Bendigo

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Bendigo's population is around 14,719 as of Feb 2026. This reflects a decrease of 210 people (1.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 14,929 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 14,501 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 98 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 915 persons per square kilometer, which is in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking at population projections moving forward, an above-median population growth for non-metropolitan areas nationally is projected, with the area expected to grow by 2,122 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 12.9% in total over the 17 years.

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

Bendigo has experienced around 60 dwellings receiving development approval per year, totalling 301 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 23 approvals have been recorded. As the area has experienced population decline, development activity has been adequate in relative terms, which is a positive for buyers, while new dwellings are developed at an average construction cost of $325,000. There have also been $306.6 million in commercial approvals this financial year, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity.

Compared to the rest of Victoria, Bendigo shows approximately 56% of the construction activity per person and ranks in the 67th percentile of areas assessed nationally, though construction activity has intensified recently. New building activity consists of 51.0% detached dwellings and 49.0% medium and high-density housing, showing an expanding range of medium-density options that create a mix of opportunities across price brackets, from traditional family housing to more affordable compact alternatives. This marks a significant departure from existing housing patterns (currently 86.0% houses), suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. The estimated count of 420 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low-activity development environment.

Looking ahead, Bendigo is expected to grow by 1,902 residents through to 2041 (based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Development is keeping a reasonable pace with projected growth, though buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

Bendigo has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 38 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Water and Sewer Network Program, Bendigo Stadium and Showgrounds Redevelopment, Bendigo Art Gallery Redevelopment, and the Regional Sports Infrastructure Program - Bendigo, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

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

Bendigo features a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of 7.1%, and 2.2% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 6,645 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 3.4% above Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (57.9% compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.5%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 14.5% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food. The area has a particular employment specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level. On the other hand, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 1.6% of Bendigo's workforce compared to 7.5% in Regional Vic.. With 1.5 workers for every resident, as at the Census, the area 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, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 2.2% alongside the labour force increasing by 1.7%, resulting in unemployment falling by 0.5 percentage points. By comparison, Regional Vic. recorded an employment decline of 0.6%, a labour force decline of 0.7%, with unemployment falling 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further 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. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Bendigo's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by. 6.8% over five years and 14.3% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Bendigo SA2's income level is below the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Bendigo SA2's median income among taxpayers is $49,616 and the average income stands at $61,632, which compares to figures for Regional Vic.'s of $50,954 and $62,728 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $53,709 (median) and $66,717 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Bendigo all fall between the 18th and 30th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 28.7% of the community (4,224 individuals), reflecting patterns seen at regional levels where 30.3% similarly occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.0% of income remaining, ranking at the 18th percentile.

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

Dwelling structure within Bendigo, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 86.5% houses and 13.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Bendigo lagged that of Regional Vic. at 29.5%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (25.6%) or rented (44.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Regional Vic. average at $1,300, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $280, compared to Regional Vic.'s $1,430 and $285. Nationally, Bendigo's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below 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 dominate at 57.5% of all households, comprising 18.4% couples with children, 23.3% couples without children, and 14.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 42.5%, with lone person households at 37.4% and group households comprising 5.0% of the total. The median household size of 2.1 people is smaller than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.

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

Educational qualifications in Bendigo trail regional benchmarks, with 27.0% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 33.4% in VIC. This gap highlights potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees lead at 17.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.1%) and graduate diplomas (3.8%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 34.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (9.6%) and certificates (24.6%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.4% in primary education, 7.0% in secondary education, and 4.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 144 active transport stops operating within Bendigo, comprising a mix of train services. These stops are serviced by 42 individual routes, collectively providing 7,218 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 211 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 85%, with 10% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. Some 14.5% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 1,031 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 50 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

Health performance in Bendigo is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Critical health challenges are evident across Bendigo, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A range of health conditions have marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~7,330 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 12.9% and 10.1% of residents, respectively, while 59.6% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.4% across Regional Vic.. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 18.6% of residents aged 65 and over (2,742 people), which is lower than the 23.9% in Regional Vic.. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Bendigo was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 86.4% of its population being citizens, 87.2% born in Australia, and 90.8% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Bendigo is Christianity, which makes up 41.5% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Buddhism, which comprises 2.4% of the population, compared to 1.0% across Regional Vic..

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Bendigo are English, comprising 30.8% of the population, Australian, comprising 28.2% of the population, and Irish, comprising 11.0% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Scottish is represented at 8.6% of Bendigo (vs 8.8% regionally), German at 3.4% (vs 3.5%) and Sri Lankan at 0.2% (vs 0.1%).

Bendigo's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

With a median age of 38, Bendigo is notably under the Regional Vic. figure of 43 but is equivalent to the national norm of 38. The 25 - 34 age group shows strong representation at 20.8% compared to Regional Vic., whereas the 5 - 14 cohort is less prevalent at 8.9%. This 25 - 34 concentration is well above the national 14.4%. Following the 2021 Census, younger residents have shifted the median age down by 1.3 years to 38. Specifically, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 15.7% to 20.8% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 11.1% to 12.5%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 12.3% to 10.0% and the 15 to 24 group dropped from 12.9% to 11.5%. By 2041, Bendigo is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. The 25 to 34 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 41%, adding 1,251 residents to reach 4,312. Meanwhile, the 75 to 84 and 65 to 74 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.