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

Horsham Surrounds' population, as of May 2026, is approximately 3,411, a decrease of 60 people from the 2021 Census figure of 3,471. This decline, representing a 1.7% reduction, is inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 3,399 in June 2025 and an additional 26 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is 0.80 persons per square kilometer. Horsham Surrounds' population decline of -1.7% since the census is similar to that of its SA3 area (-1.6%). Natural growth contributed approximately 62.7% of overall population gains in 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 VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using a weighted aggregation method to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Based on these projections, Horsham Surrounds is expected to experience population growth just below the median of regional areas nationally, increasing by 328 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 9.3% over the 16-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 8 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, with a total of 42 homes approved between FY21 and FY25. As of FY26, there have been 5 new dwelling approvals so far. The population decline in recent years suggests that new supply has likely kept pace with demand, providing good options for buyers.

The average construction cost value of new properties is $434,000, indicating a focus on the premium market and high-end developments. This financial year, there have been $11.1 million worth of commercial development approvals recorded, suggesting balanced commercial development activity in the area. Compared to Rest of Vic., Horsham Surrounds shows approximately 75% of the construction activity per person, placing it among the 31st percentile nationally, which may limit buyer options while increasing demand for established dwellings. This level reflects market maturity and possible development constraints.

Recent building activity consists solely of standalone homes, maintaining the area's traditional low density character and appealing to those seeking space in family homes. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 563 people, indicating a quiet, low activity development environment. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Horsham Surrounds is projected to add 316 residents by 2041. Construction pace is maintaining reasonable growth, although buyers may face growing competition as population increases.

Horsham Surrounds has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 46thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 21 projects that could affect this region. Key initiatives include Horsham Child Care Centre, Horsham South Structure Plan, Avonnefields Regional Development, and Horsham Recreation Infrastructure Improvements. The following list details those 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.

Employment conditions in Horsham Surrounds rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Horsham Surrounds has an unemployment rate of 0.9%. As of December 2025, it has a workforce of 2,046 residents with an unemployment rate of 2.8%, which is below Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%. The workforce participation rate in Horsham Surrounds is 72.5%, higher than Regional Vic.'s 61.0%.

According to Census responses, 25.0% of residents work from home. Key industries of employment include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and construction. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has a notable concentration with employment levels at 3.8 times the regional average. Retail trade has limited presence with 5.4% employment compared to 9.9% regionally.

Over the year to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.1%, and employment decreased by 1.2%, resulting in a fall of 0.9 percentage points in unemployment rate. By comparison, Regional Vic. recorded an employment decline of 0.6%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Horsham Surrounds's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.5% over five years and 12.1% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Horsham Surrounds SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $50,688 and an average of $64,917. This is below the national average. Regional Vic.'s median was $50,954 with an average of $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, estimates for March 2026 are approximately $55,564 (median) and $71,162 (average). The 2021 Census figures rank Horsham Surrounds' household, family, and personal incomes modestly, between the 39th and 50th percentiles. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 34.0% of residents (1,159 people), similar to metropolitan regions at 30.3%. Housing costs are manageable with 93.4% retained, 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

In Horsham Surrounds, as per the latest Census, 98.2% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 1.8% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This is compared to Regional Vic., which had 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, lower than Regional Vic.'s average of $1,430. The median weekly rent in Horsham Surrounds was $185, compared to Regional Vic.'s $285. Nationally, mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $1,863, and rents were substantially higher at $375.

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

Family households constitute 73.7% of all households, including 31.3% couples with children, 34.0% couples without children, and 7.2% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 26.3%, with lone person households at 24.8% and group households comprising 1.3%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which 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'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%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (12.0%) and certificates (28.5%). Educational participation is 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 indicates ten active transport stops operating within Horsham Surrounds. These stops are serviced by six individual routes, collectively providing ninety-five weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located fifteen hundred and ninety-eight meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; car remains the dominant mode at 91%, with 6% walking. Vehicle ownership averages two point three per dwelling, above the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, some twenty-five percent 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' health indicators show below-average outcomes 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. Approximately 51% (~1,746 people) of the total population has private health cover, which is relatively low. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis (9.4%) and asthma (8.2%). About 67.9% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.4% across Regional Vic. Working-age residents have an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 21.0% (715 people) of residents aged 65 and over, 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 had a cultural diversity index below the average, with 92.5% of its population being citizens, 93.9% born in Australia, and 98.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 52.3% of people, compared to 47.3% across Regional Vic. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (33.9%), English (32.8%), and German (8.9%), which was significantly higher than the regional average of 3.5%.

Notably, Scottish ancestry was overrepresented at 8.9%, compared to 8.8% regionally, while Serbian was 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 has a median age of 46, which is slightly higher than Regional Vic.'s figure of 43 and significantly higher than the national norm of 38. The 55-64 age group shows strong representation at 16.4%, compared to Regional Vic., while the 35-44 cohort is less prevalent at 9.6%. This 55-64 concentration is well above the national figure of 11.2%. Post-2021 Census data indicates that the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 8.8% to 11.0%, and the 0 to 4 cohort increased from 4.2% to 5.7%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 15.3% to 13.1%, and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 12.7% to 10.6%. By 2041, Horsham Surrounds is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. The 25 to 34 group is projected to grow by 27%, reaching 476 people from 374. Meanwhile, the 65 to 74 and 15 to 24 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.