Swan Hill Surrounds
Statistical Area - sa2

Swan Hill Surrounds has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Swan Hill Surrounds' population is approximately 6,578 as of November 2025. This figure reflects a growth of 101 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,477. The increase is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 6,521 in June 2024 and 22 validated new addresses added after the census date. This results in a population density of 1.1 persons per square kilometer. Swan Hill Surrounds' growth rate of 1.6% since the 2021 Census exceeded both the SA3 area (-0.3%) and the SA4 region, positioning it as a growth leader in the area. Overseas migration contributed approximately 65.8% to recent population gains.

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. According to these projections, the area's population is expected to decrease by 540 persons by 2041, while the 25 to 34 age group is projected to grow by 62 people.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Swan Hill Surrounds, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Swan Hill Surrounds has recorded approximately 15 residential properties granted approval per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 75 homes have been approved, with an additional three approved so far in FY26. On average, one new resident arrives per new home each year over these five years, indicating balanced supply and demand conditions. However, this ratio has decreased to -0.1 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting more balanced supply conditions.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $370,000, which is moderately above regional levels, reflecting a focus on quality construction. This year, $10.8 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating balanced commercial development activity. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Swan Hill Surrounds shows approximately 75% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 26th percentile nationally, suggesting limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing dwellings. Recent construction comprises 90% standalone homes and 10% attached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature and appealing to space-seeking buyers.

The estimated population count of 622 people per dwelling approval reflects its quiet development environment. Population projections indicate stability or decline, suggesting reduced housing demand pressures in Swan Hill Surrounds, which benefits potential buyers.

Swan Hill Surrounds has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 21stth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 22 projects that could impact the region. Notable initiatives include the Swan Hill Regional Livestock Exchange Strategic Review, Swan Hill Regional Community Sports Hub, Transforming the Heart of Swan Hill Precinct, and Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery Redevelopment. The following list details those most likely to be 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 Swan Hill Surrounds exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Swan Hill Surrounds has a diverse workforce comprising white and blue-collar jobs across various sectors. As of June 2025, its unemployment rate is 2.1%.

In comparison to the Rest of Vic., Swan Hill's unemployment rate is 1.6% lower (3.8%), with workforce participation at 60.0%, slightly higher than the regional average of 57.4%. Key employment sectors include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and construction. The area specializes in agriculture, forestry & fishing, which accounts for 4.3 times the regional level of employment. Conversely, health care & social assistance has a lower presence with 10.9% compared to the regional average of 16.8%.

Over the year ending June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 4.3%, alongside a 3.7% decline in employment, leading to a fall in unemployment by 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic.'s employment fell by 0.9%, with a labour force contraction of 0.4%, resulting in an increase in unemployment by 0.4 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May 2025) suggest potential future demand within Swan Hill Surrounds. These projections estimate national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Swan Hill's employment mix indicates a local growth rate of approximately 5.0% over five years and 11.2% over ten years.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022, Swan Hill Surrounds had a median income among taxpayers of $43,658. The average income stood at $50,857. This is lower than national averages which were $48,741 and $60,693 respectively for Rest of Vic. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $48,967 (median) and $57,041 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Swan Hill Surrounds, between the 26th and 30th percentiles. In terms of income distribution, 32.9% of the population (2,164 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, which is similar to the broader area where this cohort represents 30.3%. Housing costs are manageable with 92.1% retained, but disposable income sits below average at the 37th percentile.

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

In Swan Hill Surrounds, as per the latest Census evaluation, 95.5% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 4.6% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This is compared to Non-Metro Vic., which had 90.7% houses and 9.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Swan Hill Surrounds stood at 47.7%, similar to Non-Metro Vic.'s rate, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (34.3%) or rented (18.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $966, below Non-Metro Vic.'s average and significantly lower than the national average of $1,863. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent was $180, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $200 and the national figure of $375.

Swan Hill Surrounds features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 70.6% of all households, including 28.8% couples with children, 32.9% couples without children, and 8.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 29.4%, with lone person households at 25.2% and group households comprising 4.1%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is larger than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.3.

Swan Hill Surrounds faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area faces educational challenges with university qualification rates at 12.7%, substantially below the VIC average of 33.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 9.6%, followed by graduate diplomas at 2.0% and postgraduate qualifications at 1.1%. Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 40.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas at 9.1% and certificates at 31.0%.

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 11.9% in primary education, 9.1% in secondary education, and 1.8% pursuing tertiary education. A robust network of six schools operates within Swan Hill Surrounds, educating approximately 271 students, with the educational mix including five primary schools and one K-12 school. Limited local school capacity at 4.1 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 14.7 means many families travel to nearby areas for schooling. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Swan Hill Surrounds has 21 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 13 different routes that together offer 117 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is considered limited, with residents usually located 855 meters away from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 16 trips per day across all routes, which equates to about 5 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Swan Hill Surrounds is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Swan Hill Surrounds faces significant health challenges. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~3,052 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 9.8 and 9.2% of residents respectively. Sixty-six point three percent of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 64.1% across Rest of Vic.. Nineteen point eight percent of residents are aged 65 and over (1,300 people), which is lower than the 24.0% in Rest of Vic.. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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

Swan Hill Surrounds' cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 83.0% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia on 88.2%, and speaking English only at home on 90.4%. Christianity was the predominant religion in Swan Hill Surrounds, comprising 50.1% of its population. Notably, Buddhism was overrepresented compared to the rest of Victoria, with 2.2% versus 2.4%.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (33.3%), English (28.8%), and Irish (8.8%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Italian was overrepresented at 5.0% versus 4.0%, Samoan at 0.3% versus 0.1%, and German at 3.8% versus 3.0%.

Swan Hill Surrounds hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Swan Hill Surrounds has a median age of 42 years, similar to Rest of Vic.'s average of 43 but older than Australia's 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 55-64 are prominent at 15.3%, while the 75-84 group is smaller at 5.9% compared to Rest of Vic.. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group has grown from 11.2% to 13.0%, and the 15-24 cohort increased from 10.6% to 11.9%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 12.3% to 10.7%, and the 55-64 group dropped from 16.7% to 15.3%. Population forecasts for Swan Hill Surrounds in 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes, with the 25-34 cohort projected to grow by 4%, adding 33 residents to reach 802. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 85+ and 0-4 cohorts.