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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.
est. as @ -- *
ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
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Buloke has an estimated 5,899 residents, down from 6,184 at the 2021 Census — a change of 285 people, or 4.6%. The population has thinned by an average 0.9% a year over five years, slower than 99% of areas nationally. Fewer than ten people live on each square kilometre, across a boundary that takes in surrounding rural land. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to the analysis by AreaSearch, the population of Buloke is approximately 5,899 as of May 2026. This represents a decline of 285 individuals (4.6%) from the 2021 Census, which recorded 6,184 people. This shift is calculated using the June 2025 ABS estimated resident population of 5,891 alongside 29 validated new addresses registered since the Census. The population density stands at 0.70 persons per square kilometer, indicating a low density with significant space per resident. This -4.6% reduction is within 1.8 percentage points of the broader SA3 region (-2.8%), showing that population challenges are shared across the locality.
The primary contributor to population increases in recent times was overseas migration, which served as the exclusive driver of growth. Projections from ABS and Geoscience Australia released in 2024 with a 2022 baseline are utilized by AreaSearch for each SA2 region. In cases where SA2 data is unavailable, projections are sourced from the 2023 VIC State Government Regional/LGA dataset, adjusted by aggregating population growth from LGA to SA2 levels using a weighted approach. Age group growth patterns from these aggregations are applied to all areas for the period spanning 2032 to 2041. Looking forward, the population is projected to expand at a rate slightly below the median of non-metropolitan Australia, with an expected increase of 431 residents by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP statistics, representing a total growth of 7.2% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
69 new dwellings have been approved in Buloke over the past five years, an average of 13 a year. That is 2.3 approvals per 1,000 residents. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 17, running ahead of that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this SA2 boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Buloke averages approximately 13 residential approvals annually, with a total of 69 dwellings approved over the last 5 financial years. In FY-26 to date, 16 approvals have been logged. As the population has contracted in recent years, the supply of housing has remained sufficient to meet demand, leading to a balanced market with varied options for buyers, while newly built properties carry an average construction value of $477,000, suggesting that builders are focusing on the upscale market with higher-quality structures. Commercial project approvals have reached $42.6 million this financial year, demonstrating active commercial building trends.
Buloke registers about 75% of the per capita construction volume seen in the Rest of Vic. and places in the 46th percentile of all analyzed locations in the country, which means buyers face somewhat restricted choices while supporting demand for existing homes, even though building volumes have risen recently. This building rate is also below the national average, pointing to a mature market and potential development limitations. Residential construction is comprised of 92.0% detached houses and 8.0% attached dwellings, maintaining a low-density profile with a focus on free-standing homes that appeal to buyers looking for space. The ratio of 376 residents per residential approval reflects a quiet construction sector with minimal activity. Projections indicate that Buloke will add 423 residents by 2041, based on the most recent quarterly estimate from AreaSearch. While construction levels are aligned with these growth projections, home buyers may face increased competition as the local population rises.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Buloke
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 5 current infrastructure and development projects inside Buloke. A further 58 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $16 billion. 7 are already under construction and 20 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans energy, residential development and communities, precincts & urban renewal. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local infrastructure projects, planning choices, and development initiatives are key drivers of regional performance. AreaSearch has tracked 20 active projects expected to affect the region. Major projects of note include the Corack East Wind Project, the Corack Road Service Station & Food Premises, the Kooka's Country Cookies New Manufacturing Facility, and Donald's Tramsformation, with details on the most significant initiatives provided in the list below.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Corack East Wind Project
A large-scale wind energy project proposed by ACEN Australia in the Buloke Shire, located on privately owned land between Donald, Birchip, and Wycheproof. It is currently in the early development stage with construction proposed to begin in 2029.
Corack Road Service Station & Food Premises
Proposal for a 24-hour unmanned service station with food and drink premises, associated buildings, and signage at 39 Corack Road, Donald. The application includes plans for fuel storage and wastewater treatment.
Tower Rd, Donald
A residential masterplan for 59 two-storey and three-storey townhouses incorporating a heritage-listed water tower.
Donald's Tramsformation
A decommissioned tram has arrived at Donald Railway Station to be transformed into a community space, aiming to create a vibrant hub for locals and tourists, celebrating the town's history and fostering community connections.
Kooka's Country Cookies New Manufacturing Facility
Expansion and relocation of Kooka's Country Cookies to a larger facility in Donald, supported by government funding. The new facility will triple production capacity to around 29,500 kg of biscuits per week, create up to 11 new full-time jobs, and include a new gluten-free area and solar power.
