Castlemaine Surrounds

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Castlemaine Surrounds's population is around 9,721 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 496 people (5.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,225 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 9,596 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 219 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 6.4 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Castlemaine Surrounds's 5.4% growth since the census positions it within 1.4 percentage points of the SA3 area (6.8%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 78.4% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Regarding demographic trends, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to reduce by 799 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 25 to 34 age group, which is 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 experienced around 61 dwellings receiving development approval per year, with 307 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 31 so far in FY-26. With an average of 2.4 new residents per year for each dwelling over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), indicating healthy demand that should support property values, new homes are being built at an average value of $342,000. Additionally, $6.4 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating a limited commercial development focus.

Relative to the Rest of Vic., Castlemaine Surrounds shows comparable new home approvals (per person), maintaining a market balance consistent with the broader area. Meanwhile, recent development has been entirely comprised of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The location has approximately 192 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market.

With population projections showing stability or decline, Castlemaine Surrounds should see reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 28 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Haven Castlemaine, Levee Banks Project, Frederick Street Precinct Project, and Castlemaine Water Reclamation Plant Upgrade, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

The employment environment in Castlemaine Surrounds shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Castlemaine Surrounds possesses a well-educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of just 2.8%, and 2.0% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 4,578 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.9% below Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (56.7% compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.5%). Based on Census responses, a high 27.8% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. The area has a particular employment specialization in professional & technical services, with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level. On the other hand, accommodation & food is under-represented, with only 4.6% of Castlemaine Surrounds's workforce compared to 6.9% in Regional Vic.. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 2.0% and the labour force increased by 1.9%, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. This compares to Regional Vic., where employment fell by 0.6%, the labour force contracted by 0.7%, and unemployment fell 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Castlemaine Surrounds. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Castlemaine Surrounds's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 13.1% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Castlemaine Surrounds SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $47,136 with the average level standing at $61,400. This is lower than average on a national basis and compares to levels of $50,954 and $62,728 across Regional Vic. respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $51,025 (median) and $66,466 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Castlemaine Surrounds all fall between the 21st and 22nd percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 28.8% of the community (2,799 individuals), aligning with the broader area where this cohort likewise represents 30.3%. While housing costs are modest with 88.1% of income retained, the total disposable income ranks at just the 27th percentile nationally and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Dwelling structure within Castlemaine Surrounds, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 98.7% houses and 1.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Castlemaine Surrounds was well beyond that of Regional Vic., at 52.5%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (38.9%) or rented (8.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Regional Vic. average at $1,473, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $280, compared to Regional Vic.'s $1,430 and $285. Nationally, Castlemaine Surrounds's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Castlemaine Surrounds has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 67.6% of all households, comprising 23.3% couples with children, 35.6% couples without children, and 8.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 32.4%, with lone person households at 29.9% and group households comprising 2.4% of the total. The median household size of 2.2 people is smaller than the Regional 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 educational profile stands out regionally, with university qualification rates (31.5% of residents aged 15+) exceeding the Rest of Vic. average of 21.7% and that of the SA4 region (25.4%), reflecting the community's emphasis on higher education. Bachelor degrees lead at 18.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.7%) and graduate diplomas (5.1%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 35.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (12.3%) and certificates (23.6%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 25.3% of residents aged 15+ currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.2% in primary education, 7.6% in secondary education, and 3.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 32 active transport stops operating within Castlemaine Surrounds. These stops are serviced by 7 individual routes, collectively providing 153 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 1128 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 90%, with 6% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.8 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. A high 27.8% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 21 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 4 weekly trips per individual stop.

Castlemaine Surrounds'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

Castlemaine Surrounds's health metrics sit close to national benchmarks, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. There is a standard level of common health conditions across both young and old age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~4,841 people). The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 11.3% and 9.6% of residents, respectively, while 61.6% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.4% across Regional Vic.. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 28.9% of residents aged 65 and over (2,814 people), which is higher than the 23.9% in Regional Vic.. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than 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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 90.1% of its population being citizens, 87.7% born in Australia, and 97.1% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Castlemaine Surrounds is Christianity, which makes up 34.4% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Judaism, which comprises 0.3% of the population, compared to 0.1% across Regional Vic..

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Castlemaine Surrounds are English, comprising 32.5% of the population, Australian, comprising 27.8% of the population, and Irish, comprising 11.6% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Scottish is notably overrepresented at 10.3% of Castlemaine Surrounds (vs 8.8% regionally), Hungarian at 0.4% (vs 0.2%) and Dutch at 1.7% (vs 1.7%).

Castlemaine Surrounds ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The 52-year median age in Castlemaine Surrounds is significantly above Regional Vic.'s average of 43 and similarly well above the national norm of 38. Compared to the Regional Vic. average, the 65 - 74 cohort is notably over-represented (18.0% locally), while 25 - 34 year-olds are under-represented (7.7%). This 65 - 74 concentration is well above the national 9.5%. In the period since 2021, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 7.9% to 8.9% of the population. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 19.0% to 17.2%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Castlemaine Surrounds. The 25 to 34 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 10%, adding 72 residents to reach 820. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 35 to 44 and 75 to 84 cohorts.