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, as of May 2026, is approximately 7,527. This figure represents a growth of 2,290 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 5,237. The increase is inferred from ABS data: an estimated resident population of 7,434 in June 2025 and 691 new addresses validated after the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 145 persons per square kilometer. Diggers Rest's growth rate of 43.7% since the 2021 census exceeds both state (9.3%) and national averages, positioning it as a growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 70.1% to overall population gains recently, with natural growth and overseas migration also being positive factors.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 are used, adjusted via weighted aggregation to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Diggers Rest is projected to have a population of 7,380 based on the latest annual ERP numbers, reflecting an increase of 96.8% over the 16-year period.

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, 83 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling has accommodated 2.7 new residents annually between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating strong demand that supports property values. The average construction cost value for these dwellings is $243,000, which is below regional norms, reflecting more affordable housing options.

In the current financial year, commercial development approvals amounting to $235,000 have been recorded, demonstrating Diggers Rest's residential nature. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Diggers Rest has 136.0% more new home approvals per person, offering buyers ample choice despite a recent slowdown in building activity. This activity is well above the national average, reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. The majority of new buildings are detached dwellings (96.0%), with townhouses or apartments making up 4.0%, maintaining Diggers Rest's traditional low-density character focused on family homes. With around 32 people per dwelling approval, Diggers Rest exhibits characteristics of a growth area.

According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Diggers Rest is projected to gain 7,287 residents by 2041, and building activity appears to be keeping pace with these growth projections, although buyers may face increased competition as the population grows.

Diggers Rest has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 39thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 40 projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones are Diggers Rest Town Centre, Grandview Estate, Nightjar Estate, and Mary St, Diggers Rest. The following details those 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 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. Its unemployment rate was 2.9% as of December 2025. This rate is 1.9% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

Workforce participation in Diggers Rest is 76.2%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. According to Census responses, 25.8% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries are health care & social assistance, construction, and transport, postal & warehousing. Diggers Rest shows 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%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data comparing working population and resident population. In the year to December 2025, Diggers Rest's labour force decreased by 0.5% and employment declined by 0.4%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. Conversely, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 2.4% and labour force growth of 2.8%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Diggers Rest's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

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 of $64,070 and an average income of $71,938. These figures are higher than the national averages. Greater Melbourne, meanwhile, had a median income of $57,688 and an average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for March 2026 would be approximately $70,234 (median) and $78,858 (average). Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Diggers Rest cluster around the 71st percentile nationally. The income distribution shows that 43.5% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999, which 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 dwellings, as per the latest Census, were 92.2% houses and 7.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Diggers Rest stood at 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 constitute 76.2 percent of all households, consisting of 36.2 percent couples with children, 27.8 percent couples without children, and 10.8 percent single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 23.8 percent, with lone person households at 21.5 percent and group households making up 2.4 percent of the total. 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%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 18.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, 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% currently enrolled in formal education: 10.0% in primary, 5.2% in secondary, and 3.6% in tertiary education.

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

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

Transport analysis indicates 33 active public transport stops in Diggers Rest, offering a mix of bus services. These stops are served by three distinct routes, collectively facilitating 1427 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically residing 262 meters from the nearest stop. Predominantly residential, most residents commute outward, primarily by car at 89%, with train usage at 9%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling, exceeding the regional average. Notably, 25.8% of residents work from home (as per the 2021 Census; potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 203 trips daily across all routes, translating 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% (~4,132 people) of the total population has private health cover. The most common medical conditions are asthma (9.6%) and mental health issues (9%). 71.7% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among the working-age population are typical. There are 9.3% (697 people) of residents aged 65 and over, lower than Greater Melbourne's 15%. 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 exhibited higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 24.9% of its residents born overseas and 24.7% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Diggers Rest, comprising 47.2% of the population. However, the category 'Other' was notably overrepresented, making up 5.5% of the population compared to 2.3% across Greater Melbourne.

In terms of ancestry, Australian was the most represented group at 23.8%, significantly higher than the regional average of 18.4%. English and Other groups followed at 20.7% and 10.8% respectively. Notably, Maltese (3.0%), Croatian (1.3%), and Polish (1.2%) ethnicities were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 1.1%, 0.7%, and 0.8% respectively.

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 the national average of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Diggers Rest has a higher proportion of residents aged 35-44 (19.8%) but fewer residents aged 15-24 (9.4%). This 35-44 concentration is significantly higher than the national figure of 14.3%. According to data from the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 35 to 44 has increased from 16.9% to 19.8%, while the 5 to 14 age group has risen from 11.8% to 13.3%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 age group has decreased from 24.6% to 20.3%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests that Diggers Rest's age profile will change significantly. The 35 to 44 age cohort is projected to grow by 91%, adding 1,363 residents and reaching a total of 2,856.