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

Bruthen-Omeo's population, as per AreaSearch's analysis, was around 8,631 by Nov 2025. This figure reflects an increase of 341 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,290. The change is inferred from ABS' estimated resident population of 8,633 in June 2024 and an additional 134 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1.2 persons per square kilometer. Bruthen-Omeo's growth rate of 4.1% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's growth rate of 4.0%. Interstate migration contributed approximately 68.1% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers being positive factors.

AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024, using 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch used 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 were applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering these projections, Bruthen-Omeo is forecasted to experience significant population increase in the top quartile of Australia's non-metropolitan areas. The area is expected to grow by 3,603 persons by 2041 based on the latest population numbers, recording a gain of 41.1% over the 17 years.

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

Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, Bruthen-Omeo has granted approval for approximately 334 residential properties, averaging around 66 annual approvals. As of FY26, 19 approvals have been recorded. Each new home, on average, accommodates about 1.6 new residents per year during this period. The average construction cost value for new dwellings is $294,000.

This financial year has seen around $2.7 million in commercial approvals, indicating limited focus on commercial development. Bruthen-Omeo maintains similar construction rates per person compared to the rest of Victoria, preserving market equilibrium with surrounding areas. All new constructions have been standalone homes, maintaining the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

With approximately 179 people per dwelling approval, Bruthen-Omeo exhibits characteristics of a low-density area. Future projections suggest Bruthen-Omeo will add around 3,551 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, 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.

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.

The employment landscape in Bruthen - Omeo presents a mixed picture: unemployment remains low at 3.6%, yet recent job losses have affected its comparative national standing

Bruthen-Omeo has a balanced workforce with diverse sector representation as of June 2025. There are 4,282 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.6%, which is 0.2% lower than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation is similar to Rest of Vic.'s at 57.4%. Key industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and construction. Agriculture, forestry & fishing is particularly specialized with an employment share 2.3 times the regional level. However, health care & social assistance is under-represented at 13.9% compared to Rest of Vic.'s 16.8%.

The area may have limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, the labour force decreased by 0.8% and employment by 1.1%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.3 percentage points. Nationally, employment is forecast to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across sectors. Applying these projections to Bruthen-Omeo's employment mix suggests 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 June 2022 shows that median income in Bruthen - Omeo is $44,300 with an average of $52,386. This contrasts with Rest of Vic., where the median income was $48,741 and the average was $60,693. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% from financial year ending June 2022 to September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $49,687 (median) and $58,756 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Bruthen - Omeo fall between the 22nd and 23rd percentiles nationally. The predominant income cohort spans 31.0% of locals (2,675 people) with incomes between $1,500 and $2,999, similar to the broader area at 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

At the latest Census evaluation in Bruthen - Omeo, dwelling structures comprised 96.6% houses and 3.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Vic.'s 90.9% houses and 9.2% other dwellings. The level of home ownership in Bruthen - Omeo was at 52.4%, with the remainder mortgaged (38.4%) or rented (9.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,343, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $250. Nationally, Bruthen - Omeo's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 make up the remaining 27.1%, consisting of 25.0% lone person households and 2.0% group households. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is 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 the VIC average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are 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.

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

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

Transport analysis indicates 17 active stops operating in Bruthen-Omeo area. These are mixed bus services. They are covered by 11 routes, serving 150 weekly passenger trips combined.

Accessibility is limited with residents typically at a distance of 5490 meters from nearest stop. Average service frequency is 21 trips daily across all routes, translating to about 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 (~3,987 people) have private health cover, which is lower than 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% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 60.1% in the rest of Victoria. The area has 23.7% of residents aged 65 and over (2,046 people), lower than the 30.5% in the rest of Victoria. 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, surveyed in August 2016, had a below-average cultural diversity level with 89.2% of its population being Australian citizens, born locally. 90.3% were born in Australia and 96.7% spoke English at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, practiced by 42.0%.

The 'Other' category comprised 0.6%, similar to the regional average. Ancestry-wise, the top groups were English (33.7%), Australian (32.1%), and Irish (8.8%). Notably, Dutch ancestry was slightly overrepresented at 2.1% compared to 1.9% regionally. Scottish ancestry stood at 8.8%, close to the regional average of 9.0%. Maltese ancestry was also similar locally at 0.4%.

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

At 47 years, Bruthen-Omeo's median age is significantly higher than the Rest of Vic average of 43 and substantially exceeds the national average of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 55-64 are particularly prominent at 16.0%, while the 15-24 group is comparatively smaller at 9.5% compared to the Rest of Vic. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group has grown from 10.4% to 11.7% of the population, while the 0-4 cohort increased from 4.7% to 5.9%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined 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 see notable shifts in its age composition, with the 25-34 group projected to grow by 70%, reaching 1,465 people from 859.