Chart Color Schemes
This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
Sales Activity
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Population
Population growth drivers in Bruthen - Omeo are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends
Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Bruthen - Omeo's population is around 8658 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 368 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8290 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 8651 from the ABS as of June 2025 and an additional 141 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 that of its SA3 area (2.3%) and the Rest of Vic., indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 56.7% of overall population gains during recent periods.
AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted using a method of 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. Population projections indicate a significant increase in the top quartile of regional areas nationally, with Bruthen - Omeo expected to expand by 3384 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 39.0% in total over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
Recent residential development output has been above average within Bruthen - Omeo when compared nationally
Bruthen - Omeo has granted approximately 66 residential property approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling 334 homes. As of FY26, 35 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.6 new residents arrive annually for each new home approved between FY21 and FY25. The average construction value of new dwellings is $294,000.
In FY26, commercial approvals amounted to $2.7 million, indicating limited commercial development focus. Compared to the rest of Victoria, Bruthen - Omeo maintains similar construction rates per capita, supporting market stability in line with regional patterns. All recent developments consist 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, an estimated 3,377 residents are expected to move into the area. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting price increases.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Bruthen - Omeo
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
Infrastructure
Bruthen - Omeo has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 47thth percentile nationally
AreaSearch has identified 25 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 relevant.
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INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Paynesville Slip Road Maritime Precinct Upgrade
Upgrade of the maritime precinct including construction of new seawalls, jetties (creating around 40 new berths), a new longer and deeper boat ramp, car parking, boardwalks, pathways, and landscaping to enhance access and support recreational boating, tourism, and local marine businesses. The project has undergone design updates and is being delivered in phases. Construction is expected to be complete by February 2026.
Gippsland Lakes Shared Community Hub
A new multi-purpose community facility replacing the existing Gippsland Lakes Yacht Club building. The facility, which is currently in the detailed design stage, will include amenities, boat storage, meeting and social spaces, multi-functional spaces, a public deck, and a function hall to support water sports, events, and tourism. The project received a $6.35 million Federal Government grant in January 2025, which, combined with a 1:1 Council contribution, brings the total project value to approximately $12.7 million.
Fingerboards Mineral Sands Project
The Fingerboards Mineral Sands Project is a proposed mineral sands mining operation near Glenaladale in East Gippsland, accessing a significant deposit of rare earth elements and critical minerals vital for renewable energy, computing, defense, and medical science. It employs strip mining with continuous backfill and progressive rehabilitation, aiming to create 300 local jobs and generate $180 million in royalties for the Victorian Government.
Paynesville Growth Area Structure Plan (C172egip)
Implementation of the Paynesville Growth Area Structure Plan (PGASP) into the East Gippsland Planning Scheme via Amendment C172egip. The plan guides future housing and infrastructure growth in response to population demand. The Independent Planning Panel has provided its report, which Council is now considering before deciding whether to adopt the recommendations and proceed with the amendment's approval, with or without changes.
Paynesville Water Recycling Facility Storage Expansion
Construction of a new 300 megalitre (ML) water storage lagoon and associated infrastructure at the Paynesville Water Recycling Facility (WRF) in Forge Creek. This $8 million project will almost triple the facility's storage capacity to 460 ML, enhancing capacity for wet weather management, lowering the risk of environmental impacts from extended wet periods, and supporting population growth in coastal towns south of Bairnsdale (Paynesville, Newlands Arm, Eagle Point, Banksia Peninsula, Raymond Island). The new lagoon is 2 km from the existing WRF, requiring infrastructure for water transfer and irrigation. The project is being undertaken by Max Bright and Sons.
Eagle Point Lifestyle Estate
A premium masterplanned over-50s land lease community by Lincoln Place with plans for 209 architecturally designed two- and three-bedroom single-storey homes, located in Victoria's Gippsland Lakes region. Early works were planned to begin before the end of 2025, with the first residents expected by Christmas 2026. Resort-style amenities will include a clubhouse with cinema, library, and alfresco dining, a wellness centre with a gym and heated pool, a competition-sized bowls green, and a pickleball court. The development model is land lease, with no stamp duty, exit, or council fees for homeowners.
Jemmys Point Lookout Stage 2 and Kalimna Loop Walk
Completed tourism infrastructure upgrade at Jemmys Point featuring a large circular viewing platform with panoramic 270-degree views of the Gippsland Lakes, Bass Strait and 90 Mile Beach. Stage 2 works include all-abilities toilet facilities with baby change, solar-powered BBQ, picnic shelter and tables, landscaping, improved parking and turnaround area, and a loop walking trail connecting Hotel Road lookout, Kalimna Jetty and Jemmys Point Reserve. The facilities promote community gathering, outdoor recreation and enhance visitor experiences in Lakes Entrance.
