Horsham
Statistical Area - sa2

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 November 2025, is approximately 17,269. This figure represents a growth of 284 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 16,985. The increase is inferred from ABS estimates: 17,007 in June 2024 and an additional 202 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a density ratio of 207 persons per square kilometer. Horsham's growth rate since the Census (1.7%) exceeded its SA3 area (-0.2%) and SA4 region, indicating it as a regional growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 63.9% to recent population gains.

Population projections for SA2 areas are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data from 2024 with a base year of 2022. For uncovers areas, VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 are used, adjusted employing weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Future demographic trends suggest an above-median growth for non-metropolitan Australia by 2041, with Horsham expected to increase by 2,904 persons (15.0% total growth) over the next 17 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 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 15 approved so far in FY26. The average number of new residents per year arriving for each new home over these five financial years is 0.5, indicating that new supply has kept pace with or exceeded demand, providing ample buyer choice and supporting population growth beyond current forecasts.

The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings during this period was $316,000. Additionally, $42.8 million in commercial approvals have been registered in the current financial year, reflecting high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to the rest of Victoria, Horsham has recorded 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. However, recent construction activity has eased slightly. The majority of recent construction comprises standalone homes (81.0%), with medium and high-density housing making up the remaining 19.0%, preserving the area's traditional low density character and appealing to those seeking space in family homes. Horsham reflects a low-density area, with approximately 335 people per approval. Looking ahead, Horsham is projected to grow by 2,591 residents through to 2041. Construction activity is maintaining a reasonable pace with this projected growth, although buyers may encounter increasing competition as the population increases.

Horsham has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 16 projects likely impacting the region. Key initiatives include Avonnefields Regional Development, Grampians Health's Horsham Hospital Campus Redevelopment Masterplan Implementation, Horsham Residential Growth Areas Development, and Horsham Recreation Infrastructure Improvements. 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 assessment positions Horsham ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Horsham's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with prominent essential services sectors. As of June 2025, its unemployment rate stands at 2.5%, lower than the Rest of Vic.'s 3.8%.

There are 8,488 residents employed, with a participation rate of 59.8%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. However, manufacturing is under-represented at 4.2% compared to Rest of Vic.'s 7.7%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work. Between June 2024 and June 2025, Horsham's labour force decreased by 4.1%, employment fell by 3.5%, leading to a 0.6 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. In comparison, Rest of Vic.'s employment fell by 0.9%, labour force contracted by 0.4%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's forecasts from May 2025 project 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 growth of approximately 6.6%% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Horsham's median income among taxpayers is $49,559. The average income in Horsham is $59,577. This is lower than the national average. Rest of Vic.'s median income is $48,741 and average income is $60,693. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Horsham's median income would be approximately $55,585 as of September 2025. The average income estimate by then is around $66,822. Census data indicates personal income ranks at the 42nd percentile ($766 weekly) and household income at the 24th percentile in Horsham. Income brackets show that the largest segment comprises 31.0% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (5,353 residents). This is consistent with broader trends across the broader area showing 30.3% in the same category. Housing costs are modest, with 87.9% of income retained. However, 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

The dwelling structure in Horsham, as per the latest Census evaluation, consisted of 89.6% houses and 10.5% other dwellings (including semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Vic.'s figures of 93.0% houses and 6.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Horsham stood at 38.1%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (33.3%) or rented (28.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,203, higher than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,043. The median weekly rent figure in Horsham was $245, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $215. Nationally, Horsham's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Horsham features high concentrations of lone person households, with a higher-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, larger than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.2.

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 most prevalent 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 such qualifications - advanced diplomas (10.9%) and certificates (27.7%). Educational participation is high at 27.1%, including primary education (10.2%), secondary education (8.1%), and tertiary education (2.8%).

There are 10 schools in Horsham educating approximately 3,299 students, with balanced educational opportunities (ICSEA: 986). The school mix includes 5 primary, 3 secondary, and 2 K-12 schools. School capacity exceeds residential needs at 19.3 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 13.8, indicating Horsham serves as an educational center for the broader region. Note: refer to parent campus for schools with 'n/a' enrolments.

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

Transport analysis indicates 123 active stops operating in Horsham, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 19 individual routes, collectively facilitating 499 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically situated 208 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 71 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 4 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Horsham is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Horsham faces significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent among both younger and older age groups. Approximately half of its population (around 8,548 people) has private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most frequent medical issues are arthritis, affecting 10.2% of residents, and mental health concerns, impacting 9.2%. However, 63.3% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly higher than the Rest of Vic's 61.2%. Horsham has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over (22.1%, or 3,814 people) compared to Rest of Vic's 25.2%.

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

Horsham, as per the Australian Bureau of Statistics Census 2016 data, had a cultural diversity index of below average. Its population breakdown was: citizens 91.3%, born in Australia 92.1%, and spoke English only at home 94.4%. Christianity was the predominant religion, with 52.2% of people identifying as such, compared to 51.6% across Rest of Vic..

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (31.9%), English (31.5%), and Scottish (8.4%). Notably, German ancestry was overrepresented at 7.7%, compared to the regional average of 6.6%. Irish ancestry stood at 7.8% (vs 8.1%) and Italian at 2.4% (vs 1.6%).

Horsham's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Horsham is 40 years, which is slightly below the Rest of Vic.'s average of 43 but above Australia's median of 38. The 25-34 cohort makes up 14.6% of Horsham's population, higher than the Rest of Vic.'s average, while the 55-64 age group constitutes 11.1%, lower than the average. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 13.3% to 14.6%, and the 35 to 44 cohort has risen from 11.3% to 12.5%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 age group has decreased from 12.6% to 11.1%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic shifts in Horsham. The 35 to 44 cohort is projected to grow by 783 people (36%), from 2,155 to 2,939. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 and 65 to 74 age groups are expected to see population declines.