Horsham

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

Horsham's population, as of February 2026, is approximately 17,662. This figure represents a growth of 677 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 16,985. The increase is inferred from the estimated resident population of 16,958 in June 2024 and an additional 242 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 212 persons per square kilometer. Horsham's growth rate of 4.0% since the 2021 census exceeds that of its SA3 area (1.0%) and SA4 region, positioning it as a growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 63.9% of overall population gains in recent periods.

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, AreaSearch employs VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, based on latest annual ERP population numbers, the area is projected to increase by 2,904 persons, reflecting a total growth of 12.4% over the 17-year period.

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 recorded approximately 76 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, a total of 381 homes were approved, with an additional 33 approved so far in FY26. On average, over these five years, 0.5 new residents arrived per year for each new home approved.

This indicates that the new supply of dwellings is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings during this period was $316,000. In FY26, commercial approvals totalling $42.8 million have been registered, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity.

Compared to the Rest of Vic., Horsham records elevated construction activity, with a 30.0% increase per person over the five-year period. This has maintained good buyer choice while supporting existing property values, although recent construction activity has eased slightly. Recent construction in Horsham comprises 81.0% standalone homes and 19.0% medium and high-density housing. This maintains the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The population per approval is around 335 people, reflecting Horsham's low density status. Looking ahead, Horsham is expected to grow by 2,198 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Existing development levels seem aligned with future requirements, maintaining stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

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

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 16 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones are Avonnefields Regional Development, Horsham Hospital Campus Redevelopment Masterplan Implementation by Grampians Health, Horsham Recreation Infrastructure Improvements, and Horsham City Urban Renewal Project. The following list 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.

AreaSearch analysis places Horsham well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Horsham's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs with prominent essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 1.8% as of September 2025. In this month, 8,612 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 2.0% lower than Rest of Vic.'s 3.8%.

Workforce participation in Horsham was similar to Rest of Vic.'s 61.4%. According to Census responses, only 9.2% of residents worked from home. Key industries for employment were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

Manufacturing, however, was under-represented at 4.2%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 7.7%. Many Horsham residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. From September 2024 to September 2025, the labour force decreased by 4.0% and employment declined by 2.4%, leading to a 1.6 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. In contrast, Rest of Vic.'s employment fell by 0.7%, labour force contracted by 0.6%, and unemployment rose marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall 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 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Horsham SA2 had a median income of $51,519 and an average of $61,285. This is lower than the national average. Rest of Vic.'s median was $50,954 with an average of $62,728. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $55,769 (median) and $66,341 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25%. Census data indicates personal income ranks at the 42nd percentile ($766 weekly) and household income at the 23rd percentile. The largest income segment is 31.0% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (5,475 residents), similar to broader area trends of 30.3%. Housing costs are modest with 87.9% of income retained, but total disposable income ranks at the 29th percentile nationally.

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

Horsham's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 89.6% houses and 10.5% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Vic.'s dwelling structure was 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 in the area was $1,203, lower than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,430. The median weekly rent figure in Horsham was $245, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Horsham's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian 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 making up 3.1%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of 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 prominent, 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, comprising 10.2% in primary, 8.1% in secondary, and 2.8% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably 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

Horsham has 123 active public transport stops serving 12 routes that facilitate 441 weekly passenger trips. Residents have good access to these stops, with an average distance of 208 meters to the nearest one. In this predominantly residential area, most commuting is outward-bound, primarily by car (92%), with walking accounting for 5%. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.4. According to the 2021 Census, 9.2% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. On average, there are 63 trips per day across all routes, equating to roughly 3 weekly trips per stop.

The provided map illustrates the locations of the 100 nearest stops to the centerpoint.

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 somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~8,795 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 10.2 and 9.2% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 63.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, similar to the 63.4% across Rest of Vic.. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 21.9% of residents aged 65 and over (3,871 people), which is lower than the 23.9% in Rest of Vic.. National rankings for this age group are even higher than the general population.

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

Horsham's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 91.3% of its population being citizens, 92.1% born in Australia, and 94.4% speaking English only at home. The dominant religion in Horsham is Christianity, which accounts for 52.2% of the population, compared to 47.3% across Rest of Vic.. In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups are Australian (31.9%), English (31.5%), and Scottish (8.4%).

Notably, German ethnicity is overrepresented in Horsham at 7.7%, compared to 3.5% regionally, Irish at 7.8% versus 9.7%, and Italian at 2.4% against 2.9%.

Horsham's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Horsham is 39 years, which is significantly lower than Rest of Vic.'s average of 43 but essentially aligned with Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Vic., Horsham has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (15.1%) but fewer residents aged 55-64 (10.9%). According to the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 25-34 has increased from 13.3% to 15.1%, while those aged 35-44 have risen from 11.3% to 13.0%. Conversely, the percentage of residents aged 55-64 has decreased from 12.6% to 10.9%, and those aged 45-54 have dropped from 11.2% to 10.1%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Horsham's age structure. The 35-44 age group is expected to grow by 28%, reaching 2,939 people from the current 2,294. However, the 15-24 and 65-74 age cohorts are projected to experience population declines.