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

Southern Grampians' population, as per AreaSearch's analysis, is approximately 6,207 as of May 2026. This figure represents a decrease of 94 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 6,301. The decline is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,205 in June 2025 and an additional 43 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a density ratio of 0.90 persons per square kilometer. The -1.5% decline since Census is similar to the SA3 area's (-1.0%), indicating comparable population challenges regionally. Overseas migration primarily drove population growth recently.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For uncovered areas, it employs VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas until 2041. Future demographic trends anticipate lower quartile growth in regional areas nationally. The area is projected to expand by 123 persons to 2041, reflecting a 1.9% total increase over the 16 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 approximately 14 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY2021 to FY2025, 73 homes were approved, with a further 7 approved in FY2026 as of now. The average number of people moving to the area per dwelling built over these five years was 0.8.

This indicates that new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, offering ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings is $444,000, suggesting developers are focusing on the premium market with high-end developments. In terms of commercial approvals, $8.9 million has been registered in the current financial year, 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 ranks among the 42nd percentile of areas assessed nationally, indicating more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes.

This is below average nationally, which could reflect the area's maturity or 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. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Southern Grampians is forecasted to gain 121 residents by 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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight projects that may impact the area. Key projects include Lakes Edge Residential Development, Hamilton Community and Government Hub, New Hamilton Gallery, and Hamilton CBD Streetscape Revitalisation. The following list details projects likely to be 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 places Southern Grampians well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Southern Grampians has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation and an unemployment rate of 2.1% as of December 2025. It has 3,153 residents in work, with an unemployment rate 1.6% lower than Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation is similar to Regional Vic.'s 61.0%.

According to Census responses, 29.1% of residents work from home, but Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Leading employment industries are agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area has a notably high concentration in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with employment levels at 5.8 times the regional average. However, manufacturing has limited presence with 2.3% employment compared to 7.7% regionally.

The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, labour force decreased by 6.6%, employment declined by 7.2%, causing unemployment rate to rise by 0.7 percentage points. In comparison, Regional Vic.'s employment fell by 0.6%, labour force contracted by 0.7%, and unemployment fell by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Southern Grampians's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 5.0% over five years and 11.3% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

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

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2023 shows median income in Southern Grampians SA2 was $43,406 and average income was $51,080. This is lower than national averages of $50,954 (median) and $62,728 (average) for Regional Vic. By March 2026, estimated incomes would be approximately $47,582 (median) and $55,994 (average), based on a 9.62% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. Census data indicates household, family, and personal incomes in Southern Grampians fall between the 19th and 30th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows 27.9% earn $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (1,731 residents). Housing costs are manageable with 93.5% retained, but disposable income is below average at the 31st percentile. 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

Southern Grampians' dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, comprised 97.7% houses and 2.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% 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, lower than Regional Vic.'s average of $1,430. Median weekly rent in the area was $170, compared to Regional Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Southern Grampians' mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $931 vs Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were 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 account for 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 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 is 2.3 people, which 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's university qualification rate is 19.3%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 14.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (12.9%) and certificates (26.8%). Educational participation is high, with 26.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 10.6% in primary, 9.1% in secondary, and 1.8% in tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transportation in the Southern Grampians region indicates that there are currently 13 active transport stops operating. These stops are served by a total of 4 individual routes, collectively offering 32 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is rated as limited, with residents typically residing an average distance of 4728 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most residents commute outward for work or other purposes. The car remains the primary mode of transportation, used by 85% of residents, while walking accounts for 12%. On average, there are approximately 2.0 vehicles owned per dwelling in the region, which is higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census data, a significant proportion of residents, specifically 29.1%, work from home, which may be partially attributed to COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages out to approximately 4 trips per day across all routes, translating to about 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' health metrics closely match national benchmarks, as assessed by AreaSearch using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are seen at a standard level across both young and old age groups in the area. Private health cover is extremely low, with approximately 46% of the total population (~2,861 people) having it, compared to Regional Vic.'s 50.5%, and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (10.4%) and asthma (7.4%), while 66.8% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to Regional Vic.'s 63.4%. Working-age residents show a higher-than-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 27.5% of residents aged 65 and over (1,705 people), which is higher than Regional Vic.'s 23.9%. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, ranking even higher than the general population nationally.

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, as per data from the 2016 Census, showed lower cultural diversity with 90.9% of its population being Australian citizens, 92.1% born in Australia, and 97.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 57.5% of Southern Grampians' population compared to 47.3% across Regional Victoria. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (32.0%), English (30.9%), and Scottish (11.7%).

Notably, German ancestry was 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

The median age in Southern Grampians is 49, which exceeds Regional Vic.'s figure of 43 and is above Australia's 38 years. The 65-74 cohort is notably over-represented at 16.2% locally compared to the Regional Vic. average, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 8.5%. This 65-74 concentration is well above the national figure of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 6.7% to 9.1% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 13.6% to 11.7%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Southern Grampians's age structure. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to grow by 133 people (24%) from 562 to 696. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 5 to 14 and 55 to 64 cohorts.