Mount Baw Baw Region

Mount Baw Baw Region has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Mount Baw Baw Region's population was around 7,003 as of Feb 2026. This reflected an increase of 418 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,585 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,741 from ABS in June 2024 and an additional 46 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equated to a density ratio of 2.5 persons per square kilometer. Mount Baw Baw Region's growth rate of 6.3% since census positioned it within 1.8 percentage points of the Rest of Vic (8.1%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 59.3% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch adopted 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 utilised VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group were applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends anticipated lower quartile growth for Australia's regional areas, with the area expected to grow by 204 persons to 2041 based on latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a decline of 0.8% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Mount Baw Baw Region recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Mount Baw Baw Region has received approximately 28 dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25141 homes were approved, with a further 12 approved in FY-26 so far. On average, each dwelling has accommodated around 2.7 new residents per year over these five years, indicating steady demand that supports property values.

The average construction cost value of new homes is $376,000, which is somewhat higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development. This financial year has seen $6.8 million in commercial development approvals, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Mount Baw Baw Region shows significantly reduced construction activity, with 60.0% fewer approvals per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties.

All recent developments have been detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character and appealing to those seeking family homes with space. The estimated population count of 392 people per dwelling approval reflects the region's quiet, low-activity development environment. Population projections indicate stability or decline, which should reduce housing demand pressures in Mount Baw Baw Region, benefiting potential buyers.

Mount Baw Baw Region has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 37thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 58 projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Warragul Sewer Main Upgrade - North East Growth Corridor, 147 Dollarburn Road Residential Development, Dollarburn Road Extension, and The Saleyards. Below is a list of 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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Mount Baw Baw Region significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Mount Baw Baw Region has a skilled workforce with the construction sector being notably represented. The unemployment rate is 2.2%, with an estimated employment growth of 4.1% over the past year as of September 2025. There are 3,587 residents in work, and the unemployment rate is 1.6% lower than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation stands at 65.2%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 61.4%. According to Census responses, 22.8% of residents work from home. Key industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, construction, and health care & social assistance. The area shows strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing with an employment share of 2.0 times the regional level.

However, health care & social assistance has lower representation at 12.4% 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 4.1%, labour force by 3.8%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Vic., where employment contracted by 0.7%, labour force fell by 0.6%, and unemployment rose marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 indicate potential future demand within Mount Baw Baw Region. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Mount Baw Baw Region's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.8% over five years and 12.4% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023 indicates Mount Baw Baw Region SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $48,766 and an average income of $64,024. These figures are below the national averages of $50,954 and $62,728 respectively for Rest of Vic. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year ending June 2023, estimated median income as of September 2025 would be approximately $52,789, while average income would be around $69,306. Census 2021 data shows household, family and personal incomes in Mount Baw Baw Region rank modestly between the 27th and 33rd percentiles. The largest income segment comprises 30.6% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly, with 2,142 residents falling into this category. This pattern is similar to surrounding regions where 30.3% occupy the same income range. Housing costs are manageable with 89.0% retained, but disposable income ranks at the 39th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Mount Baw Baw Region's dwellings, as per the latest Census, were 97.9% houses and 2.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mount Baw Baw Region was 51.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 38.8% and rented ones at 9.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, higher than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,430. Median weekly rent in the area was $250, lower than Non-Metro Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Mount Baw Baw Region's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Mount Baw Baw Region has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 73.7% of all households, including 29.9% couples with children, 35.0% couples without children, and 8.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 26.3%, consisting of 24.7% lone person households and 1.5% group households. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is larger than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.4.

Mount Baw Baw Region shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

The area's university qualification rate is 19.6%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.5%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 42.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.4%) and certificates (31.5%). Educational participation is high, with 28.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 10.1% in primary education, 8.9% in secondary education, and 2.8% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

The level of general health in Mount Baw Baw Region is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

The Mount Baw Baw Region exhibits superior health outcomes, as assessed by AreaSearch through mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and elderly cohorts display low occurrences of common health conditions.

Private health cover stands at approximately 50% of the total population (~3,536 people), slightly lower than the national average of 55.7%. Arthritis and mental health issues are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 10.5 and 8.4% of residents respectively. A significant majority, 65.0%, report being completely free of medical ailments, compared to 63.4% in the rest of Victoria. Working-age residents have a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions than average. The region has 24.4% of residents aged 65 and over (1,710 people), with seniors exhibiting particularly strong health outcomes that rank favourably nationally compared to the general population.

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

Mount Baw Baw Region had a cultural diversity index below the average, with 89.7% of its population being Australian citizens, 89.5% born in Australia, and 96.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 43.9% of the region's population. While Judaism made up a similar proportion to the rest of Victoria (0.1%), there were notable differences in ancestry groups.

Australian ancestry led with 32.9%, followed by English at 31.5% and Scottish at 9.3%. Dutch, Maltese, and Irish ancestries showed some overrepresentation: Dutch was 2.9% compared to 1.7% regionally, Maltese was 0.6% versus 0.5%, and Irish was 9.2% against 9.7%.

Mount Baw Baw Region hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Mount Baw Baw Region's median age is 47 years, significantly higher than Rest of Vic.'s average of 43 and national average of 38. The prominent age group is 55-64 year-olds at 15.0%, while the 35-44 group is smaller at 11.2%. Since 2021, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 8.7% to 10.2%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort declined from 17.2% to 15.0%, and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 13.3% to 11.4%. By 2041, the region is expected to see notable age composition shifts. The 25 to 34 group will grow by 23% (167 people), reaching 882 from 714. Meanwhile, the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.