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 7,289 people as of Aug 2021 Census. By Aug 2025 it is around 7,389, an increase of 100 people (1.4%). This change reflects estimated resident population of 7,262 in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. Population density is 1.2 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration contributed approximately 61.6% of overall population gains recently.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for SA2 areas released in 2024 with base year 2022, and Vic State Government's Regional/LGA projections adjusted to SA2 levels for areas not covered by ABS data. Projections indicate a decline in population until 2041, expecting a contraction of 3,137 persons.

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. Development approval data is produced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on a financial year basis. There were 116 approvals across the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, and two recorded so far in FY-26. On average, over these five years, there have been about 0.8 new residents arriving per year for each new home approved.

This suggests that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average expected construction cost value of new properties during this period was $501,000. In FY-26, commercial approvals valued at $25.3 million have been registered, indicating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Loddon has significantly less development activity, with a figure 56.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new homes tends to strengthen demand and prices for existing properties.

The area's current level of development is also below the national average, which could reflect its maturity or potential planning constraints. Recent building activity consists exclusively of detached dwellings, preserving Loddon's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With approximately 336 people per approval, Loddon reflects a low density area. Given that population is expected to remain stable or decline, Loddon should see reduced pressure on housing in the future, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 83 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones are Derby Solar Farm, Campbells Forest Solar Farm, Calder Highway Upgrades, and Marong Township Growth Area. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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

Loddon's workforce is balanced across white and blue collar jobs with diverse industry representation. The unemployment rate was 5.4% in June 2024.

As of June 2025, 3,117 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 6.2%. Workforce participation is 48.8%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Key industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing (4.8 times regional average), health care & social assistance (12.0%), and retail trade. Employment levels increased by 0.3% from June 2024 to June 2025, while the labour force increased by 1.6%, raising the unemployment rate by 1.3 percentage points.

State-level data (Sep-25) shows VIC employment grew by 1.08% year-on-year. National employment forecasts project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but local growth rates may differ based on industry-specific projections.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022 shows Loddon's median income among taxpayers is $43,316. The average income is $51,557. This is below the national average. Rest of Vic.'s median income is $48,741 with an average of $60,693. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.11% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Loddon's median and average incomes as of March 2025 would be approximately $47,695 and $56,769 respectively. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Loddon fall between the 4th and 7th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that 28.9% of locals (2,135 people) earn between $800 - $1,499, unlike broader trends where 30.3% fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range. Housing costs are modest with 92.6% of income retained. However, 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, dwelling structures consisted of 95.6% houses and 4.4% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s 96.5% houses and 3.6% 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 $1,083 and significantly below the national average of $1,863. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent figure in Loddon was recorded at $170, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $190 and 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 comprising 2.7%. 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 has educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 14.6%, significantly lower than the Victorian average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.8%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.3%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.5%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 40.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - 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. There are nine schools operating within Loddon, educating approximately 862 students. The area has typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 965) with balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes five primary and four K-12 schools. Loddon functions 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

Transport analysis indicates 34 active stops operating within Loddon, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 18 individual routes, collectively facilitating 93 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents typically located 599 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 13 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 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 affecting both younger and older age groups. Approximately 46% (~3,428 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%). Around 58.5% report no medical ailments, compared to 59.7% in Rest of Vic.. Residents aged 65 and over comprise 30.3% (2,240 people), higher than the 26.4% in Rest of Vic..

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 below average, with 86.5% being citizens, 90.4% born in Australia, and 96.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity dominated Loddon, comprising 52.5%, compared to 51.0% across the Rest of Vic. The top three ancestry groups were English (34.1%), Australian (32.0%), and Scottish (10.5%).

Notably, Irish were overrepresented in Loddon at 9.5% versus 9.6% regionally, as were Filipino at 1.3% versus 0.8%, and Dutch at 1.3% versus 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 well above the national norm of 38. The 65-74 cohort makes up 17.0% of Loddon's population, notably over-represented compared to Rest of Vic.'s average, while the 25-34 cohort is under-represented at 8.6%. This concentration in the 65-74 age group is well above the national figure of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, Loddon's 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 declined from 17.7% to 16.0%, and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 12.5% to 11.5%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes for Loddon. The 85+ cohort is projected to grow by -33%, adding approximately -89 residents to reach around 178. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 85+ and 0 to 4 cohorts.