Horsham

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Horsham's population is around 17,269 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 284 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 16,985 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 17,007 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 202 validated new addresses since the Census date. Horsham's population density is 207 persons per square kilometer. Since the 2021 census, Horsham has grown by 1.7%, exceeding the SA3 area's growth rate of -0.2%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 63.9% of overall population gains during 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 utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Horsham is projected to increase by 2,904 persons, reflecting a total growth of 15.0% 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 FY25381 homes were approved, with an additional 26 approved in FY26 so far. On average, about 0.5 new residents arrive per year for each new home built over these five years.

This suggests that new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and allowing for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings during this period was $316,000. In terms of commercial approvals, Horsham has registered $42.8 million in FY26, indicating high levels of local commercial activity.

Compared to the rest of Victoria, Horsham records elevated construction activity, with a 30.0% increase per person over the five-year period. This maintains good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. However, construction activity has eased recently. The recent construction composition comprises 81.0% standalone homes and 19.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. 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, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Construction is maintaining a reasonable pace with projected growth, although buyers may encounter growing competition as population increases.

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

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 16 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include Avonnefields Regional Development, Horsham Hospital Campus Redevelopment Masterplan Implementation (Grampians Health), Horsham Residential Growth Areas Development, and Horsham Recreation Infrastructure Improvements. The following list details those projects 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.

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. Its unemployment rate was 1.8% as of September 2025.

In this period, 8,612 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.0%, lower than Rest of Vic.'s 3.8%. Workforce participation was 59.8%, similar to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Key industries for employment were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

Manufacturing was under-represented at 4.2% compared to Rest of Vic.'s 7.7%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Horsham's labour force decreased by 4.0%, employment declined by 2.4%, causing unemployment rate to fall by 1.6 percentage points. State-level data as of 25-Nov-25 shows VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. National forecasts from May-25 project total employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Horsham's industry mix suggests local employment should increase by similar rates over the same periods.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Horsham SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $49,559 and an average of $59,577. This is lower than the national average, with Rest of Vic.'s median being $48,741 and average at $60,693. As of September 2025, based on a Wage Price Index growth of 12.16%, estimated incomes would be approximately $55,585 (median) and $66,822 (average). Census data indicates personal income ranks at the 42nd percentile ($766 weekly), with household income at the 23rd percentile. The largest income segment comprises 31.0% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (5,353 residents), similar to broader trends across the area showing 30.3% in the same category. Housing costs are modest with 87.9% of income retained, placing total disposable income 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

Dwelling structure in Horsham, as per the latest Census, consisted of 89.6% houses and 10.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Vic. had 93.0% houses and 6.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Horsham was at 38.1%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (33.3%) or rented (28.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,203, higher than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,043. The median weekly rent figure in Horsham was recorded at $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 constitute 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 comprise 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, 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 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

Transport analysis shows 123 active stops operating within Horsham, consisting of a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 19 individual routes, collectively offering 499 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 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. Private health cover stands at approximately 50%, covering around 8,548 people, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most frequent medical issues are arthritis (10.2%) and mental health problems (9.2%). About 63.3% claim to have no medical ailments, slightly higher than the Rest of Vic's 61.2%. Horsham has a lower proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 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'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, comprising 52.2% of the population, compared to 51.6% across Rest of Vic. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Australian (31.9%), English (31.5%), and Scottish (8.4%).

Notably, German ethnicity is overrepresented in Horsham at 7.7%, compared to 6.6% regionally, Irish 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 lower than Rest of Vic.'s average of 43 but higher than Australia's median of 38. Compared to the Rest of Vic. average, the 25-34 age cohort is notably over-represented at 14.6% in Horsham, while the 55-64 year-olds are under-represented at 11.1%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 13.3% to 14.6%, and the 35 to 44 cohort has increased from 11.3% to 12.5%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 age group has declined from 12.6% to 11.1%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Horsham. The 35 to 44 age cohort is projected to expand by 783 people (36%), growing from 2,155 to 2,939. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 and 65 to 74 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.