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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Horsham Surrounds's population is around 3,486 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 15 people (0.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,471 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,459 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 26 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 0.80 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Horsham Surrounds's 0.4% growth since the census positions it within 0.6 percentage points of the SA3 area (1.0%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 65.9% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilizing the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Anticipating future population dynamics, a population increase just below the median of locations outside of capital cities is expected, with the area expected to increase by 317 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 8.3% in total over the 17 years.

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 experienced around 8 dwellings receiving development approval each year, with 42 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 5 so far in FY-26. Given population has fallen over the past period, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, creating a well-balanced market with good buyer choice, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $434,000, revealing that developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. There have also been $11.1 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating steady commercial investment activity.

When measured against the Rest of Vic., Horsham Surrounds shows approximately 75% of the construction activity per person while it places among the 31st percentile of areas assessed nationally, meaning somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established properties. This activity is similarly under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. Meanwhile, recent building activity consists entirely of detached houses, 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.

Population forecasts indicate Horsham Surrounds will gain 290 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Construction is maintaining a reasonable pace with projected growth, although buyers could encounter growing competition as population increases.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 21 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Horsham Child Care Centre, Horsham South Structure Plan, Avonnefields Regional Development, and Horsham Hospital Campus Redevelopment Masterplan Implementation (Grampians Health), with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Horsham Surrounds possesses a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with diverse sector representation, and an unemployment rate of just 0.9%. As of December 2025, 2,046 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.8% below Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (70.9% compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.5%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 25.0% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and construction. The area shows particularly strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share of 3.8 times the regional level. Meanwhile, retail trade has limited presence with 5.4% employment compared to 9.9% regionally. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, the labour force decreased by 2.1% while employment declined by 1.2%, causing unemployment to fall by 0.9 percentage points. By comparison, Regional Vic. recorded employment decline of 0.6%, labour force decline of 0.7%, with unemployment falling 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Horsham Surrounds. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Horsham Surrounds's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.5% over five years and 12.1% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The Horsham Surrounds SA2's income level is below the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Horsham Surrounds SA2's median income among taxpayers is $50,688 and the average income stands at $64,917, which compares to figures for Regional Vic.'s of $50,954 and $62,728 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $54,870 (median) and $70,273 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Horsham Surrounds, between the 39th and 50th percentiles. Income brackets indicate the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 34.0% of the community (1,185 individuals), consistent with broader trends across the metropolitan region showing 30.3% in the same category. Housing costs are manageable with 93.4% retained, though disposable income sits below average at the 50th percentile and 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

Dwelling structure within Horsham Surrounds, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 98.2% houses and 1.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Horsham Surrounds was well beyond that of Regional Vic., at 57.3%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (32.9%) or rented (9.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional Vic. average at $1,134, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $185, compared to Regional Vic.'s $1,430 and $285. Nationally, Horsham Surrounds's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

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

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 (18.7%) substantially below the VIC average of 33.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 12.3%, followed by graduate diplomas (3.7%) and postgraduate qualifications (2.7%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 40.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (12.0%) and certificates (28.5%).

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 reveals 10 active transport stops operating within Horsham Surrounds. These stops are serviced by 6 individual routes, collectively providing 95 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; the car remains the dominant mode at 91%, with 6% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 2.3 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. Some 25.0% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 13 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 9 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

Health indicators suggest below-average outcomes in Horsham Surrounds, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~1,784 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 9.4 and 8.2% of residents, respectively, while 67.9% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.4% across Regional Vic.. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 20.0% of residents aged 65 and over (697 people), which is lower than the 23.9% in Regional Vic.. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even 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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 92.5% of its population being citizens, 93.9% born in Australia, and 98.1% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Horsham Surrounds is Christianity, which makes up 52.3% of the population. This compares to 47.3% across Regional Vic..

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Horsham Surrounds are Australian, comprising 33.9% of the population, English, comprising 32.8% of the population, and German, comprising 8.9% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 3.5%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Scottish is notably overrepresented at 8.9% of Horsham Surrounds (vs 8.8% regionally), Serbian at 0.2% (vs 0.2%) and Dutch at 1.2% (vs 1.7%).

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

Horsham Surrounds's median age of 45 years modestly exceeds Regional Vic.'s 43 and is considerably older than the national norm of 38. Compared to the Regional Vic. average, the 55 - 64 cohort is notably over-represented (16.6% locally), while 75 - 84 year-olds are under-represented (5.9%). This 55 - 64 concentration is well above the national 11.2%. Since 2021, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 8.8% to 11.3% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 11.8% to 13.3%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 12.7% to 10.2% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 15.3% to 13.2%. Demographic modeling suggests Horsham Surrounds's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to see notable expansion, increasing by 102 people (26%) from 394 to 497. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 65 to 74 and 15 to 24 cohorts.