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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Beechworth's population is around 5,238 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 252 people (5.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,986 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,961 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 57 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 14.1 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Beechworth's 5.1% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (4.9%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of population gains during recent periods.

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. Moving forward with demographic trends, an above-median population growth for locations outside of capital cities is projected, with the area expected to expand by 992 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 13.7% 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 around 25 new homes approved per year, with 127 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 11 so far in FY-26. With an average of only 0.7 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, offering ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts, while new dwellings are developed at an average value of $366,000—moderately above regional levels—indicating an emphasis on quality construction. Additionally, $7.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature.

Compared to the rest of Victoria, Beechworth has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks in the 58th percentile of areas assessed nationally. Meanwhile, recent building activity consists entirely of standalone homes, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The location has approximately 297 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low-density market.

Looking ahead, Beechworth is expected to grow by 715 residents through to 2041 (based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Current development appears well-matched to future needs, supporting steady market conditions without extreme price pressure.

Beechworth has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 33rdth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 5 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Alma Place Sustainable Subdivision, Beechworth to Yackandandah Rail Trail, Beechworth Railway Precinct Revitalisation (Murray to Mountains Rail Trail Enhancements), and the Beechworth Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade, 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.

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 features a well-educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of just 2.9%. As of December 2025, 2,395 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.8% below Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (59.3% compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.5%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 22.7% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise health care & social assistance, education & training, and public administration & safety. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in public administration & safety, with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average. Meanwhile, construction has a limited presence with 7.7% employment compared to 10.4% regionally. 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, the 12-month period saw the labour force decrease by 3.4% alongside a 4.3% employment decline, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.9 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 Beechworth. 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 Beechworth's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.5% 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 sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Beechworth SA2 is lower than average on a national basis, with the median assessed at $49,611 while the average income stands at $61,679. This contrasts with Regional Vic.'s figures of a median income of $50,954 and an average income of $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $53,704 (median) and $66,768 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Beechworth, between the 31st and 42nd percentiles. Distribution data shows the largest segment comprises 29.9% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (1,566 residents), reflecting patterns seen in the region where 30.3% similarly occupy this range. Housing costs are manageable with 87.8% retained, though disposable income sits below average at the 36th percentile and 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

Dwelling structure within Beechworth, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 95.1% houses and 4.9% 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 Beechworth was well beyond that of Regional Vic., at 48.1%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (33.0%) or rented (19.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Regional Vic. average at $1,560, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $300, compared to Regional Vic.'s $1,430 and $285. Nationally, Beechworth's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 68.8% of all households, comprising 24.0% couples with children, 34.5% couples without children, and 9.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 31.2%, with lone person households at 29.1% and group households comprising 2.3% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people is 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

Educational attainment in Beechworth significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 33.3% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 19.8% in the SA4 region and 21.1% in the SA3 area. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 20.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.0%) and graduate diplomas (6.1%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 34.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (13.4%) and certificates (21.4%).

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

Public transport analysis reveals 3 active transport stops operating within Beechworth. These stops are serviced by 2 individual routes, collectively providing 85 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 879 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 88%, with 9% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling. Some 22.7% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 12 trips per day 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 demonstrates above-average health outcomes, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is quite low across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~2,608 people). The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 9.8% and 8.7% of residents, respectively, while 64.2% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.4% across Regional Vic.. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 27.6% of residents aged 65 and over (1,446 people), which is higher than the 23.9% in Regional Vic.. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings broadly in line with 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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 89.7% of its population being citizens, 87.4% born in Australia, and 95.5% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Beechworth is Christianity, which makes up 38.5% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Judaism, which comprises 0.2% 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 Beechworth are English, comprising 32.0% of the population, Australian, comprising 27.1% of the population, and Irish, comprising 11.7% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Scottish is notably overrepresented at 10.7% of Beechworth (vs 8.8% regionally), Dutch at 1.8% (vs 1.7%) and German at 4.6% (vs 3.5%).

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

Beechworth's median age of 48 years stands materially older than Regional Vic.'s 43 and is significantly higher than the Australian median of 38. The age profile shows 65 - 74 year-olds are particularly prominent (15.1%), while the 25 - 34 group is comparatively smaller (7.1%) than in Regional Vic.. This 65 - 74 concentration is well above the national 9.5%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 7.7% to 9.2% of the population. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 15.9% to 14.6% and the 65 to 74 group dropped from 16.2% to 15.1%. Demographic modeling suggests Beechworth's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 5 to 14 age cohort is projected to grow steadily, expanding by 166 people (28%) from 602 to 769. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 65 to 74 and 55 to 64 cohorts.