Castlemaine Surrounds
Statistical Area - sa2

An assessment of population growth drivers in Castlemaine Surrounds reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Castlemaine Surrounds' population, as per AreaSearch's analysis, was around 9,937 by Aug 2025. This figure showed a rise of 712 people (7.7%) from the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 9,225. The increase was inferred from ABS' June 2024 estimate of 9,596 and an additional 180 validated new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a density ratio of 6.6 persons per square kilometer. Castlemaine Surrounds' growth of 7.7% since 2021 exceeded both SA4 (5.0%) and SA3 regions, positioning it as a growth leader. Interstate migration drove this growth, contributing approximately 78.4% of overall population gains.

AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered, VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 were used, adjusted via weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Future projections indicate a decline in overall population by 799 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are expected to grow, notably the 25 to 34 age group, projected to increase by 125 people.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Castlemaine Surrounds among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Castlemaine Surrounds has seen approximately 61 new homes approved annually. Development approval data is provided by the ABS on a financial year basis, with 307 homes approved over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, and an additional six approved in FY26 so far. On average, each dwelling built attracts around 2.4 new residents per year over these five financial years, indicating strong demand which supports property values. New homes are constructed at an average cost of $612,000, slightly above the regional average, suggesting a focus on quality developments.

This financial year has seen $6.4 million in commercial approvals, indicating limited commercial development focus compared to residential growth. When comparing development levels per person with Rest of Vic., Castlemaine Surrounds shows similar figures, supporting market stability aligned with regional patterns. Recent development has been entirely comprised of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low density character and appealing to families seeking space.

With around 192 people per dwelling approval, Castlemaine Surrounds exhibits characteristics of a growth area. However, with population expected to remain stable or decline, pressure on housing is likely to be reduced, potentially creating opportunities for buyers in the future.

Castlemaine Surrounds has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 43rdth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 27 projects likely affecting this area. Key projects include Haven Castlemaine, Levee Banks Project, Frederick Street Precinct Project, 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.

Employment performance in Castlemaine Surrounds has been broadly consistent with national averages

Castlemaine Surrounds had an unemployment rate of 2.9% with an estimated employment growth of 0.9% in the year ending June 2025. As of that date, 4,451 residents were employed, with a 0.8% lower unemployment rate compared to Rest of Vic.'s 3.8%.

Workforce participation was 54.3%, below Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Dominant employment sectors included health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. Professional & technical services were notably concentrated, with levels at 1.4 times the regional average. However, accommodation & food services were under-represented, with only 4.6% of the workforce compared to Rest of Vic.'s 6.9%.

Employment opportunities appeared limited locally, as indicated by Census data comparison. Over a year ending Sep-25, employment increased by 0.9%, while labour force rose by 1.7%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic. saw employment decline by 0.9% and labour force decline by 0.4%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. State-level data showed VIC employment grew by 1.08% year-on-year to Sep-25, adding 39,880 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. National employment forecasts from May 2025 projected growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but industry-specific projections suggested Castlemaine Surrounds's growth might be around 6.1% over five years and 13.1% over ten years.

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

Castlemaine Surrounds had a median taxpayer income of $45,672 and an average of $59,612 in the financial year 2022. This was lower than the national averages for Rest of Vic., which were $48,741 and $60,693 respectively. By March 2025, estimates based on a 10.11% increase from the Wage Price Index suggest median incomes will be approximately $50,289 and averages around $65,639. Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Castlemaine Surrounds fall between the 21st and 22nd percentiles nationally. The $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band encompasses 28.8% of the community (2,861 individuals), consistent with broader trends showing 30.3% in the same category across the broader area. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 88.1% income retention, total disposable income ranks at just the 27th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the fifth decile.

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

In Castlemaine Surrounds, as per the latest Census, 98.7% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 1.2% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments and other types. This contrasts with Non-Metro Vic., where 95.2% of dwellings were houses. Home ownership in Castlemaine Surrounds stood at 52.5%, with mortgaged properties at 38.9% and rented ones at 8.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,473, lower than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,600. Median weekly rent in Castlemaine Surrounds was $280, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $320. Nationally, mortgage repayments were higher at $1,863 and rents averaged $375.

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

Family households account for 67.6% of all households, including 23.3% couples with children, 35.6% couples without children, and 8.0% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 32.4%, with lone person households at 29.9% and group households making up 2.4%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.4.

The educational profile of Castlemaine Surrounds exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate stands at 31.5% among residents aged 15+, surpassing both the Rest of Vic average of 21.7% and the SA4 region's figure of 25.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent (18.7%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.7%) and graduate diplomas (5.1%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 35.9% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 12.3% and certificates at 23.6%. Educational participation is high, with 25.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 9.2% in primary education, 7.6% in secondary education, and 3.3% pursuing tertiary education. There are approximately 495 students educated across a network of 10 schools within Castlemaine Surrounds, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1029) offering balanced educational opportunities. The schools include eight primary, one secondary, and one K-12 school. Local school capacity is limited at 5.0 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 10.5, leading many families to travel for schooling.

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

Transport analysis shows 32 active stops operating within Castlemaine Surrounds. These are mixed bus services. They consist of 13 routes providing 182 weekly passenger trips combined.

Accessibility is rated limited with residents typically located 1127 meters from nearest stop. Average service frequency across all routes is 26 trips per day, equating to approximately 5 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Health data indicates significant challenges for Castlemaine Surrounds, with high prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% (around 4918 people), compared to 52.9% in Rest of Vic., and the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.3%) and mental health issues (9.6%).

A total of 61.6% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly lower than Rest of Vic.'s 63.4%. As of the latest data, 29.0% of residents are aged 65 or over (2879 people), higher than Rest of Vic.'s 24.9%. Health outcomes among seniors in Castlemaine Surrounds exceed average metrics, even outperforming those of the general population.

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

Castlemaine Surrounds, as per data from June 2016, had a cultural diversity below average. Its population was predominantly Australian citizens, with 90.1% falling under this category. Birthplace-wise, 87.7% were born in Australia.

Regarding language spoken at home, English only was reported by 97.1%. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 34.4% of the population. Notably, Judaism had a higher representation in Castlemaine Surrounds compared to Rest of Vic., with 0.3% versus 0.2%. Ancestry-wise, the top three groups were English (32.5%), Australian (27.8%), and Irish (11.6%). Some ethnicities showed notable differences: Scottish was overrepresented at 10.3%, Hungarian at 0.4%, and Dutch at 1.7%.

Castlemaine Surrounds ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Castlemaine Surrounds is 52 years, which is significantly higher than the Rest of Victoria's average of 43 years and the national norm of 38 years. The 65-74 age cohort is notably over-represented in Castlemaine Surrounds at 18.1%, compared to the Rest of Victoria's average, while the 25-34 year-olds are under-represented at 7.5%. This concentration of the 65-74 age group is well above the national average of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 7.9% to 8.8% of the population, while the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 19.0% to 17.4%. Population forecasts for the year 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Castlemaine Surrounds. The 25 to 34 age group is projected to grow strongly at 11%, adding 78 residents to reach a total of 820. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 75 to 84 and 0 to 4 age cohorts.