Stawell
Statistical Area - sa2

An assessment of population growth drivers in Stawell reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Stawell's population was 8,504 as of August 2021. By August 2025, it is estimated to be around 8,459, a decrease of 45 people (0.5%). This decline is inferred from the ABS's June 2024 estimate of 8,398 and an additional 63 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density in Stawell is 3.1 persons per square kilometer. Between August 2021 and August 2025, Stawell's population decreased by 0.5%, compared to a decline of 0.6% in its corresponding SA3 area. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth during this period.

AreaSearch uses 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 employs 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. Based on these projections, Stawell is expected to increase by 486 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 5.7% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Stawell according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Stawell has averaged approximately 28 new dwelling approvals annually. Development approval data is produced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on a financial year basis. There were 142 dwellings approved over the past five financial years, from FY-20 to FY-25, and 5 so far in FY-26. Over these five years, an average of 0.5 new residents arrived per new home annually, indicating that new supply has kept pace with or exceeded demand.

The average construction cost value for new homes has been $410,000, which aligns with broader regional development trends. This financial year has seen $31.7 million in commercial development approvals, demonstrating strong commercial development momentum. When compared to the rest of Victoria, Stawell shows comparable building activity per person, supporting market stability in line with regional patterns. However, this activity is below the national average, suggesting an established area and potential planning limitations.

Recent construction comprises 91% detached dwellings and 9% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 381 people, reflecting a quiet development environment. Looking ahead, Stawell is projected to grow by 425 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Stawell has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 48thth percentile nationally

Three projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area: Western Highway Upgrade from Ararat to Stawell, Great Western Future Plan 2014-2024, Melbourne To Adelaide Freight Rail Improvements, and SEC Renewable Energy Park - Horsham.

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

Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.1%, Stawell has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Stawell's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with prominent essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 3.1% as of June 2025.

The town had 4,142 employed residents, with a 0.7% lower unemployment rate than the Rest of Vic.'s 3.8%. Workforce participation was somewhat lower at 53.4%, compared to the Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and accommodation & food services. Manufacturing stands out with employment levels at 1.8 times the regional average.

Construction, however, is under-represented at 6.6% compared to the Rest of Vic.'s 10.4%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the year to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 4.2%, and employment declined by 3.4%. This resulted in a 0.8 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. In contrast, Rest of Vic. saw employment decline of 0.9% and labour force decline of 0.4%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. Statewide, Victoria's employment grew by 1.08% year-on-year (adding 39,880 jobs) to Sep-25. The state unemployment rate was 4.7%, slightly higher than the national rate of 4.5%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Stawell's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.6%% over five years and 12.7% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

In AreaSearch's latest postcode-level ATO data released for financial year 2022, Stawell's median income among taxpayers is $45,057. The average income in Stawell during this period was $53,917. This is below the national average. In comparison, Rest of Vic.'s median income was $48,741 and the average was $60,693. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.11% since financial year 2022, current estimates suggest Stawell's median income would be approximately $49,612 and the average would be around $59,368 as of March 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, incomes in Stawell fall between the 12th and 24th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. In terms of income distribution, 27.9% of Stawell's community earns between $1,500 and $2,999 (2,360 individuals). This aligns with the surrounding region where this cohort also represents 30.3%. Despite modest housing costs allowing for retention of 90.1% of income, total disposable income in Stawell ranks at just the 19th percentile nationally.

Stawell is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Stawell, as per the latest Census evaluation, 92.2% of dwellings were houses with 7.8% being other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compares to Non-Metro Vic.'s 93.0% houses and 6.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Stawell was at 47.8%, aligning with Non-Metro Vic., while the remaining dwellings were mortgaged (29.1%) or rented (23.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Stawell was $1,010, lower than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,043. The median weekly rent figure in Stawell was recorded at $214, slightly higher than Non-Metro Vic.'s $215. Nationally, Stawell's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Stawell features high concentrations of lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 62.8% of all households, including 21.4% couples with children, 31.4% couples without children, and 9.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 37.2%, with lone person households at 34.0% and group households comprising 3.0%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which aligns with the average in the Rest of Vic.

Educational outcomes in Stawell fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 16.7%, significantly below the Victorian average of 33.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 40.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (10.8%) and certificates (29.4%).

Educational participation is high, with 26.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.3% in primary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 2.0% pursuing tertiary education. Stawell operates a robust network of 8 schools educating approximately 967 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 955) offering balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes 6 primary, 1 secondary, and 1 K-12 school.

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

Stawell's public transport analysis shows 74 active stops operating within the area, consisting of both train and bus services. These stops are served by 19 individual routes, collectively offering 297 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 250 meters from their nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 42 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 4 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Stawell is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Stawell faces significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent among both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 47%, covering around 3,975 people, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (12.3%) and mental health issues (9.3%). About 60.2% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly lower than the Rest of Vic's 61.2%. Stawell has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 25.8%, or approximately 2,183 people.

Stawell ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Stawell had lower cultural diversity, with 85.4% citizens, 88.4% born in Australia, and 92.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion at 45.2%. The 'Other' category was overrepresented at 0.8%, compared to 0.5% regionally.

In ancestry, Australian (33.0%), English (32.3%), and Scottish (9.2%) were the top groups. Germans (4.0%) were notably overrepresented versus regional levels (6.6%), as were Dutch (1.4% vs 1.1%) and Filipino (1.3% vs 0.7%).

Stawell hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Stawell's median age is 47 years, significantly higher than the Rest of Vic.'s average of 43 and well above the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 25-34 are prominent at 13.3%, while the 45-54 group is smaller at 9.8% compared to the Rest of Vic. From 2021 to present, the 35-44 age group has increased from 9.9% to 11.7%, and the 25-34 cohort has grown from 12.1% to 13.3%. Conversely, the 45-54 group has decreased from 12.0% to 9.8%. By 2041, Stawell's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 35-44 group is projected to grow by 32%, reaching 1,307 people from 988. Meanwhile, the 15-24 and 65-74 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.