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' population is around 9,974 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 749 people (8.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,225 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 9,596 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 197 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 6.6 persons per square kilometer. Castlemaine Surrounds' growth of 8.1% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA4 region (5.9%) and the non-metro area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 78.4% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted using 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. Over this period, projections indicate an overall population decline, with the area's population expected to reduce by 799 persons by 2041. However, growth is anticipated in specific age cohorts, led by the 25 to 34 age group, projected to grow 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. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 307 homes were approved, with an additional 22 approved in FY26 so far. Each dwelling built over these years resulted in an average of 2.4 new residents per year, reflecting strong demand that supports property values.

New homes are being constructed at an average expected cost of $342,000. This financial year has seen $6.4 million in commercial approvals registered, indicating the area's residential character. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Castlemaine Surrounds has similar development levels per person, contributing to market stability aligned with regional trends.

Recent development has been exclusively detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character and appealing to those seeking family homes with space. With around 192 people per dwelling approval, Castlemaine Surrounds displays characteristics of a growth area. Population is expected to remain stable or decline, potentially reducing housing pressure and creating opportunities for buyers in the future.

Castlemaine Surrounds 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 28 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects include Haven Castlemaine, Levee Banks Project, Frederick Street Precinct Project, and Castlemaine Water Reclamation Plant Upgrade. The following list details those expected to be 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 performance in Castlemaine Surrounds exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Castlemaine Surrounds has an educated workforce with a low unemployment rate of 3.0% as of September 2025. The area's employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.5%.

There are 4,558 residents in work, with an unemployment rate of 0.8% below Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation is somewhat lower at 54.3%. The dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. Professional & technical services have a notable concentration, with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average. However, accommodation & food services are under-represented at 4.6% compared to Rest of Vic.'s 6.9%.

The area offers limited local employment opportunities based on Census data analysis. Over the past year, ending September 2025, employment increased by 2.5%, while labour force increased by 2.8%, causing a rise in unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic. saw employment decline by 0.7% and labour force decline by 0.6%. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Castlemaine Surrounds' employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

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

The Castlemaine Surrounds SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $45,672 and an average income of $59,612 in the financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is lower than the national averages for median ($48,741) and average incomes ($60,693). By September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $51,226 and average income $66,861, based on a 12.16% growth in wages since the financial year 2022. Census data indicates that incomes in Castlemaine Surrounds fall between the 21st and 22nd percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band includes 28.8% of the community (2,872 individuals), which is consistent with broader trends in the area showing 30.3% in the same category. 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 5th decile.

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

The dwelling structure in Castlemaine Surrounds, as per the latest Census, consisted of 98.7% houses and 1.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s 95.2% houses and 4.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Castlemaine Surrounds stood at 52.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 38.9% and rented ones at 8.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,473, below Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,600. The median weekly rent figure was $280, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $320. Nationally, Castlemaine Surrounds' mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 comprise 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 of 31.5%, among residents aged 15+, exceeds the Rest of Vic average of 21.7% and the SA4 region's rate of 25.4%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 18.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.7%) and graduate diplomas (5.1%). Vocational credentials are held by 35.9% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 12.3% and certificates at 23.6%. Educational participation is high, with 25.3% currently enrolled in formal education: 9.2% in primary, 7.6% in secondary, and 3.3% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably 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.

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 transport stops within Castlemaine Surrounds, consisting of buses. These stops are served by 13 individual routes, offering a total of 182 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is limited, with residents usually located 1127 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 26 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 5 weekly trips per stop.

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

Castlemaine Surrounds faces significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 50%, covering around 4,937 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 (9.6%), with 61.6% reporting no ailments, slightly lower than Rest of Vic.'s 63.4%.

The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 29.0% or 2,890 people, compared to Victoria's 24.9%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are above average, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

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, surveyed in 2016, had a below average cultural diversity index of 59.9. Its population was predominantly Australian-born citizens speaking English at home: 90.1%, 87.7%, and 97.1% respectively. Christianity was the major religion, comprising 34.4%.

Notably, Judaism was slightly overrepresented at 0.3% compared to 0.2% regionally. In terms of ancestry, the top groups were English (32.5%), Australian (27.8%), and Irish (11.6%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Scottish (10.3% vs 10.1%), Hungarian (0.4% vs 0.3%), and Dutch (1.7% vs 1.4%) were relatively more common in Castlemaine Surrounds compared to the regional averages.

Castlemaine Surrounds ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Castlemaine Surrounds is 52 years, which is significantly higher than Rest of Vic.'s average of 43 years and well above 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 Vic.'s average, while the 25-34 year-olds are under-represented at 7.5%. This concentration of the 65-74 cohort is well above the national average of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 7.9% to 8.8% of the population. Conversely, the 55 to 64 age cohort has declined from 19.0% to 17.4%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Castlemaine Surrounds. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 10%, adding 75 residents to reach a total of 820. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 75-84 and 0-4 age groups.