Beechworth
Statistical Area - sa2

Beechworth lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Beechworth's population is 5,041 as of August 2025. This reflects a growth from 4,986 people recorded in the 2021 Census, an increase of 55 people (1.1%). The population estimate for June 2024 was 4,970 by the ABS, with an additional 53 validated new addresses since the Census date contributing to this growth. This results in a density ratio of 13.6 persons per square kilometer. Beechworth's growth rate since the census is 1.1%, which is within 2.5 percentage points of the SA3 area's growth rate of 3.6%. Overseas migration was the primary driver for population growth during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area, and VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 adjusted to SA2 levels for areas not covered by the former data. 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. Based on the latest numbers, Beechworth is expected to grow by 992 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 18.1% over the 17-year period.

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 annually. The Australian Bureau of Statistics provides this data on a financial year basis: 127 dwellings approved between FY-21 and FY-25, with 6 more in FY-26 so far. Over these five years, an average of 0.7 people moved to the area per dwelling built. This indicates that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand, offering ample buyer choice and potential for population growth beyond current forecasts.

The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings is $590,000, which is moderately above regional levels, suggesting an emphasis on quality construction. In FY-26, $7.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to Rest of Vic., Beechworth has roughly three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 59th 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. The location has approximately 297 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. By 2041, Beechworth is projected to grow by 912 residents. 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 25thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified five projects potentially affecting this region: Alma Place Sustainable Subdivision, Beechworth Railway Precinct Revitalisation (Murray to Mountains Rail Trail Enhancements), Beechworth to Yackandandah Rail Trail, and Beechworth Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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

Beechworth has a well-educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 2.6% as of June 2025.

Employment stability has been relative over the past year. As of that month, 2,417 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.2% lower than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation was broadly similar to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, education & training, and public administration & safety.

Public administration & safety had notably high concentration with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average. Construction had limited presence with 7.7% employment compared to 10.4% regionally. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census working population count versus resident population. In the 12-month period ending June 2025, employment increased by 0.4% while labour force increased by 1.3%, resulting in unemployment rising by 0.9 percentage points. This contrasted with Rest of Vic., where employment contracted by 0.9%, labour force fell by 0.4%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data to Sep-25 showed VIC employment grew by 1.08% year-on-year, adding 39,880 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggested national employment expansion of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Beechworth's employment mix indicated local growth of approximately 6.3%% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localised population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Beechworth's median taxpayer income was $48,119 and average was $59,768 in financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is lower than the national average, with Rest of Vic.'s median being $48,741 and average at $60,693. By March 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $52,984 (median) and $65,811 (average), considering a 10.11% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. In Beechworth, household, family, and personal incomes ranked modestly between the 32nd and 42nd percentiles in the 2021 Census. Income distribution showed that 29.9% of locals (1,507 people) fell into the $1,500 - $2,999 category, similar to the surrounding region at 30.3%. Housing costs were manageable with 87.8% retained, but disposable income was below average at the 36th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed 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% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other dwelling types. This contrasts with Non-Metro Vic.'s figures of 91.6% houses and 8.5% 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 Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,473. The median weekly rent in Beechworth was $300, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $280. Nationally, Beechworth's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,560 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below 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 make up the remaining 31.2%, consisting of 29.1% lone person households and 2.3% group households. The median household size is 2.3 people, 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 notably higher than broader benchmarks. Specifically, 33.3% of residents aged 15 years and above have university qualifications, compared to the SA4 region's 19.8% and the SA3 area's 21.1%. The most common qualification is bachelor degrees at 20.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.0%) and graduate diplomas (6.1%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 34.8% of residents aged 15 years and above holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas constitute 13.4% and certificates make up 21.4%.

Educational participation is high in Beechworth, with 28.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes primary education (10.1%), secondary education (8.9%), and tertiary education (2.8%). There are six schools operating within Beechworth, educating approximately 710 students. The area shows above-average socio-educational conditions with an ICSEA score of 1062. Educational provision is balanced, with five primary schools and one secondary school serving distinct age groups.

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

The transport analysis indicates three active stops in Beechworth offering mixed bus services. These are covered by four distinct routes, together facilitating 121 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is assessed as limited, with residents generally positioned 879 meters from the nearest stop.

Services run at an average of 17 trips daily across all routes, 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 is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~2495 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 9.8% and 8.7% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 64.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, similar to the 64.1% across Rest of Vic. The area has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 27.6% (1393 people), compared to 20.7% in Rest of Vic.. 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's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 89.7% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia (87.4%), and speaking English only at home (95.5%). Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 38.5% of Beechworth's population. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented in Beechworth at 0.2%, compared to 0.1% across the rest of Victoria.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (32.0%), Australian (27.1%), and Irish (11.7%). Some ethnic groups show significant variations: Scottish is overrepresented at 10.7%, Dutch at 1.8%, and German at 4.6%.

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

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