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 is approximately 3,486 as of November 2025. This figure represents a rise of 15 individuals (0.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,471 people. The increase was inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,459 in June 2024 and an additional 27 validated new addresses post-census. This results in a density ratio of 0.80 persons per square kilometer, indicating ample space per person. Horsham Surrounds' growth rate since the census (0.4%) is within 0.4 percentage points of the SA3 area's rate (0.8%), suggesting competitive growth fundamentals. Natural growth accounted for approximately 65.9% 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 employs the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of regional areas nationally is expected. By 2041, Horsham Surrounds' population is projected to expand by 317 persons, reflecting an overall increase of 8.3% over the 17-year period, based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

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

Horsham Surrounds averaged approximately eight new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25. A total of 42 homes were approved during this period, with four more approved in FY-26 as of now. The population has declined recently, suggesting that new supply has likely been meeting 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 has seen $11.1 million in commercial development approvals, suggesting balanced commercial development activity. Compared to Rest of Vic., Horsham Surrounds shows around 75% of construction activity per person, placing it among the 31st percentile nationally, which may limit buyer options while strengthening 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 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. Future projections estimate Horsham Surrounds will add approximately 290 residents by 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Construction is maintaining a reasonable pace with projected growth, although buyers may face increasing 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 likely impacting the region. Notable initiatives include Horsham Child Care Centre, Horsham South Structure Plan, Avonnefields Regional Development, and Grampians Health's Horsham Hospital Campus Redevelopment Masterplan Implementation. Relevant projects are detailed below.

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

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Employment performance in Horsham Surrounds ranks among the strongest 15% of areas evaluated nationally

Horsham Surrounds has a balanced workforce with equal representation of white and blue collar jobs across various sectors. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 0.9%. In this month, 2,037 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.8% lower than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%.

The workforce participation rate is 70.6%, higher than Rest of Vic.'s 61.4%. According to Census responses, 25.0% of residents work from home. Key industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and construction. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has a particularly high 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. The area may have limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the working population count versus resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 4.2% and employment decreased by 3.5%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate of 0.8 percentage points. By comparison, Rest of Vic. had an employment decline of 0.7% and labour force decline of 0.6%, with unemployment rising marginally. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia for May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Horsham Surrounds' employment mix indicates 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

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, Horsham Surrounds SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $50,688 and an average of $64,917. This was below the national average. The Rest of Vic., in comparison, had a median income of $50,954 and an average of $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimates for September 2025 would be approximately $54,870 (median) and $70,273 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household incomes in Horsham Surrounds ranked between the 39th and 50th percentiles. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 dominated with 34.0% of residents (1,185 people), similar to the metropolitan region where this cohort represented 30.3%. Housing costs were manageable with 93.4% retained, but disposable income was below average at the 50th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed 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 per the latest Census, were 98.2% houses and 1.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Non-Metro Vic., in comparison, had 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Horsham Surrounds was 57.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.9% and rented ones at 9.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,134, lower than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,430. Median weekly rent in the area was $185, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Horsham Surrounds' mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,134 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and 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 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 comprise the remaining 26.3%, with lone person households at 24.8% and group households making up 1.3%. The median household size is 2.5 people, 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%). Vocational credentials are held by 40.5% of residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 12.0% and certificates at 28.5%. Educational participation is high, with 27.3% 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

Horsham Surrounds has ten active public transport stops. These are served by six routes that together offer ninety-five weekly passenger trips. Residents have limited access to transport, with an average distance of 1598 meters to the nearest stop. In this predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward using cars, which are used by 91% of residents, while 6% walk. On average, there are 2.3 vehicles per dwelling, higher than the regional norm. According to the 2021 Census, 25% of residents work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions.

Across all routes, services run an average of thirteen trips per day, equating to roughly nine weekly trips per 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 results based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Common health conditions are slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population, equating to around 1,784 people. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 9.4% of residents) and asthma (8.2%). Conversely, 67.9% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 63.4% across Rest of Vic. Working-age residents have an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 20.4%, with 712 people, compared to 23.5% in Rest of Vic. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, ranking higher than the general population nationally.

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 Rest of Vic. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (33.9%), English (32.8%), and German (8.9%), notably higher than regional averages of 60.1%, 34.2%, and 3.5% respectively.

Scottish ancestry was overrepresented at 8.9%, compared to the regional average of 8.8%. Serbian ancestry was similarly represented at 0.2%, matching the regional figure, while Dutch ancestry was slightly underrepresented 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 has a median age of 46, which is slightly older than the Rest of Vic's figure of 43 and significantly higher than the national norm of 38. The 55-64 age group 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 55-64 concentration is well above the national average of 11.2%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 8.8% to 10.7%, while the 15 to 24 cohort 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 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 34%, reaching 497 people from 371. Meanwhile, the 75 to 84 and 65 to 74 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.