Horsham Surrounds
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Horsham Surrounds' population is around 3466 as of Aug 2025. This reflects a decrease of 5 people, or 0.1%, since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 3471 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 3459 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 21 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 0.80 persons per square kilometer. Horsham Surrounds' minimal decline was marginally better than the SA3 area which saw a decline of 0.6%. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, contributing approximately 65.9% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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, adjusting them employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering projected demographic shifts, the area is expected to expand by 317 persons to 2041 based on latest population numbers, reflecting an increase of approximately 8.9% in total over the 17-year period.

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 averaged approximately eight new dwelling approvals annually. Development approval data is produced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on a financial year basis: 43 homes over the past five financial years, from FY20 to FY25, with zero so far in FY26. The population has declined recently, yet development activity has been adequate relative to demand, maintaining an adequate supply of housing and creating a well-balanced market with good buyer choice. New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $716,000, indicating developers' focus on the premium market with high-end developments.

There have also been $11.1 million in commercial approvals this financial year, suggesting balanced commercial development activity. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Horsham Surrounds shows approximately 75% of the construction activity per person, placing it among the 31st percentile of areas assessed nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing properties. This level is similarly under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. Recent development has been entirely comprised of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

The estimated count of 563 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Looking ahead, Horsham Surrounds is expected to grow by approximately 310 residents through to 2041. Development is keeping reasonable pace with projected growth, though buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 22 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include Horsham Child Care Centre, Horsham South Structure Plan, Avonnefields Regional Development, and Horsham Residential Growth Areas Development, with the following list detailing those of greatest relevance.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Employment conditions in Horsham Surrounds demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Horsham Surrounds has a balanced workforce with representation from various sectors. As of June 2025, the unemployment rate is 1.3%.

The area's unemployment rate is 2.5% lower than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%, and its workforce participation rate is higher at 66.9%. Key industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and construction. Employment in agriculture, forestry & fishing is notably high, being 3.8 times the regional average. Retail trade has a limited presence with 5.4% employment compared to the regional average of 9.9%.

The area may offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparison of working population and resident population. In the 12-month period ending June 2025, labour force decreased by 4.2% and employment declined by 4.0%, causing unemployment to fall slightly by 0.2 percentage points. By contrast, Rest of Vic. saw an employment decline of 0.9% and a labour force decline of 0.4%, with unemployment rising by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data from Sep-25 shows VIC employment grew by 1.08% year-on-year, adding 39,880 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts for May 2025 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Horsham Surrounds' employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.5% over five years and 12.1% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch released postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022. Horsham Surrounds' median income among taxpayers was $50,505, with an average of $63,239. This is just below the national average. Rest of Vic.'s median income was $48,741 and average was $60,693. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.11% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Horsham Surrounds would be approximately $55,611 (median) and $69,632 (average) as of March 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Horsham Surrounds, between the 39th and 51st percentiles. The income bracket $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 34.0% of residents (1,178 people), similar to the metropolitan region at 30.3%. Housing costs are manageable with 93.4% retained. 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' dwellings, as recorded in the latest Census, were 98.2% houses and 1.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). In contrast, Non-Metro Vic. had 93.0% houses and 6.9% 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, higher than Non-Metro Vic.'s average but significantly lower than the national average of $1,863. Median weekly rent in Horsham Surrounds was $185, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $215 and the national figure of $375.

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

Family households are the majority, accounting for 73.7% of all households in the area. They can be further broken down into three categories: couples with children at 31.3%, couples without children at 34.0%, and single parent families at 7.2%. Non-family households make up the remaining 26.3%, with lone person households comprising 24.8% and group households making up 1.3% of the total. The median household size in this area is 2.5 people, which is larger than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.2.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 18.7%, significantly lower than the VIC average of 33.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 12.3%, followed by graduate diplomas (3.7%) and postgraduate qualifications (2.7%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 40.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (12.0%) and certificates (28.5%).

Educational participation is high at 27.3%, including 10.3% in primary education, 9.3% in secondary education, and 2.6% pursuing tertiary education. Horsham Surrounds has three schools with a combined enrollment of 23 students, operating under typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1006) with balanced educational opportunities. Two primary and one secondary school serve distinct age groups. Local school capacity is limited at 0.7 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 13.9, leading many families to travel for schooling.

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 serve a mix of bus routes, totaling ten individual routes. Collectively, they provide 125 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 1596 meters from the nearest transport stop. Service frequency averages 17 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 12 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Horsham Surrounds faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is approximately 51% of the total population (~1,774 people), slightly lagging behind the average SA2 area at 48.8% across Rest of Vic.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (9.4%) and asthma (8.2%), while 67.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 61.2% in Rest of Vic. The area has 20.4% of residents aged 65 and over (708 people), lower than the 25.2% in Rest of Vic. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

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 conducted on 30 June 2016, showed a low level of cultural diversity with 92.5% of its population being Australian citizens and 93.9% born in Australia. A majority, 98.1%, spoke English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 52.3%.

This figure is slightly higher than the 51.6% recorded across Victoria. When it comes to ancestry, Australians made up 33.9%, followed by those of English descent at 32.8%, and Germans at 8.9%. Some ethnic groups were found in disproportionate numbers: Scottish residents were slightly overrepresented at 8.9%, compared to the regional average of 9.0%; Serbian residents, though small in number, were also overrepresented at 0.2% versus 0.1%; Dutch residents stood at 1.2%, marginally higher than the regional average of 1.1%.

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

Horsham Surrounds has a median age of 46, which is slightly higher than the Rest of Vic's figure of 43 and significantly higher than the national norm of 38. The age group of 55-64 years shows strong representation at 16.5%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s figure, whereas the 35-44 cohort is less prevalent at 9.7%. This concentration of the 55-64 age group is well above the national average of 11.2%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 8.8% to 10.7%, and the 15 to 24 cohort has increased from 11.8% to 13.2%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 12.7% to 10.3%, and the 45 to 54 group has dropped from 15.3% to 13.7%. By 2041, Horsham Surrounds is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading this demographic shift, the 25 to 34 group will grow by 35%, reaching 497 people from 369. Meanwhile, the 75 to 84 and 65 to 74 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.