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, as per AreaSearch's analysis, is approximately 5041 as of November 2025. This figure reflects an increase of 55 people, representing a 1.1% rise since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 4986. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4968 in June 2024 and an additional 54 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 13.6 persons per square kilometer. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration during recent periods.

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 the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusting using 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. The area is expected to grow by 992 persons to 2041 based on the latest population numbers, reflecting an 18.1% increase 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 received around 25 dwelling approvals annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25127 homes were approved, with a further 6 approved in FY-26. On average, 0.7 people moved to the area per dwelling built over these years.

This indicates that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction cost of new dwellings was $366,000, which is moderately higher than 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 approximately three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 59th percentile nationally. Recent building activity consists solely of standalone homes, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes. The location has around 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 increasing competition among buyers is expected 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 has identified five projects expected to influence the region. Notable initiatives include 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 provides details on those most relevant.

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.

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

Beechworth has a well-educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 2.6% as of June 2025, which is 1.2% lower than the Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation is similar to Rest of Vic., at 57.4%. Major employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, education & training, and public administration & safety. Notably, public administration & safety has an employment level that is 1.6 times the regional average. However, construction has a limited presence with 7.7% employment compared to the regional average of 10.4%.

The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over the past year, ending June 2025, employment increased by 0.4%, while labour force grew by 1.3%, resulting in an unemployment rise of 0.9 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic. saw employment contract by 0.9% and labour force fall by 0.4%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May 2025) 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 growth of approximately 6.3% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Beechworth's median taxpayer income was $48,119 and average income was $59,768 according to AreaSearch's aggregation of postcode level ATO data for the financial year 2022. This is lower than national averages, with Rest of Vic.'s median income being $48,741 and average income $60,693. By September 2025, estimates suggest Beechworth's median income could reach approximately $53,970 and average income $67,036, based on a 12.16% growth since financial year 2022. The 2021 Census places household, family, and personal incomes in Beechworth between the 32nd and 42nd percentiles. Income distribution shows that 29.9% of locals (1,507 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 category, similar to the surrounding region at 30.3%. Housing costs are manageable with 87.8% retained. However, disposable income is 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

Beechworth's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 95.1% houses and 4.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s 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, exceeding 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 significantly lower than the Australian 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 constitute 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 at 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

In Beechworth, educational attainment is notably high with 33.3% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications, surpassing the SA4 region's 19.8% and the SA3 area's 21.1%. 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 high at 28.1%, with 10.1% in primary education, 8.9% in secondary education, and 2.8% pursuing tertiary education.

Beechworth operates a robust network of six schools educating approximately 710 students, demonstrating above-average socio-educational conditions (ICSEA: 1062). The area provides balanced education with five primary 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

Beechworth has three active public transport stops operating, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by four different routes that together facilitate 121 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is limited, with residents typically located 879 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 17 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 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 are arthritis, impacting 9.8% of residents, and asthma, impacting 8.7%. A total of 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 seniors aged 65 and over at 27.6% (1393 people), compared to the 20.7% in Rest of Vic.. Health outcomes among seniors 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 had a cultural diversity level below average, with 89.7% of its population being citizens, 87.4% born in Australia, and 95.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 38.5% of Beechworth's population. Judaism, however, showed an overrepresentation with 0.2%, compared to 0.1% across Rest of Vic..

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (32.0%), Australian (27.1%), and Irish (11.7%). Notably, Scottish (10.7%) was overrepresented compared to the regional average of 8.3%, Dutch at 1.8% (vs regional 1.6%), and German at 4.6% (vs regional 4.8%).

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

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