Swan Hill Surrounds

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Swan Hill Surrounds' population was around 6467 as of May 2026. This reflected a decrease of 10 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6477 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 6467 from the ABS as of June 2025 and an additional 27 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equated to a density ratio of 1.1 persons per square kilometer. While Swan Hill Surrounds experienced a 0.2% decline since the 2021 census, it performed better than the SA3 area (-2.8%). Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 73.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area as released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilised 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 were also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Over this period, projections indicated an overall decline in population, with the area's population expected to shrink by 566 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts was anticipated, led by the 45 to 54 age group, which was projected to grow by 37 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 annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 75 homes have been approved, with an additional 5 approved so far in FY-26. On average, about one new resident arrives per year for each new home 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.

The average construction value of new properties is around $370,000, which is moderately higher than regional levels, reflecting an emphasis on quality construction. This year, commercial approvals totaling $10.8 million have been registered, indicating balanced commercial development activity in the area. Comparatively, Swan Hill Surrounds shows approximately 75% of the construction activity per person relative to the Rest of Vic., placing it among the 25th percentile of areas assessed nationally. This suggests limited choices for buyers and supports demand for existing dwellings due to reduced new housing supply.

The recent construction composition is 90.0% standalone homes and 10.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing that attracts space-seeking buyers. The estimated population count of 622 people per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Population projections indicate stability or decline in Swan Hill Surrounds, which should lead to reduced housing demand pressures and benefit potential buyers due to decreased competition for available properties.

Swan Hill Surrounds has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 39thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 23 projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include Swan Hill Regional Livestock Exchange Strategic Review, Swan Hill Regional Community Sports Hub, Transforming the Heart of Swan Hill Precinct, and Swan Hill Riverfront Precinct. The following list 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.

AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Swan Hill Surrounds performing better than 85% of local markets assessed across Australia

Swan Hill Surrounds has a balanced workforce with diverse sector representation. As of December 2025, the unemployment rate is 1.3%. Over the past year, employment has remained relatively stable.

There are 3,538 residents in work, with an unemployment rate of 2.4% below Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation is 67.3%, compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.0%. According to Census responses, 12.7% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and construction.

The area has a strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing (4.3 times the regional level) but limited presence in health care & social assistance (10.9% compared to 16.8% regionally). Over the year to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.2%, employment fell by 0.2%, and unemployment dropped by 1.9 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 that over five years, employment should increase by 5.0% locally, and over ten years, it should grow by 11.2%.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023 shows Swan Hill Surrounds SA2 had median taxpayer income of $46,771 and average income of $55,250. These figures are lower than national averages of $50,954 (median) and $62,728 (average) for Regional Vic. Applying a 9.62% growth from Wage Price Index since financial year ended June 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $51,270 (median) and $60,565 (average). Census 2021 data indicates Swan Hill Surrounds' household, family, and personal incomes rank modestly between 25th and 29th percentiles. Income distribution shows 32.9% of population (2,127 individuals) fall within $1,500 - 2,999 income range, similar to broader area at 30.3%. Housing costs allow retention of 92.1%, but disposable income is below average at 36th percentile.

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

The dwelling structure in Swan Hill Surrounds, as per the latest Census, consisted of 95.5% houses and 4.6% other dwellings (including semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Regional Vic. had 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Swan Hill Surrounds was at 47.7%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (34.3%) or rented (18.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $966, lower than Regional Vic.'s average of $1,430 and significantly below the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $180, substantially lower than Regional Vic.'s $285 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 account for 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 constitute 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 Regional Vic average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 12.7%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.6%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.0%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.1%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.1% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (9.1%) and certificates (31.0%). Educational participation is high, with 29.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 11.9% 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

Swan Hill Surrounds has 21 active public transport stops served by six routes, offering 83 weekly passenger trips. Residents have limited access to transport, with an average distance of 855 meters to the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward from this primarily residential area. Car is the dominant mode of transport at 90%, with walking at 7%. Vehicle ownership averages 2.0 per dwelling, higher than the regional average. In 2021 Census data, 12.7% of residents worked from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 11 trips per day across all routes, resulting in about three weekly trips per stop.

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

Swan Hill Surrounds faces significant health challenges, as indicated by 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. Only approximately 47% (~3,065 people) have private health cover, compared to 50.5% in Regional Vic.

and the national average of 55.7%. Arthritis and asthma are the most common medical conditions, affecting 9.8% and 9.2% of residents respectively. However, 66.3% claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.4% in Regional Vic. Working-age residents have an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 20.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1,301 people), lower than the 23.9% in Regional Vic. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings even higher than those of the general population.

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, when assessed for cultural diversity, showed lower than average figures. Its population was predominantly citizens (83.0%), born in Australia (88.2%), and speaking English only at home (90.4%). Christianity was the dominant religion, accounting for 50.1% of the population.

Buddhism, however, was more prevalent here compared to Regional Vic., with 2.2% versus 1.0%. The top three ancestral groups were Australian (33.3%), English (28.8%), and Irish (8.8%). Notable disparities existed in the representation of certain ethnicities: Italians were overrepresented at 5.0% (regional average was 2.9%), Samoans at 0.3% (versus 0.1%), and Germans at 3.8% (compared to 3.5%).

Swan Hill Surrounds's median age exceeds the national pattern

Swan Hill Surrounds has a median age of 42 years, similar to Regional Vic.'s average of 43 but higher than Australia's 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 55-64 are prominent at 14.6%, while the 75-84 group is smaller at 6.1% compared to Regional Vic.. From 2021 to present, the 35-44 age group has grown from 11.2% to 13.4%, and the 15-24 cohort increased from 10.6% to 12.3%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort declined from 16.7% to 14.6%, and the 45-54 group dropped from 12.3% to 10.6%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes. The 45-54 cohort is projected to grow by 8%, adding 51 residents to reach 735. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 35-44 and 0-4 cohorts.