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 of November 2025, is approximately 5,041 people. This figure represents an increase of 55 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 4,986. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,968 in June 2024 and the addition of 54 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a population density ratio of 13.6 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses 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 employs VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. National non-metropolitan areas are projected to have above median population growth. The area is expected to grow by 992 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 18.1% over the 17-year period, based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

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. Between FY-21 and FY-25127 homes were approved, with an additional 8 approved in FY-26 so far. On average, 0.7 people moved to the area each year for every dwelling built over these five years.

This indicates that new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction cost of new dwellings was $366,000, 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 around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 58th percentile nationally. 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. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Beechworth is expected to grow by 912 residents through to 2041. Development is keeping reasonable 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 identified five projects likely affecting this region. Notable ones are Alma Place Sustainable Subdivision, Beechworth to Yackandandah 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.

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 analysis indicates Beechworth maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Beechworth has a highly educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 2.8%.

The area's employment rate is 1.0% lower than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%, while workforce participation is similar at 57.4%. Major industries employing residents include health care & social assistance, education & training, and public administration & safety. Notably, public administration & safety has a high concentration with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average. Conversely, construction has limited presence at 7.7% compared to the regional average of 10.4%.

Between June 2024 and July 2025, Beechworth's labour force decreased by 1.6%, with employment declining by 2.4%, resulting in an unemployment rate increase of 0.8 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Vic.'s employment fell by 0.7% during the same period. State-wide, Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year to November 25, adding 41,950 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. Nationally, the unemployment rate was 4.3%, and employment growth outpaced the national average of 0.14%. Jobs and Skills Australia's projections from May-25 indicate national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.5% 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, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that Beechworth SA2 has lower median and average incomes compared to the national average. The median income is $48,119 while the average stands at $59,768. In contrast, Rest of Vic.'s median income is $48,741 with an average of $60,693. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Beechworth SA2 would be approximately $53,970 (median) and $67,036 (average) as of September 2025. Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Beechworth rank modestly, between the 31st and 42nd percentiles. Income distribution shows that the largest segment comprises 29.9% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (1,507 residents), reflecting regional patterns where 30.3% fall within this range. 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

Beechworth's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 95.1% houses and 4.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to 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. 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 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 compose 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 account for 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 exceeds broader averages. 33.3% of residents aged 15+ have university qualifications, compared to 19.8% in the SA4 region and 21.1% in the SA3 area. Bachelor degrees are most common 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+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas (13.4%) and certificates (21.4%).

Educational participation is 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, 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 transport services is considered limited, with residents on average located 879 meters away from the nearest stop.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 17 trips per day, equating 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, affecting 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. Beechworth 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's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 89.7% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia (87.4%), speaking English only at home (95.5%). Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 38.5%. Judaism is overrepresented compared to the rest of Victoria, at 0.2% versus 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (32.0%), Australian (27.1%), and Irish (11.7%). Notably, Scottish (10.7%) and Dutch (1.8%) groups are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 8.3% and 1.6%, respectively. German representation is slightly below the regional average 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. Compared to Rest of Vic., Beechworth has an over-representation of the 65-74 cohort at 15.4%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 7.2%. This concentration of the 65-74 cohort is notably higher than Australia's national figure of 9.4%. Since 2021, Beechworth has seen an increase in its 75 to 84 age group 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 by 204 people (34%), from 606 to 811. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 55 to 64 and 15 to 24 cohorts.