Lockington - Gunbower

Lockington - Gunbower has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Lockington - Gunbower's population is around 3,980 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 53 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,927 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,960 from the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 14 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2.4 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Lockington - Gunbower has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 0.3%, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 52.4% 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 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Anticipating future population dynamics, Lockington - Gunbower is forecasted to increase its population significantly in the top quartile of regional areas across the nation, with an expected increase of 1,130 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 27.9% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Lockington - Gunbower according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Lockington-Gunbower averaged approximately 11 new dwelling approvals annually. Between FY21 and FY25, 58 homes were approved, with a further 6 approved in FY26 to date. This equates to an average of 1.9 people moving to the area per dwelling built over the past five financial years, suggesting balanced supply and demand. However, recent data shows this has moderated to -0.5 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, indicating improved balance.

The average construction value for new homes is $313,000. In FY26, $1.4 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Lockington-Gunbower records about three-quarters the building activity per person, placing it among the 36th percentile nationally, which results in relatively constrained buyer choice and supports interest in existing homes. Recent building activity consists entirely 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 480 people. Looking ahead, Lockington-Gunbower is expected to grow by 1,110 residents through to 2041. Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Lockington - Gunbower has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 26thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified seven projects expected to impact the region. Notable ones are AFL Breaking New Ground at St Joseph's College Echuca, Yallarah Estate, Rich River Lakes Estate, and Kilkerrin Lakes Estate. Below is a list of those most likely to be 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 Lockington - Gunbower demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Lockington-Gunbower, as of September 2025, has an unemployment rate of 1.4%. It employs 2,178 residents with a participation rate of 62.7%, compared to the Rest of Vic.'s 3.8% and 57.4% respectively.

Key industries are agriculture, forestry & fishing (3.9 times regional level), health care & social assistance (13.0%), and construction. Over the year ending September 2025, labour force decreased by 10.2%, employment by 10.7%, raising unemployment to 1.9%. Statewide in Vic., as of 25-Nov-25, employment grew 1.13% (41,950 jobs), with unemployment at 4.7%. National forecasts show employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years.

Applying these projections to Lockington-Gunbower's mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.1% over five years and 11.5% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that income in Lockington - Gunbower SA2 is lower than average nationally. The median income is $45,085 and the average income stands at $53,210. This contrasts with Rest of Vic., where the median income is $48,741 and the average income is $60,693. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Lockington - Gunbower are approximately $50,567 (median) and $59,680 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes all rank modestly in Lockington - Gunbower, between the 30th and 30th percentiles. Income brackets show that 33.5% of the population (1,333 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to metropolitan regions where 30.3% occupy this range. Housing costs are manageable with 89.5% retained, but disposable income is below average at the 37th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

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

Lockington - Gunbower's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, were 98.6% houses and 1.5% other dwellings. Non-Metro Vic., in comparison, had 90.3% houses and 9.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Lockington - Gunbower was 45.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 39.8% and rented ones at 14.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,320, higher than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,300. Median weekly rent in Lockington - Gunbower was $200, lower than Non-Metro Vic.'s $250. Nationally, mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,863, and rents substantially below the national figure of $375.

Lockington - Gunbower has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 76.8% of all households, consisting of 32.0% couples with children, 35.2% couples without children, and 9.2% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 23.2%, with lone person households at 21.1% and group households making up 1.9% of the total. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is larger than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.4.

Lockington - Gunbower faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 14.3%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.3%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.6%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.4%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 42.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.2%) and certificates (32.3%). Educational participation is high at 30.4%, with 13.0% in primary education, 9.7% in secondary education, and 2.1% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.0% in primary education, 9.7% in secondary education, and 2.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Lockington-Gunbower has five active public transport stops, all served by buses. These stops are covered by nine different routes that combined offer 40 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated good, with residents on average living 359 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are five bus trips per day across all routes, equating to roughly eight weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Lockington-Gunbower faces significant health challenges, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 47% of the total population (~1,858 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 10.2 and 8.5% of residents respectively. 65.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 62.2% across Rest of Vic.. The area has 20.4% of residents aged 65 and over (812 people), which is lower than the 25.1% in Rest of Vic..

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

Lockington-Gunbower had a cultural diversity below average, with 88.5% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia (94.2%), speaking English only at home (97.7%). Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 51.9%, compared to 53.0% regionally. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (37.6%), English (31.4%), and Irish (9.3%).

Notably, Scottish ancestry was overrepresented at 9.2%, Welsh at 0.5%, and German at 3.1%.

Lockington - Gunbower hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Lockington-Gunbower has a median age of 45 years, which is slightly higher than Rest of Vic.'s 43 and considerably older than the national average of 38. The 55-64 age group is notably over-represented in Lockington-Gunbower at 15.8%, compared to the Rest of Vic. average, while the 75-84 year-olds are under-represented at 5.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 15-24 age group has increased from 10.6% to 11.8% of the population. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 14.5% to 13.6%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Lockington-Gunbower's age profile will change significantly. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow substantially, increasing by 269 people (76%) from 356 to 626. Meanwhile, the 55-64 cohort shows minimal growth of just 1% (4 people).