Loddon

Loddon is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Loddon's population, as of November 2025, is around 7,421 people. This figure represents an increase of 132 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,289. The change was inferred from ABS' estimated resident population of 7,261 in June 2024 and an additional 156 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a density ratio of 1.2 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration primarily drove the area's population growth, contributing approximately 61.6% of overall gains during 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 VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusting using weighted aggregation methods to the SA2 level. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population dynamics indicate a decline over time. According to these projections, Loddon's population is expected to decrease by 3,137 persons by 2041.

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

Loddon has averaged approximately 23 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 116 homes. As of FY-26, 8 approvals have been recorded. The average increase in residents per year per dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25 is 0.8, indicating that supply meets or exceeds demand, offering greater buyer choice while supporting potential population growth above projections. The average construction cost value of new homes is $322,000.

In FY-26, $25.3 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the rest of Victoria, Loddon has significantly less development activity, with 56.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties, which is also under the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. Recent building activity consists entirely of detached houses, preserving Loddon's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers, with around 336 people per approval. With population expected to remain stable or decline, Loddon should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

With population expected to remain stable or decline, Loddon should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Loddon has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 43rdth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 78 projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include Derby Solar Farm, Campbells Forest Solar Farm, Calder Highway Upgrades, and Marong Township Growth Area. The following details those 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.

The labour market performance in Loddon lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Loddon has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, representing various sectors. The unemployment rate was 5.6% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.5%.

As of September 2025, 3,126 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.8% higher than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation is lower at 48.8%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Key industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has a notable concentration with employment levels at 4.8 times the regional average.

Conversely, health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 12.0% versus the regional average of 16.8%. Employment opportunities appear limited locally based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 1.5%, labour force by 2.5%, raising unemployment rate by 0.9 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic. experienced a decline in employment and labour force with a marginal rise in unemployment. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Loddon's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.8% over five years and 11.1% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Loddon SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $43,316 and an average of $51,557. This is below the national average. The median income in Rest of Vic was $48,741 with an average of $60,693. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $48,583 (median) and $57,826 (average). Census data indicates household, family and personal incomes in Loddon fall between the 4th and 6th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that 28.9% of locals (2,144 people) earn between $800 - 1,499 annually, unlike broader trends where 30.3% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. Housing costs are modest with 92.6% of income retained, but total disposable income ranks at just the 11th percentile nationally.

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

In Loddon, as per the latest Census evaluation, 95.6% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 4.4% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other dwelling types. This compares to Non-Metro Vic.'s figures of 96.5% houses and 3.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Loddon stood at 60.2%, with mortgaged properties making up 26.6% and rented dwellings accounting for 13.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $867, below Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $945 (as of 2021). Weekly rent in Loddon was recorded at $170, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $190. Nationally, Loddon's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375 (as of 2021).

Loddon features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 63.5% of all households, including 21.7% couples with children, 32.8% couples without children, and 7.8% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 36.5%, with lone person households at 34.0% and group households making up 2.7% of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.3.

Educational outcomes in Loddon fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 14.6%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.8%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.3%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.5%). Vocational credentials are held by 40.1% of residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 10.2% and certificates at 29.9%. Educational participation is high, with 28.1% currently enrolled in formal education, including 11.2% in primary, 9.7% in secondary, and 2.1% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.2% 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

Transport analysis shows 34 active stops in Loddon. These include trains and buses serviced by 18 routes offering 93 weekly passenger trips. Residents' average distance to the nearest stop is 599 meters, indicating moderate accessibility.

Service frequency averages 13 trips per day across all routes, equating to about 2 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Loddon is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Loddon faces significant health challenges with various conditions impacting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 46% (~3,443 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (12.8%) and mental health issues (9.3%). 58.5% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly lower than Rest of Vic.'s 59.7%. The area has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 30.3% (~2,250 people), compared to Rest of Vic.'s 26.4%.

Loddon is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Loddon's population shows low cultural diversity, with 86.5% citizens, 90.4% born in Australia, and 96.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, practiced by 52.5%, compared to 51.0% regionally. The top three ancestry groups are English (34.1%), Australian (32.0%), and Scottish (10.5%).

Some ethnic groups have notable variations: Irish is slightly higher at 9.5% (vs 9.6% regionally), Filipino is higher at 1.3% (vs 0.8%), and Dutch is also higher at 1.3% (vs 1.2%).

Loddon ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Loddon is 52 years, significantly higher than Rest of Vic.'s average of 43 and the national norm of 38. The 65-74 cohort is notably over-represented at 17.0% locally compared to Rest of Vic.'s average, while the 25-34 year-olds are under-represented at 8.6%. This concentration in the 65-74 age group is well above the national figure of 9.4%. Since 2021, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 8.4% to 9.7%, and the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 8.4% to 9.4%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 17.7% to 16.0%, and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 12.5% to 11.5%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Loddon, with the strongest projected growth in the 85+ cohort at -34%, adding approximately -90 residents to reach around 178. Conversely, population declines are projected for both the 85+ and 0 to 4 cohorts.