Cannie Wind Farm
The Cannie Wind Farm is a proposed 1300 MW wind farm located approximately 25 km north-west of Kerang in North-West Victoria, Australia. It will include up to 174 wind turbines, electrical substations, a switching station, and provision for battery storage. The project is developed by RES Australia Pty Ltd and is intended to connect to the Victoria-NSW Interconnector West. A referral was submitted in mid-2024, and an Environmental Effects Statement is required. Planning application is expected in 2026, with construction starting late 2028 and completion by 2031.
Donald Rare Earths and Mineral Sands Project
A globally significant, long-life open-pit mining and processing operation for critical rare earth elements (neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium, terbium) and mineral sands (zircon, titanium). Expected to create over 600 local jobs and contribute $205 million annually to the Wimmera region's economy over its 42-year lifespan.
Cannie Wind Farm
A proposed wind farm of up to 174 turbines with a total capacity of up to 1300 MW, located on approximately 14,000 hectares of farmland west of Kerang in the Gannawarra local government area. The project also includes a Battery Energy Storage System (up to 400 MW / storing up to 3 hours of supply) and an overhead transmission line connection to the proposed VNI-West interconnector terminal station at Tragowel. The Minister for Planning required an Environment Effects Statement (EES) in September 2024.Final EES scoping requirements were issued by the Minister in November 2025 after public exhibition. A planning application is targeted for late 2026, with construction planned to commence in 2029 pending approval. The project is expected to power over 600,000 Victorian homes annually.
2,899 residents of Buloke are employed, from a labour force of 2,945. Unemployment sits at 1.6%, with participation at 58.1%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 5.1% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The labor force in Buloke is evenly split between white-collar and blue-collar roles across multiple industries, with an unemployment rate of only 1.6%. In March 2026, there are 2,899 employed residents, and the unemployment rate is 2.1% lower than the Regional Vic. average of 3.7%, whereas workforce participation is slightly low at 58.1% compared to the 61.1% recorded across Regional Vic. Census data indicates that a moderate 17.2% of the workforce operated from home, though this figure may reflect the influence of Covid-19 restrictions. The primary employment sectors for local residents are agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training.
The region has an exceptionally high concentration of workers in agriculture, forestry & fishing, employing residents at 4.3 times the regional average rate. Conversely, construction is underrepresented, employing 4.8% of the local workforce compared to 10.4% in Regional Vic. Although local jobs are available, the ratio of Census working population to local residents suggests a significant portion of the workforce commutes to other areas. An analysis of SALM and ABS statistics by AreaSearch shows that during the 12 months ending March 2026, the local labor force contracted by 3.3% and employment fell by 1.8%, leading to a 1.5 percentage point drop in the unemployment rate. Over the same timeframe, Regional Vic. saw employment fall by 0.1% and the labor force contract by 0.3%, with unemployment decreasing by 0.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia published in May-25 offer additional context on future demand in Buloke. These five-year and ten-year projections are mapped against the local employment composition to estimate future patterns. Nationally, employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though rates vary by sector. Applying these sector-specific forecasts to Buloke's industry mix suggests local employment could grow by 5.1% over five years and 11.5% over ten years, representing a simple weighted extrapolation for comparison that does not incorporate local population forecasts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Buloke is $1,089 a week (about $57,000 a year), with median personal income at $618 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $47,341 a year against an average of $58,382. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest ATO statistics for financial year 2023, income levels in the Buloke SA2 are below the national average. The median income for taxpayers in the Buloke SA2 is $47,341, with an average income of $58,382, compared to $50,954 and $62,728 respectively in Regional Vic. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 are approximately $51,895 for the median and $63,998 for the average. In the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Buloke fell between the 6th and 13th percentiles nationwide.
The income distribution reveals that 28.6% of the population (1,687 individuals) earn in the $800 - 1,499 range, whereas the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket is the largest in the surrounding region at 30.3%. Although housing costs are low, leaving residents with 94.0% of their income, total disposable income sits in the 15th percentile nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Buloke had 2,556 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 94% detached houses and 2% apartments. 23% are owned with a mortgage, 16% rented and 61% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $158 a week and the median mortgage repayment $734 a month. Rent absorbs 14.5% of household income here and mortgage repayments 15.6%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
At the time of the latest Census, the housing stock in Buloke consisted of 94.1% detached houses and 5.9% other dwelling types like apartments, semi-detached properties, or alternative options, compared to Regional Vic. where houses made up 90.1% and other dwellings accounted for 9.9%. Home ownership in Buloke was high at 60.5%, with mortgaged properties making up 23.3% and rented properties accounting for 16.2%. The median monthly mortgage payment of $734 was below the Regional Vic. average, while the median weekly rent was $158, compared to $1,430 and $285 in Regional Vic.
