Stawell

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Stawell's population is around 8,477 as of Feb 2026. This reflects a decrease of 27 people (0.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,504 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 8,398 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 64 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 3.1 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Over the past decade, Stawell has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a 0.1% compound annual growth rate, outpacing the SA3 area. 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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of non-metropolitan areas nationally is expected, with the area expected to increase by 486 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 4.8% in total over the 17 years.

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

Stawell has recorded around 29 residential properties granted approval each year, with 147 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 9 so far in FY-26. Given an average of only 0.5 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply is meeting or surpassing demand, providing greater buyer choice and supporting potential for population growth above projections, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $287,000. There have also been $31.7 million in commercial approvals this financial year, 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 is likewise lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. New development consists of 91.0% standalone homes and 9.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated count of 381 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Looking ahead, Stawell is expected to grow by 407 residents through to 2041 (from 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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 3 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Western Highway Upgrade - Ararat to Stawell, Great Western Future Plan 2014-2024, Melbourne To Adelaide Freight Rail Improvements, and SEC Renewable Energy Park - Horsham, 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.

Stawell ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Stawell possesses a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of just 1.7%, and 1.0% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 4,198 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.0% below Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Regional Vic.'s 61.5%. Based on Census responses, a low 11.9% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and accommodation & food. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in manufacturing, with employment levels at 1.8 times the regional average. On the other hand, construction is under-represented, with only 6.6% of Stawell's workforce compared to 10.4% in Regional Vic.. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 1.0% alongside labour force decreasing by 2.2%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 3.1 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Vic. experienced employment decline of 0.6% and labour force decline of 0.7%, with a 0.1 percentage point drop. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Stawell. 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 Stawell's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.6% over five years and 12.7% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Stawell SA2's median income among taxpayers is $45,471, with an average of $55,212. This is below the national average, and compares to Regional Vic.'s median of $50,954 and average of $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $49,222 (median) and $59,767 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Stawell all fall between the 12th and 23rd percentiles nationally. Looking at income distribution, the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 27.9% of the community (2,365 individuals), aligning with the surrounding region where this cohort likewise represents 30.3%. While housing costs are modest with 90.1% of income retained, the 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

Dwelling structure within Stawell, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 92.2% houses and 7.8% 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 Stawell was well beyond that of Regional Vic., at 47.8%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (29.1%) or rented (23.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional Vic. average at $1,010, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $214, compared to Regional Vic.'s $1,430 and $285. Nationally, Stawell's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are 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 dominate at 62.8% of all households, comprising 21.4% couples with children, 31.4% couples without children, and 9.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 37.2%, with lone person households at 34.0% and group households comprising 3.0% of the total. The median household size of 2.2 people is smaller than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.

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 (16.7%) substantially below the VIC average of 33.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 11.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 40.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.8%) and certificates (29.4%).

Educational participation is notably 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

Public transport analysis reveals 74 active transport stops operating within Stawell. These stops are serviced by 9 individual routes, collectively providing 216 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 250 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 89%, with 7% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling. A relatively low 11.9% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 30 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 2 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Stawell, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 47% of the total population (~4,018 people). This compares to 50.5% across Regional Vic. and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 12.3% and 9.3% of residents, respectively, while 60.2% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.4% across Regional Vic. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 25.7% of residents aged 65 and over (2,180 people), which is higher than the 23.9% in Regional Vic., with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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

Stawell was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 85.4% of its population being citizens, 88.4% born in Australia, and 92.7% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Stawell is Christianity, which makes up 45.2% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Other, which comprises 0.8% of the population, compared to 0.8% across Regional Vic..

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Stawell are Australian, comprising 33.0% of the population, English, comprising 32.3% of the population, and Scottish, comprising 9.2% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: German is notably overrepresented at 4.0% of Stawell (vs 3.5% regionally), Dutch at 1.4% (vs 1.7%) and Filipino at 1.3% (vs 0.6%).

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

At 47 years, Stawell's median age is significantly above the Regional Vic. average of 43 as well as substantially exceeding the 38-year national average. The age profile shows 25 - 34 year-olds are particularly prominent (13.8%), while the 15 - 24 group is comparatively smaller (9.2%) than in Regional Vic.. In the period since 2021, 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 see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the 35 to 44 group will grow by 26% (270 people), reaching 1,307 from 1,036. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 and 65 to 74 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.