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 February 2026, is approximately 5,238. This figure represents an increase of 252 people, a 5.1% rise from the 4,986 reported in the 2021 Census. The change is inferred from the ABS's estimated resident population of 4,961 as of June 2024 and the addition of 57 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 14.1 persons per square kilometer. Beechworth's growth rate since the 2021 census exceeded that of its SA3 area, indicating it as a regional growth leader. Overseas migration was the primary driver of this growth.

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 a weighted aggregation method to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Looking ahead, locations outside capital cities are projected to have above-median population growth. By 2041, Beechworth is expected to expand by 992 persons, reflecting a total increase of 13.7% 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 seen approximately 25 new homes approved annually. Between fiscal years FY-21 and FY-25, around 127 homes were approved, with an additional 9 approved so far in FY-26. On average, over these five financial years, about 0.7 people moved to the area for each dwelling built.

This indicates that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings in Beechworth is $366,000, which is moderately above regional levels. In this financial year alone, $7.7 million worth of commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting the area's primarily residential nature.

Compared to the Rest of Vic., Beechworth has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person. Nationally, it places among the 58th percentile of areas assessed for this metric. 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. There are approximately 297 people per dwelling approval in Beechworth, indicating a low density market. Looking ahead, Beechworth is expected to grow by 715 residents through to 2041, according to 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

Five projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area significantly due to their potential influence on local infrastructure performance. These key projects include 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. Below is a list detailing those likely to be most relevant.

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

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AreaSearch analysis indicates Beechworth maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Beechworth has a well-educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.8%. As of September 2025, 2,403 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.0% lower than the Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation stands at 59.4%, slightly below the Rest of Vic.'s 61.4%. According to Census responses, 22.7% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries are health care & social assistance, education & training, and public administration & safety. The area has a notable concentration in public administration & safety, with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average.

Construction employment is limited at 7.7%, compared to the regional average of 10.4%. The local job market suggests limited opportunities, as indicated by the working population count versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, labour force decreased by 1.6% alongside a 2.4% employment decline, causing unemployment to rise by 0.8 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Vic.'s employment fell by 0.7%, labour force contracted by 0.6%, and unemployment rose marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall 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 a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows that median income in Beechworth SA2 is $49,611 and average income stands at $61,679. This contrasts with Rest of Vic.'s median income of $50,954 and average income of $62,728 for the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% from financial year ending June 2023 to September 2025, estimated current incomes would be approximately $53,704 (median) and $66,768 (average). Census data indicates household, family, and personal incomes in Beechworth rank modestly, between the 31st and 42nd percentiles. Distribution data shows that the largest segment comprises 29.9% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly, with 1,566 residents falling into this range. This pattern is also seen in the region where 30.3% occupy this income range. Housing costs are manageable with 87.8% retained, but disposable income sits 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 structure, as per the latest Census, comprised 95.1% houses and 4.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Vic.'s dwelling structure was 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Beechworth's home ownership rate was 48.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.0% and rented ones at 19.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Beechworth was $1,560, higher than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,430. The median weekly rent figure in Beechworth was $300, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Beechworth's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,560 than the Australian average of $1,863. Beechworth's rents were also 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 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 notably high, 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. Bachelor degrees are the most common 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+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 13.4% and certificates for 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. Two routes serve these stops, offering a total of 85 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is limited with residents typically located 879 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards using cars as the dominant mode at 88%, while 9% walk. On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 22.7% of residents work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 12 trips per day across all routes, resulting in 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 shows better-than-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is low across both younger and older age groups.

Approximately 50% (~2,608 people) of Beechworth's total population has private health cover, compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (9.8%) and asthma (8.7%), while 64.2% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly higher than the Rest of Vic.'s 63.4%. Health outcomes among working-age adults are typical. Beechworth has a larger senior population at 27.6% (1,446 people) compared to Rest of Vic.'s 23.9%. Senior health outcomes in Beechworth are above average and align with national rankings for 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, surveyed in 2016, had a culturally diverse population that was below average. It comprised 89.7% citizens, with 87.4% born in Australia and 95.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 38.5%.

Judaism, however, was overrepresented at 0.2%, compared to 0.1% regionally. The top three ancestral groups were English (32.0%), Australian (27.1%), and Irish (11.7%). Notably, Scottish ancestry was higher than regional averages (10.7% vs 8.8%), as were Dutch (1.8% vs 1.7%) and German (4.6% vs 3.5%).

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

Beechworth's median age of 48 years is notably higher than Rest of Vic.'s 43 and significantly exceeds the Australian median of 38. The age profile indicates that those aged 65-74 are particularly prominent, making up 15.1% of the population, while the 25-34 group comprises only 7.1%. This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 9.5%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 7.7% to 9.2%, while the 55 to 64 cohort has decreased from 15.9% to 14.6% and the 65 to 74 group has dropped from 16.2% to 15.1%. Demographic modeling suggests that Beechworth's age profile will undergo significant changes by 2041, with the 5-14 age cohort projected to grow steadily, increasing by 166 people (28%) from 602 to 769. Conversely, population declines are anticipated for the 65-74 and 55-64 cohorts.