Horsham Surrounds

Horsham Surrounds is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

As of February 2026, Horsham Surrounds' population stands at approximately 3,486, marking a rise of 15 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 3,471. This increase is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,459 in June 2024 and an additional 26 validated new addresses post-census. The population density ratio is 0.80 persons per square kilometer. Since the census, Horsham Surrounds has grown by 0.4%, placing it within 0.6 percentage points of the SA3 area's growth rate of 1%. Natural growth contributed approximately 65.9% to recent population gains. 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 the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusting using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels and applying growth rates by age group for years 2032 to 2041. Based on recent annual ERP population numbers, Horsham Surrounds is projected to increase by approximately 8.3% by 2041, adding around 317 persons to its total population.

The level of residential development activity in Horsham Surrounds is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Horsham Surrounds has seen approximately 8 dwellings granted development approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, 42 homes were approved, with an additional 4 approved in FY26 so far. Despite a decline in population during this period, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice.

The average expected construction cost of new properties is $434,000, indicating that developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. This financial year has seen $11.1 million in commercial approvals, reflecting steady commercial investment activity. Compared to Rest of Vic., Horsham Surrounds shows around 75% of construction activity per person and ranks among the 31st percentile nationally, suggesting somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established properties. This activity is below the national average, implying the area's established nature and potential planning limitations.

Recent building activity consists solely of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 563 people, reflecting its quiet, low-activity development environment. Population forecasts indicate Horsham Surrounds will gain 290 residents by 2041 (based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Construction is maintaining a reasonable pace with projected growth, although buyers may encounter growing competition as population increases.

Horsham Surrounds has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 47thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 21 projects that could impact this region. Notable ones include Horsham Child Care Centre, Horsham South Structure Plan, Avonnefields Regional Development, and Grampians Health's Horsham Hospital Campus Redevelopment Masterplan Implementation. Below is a list of 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 of employment trends sees Horsham Surrounds performing better than 85% of local markets assessed across Australia

Horsham Surrounds has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, diverse sector representation, and an unemployment rate of 0.9% as of September 2025. There are 2,037 residents in work, which is below the Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%, but its workforce participation is higher at 70.6%. Moderately, 25.0% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdown impacts.

The dominant employment sectors are agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and construction. Notably, the area specializes in agriculture, forestry & fishing with an employment share 3.8 times higher than the regional level. Conversely, retail trade has limited presence at 5.4% compared to the regional average of 9.9%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities as suggested by the Census working population count versus resident population.

Between September 2024 and September 2025, the labour force decreased by 4.2%, while employment declined by 3.5%, causing unemployment to fall by 0.8 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Vic. recorded an employment decline of 0.7% and a labour force decline of 0.6%. According to Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25, national employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Horsham Surrounds' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.5% over five years and 12.1% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only and does not account for localized population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The Horsham Surrounds SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $50,688 and an average income of $64,917 in the financial year 2023, according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This was below the national average for Rest of Vic., which had median and average incomes of $50,954 and $62,728 respectively. By September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $54,870 and average income $70,273, based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25%. Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Horsham Surrounds rank modestly, between the 39th and 50th percentiles. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 captures 34.0% of the community (1,185 individuals), similar to the broader metropolitan region at 30.3%. Housing costs allow for retention of 93.4%, but disposable income is below average at the 50th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Horsham Surrounds is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Horsham Surrounds' dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 98.2% houses and 1.8% other dwellings (including semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Horsham Surrounds stood at 57.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.9% and rented ones at 9.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,134, below Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,430. The median weekly rent figure was $185, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Horsham Surrounds' mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Horsham Surrounds has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 73.7 percent of all households, including 31.3 percent couples with children, 34.0 percent couples without children, and 7.2 percent single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 26.3 percent, with lone person households at 24.8 percent and group households comprising 1.3 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is larger than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.4.

Educational attainment in Horsham Surrounds aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 18.7%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.3%, followed by graduate diplomas (3.7%) and postgraduate qualifications (2.7%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 40.5% of residents aged 15 and above holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas at 12.0% and certificates at 28.5%. Educational participation is high, with 27.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 10.3% in primary, 9.3% in secondary, and 2.6% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.3% in primary education, 9.3% in secondary education, and 2.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis shows ten active transport stops operating within Horsham Surrounds. These stops are served by six individual routes, collectively offering ninety-five weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 1598 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 91%, with 6% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 2.3 per dwelling, exceeding the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, some 25.0% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages thirteen trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately nine weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Horsham Surrounds are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Horsham Surrounds shows below-average health indicators based on AreaSearch's assessment.

Common health conditions are slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (around 1,784 people). The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 9.4% and 8.2% of residents respectively. Around 67.9% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 63.4% in Rest of Vic. Working-age residents have an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 20.0% of residents aged 65 and over (697 people), lower than the 23.9% in Rest of Vic. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings higher than the general population.

The latest Census data sees Horsham Surrounds placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Horsham Surrounds, as per the census data from June 2016, had a lower level of cultural diversity compared to the average. The population composition was predominantly Australian citizens, with 92.5% holding citizenship and 93.9% being born in Australia. English was the primary language spoken at home by 98.1% of residents.

Christianity was the dominant religion, practiced by 52.3% of the population, which is higher than the regional average of 47.3%. In terms of ancestry, Australians made up 33.9%, English 32.8%, and German 8.9% of the population, with Germans being more represented compared to the regional average of 3.5%. Notably, Scottish ancestry was slightly higher at 8.9% in Horsham Surrounds compared to the regional figure of 8.8%. Serbian ancestry remained consistent at 0.2%, while Dutch ancestry was lower at 1.2% compared to the regional average of 1.7%.

Horsham Surrounds hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Horsham Surrounds' median age of 45 years is slightly higher than Rest of Vic.'s 43 years, which is also older than the national norm of 38 years. Compared to the average in Rest of Vic., Horsham Surrounds has a notably higher proportion of people aged 55-64 (16.6% locally vs. 12.7%), and a lower proportion of those aged 75-84 (5.9%). The concentration of people aged 55-64 is well above the national average of 11.2%. Between 2021 and present, the population aged 25 to 34 has increased from 8.8% to 11.3%, while those aged 15 to 24 have risen from 11.8% to 13.3%. Conversely, the proportion of people aged 5 to 14 has declined from 12.7% to 10.2%, and those aged 45 to 54 have decreased from 15.3% to 13.2%. Demographic projections suggest significant changes in Horsham Surrounds' age profile by 2041. The population aged 25 to 34 is projected to expand by 102 people (26%), from 394 to 497, while the populations aged 65 to 74 and 15 to 24 are projected to decline.