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 is around 5,041 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 55 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,986. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,968 in June 2024 and an additional 54 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 13.6 persons per square kilometer. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 with adjustments made 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. Nationally, non-metropolitan areas are projected to have above median population growth, with the area expected to grow by 992 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 18.1% in total over the 17 years.

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

Beechworth has seen approximately 25 dwellings approved for development each year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, a total of 127 homes were approved, with an additional six approved so far in FY-26. On average, about 0.7 people moved to the area annually for each dwelling built during these 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 $590,000, 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 Victoria, Beechworth has about three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 58th percentile nationally. Recent building activity consists solely of standalone homes, preserving the area's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. Currently, there are approximately 297 people per dwelling approval in the location. Looking ahead, Beechworth is projected to grow by 912 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Development is keeping pace with projected growth, though buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

Beechworth has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 32ndth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified five projects likely to affect the region. Notable 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.

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

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AreaSearch assessment positions Beechworth ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Beechworth has an educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 2.6% as of June 2025.

This is 1.2% lower than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation is similar to Rest of Vic., at 57.4%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, education & training, and public administration & safety. Public administration & safety has a notable concentration, with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average.

Construction's presence is limited, at 7.7% compared to the regional average of 10.4%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. In the year ending June 2025, employment increased by 0.4%, labour force by 1.3%, leading to a unemployment rise of 0.9 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Vic., where employment contracted by 0.9% and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data from Nov-25 shows VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. Job 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. 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, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The median taxpayer income in Beechworth SA2, based on the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch, is $48,119 for the financial year 2022. The average income for this area during the same period is $59,768. These figures are lower than the national averages; Rest of Vic., for instance, has a median income of $48,741 and an average income of $60,693. Considering the Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $53,970 (median) and $67,036 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Beechworth rank modestly, between the 31st and 42nd percentiles. The distribution data shows that the predominant income cohort spans 29.9% of locals (1,507 people), falling within the $1,500 - 2,999 category, which mirrors the surrounding region's 30.3%. Housing costs are manageable with 87.8% retained, but disposable income is below average at the 36th percentile. The area'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

The latest Census data shows that in Beechworth, 95.1% of dwellings are houses, with the remaining 4.9% being semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This is compared to Non-Metro Vic., where 91.6% of dwellings are houses and 8.5% are other types. Home ownership in Beechworth stands at 48.1%, with mortgaged dwellings making up 33.0% and rented ones 19.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area is $1,560, higher than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,473. The median weekly rent figure for Beechworth is $300, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $280. Nationally, Beechworth's mortgage repayments are lower at $1,560 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents are 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 constitute the remaining 31.2%, with lone person households at 29.1% and group households comprising 2.3%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.4.

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

Educational attainment in Beechworth is notable with 33.3% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications, surpassing the SA4 region's 19.8% and the SA3 area's 21.1%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 20.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.0%) and graduate diplomas (6.1%). Vocational credentials are also prominent with 34.8%, including advanced diplomas (13.4%) and certificates (21.4%). Educational participation is high, with 28.1% currently enrolled in formal education: 10.1% in primary, 8.9% in secondary, and 2.8% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, 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

Beechworth has three active public transport stops operating currently, serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are serviced by four distinct routes in total, which provide 121 weekly passenger trips collectively. The accessibility of these transport services is rated as limited, with residents typically located approximately 879 meters away from the nearest stop on average.

The service frequency across all routes averages around 17 trips per day, equating to roughly 40 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Beechworth faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover stands at approximately 50% of its total population (~2,495 people), lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 9.8% of residents) and asthma (8.7%), while 64.2% claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, similar to Rest of Vic.'s 64.1%. Beechworth has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 27.6% (1,393 people), compared to Rest of Vic.'s 20.7%. Health outcomes among seniors in Beechworth are above average, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Beechworth showed cultural diversity below average levels, 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, however, was overrepresented at 0.2%, compared to 0.1% regionally.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (32%), Australian (27.1%), and Irish (11.7%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Scottish was overrepresented at 10.7% versus regional 8.3%, Dutch at 1.8% versus 1.6%, and German at 4.6% versus 4.8%.

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

Beechworth's median age is 49, which exceeds Rest of Vic.'s figure of 43 and is higher than Australia's 38 years. Compared to Rest of Vic., Beechworth has a notably over-represented 65-74 cohort (15.4%) and an under-represented 25-34 age group (7.2%). The 65-74 concentration is significantly higher than the national average of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, Beechworth's 75 to 84 age group has grown from 7.7% to 9.2%, while the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 15.9% to 14.9%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Beechworth's age structure. The 35 to 44 age group is projected to grow strongly by 204 people (34%), from 606 to 811. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 55 to 64 and 15 to 24 cohorts.