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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Loddon's population is around 7,408 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 119 people (1.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,289 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 7,260 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 160 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1.2 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 61.6% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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 utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, with adjustments made using 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. Regarding demographic trends, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to contract by 3,137 persons by 2041 according to this methodology.

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

Loddon has averaged around 23 new dwelling approvals annually, totalling 116 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 11 approvals have been recorded. Given an average of only 0.8 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply is meeting or surpassing demand, providing greater buyer choice and supporting potential for population growth above projections, while new homes are being built at an average value of $322,000. Additionally, $25.3 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development.

Compared to the Rest of Vic., Loddon has significantly less development activity (56.0% below regional average per person). This scarcity of new properties typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. This is similarly below the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. Meanwhile, recent building activity consists entirely of detached houses, preserving the area's low density nature, with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. At around 336 people per approval, Loddon reflects a low density area.

With the 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 49thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 79 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Derby Solar Farm, Campbells Forest Solar Farm, Calder Highway Upgrades, and Marong Township Growth Area, 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.

Loddon shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Loddon possesses a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with diverse sector representation, an unemployment rate of 5.4%, and 1.5% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 3,139 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.7% above Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%, and workforce participation lags significantly (53.6% compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.5%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 22.2% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in agriculture, forestry & fishing, 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%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 1.5% and the labour force increased by 1.8%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Vic. experienced an employment decline of 0.6% and a labour force decline of 0.7%, with a 0.1 percentage point drop. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Loddon. 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 Loddon's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.8% over five years and 11.1% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Loddon SA2's median income among taxpayers is $44,393, with an average of $52,167. This is below the national average, and compares to Regional Vic.'s median of $50,954 and average of $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $48,055 (median) and $56,471 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Loddon all fall between the 4th and 6th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows the predominant cohort spans 28.9% of locals (2,140 people) in the $800 - 1,499 category, unlike trends in the broader area where 30.3% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. While housing costs are modest with 92.6% of income retained, the 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

Dwelling structure within Loddon, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 95.6% houses and 4.4% 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 Loddon was well beyond that of Regional Vic., at 60.2%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (26.6%) or rented (13.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional Vic. average at $867, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $170, compared to Regional Vic.'s $1,430 and $285. Nationally, Loddon's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 63.5% of all households, comprising 21.7% couples with children, 32.8% couples without children, and 7.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 36.5%, with lone person households at 34.0% and group households comprising 2.7% of the total. The median household size of 2.2 people is smaller than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (14.6%) substantially below the VIC average of 33.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 10.8%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.3%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.5%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 40.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.2%) and certificates (29.9%).

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

Public transport analysis reveals 33 active transport stops operating within Loddon comprising a mix of train. These stops are serviced by 7 individual routes, collectively providing 61 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 600 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - the car remains the dominant mode at 85%, with 12% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.8 per dwelling, above the regional average. Some 22.2% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 8 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 1 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Loddon is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Loddon, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~3,392 people). This compares to 50.5% across Regional Vic. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 12.8 and 9.3% of residents, respectively, while 58.5% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.4% across Regional Vic. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 30.4% of residents aged 65 and over (2,251 people), which is higher than the 23.9% in Regional Vic., with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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

Loddon was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 86.5% of its population being citizens, 90.4% born in Australia, and 96.4% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Loddon is Christianity, which makes up 52.5% of people in Loddon, compared to 47.3% across Regional Vic..

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Loddon are English, comprising 34.1% of the population, Australian, comprising 32.0% of the population, and Scottish, comprising 10.5% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Irish is represented at 9.5% of Loddon (vs 9.7% regionally), Filipino at 1.3% (vs 0.6%) and Dutch at 1.3% (vs 1.7%).

Loddon ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

At 51 years, Loddon's median age is significantly above the Regional Vic. average of 43 and considerably older than the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Regional Vic. average, the 65 - 74 cohort is notably over-represented (17.2% locally), while 25 - 34 year-olds are under-represented (8.8%). This 65 - 74 concentration is well above the national 9.5%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 8.4% to 9.7% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 8.4% to 9.4%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 17.7% to 15.4% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 12.5% to 11.3%. By 2041, Loddon is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. The 85+ group will grow by -31% (-80 people), reaching 178 from 258. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 85+ and 0 to 4 cohorts.