Buloke

Buloke is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Buloke's population, as of November 2025, is approximately 6,005, a decrease of 179 people since the 2021 Census which recorded 6,184 inhabitants. This decline represents a 2.9% reduction from the Census figure. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,964 in June 2024 and an additional 20 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density of 0.70 persons per square kilometer. Buloke's decline of -2.9% since the census is comparable to the SA3 area's change of -0.3%, indicating similar population trends across the region. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch employs VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Based on demographic trends and latest annual ERP population numbers, Buloke is expected to increase by approximately 417 persons to reach a total of around 6,422 inhabitants by 2041, reflecting an overall growth rate of about 6.2% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Buloke, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Buloke has recorded approximately 13 residential properties granted approval each year over the past five financial years, totalling 69 homes. In FY2025-26 so far, 5 approvals have been recorded. The population decline in recent years has maintained adequate housing supply relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice. New properties are constructed at an average value of $477,000, indicating developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties.

This financial year has seen $42.6 million in commercial approvals, suggesting strong commercial development momentum. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Buloke shows approximately 75% of construction activity per person and ranks among the 44th percentile nationally, implying somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established properties. This activity is below the national average, indicating the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. New development consists of 92.0% detached houses and 8.0% attached dwellings, preserving Buloke's low-density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers.

The estimated population per dwelling approval is 380 people, reflecting its quiet, low-activity development environment. Population forecasts indicate Buloke will gain 372 residents by 2041 (latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Existing development levels appear aligned with future requirements, maintaining stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

Buloke has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 19 projects that could impact this region. Notable ones include Corack East Wind Project, Corack Road Service Station & Food Premises, Kooka's Country Cookies New Manufacturing Facility, and Donald's Transformation. The following list details those most 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.

Employment conditions in Buloke demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Buloke has a balanced workforce with representation across white and blue collar jobs. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 1.6%.

There are 2,921 residents employed, which is 2.1% lower than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Buloke is 52.4%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. The dominant employment sectors include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has particularly high concentration with levels at 4.3 times the regional average.

Construction is under-represented in Buloke, with only 4.8% of its workforce compared to Rest of Vic.'s 10.4%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the year to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 4.4%, employment declined by 2.8%, causing unemployment rate to fall by 1.7 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Vic. had an employment decline of 0.7% and a labour force decline of 0.6%. State-level data to 25-Nov shows VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%, compared to national rate of 4.3%. 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 Buloke's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.1% over five years and 11.5% over ten years.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

The Buloke SA2's income level is lower than average on a national basis according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year ended June 30, 2022. The median income among taxpayers in Buloke was $43,226 and the average income stood at $52,479, compared to figures for Rest of Vic.'s of $48,741 and $60,693 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% from July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2025, current estimates would be approximately $48,482 (median) and $58,860 (average) as of September 2025. Census data for 2021 shows household, family and personal incomes in Buloke all fall between the 6th and 13th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile indicates that 28.6% of the population (1,717 individuals) have incomes within the $800 - $1,499 range, contrasting with the surrounding region where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket leads at 30.3%. Housing costs are modest, with 94.0% of income retained after expenses, but total disposable income ranks at just the 15th percentile nationally.

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

Buloke's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 94.1% houses and 5.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Vic.'s 90.7% houses and 9.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Buloke stood at 60.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 23.3% and rented ones at 16.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $734, lower than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,083. Weekly rent in Buloke was $158, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $200. Nationally, Buloke's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Buloke features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 62.8% of all households, including 21.8% couples with children, 32.4% couples without children, and 7.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 37.2%, with lone person households at 34.7% and group households comprising 2.5%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.3.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 15.1%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.5%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.9%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.7%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 37.8% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 9.4% and certificates at 28.4%. Educational participation is high, with 26.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 10.1% in primary education, 9.4% in secondary education, and 2.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Buloke has 16 active public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by 8 different routes that offer a total of 38 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is limited, with residents usually located 990 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 5 trips per day across all routes, which amounts to roughly 2 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Buloke faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Private health cover is low at approximately 47%, covering around 2,804 people, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (12.1%) and asthma (8.6%). A total of 59.9% reported no medical ailments, compared to 64.1% in Rest of Vic.. Buloke has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 29.9%, or 1,792 people, compared to the 24.0% in Rest of Vic.. Health outcomes among seniors show some challenges but perform better than the general population in health metrics.

The latest Census data sees Buloke placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Buloke's cultural diversity was found to be below average. Its population comprised 88.6% citizens, 92.8% born in Australia, and 96.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Buloke, with 58.8% of its population, compared to 53.2% across Rest of Vic.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (33.2%), English (31.5%), and Irish (13.0%). Notably, Scottish ancestry was overrepresented in Buloke at 10.7%, compared to the regional average of 8.0%.

Buloke ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Buloke is 52 years, significantly higher than Rest of Vic.'s average of 43 years and well above the national norm of 38 years. The 55-64 cohort is notably over-represented in Buloke at 17.4%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s average, while the 35-44 year-olds are under-represented at 8.5%. This concentration of the 55-64 age group is higher than the national average of 11.2%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 8.8% to 9.5% of Buloke's population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 13.1% to 11.2%. By 2041, projections indicate substantial demographic changes for Buloke. The strongest growth is projected for the 35 to 44 age group, with a 31% increase adding 160 residents to reach 673. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 55 to 64 and 15 to 24 age groups.