Southern Grampians

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Southern Grampians's population is around 6,360 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 59 people (0.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,301 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,249 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 42 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1.0 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Southern Grampians's 0.9% growth since the census positions it within 0.7 percentage points of the SA3 area (1.6%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of 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 any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the 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 from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Regarding demographic trends, lower quartile growth of regional areas across the nation is anticipated, with the area expected to expand by 132 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 0.3% in total over the 17 years.

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 around 14 new homes approved per year, with 73 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 5 so far in FY-26. With an average of only 0.8 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, offering ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts, while new dwellings are developed at an average value of $444,000, showing that developers are focusing on the premium market with high-end developments. Additionally, $8.9 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature.

Compared to the rest of Victoria, Southern Grampians has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks in the 42nd percentile of areas assessed nationally, meaning more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes. This is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. Meanwhile, 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 21 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). 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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 8 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Lakes Edge Residential Development, Hamilton Structure Plan Implementation, Hamilton Community and Government Hub, and New Hamilton Gallery, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 places Southern Grampians well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Southern Grampians features a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation and an unemployment rate of just 2.1%. As of December 2025, 3,153 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 1.6% below Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%, and workforce participation is on par with Regional Vic.'s 61.5%. Based on Census responses, a high 29.1% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with employment levels at 5.8 times the regional average. Meanwhile, manufacturing has a limited presence with 2.3% employment compared to 7.7% regionally. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw the labour force decrease by 6.6% alongside a 7.2% employment decline, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.7 percentage points. This compares to Regional Vic., where employment fell by 0.6%, the labour force contracted by 0.7%, and unemployment fell 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Southern Grampians. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Southern Grampians's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.0% over five years and 11.3% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Southern Grampians SA2 is lower than average on a national basis, with the median assessed at $43,406 while the average income stands at $51,080. This contrasts with Regional Vic.'s figures of a median income of $50,954 and an average income of $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $46,987 (median) and $55,294 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Southern Grampians all fall between the 19th and 30th percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows the largest segment comprises 27.9% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (1,774 residents), reflecting patterns seen in the region where 30.3% similarly occupy this range. Housing costs are manageable with 93.5% retained, though disposable income sits below average at the 31st percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Dwelling structure within Southern Grampians, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 97.7% houses and 2.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Southern Grampians was well beyond that of Regional Vic., at 58.2%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (26.9%) or rented (14.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional Vic. average at $931, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $170, compared to Regional Vic.'s $1,430 and $285. Nationally, Southern Grampians's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 67.1% of all households, comprising 26.0% couples with children, 33.3% couples without children, and 7.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 32.9%, with lone person households at 31.1% and group households comprising 1.9% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people is smaller than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.

Southern Grampians shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (19.3%) substantially below the VIC average of 33.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 14.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 39.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (12.9%) and certificates (26.8%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.6% in primary education, 9.1% in secondary education, and 1.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 13 active transport stops operating within Southern Grampians. These stops are serviced by 4 individual routes, collectively providing 32 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 4728 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 85%, with 12% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 2.0 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. A high 29.1% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 4 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 2 weekly trips per individual stop.

Southern Grampians's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Southern Grampians's health metrics sit close to national benchmarks, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. There is a standard level of common health conditions across both young and old age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~2,931 people). This compares to 50.5% across Regional Vic. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 10.4 and 7.4% of residents, respectively, while 66.8% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.4% across Regional Vic. Working-age residents show an above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 26.2% of residents aged 65 and over (1,666 people), which is higher than the 23.9% in Regional Vic. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 90.9% of its population being citizens, 92.1% born in Australia, and 97.9% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Southern Grampians is Christianity, which makes up 57.5% of people in Southern Grampians. This compares to 47.3% across Regional Vic..

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Southern Grampians are Australian, comprising 32.0% of the population, English, comprising 30.9% of the population, and Scottish, comprising 11.7% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: German is notably overrepresented at 6.7% of Southern Grampians (vs 3.5% regionally), Irish at 10.2% (vs 9.7%) and New Zealand at 0.6% (vs 0.4%).

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

With a median age of 49, Southern Grampians is notably exceeding the Regional Vic. figure of 43 and is well above Australia's 38 years. Compared to the Regional Vic. average, the 55 - 64 cohort is notably over-represented (16.1% locally), while 15 - 24 year-olds are under-represented (9.1%). In the period since 2021, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 6.7% to 8.5% of the population, while the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 8.0% to 9.2%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 13.6% to 12.0% and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 12.5% to 11.4%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Southern Grampians's age structure. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to experience strong growth, expanding by 115 people (21%) from 541 to 657. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 5 to 14 and 55 to 64 cohorts.