On a national level, mortgage payments in Buloke are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are below the national median of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Buloke counted 2,556 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.2 people each. 22% are couples with children, fewer than in 81% of areas nationally, against 32% couples without children. 35% of households are people living alone, and families average 2.3 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up the majority of households at 62.8%, which includes 21.8% couples with children, 32.4% couples without children, and 7.5% single-parent households. Non-family households account for 37.2% of the total, with lone-person households representing 34.7% and group households making up 2.5%. The average household size of 2.2 individuals is smaller than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
15.1% of adults in Buloke hold a university qualification, including 11.5% with a bachelor degree and 1.7% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 28.4% hold a vocational qualification. 11 schools serve the area, with 799 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 988 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Educational attainment levels present challenges in the area, with 15.1% of residents holding a university qualification, which is lower than the Victorian average of 33.4%. This highlights both a shortfall and a target for educational development programs. Bachelor degrees are held by 11.5% of the population, followed by graduate diplomas at 1.9% and postgraduate degrees at 1.7%. Vocational education is common, with 37.8% of residents aged 15 and over holding credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas at 9.4% and certificates at 28.4%. A high proportion of residents are engaged in study, with 26.6% of the population currently enrolled in education.
This group includes 10.1% in primary school, 9.4% in secondary school, and 2.2% in tertiary institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Buloke means driving: households keep an average of 1.7 vehicles, and scheduled services reach only a handful of stops. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
An analysis of public transport reveals 16 active stops operating in Buloke across 3 separate routes, which provide a total of 21 passenger trips weekly. Transport access is limited, with residents living an average of 968 meters from their nearest stop. Because the area is mostly residential, many workers travel outside the region, with cars being the main transport method for 82% of commuters, while 14% walk. Car ownership stands at 1.7 vehicles per household, which is higher than the regional average. Working from home was recorded for 17.2% of residents in the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by COVID-19 rules.
Routes in the area run at an average frequency of 3 trips per day, which equates to about 1 weekly trip per transport stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
59.9% of residents in Buloke report no long-term health condition, a less healthy profile than 86% of areas nationally. 8.4% need daily assistance with core activities, and 48.2% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 6.9 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health assessments indicate notable issues in Buloke, based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality data and the prevalence of chronic illnesses across both younger and older cohorts, with private health insurance coverage levels low at approximately 48% of the population (~2,843 people). This is lower than the 50.5% average in Regional Vic. and the national rate of 55.7%. Arthritis and asthma are the most prevalent health issues, affecting 12.1% and 8.6% of the population, respectively. Meanwhile, 59.9% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 63.4% in Regional Vic.
The working-age cohort exhibits high rates of chronic health issues. Residents aged 65 and older represent 30.5% of the local population (1,798 people), compared to 23.9% in Regional Vic. Seniors in the area face health difficulties, with their health outcomes ranking lower than those of the general population nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Buloke is largely Australian-born, at 92.8% of residents, with 3.6% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (33.2%) and English (31.5%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity in Buloke is below the average, with citizens representing 88.6% of the population, 92.8% born in Australia, and 96.4% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 58.8% of residents, compared to 47.3% across Regional Vic. The primary ancestries reported by parent country of birth are Australian at 33.2%, English at 31.5%, and Irish at 13.0%. There are also variations in other backgrounds, with Scottish heritage overrepresented locally at 10.7% compared to the regional figure of 8.8%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Buloke is 52, older than 94% of areas nationally. 18.4% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age of 52 years in Buloke is higher than the Regional Vic. average of 43 and the national average of 38. The 55 - 64 age group is overrepresented at 17.5% locally compared to Regional Vic., while the 35 - 44 cohort is underrepresented at 8.9%. The local 55 - 64 age cohort is also larger than the national average of 11.2%. Since 2021, the 75 to 84 cohort has increased from 8.8% to 10.1% of the population, while the 45 to 54 cohort fell from 13.1% to 10.9% and the 5 to 14 group declined from 10.4% to 9.3%.
Population projections for 2041 show shifts in demographics, with the 75 to 84 group expected to expand by 25%, adding 148 residents to reach 741. Conversely, the 55 to 64 and 15 to 24 age groups are projected to shrink.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Buloke
8 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the SA2 boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 8 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 3 sections | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Jul 2025 about a year ago all 5 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Jul 2025. | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 29 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (6,184 at the 2021 Census → 5,899 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (215031400). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.