Diggers Rest

Diggers Rest lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Diggers Rest's population is around 7,167 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 1,930 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,237 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,967 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 648 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 138 persons per square kilometer. Diggers Rest's growth rate of 36.9% since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.7%). Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 73.4% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 utilises the 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. Considering these projections, exceptional growth is predicted over the period with an expected expansion of 8,327 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 113.4% in total over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Diggers Rest was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Diggers Rest has averaged approximately 234 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling 1,172 homes. As of FY-26 so far, 58 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling has resulted in around 2.7 new residents annually between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating healthy demand that supports property values. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $243,000, which is below regional norms, reflecting more affordable housing options for purchasers.

This financial year has seen $235,000 in commercial development approvals, demonstrating the area's residential nature. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Diggers Rest has 164.0% more new home approvals per person, providing buyers with ample choice despite a slowdown in building activity in recent years. This activity is well above average nationally, reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. New building activity shows 96.0% detached dwellings and 4.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 32 people per dwelling approval, Diggers Rest shows characteristics of a growth area.

Population forecasts indicate Diggers Rest will gain approximately 8,127 residents through to 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Building activity is keeping pace with growth projections, though buyers may experience heightened competition as the population grows.

Diggers Rest has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 40thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 41 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones include Diggers Rest Town Centre (proposed mixed-use precinct), Grandview Estate, Nightjar Estate, and Mary St, Diggers Rest. 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 Diggers Rest demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Diggers Rest has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate was 3.3% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.8%. As of September 2025, 4,310 residents are employed, and the unemployment rate is 1.3% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%.

Workforce participation is high at 82.4%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. According to Census responses, 25.8% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. The leading employment industries are health care & social assistance, construction, and transport, postal & warehousing. Diggers Rest has a strong specialization in transport, postal & warehousing, with an employment share 2.1 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services are under-represented at 6.0%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by the difference between working population and resident population counts. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 1.8% and labour force by 2.6%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with a smaller increase in unemployment rate of 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Diggers Rest's employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Diggers Rest SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $64,070 and an average of $71,938. These figures are above the national average. Greater Melbourne, meanwhile, had a median income of $57,688 and an average of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $69,356 (median) and $77,873 (average). Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Diggers Rest cluster around the 71st percentile nationally. Income distribution data shows that the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 43.5% of the community, with 3,117 individuals falling into this category. This aligns with the broader area where this cohort represents 32.8%. High housing costs consume 16.7% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 65th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Diggers Rest is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Diggers Rest's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, were 92.2% houses and 7.8% other dwellings. In comparison, Melbourne metro had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Diggers Rest was 18.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 60.3% and rented ones at 21.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,800, lower than Melbourne metro's $2,000. Median weekly rent was $396, higher than Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Diggers Rest's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Diggers Rest has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 76.2% of all households, including 36.2% couples with children, 27.8% couples without children, and 10.8% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 23.8%, with lone person households at 21.5% and group households making up 2.4%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which aligns with the Greater Melbourne average.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 26.0%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 18.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 39.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (13.3%) and certificates (26.4%).

Educational participation is high, with 26.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes primary education (10.0%), secondary education (5.2%), and tertiary education (3.6%).

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

Diggers Rest has 33 operational public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by three different routes that collectively facilitate 1427 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents typically residing 262 meters from the nearest stop. Primarily residential, most Diggers Rest residents commute outward using cars as the dominant mode at 89%, while 9% use trains. On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per dwelling, exceeding the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, a high 25.8% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 203 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 43 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Diggers Rest are marginally below the national average with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Health indicators suggest below-average outcomes in Diggers Rest.

AreaSearch's assessment shows mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are somewhat typical but higher than the national average among older cohorts. Approximately 55% (~3,934 people) of residents have private health cover. The most common medical conditions are asthma (9.6%) and mental health issues (9.0%). A total of 71.7% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among the working-age population are typical. Diggers Rest has 9.2% (662 people) of residents aged 65 and over, lower than Greater Melbourne's 14.9%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than the broader population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Diggers Rest was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Diggers Rest, surveyed in June 2016, showed higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 24.9% of residents born overseas and 24.7% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 47.2%. However, 'Other' religions were more prevalent in Diggers Rest at 5.5%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 2.3%.

In terms of ancestry, Australian (23.8%) and English (20.7%) were the top groups, with Australian being notably higher than the regional average of 18.4%. 'Other' ancestry made up 10.8% of Diggers Rest's population. Certain ethnic groups were overrepresented: Maltese at 3.0%, Croatian at 1.3%, and Polish at 1.2%.

Diggers Rest hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Diggers Rest has a median age of 32 years, which is younger than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and significantly lower than Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Diggers Rest has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (21.0%) but fewer residents aged 15-24 (9.1%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is notably higher than the national average of 14.5%. Post-2021 Census data indicates that the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 16.9% to 19.3% of Diggers Rest's population, while the 5 to 14 cohort has risen from 11.8% to 13.3%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has decreased from 24.6% to 21.0%. Demographic projections suggest that Diggers Rest's age profile will significantly change by 2041. The 35 to 44 age group is projected to grow by 111%, adding 1,534 residents and reaching a total of 2,918 residents in this cohort.