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 is around 7,408 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 119 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,289 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 7,260 in June 2024 and an additional 160 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to 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 is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered, AreaSearch utilises 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. According to these projections, the area's population is 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 so far, 10 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.8 new residents per year per dwelling constructed were added between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating that supply is meeting or exceeding demand. The average construction cost value for new homes in Loddon is $322,000.

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

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 49thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 79 projects likely impacting this region. Major initiatives include Derby Solar Farm, Campbells Forest Solar Farm, Calder Highway Upgrades, and Marong Township Growth Area, with the following list outlining 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 balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs, diverse sector representation, and an unemployment rate of 5.6% as of September 2025. The area experienced 1.5% employment growth in the past year. There are 3,126 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.8% above Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation is at 53.4%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 61.4%. Approximately 22.2% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key industries 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.

Health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 12.0%. Employment opportunities appear limited locally based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 1.5% and labour force by 2.5%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.9 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic. had employment decline of 0.7%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Loddon's industry mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.8% over five years and 11.1% over ten years, based on a simple weighting 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 2023 shows Loddon SA2 had a median income of $44,393 and an average income of $52,167. This was below the national average. Rest of Vic.'s median income was $50,954 with an average of $62,728. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $48,055 (median) and $56,471 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25%. Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Loddon fall between the 4th and 6th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile indicates that 28.9% of locals (2,140 people) earn between $800 - 1,499. In contrast, broader area trends show 30.3% earning between $1,500 - 2,999. Despite modest housing costs, with 92.6% of income retained, total disposable income ranks at the 11th percentile nationally.

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

Loddon's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 95.6% houses and 4.4% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Vic. had 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Loddon stood at 60.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 26.6% and rented ones at 13.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $867, lower than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,430. Median weekly rent in Loddon was $170, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Loddon's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $867 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were 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 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%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.4.

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% 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 indicates 33 active transport stops operating within Loddon. These comprise a mix of train services. Seven individual routes service these stops, collectively offering 61 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 600 meters from the nearest stop. As predominantly residential, most residents commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode at 85%, with 12% walking.

Vehicle ownership averages 1.8 per dwelling, above the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, some 22.2% of residents work from home, possibly reflecting COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 8 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 1 weekly trip 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 indicates significant challenges for Loddon, as assessed by AreaSearch. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (around 3,392 people), compared to 50.5% in Rest of Vic., and 55.7% nationally.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 12.8% and 9.3% of residents respectively. However, 58.5% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 63.4% in Rest of Vic. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with higher chronic condition rates. Loddon has a larger proportion of residents aged 65 and over, at 30.4% (2,251 people), than Rest of Vic., which is 23.9%. National rankings for this age group are 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'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, comprising 52.5%, compared to 47.3% across Rest of Vic.. The top three ancestry groups were English (34.1%), Australian (32.0%), and Scottish (10.5%).

Notably, Irish ancestry was overrepresented at 9.5% in Loddon versus 9.7% regionally, while Filipino ancestry was 1.3% compared to the regional average of 0.6%, and Dutch ancestry was also higher at 1.3% against a regional figure of 1.7%.

Loddon ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Loddon's median age is 51 years, significantly higher than Victoria's average of 43 and Australia's median of 38. The 65-74 age group is notably over-represented in Loddon at 17.2%, compared to the Rest of Vic. average of 9.5%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort is under-represented at 8.8%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 75 to 84 age group grew from 8.4% to 9.7%, and the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 8.4% to 9.4%. The 55 to 64 cohort declined from 17.7% to 15.4%, and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 12.5% to 11.3%. By 2041, Loddon's age composition is expected to shift notably, with the 85+ group growing by -31% (-80 people) to reach 178 from 258. Population declines are projected for the 85+ and 0 to 4 cohorts.