Southern Grampians
Statistical Area - sa2

Southern Grampians is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Southern Grampians' population is approximately 6,285 as of November 2025. This figure reflects a decrease of 16 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,301. The change is inferred from an estimated resident population of 6,249 in June 2024 and 41 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1 person per square kilometer. While Southern Grampians experienced a 0.3% decline since the census, the SA3 area achieved 1.0% growth. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, AreaSearch uses VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future demographic trends suggest lower quartile growth in regional areas nationally, with Southern Grampians expected to expand by 132 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 1.5%.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Southern Grampians, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Southern Grampians has seen approximately 14 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25. A total of 73 homes were approved during this period, with an additional 4 approved so far in FY26. On average, only 0.8 people have moved to the area per dwelling built each year between FY21 and FY25.

New supply has kept pace with or exceeded demand, providing ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average value of new dwellings developed is $444,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In this financial year, $8.9 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to Rest of Vic., Southern Grampians has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and places among the 43rd percentile nationally, offering more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes.

This is below average nationally, suggesting possible planning constraints. Recent building activity consists entirely of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated count of 378 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Population forecasts indicate Southern Grampians will gain 96 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Southern Grampians has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 0thth percentile nationally

The performance of a region can be significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified eight projects that are anticipated to impact this area. Notable among these are Lakes Edge Residential Development, Hamilton Community and Government Hub, New Hamilton Gallery, and Hamilton Structure Plan Implementation. The following list specifies those projects expected to have the most relevance.

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

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AreaSearch analysis reveals Southern Grampians significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Southern Grampians has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation and an unemployment rate of 1.5% as of June 2025. There are 3,254 residents employed while the unemployment rate is 2.2% lower than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation stands at 61.1%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Key employment industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Agriculture, forestry & fishing is particularly notable with employment levels at 5.8 times the regional average. Manufacturing has limited presence in Southern Grampians with 2.3% employment compared to 7.7% regionally.

The area may offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, labour force decreased by 1.8%, alongside a 2.0% employment decline, causing unemployment rate to rise by 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Vic.'s employment fell by 0.9%, labour force contracted by 0.4%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest potential future demand within Southern Grampians. Over five years, national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% and over ten years by 13.7%. Applying these projections to Southern Grampians's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.0%% over five years and 11.3% over ten years.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that Southern Grampians had a median income of $46,409 and an average income of $60,839. This is lower than the national averages of $48,741 (median) and $60,693 (average) for Rest of Vic. By September 2025, estimates suggest median income will be approximately $52,052 and average income $68,237, based on a Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022. Census data indicates that incomes in Southern Grampians fall between the 19th and 30th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. Income distribution shows that 27.9% of residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, with a total of 1,753 people in this income bracket. This is reflective of the region's income patterns where 30.3% fall within the same range. Housing costs are manageable, with 93.5% retained, but disposable income is below average at the 32nd percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the fifth decile.

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

Southern Grampians' dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 97.7% houses and 2.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Vic.'s 93.1% houses and 6.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Southern Grampians stood at 58.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 26.9% and rented ones at 14.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $931, below Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,083. Median weekly rent in Southern Grampians was $170, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $220. Nationally, mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,863 and rents substantially below the national figure of $375.

Southern Grampians features high concentrations of lone person households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 67.1% of all households, including 26.0% couples with children, 33.3% couples without children, and 7.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 32.9%, with lone person households at 31.1% and group households comprising 1.9%. The median household size is 2.3 people, larger than the Rest of Vic average of 2.2.

Educational attainment in Southern Grampians aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 19.3%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 14.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 39.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (12.9%) and certificates (26.8%). Educational participation is high at 26.6%, comprising primary education (10.6%), secondary education (9.1%), and tertiary education (1.8%).

Eleven schools serve 427 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1000) and balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes nine primary, one secondary, and one K-12 school. Local school capacity is limited at 6.8 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 14.1, leading many families to travel for schooling. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Public transport analysis shows 17 active transport stops in Southern Grampians. These are served by a mix of buses via 9 different routes, offering 50 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is limited, with residents typically located 4728 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 7 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 2 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Southern Grampians is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Southern Grampians faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent among both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 50% (~3,142 people) of its total population has private health cover, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis (affecting 10.4% of residents) and asthma (7.4%). A total of 66.8% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 62.4% across Rest of Vic. As of 2021, 26.2% of Southern Grampians' residents are aged 65 and over (1,649 people). Health outcomes among seniors in the area are particularly strong, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

The latest Census data sees Southern Grampians placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Southern Grampians' cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 90.9% of its population being citizens, 92.1% born in Australia, and 97.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the main religion in Southern Grampians, comprising 57.5% of people, compared to 50.5% across Rest of Vic.. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (32.0%), English (30.9%), and Scottish (11.7%).

Notably, German ethnicity is overrepresented at 6.7%, Irish at 10.2%, and New Zealand at 0.6%.

Southern Grampians hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Southern Grampians has a median age of 49, which is higher than the Rest of Vic's figure of 43 and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of Vic's average, Southern Grampians has an over-representation of the 55-64 cohort at 16.4%, while the 25-34 year-olds are under-represented at 9.0%. This concentration of the 55-64 age group is well above the national average of 11.2%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 6.7% to 8.4%, while the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 13.6% to 12.2% and the 5 to 14 age group has dropped from 12.5% to 11.4%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Southern Grampians's age structure. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to grow by 131 people (23%), increasing from 564 to 696. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 5 to 14 and 55 to 64 cohorts.