Loddon
Statistical Area - sa2

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 was around 7,421 as of Nov 2025. This figure reflected an increase of 132 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,289. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 7,261 in June 2024 and an additional 156 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population resulted in a density ratio of 1.2 persons per square kilometer. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 61.6% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilised VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Looking ahead, projections indicated a decline in overall population over the period from 2025 to 2041. According to this methodology, Loddon's population was expected to contract 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. Over these five years, between FY-21 and FY-25, an average of 0.8 new residents per year per dwelling constructed has been observed. This suggests that supply is meeting or exceeding demand, offering greater buyer choice while supporting potential population growth above projections.

The average construction cost value of new homes being built is $322,000. In FY-26, commercial development approvals totalling $25.3 million have been recorded, indicating moderate levels of commercial development in the area. Compared to the rest of Victoria, Loddon has significantly less development activity, with 56.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new properties 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 in Loddon consists entirely of detached houses, preserving the area's low density nature.

With approximately 336 people per approval, Loddon reflects a low-density area. Given that population is expected to remain stable or decline, there should be reduced pressure on housing in Loddon, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Loddon has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 24thth percentile nationally

The performance of a region is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure. AreaSearch has identified 78 projects that are expected to impact this area. Notable projects include Derby Solar Farm, Campbells Forest Solar Farm, Calder Highway Upgrades, and Marong Township Growth Area. The following list details those projects likely to be most relevant.

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

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

Loddon has a balanced workforce with diverse sector representation. As of June 2025, its unemployment rate is 5.4%.

Over the past year, employment stability has been relatively consistent. There are 3,117 residents in work, with an unemployment rate 1.6% higher than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation at 48.8%, significantly lower compared to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Key industries for employment include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has 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%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 0.3%, labour force by 1.6%, causing unemployment rate to rise by 1.3 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic. experienced employment decline of 0.9% and labour force decline of 0.4%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest potential future demand within Loddon. Over five years, national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6%, with local growth estimated at approximately 4.8%. Over ten years, national employment is projected to grow by 13.7%, while Loddon's growth is estimated at around 11.1%. These projections are simple extrapolations based on current employment mix and do not account for localized population projections.

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's median income among taxpayers is $43,316, with an average of $51,557. This is below the national average and compares to Rest of Vic.'s median of $48,741 and average of $60,693. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $48,583 (median) and $57,826 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Loddon all fall between the 4th and 7th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows the predominant cohort spans 28.9% of locals (2,144 people) in the $800 - 1,499 income 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, 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., where 96.5% were houses and 3.5% were other dwellings. Home ownership in Loddon stood at 60.2%, with mortgaged dwellings accounting for 26.6% and rented ones for 13.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $867, lower than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $950. Weekly rent in Loddon was recorded at $170, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $245. Nationally, Loddon's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1863, with rents 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 account for 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 constitute 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%, considerably 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 prevalent, with 40.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.2%) and certificates (29.9%). Educational participation is high at 28.1%, comprising 11.2% in primary education, 9.7% in secondary education, and 2.1% in tertiary education.

There are nine schools operating within Loddon, educating approximately 862 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 965) and balanced educational opportunities. The area has five primary schools and four K-12 schools, functioning as an education hub with 11.7 school places per 100 residents, significantly higher than the regional average of 7.4, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

The analysis of public transportation in Loddon shows that there are currently 34 operational transport stops. These include a mix of train stations and bus stops. There are 18 unique routes that serve these stops, providing a total of 93 weekly passenger trips across all routes combined.

The accessibility of transport in Loddon is rated as moderate, with residents on average located approximately 599 meters away from the nearest transport stop. On average, there are about 13 trips per day across all routes, which translates to roughly two weekly trips per individual 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 affecting both younger and older age groups. Approximately 46% (~3,443 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (12.8%) and mental health issues (9.3%). Meanwhile, 58.5% claim to be free from 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 cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 86.5% of its population being citizens, 90.4% born in Australia, and 96.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion in Loddon, making up 52.5% of people, compared to 51.0% across Rest of Vic. The top three ancestry groups were English (34.1%), Australian (32.0%), and Scottish (10.5%).

Notably, Irish ethnicity was overrepresented at 9.5%, Filipino at 1.3%, and Dutch at 1.3%.

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 well above the national norm of 38. The 65-74 cohort is notably over-represented in Loddon at 17.0%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s average, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 8.6%. This concentration of the 65-74 cohort is well above the national figure of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 8.4% to 9.7%, 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 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 85+ cohort projected to grow by -34%, adding approximately -90 residents to reach around 178. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 85+ and 0 to 4 age cohorts.