Stawell

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 approximately 8,477 as of February 2026, a decrease of 27 people from the 2021 Census figure of 8,504. This decline is inferred from ABS estimated resident population data of 8,398 in June 2024 and validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density was around 3.1 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Stawell's population grew at a compound annual growth rate of 0.1%, outpacing its SA3 area. Overseas migration primarily drove this growth. 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 utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on these projections, Stawell is expected to increase its population by approximately 486 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of about 4.8% 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 recorded approximately 29 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25147 homes were approved, with an additional 9 approved so far in FY-26. The average new resident per year per dwelling constructed over these five years was 0.5.

This suggests that supply is meeting or exceeding demand, offering greater buyer choice and supporting potential population growth beyond projections. The average construction value of new properties during this period was $287,000. In FY-26, there have been $31.7 million in commercial approvals, indicating strong commercial development momentum. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Stawell maintains similar construction rates per person, supporting market stability in line with regional patterns.

This rate is lower than the national average, reflecting market maturity and potential development constraints. New development consists of 91.0% standalone homes and 9.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character focused on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated population density per dwelling approval is 381 people. Looking ahead, Stawell is expected to grow by 407 residents through to 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Stawell has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three projects likely to affect this region: 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. The following details 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.

Employment performance in Stawell exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Stawell's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with prominent essential services sectors. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate was 2.1%. In comparison, Rest of Vic.'s unemployment rate was 3.8%, making Stawell's rate 1.6% lower.

Workforce participation in Stawell is similar to Rest of Vic., at 61.4%. Census data shows that only 11.9% of residents work from home. Key industries for employment include health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and accommodation & food. Manufacturing stands out with an employment share 1.8 times the regional level, while construction has lower representation at 6.6%, compared to the regional average of 10.4%.

Many Stawell residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between September 2024 and August 2025, labour force decreased by 4.3% and employment fell by 2.0%, resulting in a 2.3 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. In contrast, Rest of Vic.'s employment contracted by 0.7%, labour force fell by 0.6%, and unemployment rose marginally during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Stawell's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.6% over five years and 12.7% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Stawell SA2 had a median income of $45,471 and an average of $55,212. This is below the national average. Rest of Vic.'s median was $50,954 with an average of $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $49,222 (median) and $59,767 (average). Census 2021 income data indicates Stawell's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 12th and 23rd percentiles nationally. The dominant income bracket is $1,500 - 2,999 with 27.9% of residents (2,365 people). Housing costs are modest with 90.1% of income retained, but total disposable income ranks at just the 19th percentile nationally.

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

Stawell's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 92.2% houses and 7.8% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Vic had 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Stawell was at 47.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.1% and rented ones at 23.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,010, lower than Non-Metro Vic's average of $1,430. The median weekly rent in Stawell was $214, compared to Non-Metro Vic's $285. Nationally, Stawell's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,010 versus 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 lower-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 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 making up 3.0%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 16.7%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. This difference 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.

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

Stawell has 74 active public transport stops. These are served by 9 routes offering 216 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is rated good, with residents typically 250 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward using cars (89%), while 7% walk. Average vehicle ownership is 1.5 per dwelling. In 2021 Census data, 11.9% of residents worked from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 30 trips daily across all routes, equating to about 2 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 substantial health challenges according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover stands at approximately 47% of the total population (~4,018 people), compared to 50.5% in Rest of Vic., and 55.7% nationally.

The most common conditions are arthritis (12.3%) and mental health issues (9.3%). 60.2% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.4% in Rest of Vic.. Working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. Stawell has 25.7% residents aged 65 and over (2,180 people), higher than Rest of Vic.'s 23.9%, with national rankings even higher.

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

Stawell's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 85.4% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia (88.4%), and speaking English only at home (92.7%). Christianity was the predominant religion, making up 45.2% of Stawell's population. The most notable overrepresentation was in the 'Other' category, comprising 0.8% compared to Rest of Vic's 0.8%.

In terms of ancestry, Australian (33.0%), English (32.3%), and Scottish (9.2%) were the top three represented groups. Notably, German (4.0% vs regional 3.5%), Dutch (1.4% vs 1.7%), and Filipino (1.3% vs 0.6%) ethnicities were overrepresented in Stawell compared to regional averages.

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

Stawell's median age is 47 years, which is significantly higher than the Rest of Vic. average of 43 and substantially exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 25-34 years are particularly prominent at 13.8%, while the 15-24 year group is comparatively smaller at 9.2% than in Rest of Vic.. Between 2021 and the present, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 9.9% to 12.2% of the population, while the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 12.1% to 13.8%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 12.0% to 9.7%, and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 15.5% to 14.5%. By 2041, Stawell is expected to experience notable shifts in its age composition, with the 35 to 44 group leading the demographic shift by growing by 26%, reaching 1,307 people from 1,036. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 and 65 to 74 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.