East Bendigo - Kennington

An assessment of population growth drivers in East Bendigo - Kennington reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, East Bendigo - Kennington's population is around 14,239 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 251 people (1.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 13,988 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 14,022 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 208 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 830 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of 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, an above-median population growth for locations outside of capital cities is projected, with the area expected to grow by 2,796 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 18.1% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within East Bendigo - Kennington when compared nationally

East Bendigo - Kennington has experienced around 63 dwellings receiving development approval per year, with 318 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 21 so far in FY-26. At an average of just 0.4 new residents per year arriving per new home over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply is meeting or surpassing demand, providing greater buyer choice and supporting potential for population growth above projections, while new homes are being built at an average value of $319,000. Additionally, $31.2 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity.

When measured against the Rest of Vic., East Bendigo - Kennington has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person while it places among the 70th percentile of areas assessed nationally. Recent construction comprises 62.0% detached dwellings and 38.0% medium and high-density housing, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments providing options across different price points, from family homes to more affordable compact living. This marks a significant departure from existing housing patterns (currently 82.0% houses), suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. The location has approximately 204 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market.

Population forecasts indicate East Bendigo - Kennington will gain 2,579 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Construction is maintaining a reasonable pace with projected growth, although buyers could encounter growing competition as the population increases.

East Bendigo - Kennington has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 22 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include St Aidans Road Kennington Social Housing, Prime Business Park, Marnie Place Estate, and Kennington Reservoir Dam Wall Rehabilitation, 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.

Employment performance in East Bendigo - Kennington has been broadly consistent with national averages

East Bendigo - Kennington has a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of only 3.3%, and 2.2% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 6,628 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.4% below Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (57.5% compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.5%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 16.9% 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, education & training, and retail trade. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in health care & social assistance, with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 1.7% versus the regional average of 7.5%. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 2.2% alongside the labour force increasing by 1.8%, resulting in unemployment falling by 0.3 percentage points. 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 East Bendigo - Kennington. 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 East Bendigo - Kennington's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.2% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The East Bendigo - Kennington SA2's income level is just below the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The East Bendigo - Kennington SA2's median income among taxpayers is $52,891 and the average income stands at $65,701, which compares to figures for Regional Vic.'s of $50,954 and $62,728 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $57,255 (median) and $71,121 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in East Bendigo - Kennington, between the 29th and 40th percentiles. The data shows the largest segment comprises 28.9% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (4,115 residents), mirroring regional levels where 30.3% occupy this bracket. Housing costs are manageable with 86.8% retained, though disposable income sits below average at the 33rd percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

East Bendigo - Kennington is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure within East Bendigo - Kennington, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 82.4% houses and 17.6% 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 East Bendigo - Kennington was in line with that of Regional Vic., at 40.2%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (26.7%) or rented (33.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was in line with the Regional Vic. average at $1,430, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $295, compared to Regional Vic.'s $1,430 and $285. Nationally, East Bendigo - Kennington's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

East Bendigo - Kennington features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 61.7% of all households, comprising 22.1% couples with children, 27.8% couples without children, and 10.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 38.3%, with lone person households at 34.2% and group households comprising 4.2% 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 East Bendigo - Kennington exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's educational profile stands out regionally, with university qualification rates (28.9% of residents aged 15+) exceeding the Rest of Vic. average of 21.7% and that of the SA3 area (23.6%), reflecting the community's emphasis on higher education. Bachelor degrees lead at 18.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.7%) and graduate diplomas (4.3%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 33.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.7%) and certificates (21.6%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.5% in primary education, 7.1% in secondary education, and 5.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 75 active transport stops operating within East Bendigo - Kennington. These stops are serviced by 9 individual routes, collectively providing 1,379 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 244 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 92%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. Some 16.9% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 197 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 18 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in East Bendigo - Kennington is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

East Bendigo - Kennington faces significant health challenges, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover slightly lags that of the average SA2 area at approximately 52% of the total population (~7,390 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 10.8 and 10.7% of residents, respectively, while 61.1% 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 23.6% of residents aged 65 and over (3,363 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

East Bendigo - Kennington ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

East Bendigo - Kennington was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 89.9% of its population being citizens, 88.0% born in Australia, and 91.5% speaking English only at home. The main religion in East Bendigo - Kennington is Christianity, which makes up 50.6% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Other, which comprises 0.9% of the population, compared to 0.8% across Regional Vic..

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in East Bendigo - Kennington are English, comprising 31.5% of the population, Australian, comprising 28.3% of the population, and Irish, comprising 11.2% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Scottish is notably overrepresented at 9.2% of East Bendigo - Kennington (vs 8.8% regionally), Sri Lankan at 0.3% (vs 0.1%) and German at 3.4% (vs 3.5%).

East Bendigo - Kennington hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

With a median age of 43, East Bendigo - Kennington is equal to the Regional Vic. figure of 43 and well above the 38-year national average. The age profile shows 25 - 34 year-olds are particularly prominent (14.9%), while the 5 - 14 group is comparatively smaller (9.6%) than in Regional Vic.. Since the 2021 Census, the median age has decreased by 1.1 years from 44 to 43, indicating a younger demographic shift. Key changes show the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 12.2% to 14.9% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 10.6% to 12.2%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 11.9% to 10.0% and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 12.8% to 11.4%. Demographic modeling suggests East Bendigo - Kennington's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25 to 34 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 49%, adding 1,048 residents to reach 3,172. In contrast, the 55 to 64 and 65 to 74 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.