Horsham

Horsham has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Horsham's population was approximately 16,901 as of May 2026. This figure reflects a decrease of 84 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 16,985. The decrease is inferred from ABS estimates: 16,885 in June 2025 and an additional 241 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 203 persons per square kilometer. Compared to the SA3 area's decline of -1.6%, Horsham performed better with a decrease of 0.5%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 60.9% of overall population gains recently.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered, it utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 with adjustments made via 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. Future projections anticipate an above median population growth in Australia's non-metropolitan areas, with the area expected to increase by 2,812 persons to 2041 based on latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 16.5% over 16 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Horsham recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Horsham has approved approximately 76 residential properties annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, a total of 381 homes were approved, with an additional 53 approved in FY26 so far. On average, around 0.5 new residents have been arriving per new home each year over these five years.

This pace suggests that the supply of new dwellings is meeting or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and supporting population growth beyond current forecasts. The average expected construction cost value for new dwellings over this period was $316,000. In terms of commercial activity, Horsham has registered $42.8 million in approvals during the current financial year.

Compared to the rest of Victoria, Horsham's construction levels are somewhat elevated, at 29.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. This high level of construction has maintained good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. However, recent activity has eased slightly. The majority of recent construction in Horsham consists of standalone homes, making up 81.0% of new dwellings, with medium and high-density housing accounting for the remaining 19.0%. This maintains the area's traditional low-density character, appealing to those seeking family homes with space. With around 335 people per approval, Horsham reflects a low-density residential area. Looking ahead, Horsham is projected to grow by 2,793 residents by 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. While construction is currently maintaining a reasonable pace with this projected growth, buyers may face increasing competition for properties as the population continues to rise.

Horsham has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

The performance of a region is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 16 such projects that could impact the area. Notable projects include Grampians Health Horsham Campus Redevelopment, Avonnefields Regional Development, Horsham Recreation Infrastructure Improvements, and Horsham South Structure Plan. The following list details those likely 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.

The labour market strength in Horsham positions it well ahead of most Australian regions

Horsham has a diverse workforce with equal representation of white and blue collar jobs. Key sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. As of December 2025, 8,669 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.5%.

This is below Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%, and workforce participation is standard at 63.5%. Census data shows that 9.2% of residents work from home. Employment in manufacturing is lower than the regional average, at 4.2%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 0.2%, labour force decreased by 2.0%, leading to a 2.2 percentage point drop in unemployment. In contrast, Regional Vic. saw employment contract by 0.6% and unemployment fall by 0.1%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Horsham's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by similar rates over the same periods.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 30, 2023 indicates Horsham SA2's median income among taxpayers is $51,519 with an average of $61,285. This is lower than the national average. Comparatively, Regional Vic.'s median income is $50,954 and average is $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since June 30, 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $56,475 (median) and $67,181 (average). Census data from 2021 shows personal income ranks at the 42nd percentile ($766 weekly), while household income is at the 23rd percentile. Income distribution shows 31.0% of the population falls within the $1,500 - $2,999 range, aligning with regional levels at 30.3%. Housing costs are modest, with 87.9% of income retained, but total disposable income ranks at just the 29th percentile nationally.

Horsham is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Horsham, as per the latest Census, 89.6% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 10.5% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to Regional Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Horsham stood at 38.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.3% and rented ones at 28.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,203, lower than Regional Vic.'s average of $1,430. The median weekly rent in Horsham was $245, compared to Regional Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Horsham's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,203 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Horsham features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 64.3% of all households, including 25.0% couples with children, 27.5% couples without children, and 10.8% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 35.7%, with lone person households at 32.7% and group households comprising 3.1%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.

Educational outcomes in Horsham fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 17.4%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 38.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.9%) and certificates (27.7%). Educational participation is high, with 27.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 10.2% in primary education, 8.1% in secondary education, and 2.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in Horsham indicates that there are 123 active transport stops currently operating within the area. These stops are serviced by a total of 12 individual routes, which collectively provide 441 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport is rated as good, with residents typically located approximately 208 meters from their nearest transport stop. As Horsham is primarily residential, most residents commute outward for work or other purposes. The car remains the dominant mode of transportation, used by 92% of residents, while walking accounts for 5%. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling in the area.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 9.2% of residents work from home, which may reflect the conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic. The service frequency averages 63 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 3 weekly trips per individual stop. A map accompanies this analysis, showing the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

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

Horsham faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high among both younger and older age cohorts.

Approximately 50% of the total population (~8,416 people) has private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 10.2% of residents) and mental health issues (9.2%). Conversely, 63.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, similar to Regional Vic.'s 63.4%. Working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 22.2% of residents aged 65 and over (3,757 people), lower than Regional Vic.'s 23.9%, but national rankings are higher for this age group.

Horsham is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Horsham, surveyed in August 2016, had a low cultural diversity index with 91.3% citizens, 92.1% born in Australia, and 94.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, accounting for 52.2%, compared to Regional Vic's 47.3%. Ancestry-wise, Australian (31.9%), English (31.5%), and Scottish (8.4%) were the top groups.

Notably, German (7.7% vs regional 3.5%), Irish (7.8% vs 9.7%), and Italian (2.4% vs 2.9%) groups showed significant divergences in representation.

Horsham's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Horsham is 40 years, which is slightly below Regional Victoria's average of 43 but above Australia's median of 38. Compared to Regional Victoria's averages, the 25-34 age cohort is notably higher at 14.4% in Horsham, while the 65-74 age group is lower at 10.9%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 35-44 age group has increased from 11.3% to 12.8%, and the 25-34 cohort has risen from 13.3% to 14.4%. Conversely, the 55-64 age group has decreased from 12.6% to 11.0%. By 2041, significant demographic changes are projected for Horsham. The 35-44 age cohort is expected to grow by 711 people (33%), from 2,165 to 2,877. Meanwhile, the 15-24 and 65-74 cohorts are anticipated to decrease in population.