Castlemaine
Statistical Area - sa2

Castlemaine has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Castlemaine's population was around 12,218 as of November 2025. This figure reflects an increase of 866 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,352. The change is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 11,580 in June 2024 and an additional 355 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 145 persons per square kilometer. Castlemaine's growth rate of 7.6% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA4 region (5.9%) and the non-metro area, making it a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 58.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is using 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 uses VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted employing 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. According to these projections, the area's population is expected to shrink by 569 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts like the 35 to 44 age group are anticipated to grow, with a projected increase of 173 people.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Castlemaine when compared nationally

Castlemaine has received approximately 91 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 456 homes. As of FY26, 20 approvals have been recorded. This results in an average of 0.9 new residents per year per dwelling constructed between FY21 and FY25. The average construction value of these dwellings is $300,000.

In the current financial year, there have been $100.2 million in commercial approvals. Compared to the rest of Victoria, Castlemaine has slightly more development activity, with 19.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period. Recent construction comprises 89.0% detached dwellings and 11.0% medium and high-density housing.

With around 172 people per approval, Castlemaine reflects a developing area. Given stable or declining population forecasts, there may be less housing pressure in the future, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Castlemaine has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 46thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 11 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects include Levee Banks Project, Frederick Street Precinct Project, Haven Castlemaine, and Castlemaine Woolworths Supermarket. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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Employment conditions in Castlemaine remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Castlemaine has a well-educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 3.5% as of June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 0.8% over the past year.

There were 4,859 residents employed while the unemployment rate was 0.3% lower than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Castlemaine lagged significantly at 48.6%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and manufacturing, with a particular specialization in education & training (1.3 times the regional level). Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence, with only 1.3% employment compared to the regional average of 7.5%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the past year, employment increased by 0.8%, labour force by 1.9%, leading to a rise in unemployment by 1.0 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic. saw employment decline by 0.9% and labour force decline by 0.4%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Castlemaine's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.4% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

Castlemaine's median income among taxpayers was $45,289 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $58,691 during the same period. These figures compare to Rest of Vic.'s median and average incomes of $48,741 and $60,693 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, estimated median income would be approximately $50,796 by September 2025, with average income reaching around $65,828 during the same period. According to the 2021 Census figures, household incomes in Castlemaine fall between the 13th and 25th percentiles nationally. The largest segment of income earners comprises 27.5% earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, with a total of 3,359 residents falling into this category. After housing costs, 86.3% of income remains, ranking at the 17th percentile nationally. Castlemaine's SEIFA income ranking places it in the fifth decile.

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

In Castlemaine, as per the latest Census evaluation, 94.4% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 5.5% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This is comparable to Non-Metro Vic., which had 95.2% houses and 4.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Castlemaine stood at 48.3%, similar to Non-Metro Vic.'s figure. The rest of the dwellings were either mortgaged (31.1%) or rented (20.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Castlemaine was $1,408, lower than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,600 and significantly below the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Castlemaine was $310, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $320 and the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 61.1% of all households, including 19.8% couples with children, 29.0% couples without children, and 11.6% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 38.9%, with lone person households at 35.9% and group households comprising 3.1%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.4.

Castlemaine shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Educational attainment in Castlemaine is notably high, with 36.7% of residents aged 15+ possessing university qualifications compared to 21.7% in Rest of Vic. and 25.4% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 20.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.9%) and graduate diplomas (6.0%). Vocational credentials are also common, with 29.8% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas comprise 11.7% and certificates make up 18.1%. Educational participation is high, with 30.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 10.3% in primary, 9.2% in secondary, and 4.6% in tertiary education.

Castlemaine has a robust network of 9 schools educating approximately 1,644 students, with above-average socio-educational conditions (ICSEA: 1058). The educational mix includes 6 primary, 2 secondary, and 1 K-12 school. School capacity exceeds residential needs, with 13.7 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 10.5, indicating Castlemaine serves as an educational center for the broader region.

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

Castlemaine has 62 active public transport stops, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 24 routes that collectively facilitate 744 weekly passenger trips. The town's transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents typically located 409 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 106 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 12 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Castlemaine is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Castlemaine faces significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 49%, covering about 5,999 people, compared to Victoria's 52.9% and the national average of 55.3%. The most frequent medical issues are arthritis (11.3%) and mental health problems (10.4%), while 60.8% report no medical ailments, slightly lower than Rest of Vic.'s 63.4%.

Castlemaine has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 28.7%, or 3,504 people, compared to Victoria's 24.9%. Health outcomes among seniors in Castlemaine are above average, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

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

Castlemaine's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 86.0% of its population being citizens born in Australia speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Castlemaine, comprising 28.7% of the population. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented compared to the rest of Victoria, making up 0.3% of Castlemaine's population versus 0.2%.

The top three ancestry groups based on parents' country of birth are English (32.5%), Australian (25.8%), and Irish (12.3%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences in representation: Scottish is overrepresented at 10.9% compared to the regional average of 10.1%, Welsh at 0.8% versus 0.7%, and German at 3.9% against 3.6%.

Castlemaine ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Castlemaine has a median age of 50, which is higher than Rest of Vic.'s figure of 43 and also exceeds the national average of 38 years. The 65-74 age group comprises 14.9% of Castlemaine's population, compared to Rest of Vic.'s percentage, while the 15-24 cohort makes up 7.4%. This concentration in the 65-74 age group is higher than the national figure of 9.4%. According to the 2021 Census, the 35-44 age group has increased from 12.0% to 13.2% of Castlemaine's population, while the 55-64 cohort has decreased from 14.4% to 13.5%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Castlemaine's age profile. The 85+ age group is projected to grow by 110 people (23%), from 486 to 597. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 61% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic trend. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 25-34 and 5-14 age cohorts.