losses have affected its comparative national standing

Beechworth has a well-educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.9%. As of December 2025, 2,395 residents are employed at an unemployment rate of 0.8% below Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%.

Workforce participation stands at 59.0%, compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.0%. According to Census responses, 22.7% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries are health care & social assistance, education & training, and public administration & safety. Public administration & safety has a particularly notable concentration with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average.

Construction, however, has limited presence with 7.7% employment compared to 10.4% regionally. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between Dec-25 and Nov-26, labour force decreased by 3.4%, employment declined by 4.3%, causing unemployment rate to rise by 0.9 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Vic. saw employment fall by 0.6%, labour force contract by 0.7%, and unemployment fall by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industries. Applying these projections to Beechworth's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only and does not consider localised population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2023 shows Beechworth SA2 had a median income of $49,611 and an average income of $61,679. This is lower than the national averages of $50,954 (median) and $62,728 (average) for Regional Vic. Using Wage Price Index growth of 9.62%, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $54,384 (median) and $67,613 (average). Census data ranks Beechworth's household, family, and personal incomes modestly, between the 31st and 42nd percentiles. Income distribution shows that 29.9% of residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly. Housing costs are manageable with 87.8% retained, but disposable income is below average at the 36th percentile. Beechworth's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

In Beechworth, as per the latest Census evaluation, 95.1% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 4.9% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to Regional Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Beechworth stood at 48.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.0% and rented ones at 19.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,560, higher than Regional Vic.'s average of $1,430. Median weekly rent in Beechworth was $300, compared to Regional Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Beechworth's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,560 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were also lower at $300 compared to the national figure of $375.

Beechworth has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 68.8% of all households, including 24.0% couples with children, 34.5% couples without children, and 9.4% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 31.2%, with lone person households at 29.1% and group households making up 2.3%. The median household size is 2.3 people, smaller than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.

Beechworth shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

In Beechworth, the percentage of residents aged 15 and above with university qualifications is notably higher than broader averages, standing at 33.3%, compared to 19.8% in the SA4 region and 21.1% in the SA3 area. This significant educational advantage suggests strong potential for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 20.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.0%) and graduate diplomas (6.1%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 34.8% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (13.4%) and certificates (21.4%).

Educational participation is notably high in Beechworth, with 28.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.1% in primary education, 8.9% in secondary education, and 2.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis shows three active stops operating within Beechworth. These stops are served by two routes, offering a total of 85 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated limited, with residents typically located 879 meters from the nearest stop. In this primarily residential area, most commuters travel outward; car remains dominant at 88%, while 9% walk. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 22.7% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 12 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 28 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Beechworth is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Beechworth exhibits superior health outcomes according to AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notably low across both younger and older age groups.

Approximately 50% (~2,472 people) of Beechworth's total population has private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.7%. Arthritis and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 9.8 and 8.7% of residents respectively. Notably, 64.2% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, slightly higher than Regional Vic.'s 63.4%. Health outcomes among working-age individuals are generally typical. Beechworth has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, with 28.3% (1,403 people) compared to Regional Vic.'s 23.9%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Beechworth are above average and align broadly with national rankings for the general population.

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

Beechworth, surveyed in June 2016, had low cultural diversity with 89.7% citizens, 87.4% born in Australia, and 95.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 38.5%. Judaism was slightly overrepresented at 0.2%, compared to Regional Vic's 0.1%.

Top ancestry groups were English (32.0%), Australian (27.1%), and Irish (11.7%). Notable differences included Scottish (Beechworth: 10.7%, Regional Vic: 8.8%), Dutch (Beechworth: 1.8%, Regional Vic: 1.7%), and German (Beechworth: 4.6%, Regional Vic: 3.5%).

Beechworth hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Beechworth's median age is 49, exceeding Regional Vic.'s figure of 43 and Australia's 38 years. The 65-74 cohort is notably over-represented at 15.6% locally, compared to the Regional Vic. average, while the 25-34 year-olds are under-represented at 6.7%. This concentration of the 65-74 age group is well above the national figure of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 7.7% to 9.3% of the population. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 15.9% to 14.5%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Beechworth's age structure. The 5-14 age cohort is projected to grow by 193 people (34%), from 563 to 757. Meanwhile, numbers in the 15-24 age range are expected to decrease by 40.