Towong

Towong is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Towong's population, as of November 2025, is approximately 6,221, reflecting a growth of 25 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 6,196. This increase was inferred from ABS estimates showing an estimated resident population of 6,206 in June 2024 and an additional 24 validated new addresses post-Census. The population density is around 0.90 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration accounted for approximately 59.5% of recent population gains. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024, with a base year of 2022, for each SA2 area.

For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch employs VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 with adjustments made via weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Projections indicate a decline in overall population, with Towong's population expected to decrease by 646 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts like the 25-34 age group are projected to grow, with an increase of 72 people anticipated.

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

Towong has averaged approximately 23 new dwelling approvals annually. Between the financial years FY-21 and FY-25, a total of 119 homes were approved, with an additional 6 approved so far in FY-26. Over these five financial years, there was an average of 0.8 new residents per year for each dwelling constructed.

This indicates that the supply of new dwellings has kept pace with or exceeded demand, providing ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction cost value of new dwellings in Towong is $307,000. In FY-26, commercial approvals valued at $5.5 million have been registered, suggesting limited focus on commercial development in the area.

Compared to the rest of Victoria, Towong shows approximately 56% of construction activity per person, placing it among the 46th percentile nationally. This indicates more limited choices for buyers and supports demand for existing properties. New building activity in Towong is predominantly detached houses, accounting for 94.0% of new approvals, with townhouses or apartments making up the remaining 6.0%. This maintains the area's traditional low density character, focusing on family homes that appeal to those seeking space. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 394 people, reflecting its quiet and low activity development environment. Given stable or declining population forecasts, Towong may experience less housing pressure in the future, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Towong has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 39thth percentile nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 16 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include Hilltops by Birchmore Residential Development, Thurgoona Link Road Project, Thurgoona Neighbourhood Shopping Centre, and Elizabeth Mitchell Drive Extension (Thurgoona Link Road). The following list details those projects likely to be most relevant.

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

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Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.7%, Towong has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Towong has a balanced workforce with diverse sector representation. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 3.7%.

The area's employment aligns with Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation is similar at 57.4%. Dominant sectors include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and construction. Towong has a particular specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 3.3 times the regional level. Retail trade is under-represented, at 6.6% compared to Rest of Vic.'s 9.9%.

Over the year to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 1.8%, alongside a 2.9% employment decline, causing unemployment to rise by 1 percentage point. In contrast, Rest of Vic. saw a 0.7% employment fall and a marginal unemployment increase. State-level data to 25-Nov shows VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Towong's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.6% over five years and 12.2% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch aggregated latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022. Towong SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $47,827 and an average income of $57,395. Nationally, the median was $48,741 and the average was $60,693. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $53,643 (median) and $64,374 (average), based on a 12.16% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. Census 2021 income data showed Towong's household, family, and personal incomes fell between the 18th and 25th percentiles nationally. The $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captured 28.3% of Towong's community (1,760 individuals), similar to regional levels at 30.3%. Housing costs were modest, with 90.6% of income retained. However, total disposable income ranked at the 27th percentile nationally and SEIFA income ranking placed Towong in the 4th decile.

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

In Towong, as per the latest Census, 97.2% of dwellings were houses while 2.8% were other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, or 'other' dwellings. This compares to Non-Metro Vic.'s 91.6% houses and 8.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Towong stood at 52.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.7% and rented ones at 15.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,200, lower than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,473. Median weekly rent in Towong was $210 compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $280. Nationally, Towong's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,200 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Towong has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 68.5% of all households, including 23.3% couples with children, 38.1% couples without children, and 6.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 31.5%, with lone person households at 29.7% and group households comprising 1.6%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.4.

Towong shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

The area's university qualification rate is 17.6%, significantly lower than the Victorian average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 11.7%, followed by graduate diplomas (3.2%) and postgraduate qualifications (2.7%). Vocational credentials are held by 43.8% of residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 11.5% and certificates at 32.3%. Educational participation is high, with 26.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 10.1% in primary education, 8.3% in secondary education, and 2.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis shows ten active public transport stops in Towong, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by four separate routes that together offer 32 weekly passenger trips. Accessibility to these services is limited, with residents usually located 3943 meters away from the nearest stop.

On average, there are four trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately three weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Towong faces significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 48%, covering around 3,004 people, which is lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most frequent medical issues are arthritis (11.7%) and mental health concerns (9%). About 62% report no medical ailments, compared to 64.1% in the rest of Victoria. Around 29.4%, or 1,830 people, are aged 65 and over, higher than the 20.7% in the rest of Victoria. Health outcomes for seniors exceed average levels, outperforming even the general population's health metrics.

The latest Census data sees Towong placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Towong has a lower-than-average cultural diversity, with 88.9% citizens, 90.6% born in Australia, and 96.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, at 54.8%, compared to 48.2% across Rest of Vic.. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (32.3%), English (32.2%), and Irish (10.3%).

Notably, Scottish (9.0%) and German (4.6%) are slightly overrepresented, while Dutch (1.5%) is slightly underrepresented compared to regional averages.

Towong ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Towong is 52 years, significantly higher than Rest of Vic.'s average of 43 years and also notably above the national norm of 38 years. The 65-74 age cohort is over-represented in Towong at 16.7%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s average, while the 25-34 year-olds are under-represented at 7.6%. This concentration of the 65-74 cohort is well above the national average of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the population of 15 to 24-year-olds has grown from 7.8% to 9.4%, while the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 17.9% to 16.0% and the 45 to 54 group has dropped from 12.3% to 11.3%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes, with the strongest projected growth in the 25-34 cohort at 14%, adding 65 residents to reach 540. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 35-44 and 0-4 age cohorts.