Bendigo
Statistical Area - sa2

An assessment of population growth drivers in Bendigo reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Bendigo's population was 14,929 as of the 2021 Census. By November 2025, it had decreased to around 14,563, a drop of 366 people (2.5%). This decline is inferred from ABS data: an estimated resident population of 14,538 in June 2024 and 95 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density was approximately 905 persons per square kilometer as of November 2025. Overseas migration primarily drove recent population growth in Bendigo.

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 utilises 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 years 2032 to 2041. Future trends project an above median population growth for Australian non-metropolitan areas like Bendigo, with an expected increase of 2,122 persons by 2041 based on the latest numbers, indicating a total gain of 14.1% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Bendigo according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Bendigo granted approval for approximately 60 residential properties each year over the past five financial years, totalling 301 homes. As of FY-26, 14 approvals have been recorded. Despite population decline in the area, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice. The average construction value for new properties is $325,000.

In FY-26, commercial approvals valued at $306.6 million have been registered, indicating high levels of local commercial activity. Bendigo records around 56% of the building activity per person compared to the Rest of Vic., placing it among the 68th percentile nationally. New building activity comprises 51.0% standalone homes and 49.0% medium and high-density housing, marking a shift from existing patterns (currently 86.0% houses). The estimated population per dwelling approval is 420 people, reflecting Bendigo's quiet development environment.

By 2041, the area is projected to grow by 2,058 residents, with development keeping pace with projected growth. However, increasing competition among buyers is expected as the population expands.

Bendigo has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 22ndth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 38 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include Bendigo Stadium and Showgrounds Redevelopment, St Andrews Bendigo Housing Project, Water and Sewer Network Program, and Regional Sports Infrastructure Program - Bendigo. Below is a list of most relevant projects.

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

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Employment drivers in Bendigo are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Bendigo has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 7.2% as of June 2015.

Employment stability over the past year was relative. As of June 2025, 6,677 residents were in work while the unemployment rate was 3.5% above Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation was broadly similar to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Dominant employment sectors among residents included health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food.

The area had particular employment specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level. Meanwhile, agriculture, forestry & fishing had limited presence with 1.6% employment compared to 7.5% regionally. There were 1.5 workers for every resident as at the Census, indicating Bendigo functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data during the year to June 2025, employment levels increased by 0.0% and labour force increased by 1.8%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.6 percentage points. By comparison, Rest of Vic. recorded employment decline of 0.9%, labour force decline of 0.4%, with unemployment rising 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 offer insight into potential future demand within Bendigo. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Bendigo's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.8%% over five years and 14.3% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes not taking into account localised population projections.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Bendigo's median income among taxpayers is $47,324, with an average of $61,900. This is lower than the national average. The Rest of Vic.'s median income was $48,741 and average was $60,693 in the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Bendigo's median income would be approximately $53,079 and average $69,427 by September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Bendigo fall between the 18th and 31st percentiles nationally. Income analysis shows 28.7% of Bendigo's population (4,179 individuals) have incomes within the $1,500 - $2,999 range, similar to surrounding regions where 30.3% fall into this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Bendigo, with only 84.0% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 19th percentile nationally.

Bendigo is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Bendigo, as per the latest Census evaluation, 86.5% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 13.4% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This differs slightly from Non-Metro Vic., which had 90.6% houses and 9.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bendigo stood at 29.5%, lower than Non-Metro Vic.'s level. The majority of dwellings were either mortgaged (25.6%) or rented (44.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, below the Non-Metro Vic. average of $1,408 and significantly lower than the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Bendigo was $280, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $295 and the national figure of $375.

Bendigo features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 57.5% of all households, including 18.4% couples with children, 23.3% couples without children, and 14.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 42.5%, with lone person households at 37.4% and group households comprising 5.0%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.4.

Educational attainment in Bendigo aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

Bendigo's educational qualifications trail regional benchmarks; 27.0% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees compared to Victoria's 33.4%. This gap suggests potential for educational development and skill enhancement. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 17.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.1%) and graduate diplomas (3.8%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 34.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them; advanced diplomas account for 9.6% and certificates for 24.6%.

Educational participation is high, with 27.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 8.4% in primary, 7.0% in secondary, and 4.9% pursuing tertiary education. Thirteen schools serve 6,129 students; the area has typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1006) with balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes five primary, four secondary, and four K-12 schools. Bendigo functions as an education hub with 42.1 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 18.0, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Transport analysis shows 144 active transport stops operating within Bendigo. These include a mix of train and bus services. They are served by 56 individual routes, collectively providing 5,495 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 211 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 785 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 38 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Bendigo is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data indicates significant health challenges in Bendigo, affecting both younger and older age groups.

Approximately 51% (~7,368 people) of the total population has private health cover. The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues (12.9%) and arthritis (10.1%), while 59.6% of residents report having no medical ailments compared to 62.0% in the rest of Victoria. As of 2021, 18.8% of Bendigo's population is aged 65 and over (2,743 people). Senior health outcomes present some challenges, generally aligning with the overall population's health profile.

Bendigo ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Bendigo had cultural diversity levels below average, with 86.4% citizens, 87.2% born in Australia, and 90.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 41.5%. Buddhism showed overrepresentation at 2.4%, compared to 1.4% regionally.

In ancestry, top groups were English (30.8%), Australian (28.2%), and Irish (11.0%). Scottish (8.6%) was notably overrepresented compared to regional levels (8.7%). Similarly, German (3.4%) and Australian Aboriginal (2.2%) showed higher percentages than regional averages of 3.2% and 1.7%, respectively.

Bendigo's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Bendigo's median age is 38, lower than Rest of Vic.'s 43 but equal to Australia's norm. The 25-34 age group makes up 19.6% here, higher than Rest of Vic.'s figure and significantly above the national average of 14.5%. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort is less prevalent at 9.2%. Post-2021 Census, Bendigo's median age decreased by one year to 38 due to younger residents' influx. Specifically, the 25-34 group grew from 15.7% to 19.6%, while the 35-44 cohort increased from 11.1% to 12.3%. Meanwhile, the 45-54 group declined from 12.3% to 10.4%, and the 15-24 group dropped from 12.9% to 11.7%. By 2041, Bendigo's age composition is projected to shift notably. The 25-34 cohort is expected to grow by 51%, adding 1,454 residents and reaching a total of 4,312. Conversely, the 75-84 and 65-74 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.