Bruthen - Omeo
Statistical Area - sa2

Bruthen - Omeo lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Bruthen - Omeo's population is around 8654 as of Aug 2025. This reflects an increase of 364 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 8290 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 8626 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 147 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1.2 persons per square kilometer. Bruthen - Omeo's growth rate of 4.4% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's growth rate of 3.8%. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 68.1% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, AreaSearch utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing 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. Considering these projections, a significant population increase is forecasted for the area, expected to grow by 3603 persons to 2041 based on latest numbers, recording a gain of 40.8% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Bruthen - Omeo when compared nationally

Bruthen-Omeo has recorded approximately 66 residential property approvals annually. The Australian Bureau of Statistics produces development approval data on a financial year basis. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 334 dwellings were approved, with an additional 10 approved so far in FY26. On average, each dwelling constructed over these years attracted approximately 1.6 new residents annually, indicating a balanced supply and demand market that supports stable conditions.

The construction value of new properties averages around $463,000. This financial year has seen approximately $2.7 million in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's residential character. Comparing Bruthen-Omeo with the rest of Victoria, it maintains similar construction rates per capita, suggesting market stability aligned with regional patterns.

All recent development has consisted of detached dwellings, preserving the area's low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 179 people per dwelling approval, Bruthen-Omeo exhibits characteristics of a low-density area. By 2041, Bruthen-Omeo is projected to grow by approximately 3,528 residents. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Bruthen - Omeo has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 18thth percentile nationally

AreaSearch has identified 26 projects that could impact the area, with key ones being Wy Yung Acres Rural Lifestyle Subdivision, Princes Highway and McEacharn Street Intersection Upgrade, Dan Murphy's Bairnsdale, and Quest Bairnsdale. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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

While Bruthen - Omeo retains a healthy unemployment rate of 3.6%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

Bruthen-Omeo has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs, diverse sector representation, and an unemployment rate of 3.6% as of June 2025. The area's employment totalled 4,282 residents, with an unemployment rate 0.2% lower than Rest of Vic.'s 3.8%.

Workforce participation was similar to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Key industries included agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and construction. The area had a high specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing (2.3 times the regional level), but under-representation in health care & social assistance (13.9% vs Rest of Vic.'s 16.8%). Local employment opportunities appeared limited, with Census working population lower than resident population.

In the 12 months prior, labour force decreased by 0.8%, employment by 1.1%, raising unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. Comparatively, Rest of Vic. had an employment decline of 0.9% and labour force decline of 0.4%. State-level data to Sep-25 showed VIC employment grew by 1.08% year-on-year, adding 39,880 jobs, with state unemployment rate at 4.7%, slightly higher than the national rate of 4.5%. Jobs and Skills Australia's May 2025 projections forecast national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across sectors. Applying these projections to Bruthen-Omeo's mix suggested local growth of approximately 5.6% over five years and 12.2% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending 2022 shows income in Bruthen - Omeo is below the national average. The median income is $44,300 and the average income stands at $52,386. This contrasts with Rest of Vic.'s figures of a median income of $48,741 and an average income of $60,693. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.11% since financial year ending 2022, current estimates would be approximately $48,779 (median) and $57,682 (average) as of March 2025. Census 2021 income data indicates household, family and personal incomes in Bruthen - Omeo all fall between the 22nd and 23rd percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that 31.0% of locals (2,682 people) have incomes in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, aligning with regional levels where this cohort represents 30.3%. Housing costs are modest with 89.3% of income retained, but total disposable income ranks at just the 29th percentile nationally.

Bruthen - Omeo is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in Bruthen - Omeo, as per the latest Census, consisted of 96.6% houses and 3.4% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Vic. had 90.9% houses and 9.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bruthen - Omeo was 52.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 38.4% and rented ones at 9.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,343, higher than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,300. The median weekly rent in the area was $250, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $268. Nationally, Bruthen - Omeo's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,343 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially lower at $250 compared to the national figure of $375.

Bruthen - Omeo has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 72.9% of all households, including 27.5% couples with children, 36.3% couples without children, and 8.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for 27.1%, with lone person households at 25.0% and group households making up 2.0%. The median household size is 2.4 people, larger than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.2.

Educational outcomes in Bruthen - Omeo fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 16.4%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.4%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.7%) and postgraduate qualifications (2.3%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 43.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (12.1%) and certificates (31.1%). Educational participation is high at 26.8%, comprising 10.7% in primary, 8.2% in secondary, and 1.8% in tertiary education.

Bruthen - Omeo has a network of 10 schools educating approximately 549 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 967) and balanced educational opportunities. The mix includes 8 primary and 2 K-12 schools. School places per 100 residents are 6.3, below the regional average of 12.2, indicating some students may attend adjacent areas' schools. Note: for schools with 'n/a' enrolments, please refer to their parent campus.

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

Transport analysis shows 17 active public transport stops operating in the Bruthen-Omeo area as of April 2021. These stops offer a mix of bus services. There are 11 individual routes serving these stops, collectively providing 150 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located at an average distance of 5490 meters from the nearest transport stop. Service frequency averages 21 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 8 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Bruthen - Omeo is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Bruthen-Omeo faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 46% of its total population (~3998 people) have private health cover, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 9.9% of residents) and mental health issues (8.1%), while 65.6% claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 60.1% in Rest of Vic.. The area has 23.7% of residents aged 65 and over (2051 people), which is lower than the 30.5% in Rest of Vic.. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

Bruthen - Omeo is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Bruthen-Omeo has a lower than average cultural diversity, with 89.2% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia (90.3%), and speaking English only at home (96.7%). Christianity is the predominant religion, practiced by 42.0%. The 'Other' category, comprising 0.6%, is similarly represented compared to the Rest of Vic.

The top three ancestry groups are English (33.7%), Australian (32.1%), and Irish (8.8%). Notably, Dutch (2.1%) and Scottish (8.8%) ancestry are overrepresented in Bruthen-Omeo compared to regional averages.

Bruthen - Omeo hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Bruthen-Omeo's median age is 47 years, significantly higher than Victoria's average of 43 and Australia's national average of 38. The age profile shows a prominent group aged 55-64 (16.0%) and a relatively smaller group aged 15-24 (9.5%). Between 2021 and the present, the population aged 35-44 grew from 10.4% to 11.7%, while those aged 0-4 increased from 4.7% to 5.9%. Conversely, the age group of 45-54 decreased from 13.2% to 11.2%, and the 55-64 group dropped from 17.2% to 16.0%. By 2041, Bruthen-Omeo is expected to experience notable changes in its age composition, with the 25-34 group projected to grow by 70%, reaching 1,465 people from 861.