Dan Murphy's Bairnsdale
A 1,250 square metre state-of-the-art Dan Murphy's liquor store developed by Castlerock Property in the East Gippsland town of Bairnsdale, generating approximately 60 jobs during construction and 20 ongoing full-time, casual, and part-time positions, with a 10-year lease and emphasis on local labour and suppliers.
Employment
The labour market in Bruthen - Omeo shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions
Bruthen - Omeo has a balanced workforce with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate is 3.0%, lower than Regional Vic.'s 3.7%. Over the past year, employment grew by 6.4%.
As of December 2025, 4,457 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.7% below Regional Vic.'s rate. Workforce participation is 64.6%, slightly higher than Regional Vic.'s 61.0%. A moderate 17.0% of residents work from home. Key industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and construction.
The area has a strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing (2.3 times the regional level), but under-representation in health care & social assistance (13.9% vs Regional Vic.'s 16.8%). Employment opportunities appear limited locally, with fewer Census working population than resident population. Between December 2024 and November 2025, employment increased by 6.4%, labour force by 5.2%, reducing the unemployment rate by 1.1 percentage points. In comparison, Regional Vic.'s employment fell by 0.6%, labour force contracted by 0.7%, and unemployment fell by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Bruthen - Omeo's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.6% over five years and 12.2% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data
AreaSearch's data for financial year 2023 shows median income in Bruthen - Omeo SA2 is $45,481 and average income is $53,852. This is below national averages of $50,954 (median) and $62,728 (average) for Regional Vic. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 are approximately $49,856 (median) and $59,033 (average). Census 2021 data ranks Bruthen - Omeo's household, family, and personal incomes between the 21st and 22nd percentiles nationally. The predominant income cohort in Bruthen - Omeo is 31.0% of locals earning $1,500-$2,999 annually, similar to regional levels at 30.3%. Locals retain 89.3% of their income after housing costs, ranking the total disposable income at the 29th percentile nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Bruthen - Omeo is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership
Dwelling structure in Bruthen-Omeo, as per the latest Census, consisted of 96.6% houses and 3.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bruthen-Omeo stood at 52.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 38.4% and rented ones at 9.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,343, lower than Regional Vic.'s average of $1,430. Median weekly rent in Bruthen-Omeo was recorded at $250, compared to Regional Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Bruthen-Omeo's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Bruthen - Omeo has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical 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 make up 27.1%, with lone person households at 25.0% and group households comprising 2.0%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which matches the Regional Vic. average.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
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 prevalent, with 43.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (12.1%) and certificates (31.1%). Educational participation is high, with 26.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including primary (10.7%), secondary (8.2%), and tertiary (1.8%) levels.
Educational participation is notably high, with 26.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.7% in primary education, 8.2% in secondary education, and 1.8% pursuing tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
Transport servicing is very low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
Public transport analysis shows 17 active transport stops operating within Bruthen-Omeo. These stops are serviced by 6 individual routes, providing a total of 102 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 5488 meters from the nearest stop. In this primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode at 93%, with 5% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 2.0 per dwelling, above the regional average.
According to the 2021 Census, some 17.0% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 14 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 6 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
Bruthen - Omeo's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts
Omeo's health metrics closely align with national benchmarks, as assessed by AreaSearch using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are seen at a standard level across both young and old age cohorts in the area. Private health cover is found to be extremely low, at approximately 47% of the total population (~4,034 people), compared to 50.5% in Regional Vic.
and 55.7% nationally. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (9.9%) and mental health issues (8.1%), while 65.6% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 63.4% in Regional Vic. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 24.6% of residents aged 65 and over (2,129 people), with health outcomes among seniors ranking higher than the general population nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
The latest Census data sees Bruthen - Omeo placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics
Bruthen-Omeo showed cultural diversity below average, with 89.2% citizens, 90.3% born in Australia, and 96.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 42.0%. The 'Other' category comprised 0.6%, compared to Regional Vic's 0.8%.
Top ancestry groups were English (33.7%), Australian (32.1%), and Irish (8.8%). Dutch (2.1%) was overrepresented versus regional (1.7%), as was Scottish (8.8% vs 8.8%) and Maltese (0.4% vs 0.5%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Bruthen - Omeo hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide
Bruthen-Omeo's median age is 47 years, significantly higher than Regional Vic.'s average of 43 and the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 55-64 are particularly prominent at 15.9%, while those aged 15-24 are comparatively smaller at 9.4% compared to Regional Vic.. Since 2021, the population aged 35-44 has grown from 10.4% to 11.7%, and the 75-84 cohort has increased from 6.9% to 8.0%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has declined from 13.2% to 10.9%, and the 55-64 group has dropped from 17.2% to 15.9%. By 2041, Bruthen-Omeo is expected to experience notable shifts in its age composition, with the 25-34 age group projected to grow by 64%, reaching 1,395 people from the current 850.