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 February 2026, is approximately 6,245, reflecting an increase of 49 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 6,196. This change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,206 in June 2024 and an additional 31 validated new addresses since the Census date. The current population density is 0.90 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration contributed approximately 59.5% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch employs 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 uses VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusting 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. By 2041, the area's population is projected to decline by 646 persons, while specific age cohorts like the 25 to 34 group are expected to grow by 72 people.

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

Towong averaged approximately 23 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years. From FY-21 to FY-25, a total of 119 homes were approved, with an additional 8 approved so far in FY-26. This averages out to about 0.8 new residents per year per dwelling constructed during this period.

The average construction cost value for new dwellings was $307,000. In the current financial year, $5.5 million worth of commercial approvals have been registered. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Towong shows around 56% of the construction activity per person and ranks in the 46th percentile nationally for construction activity.

The area's new building activity is predominantly detached houses (94%), with townhouses or apartments making up the remaining 6%. This maintains Towong's traditional low-density character, appealing to those seeking space and family homes. With an estimated 394 people per dwelling approval, Towong has a quiet development environment. Given stable or declining population forecasts, housing pressure may be less pronounced in the area, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Towong has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 47thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 18 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives 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 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.

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, 3,080 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.7%, closely matching Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation is also in line with the rest of Victoria at 61.4%.

According to Census responses, 20% of residents work from home. Dominant employment sectors include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and construction. Agriculture, forestry & fishing is particularly prominent, with an employment share three times the regional level. However, retail trade is under-represented at 6.6%, compared to 9.9% in Rest of Vic..

The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by working population versus resident population counts. Over the year ending September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 1.8%, with a 2.9% decline in employment leading to a 1.0 percentage point rise in unemployment. In comparison, Rest of Vic. saw a 0.7% employment fall, a 0.6% labour force contraction, and a marginal unemployment increase. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts 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, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch aggregated latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023. Towong SA2 had median taxpayer income of $48,297 and average income of $57,635. These figures are lower than national averages of $50,954 (median) and $62,728 (average) for Rest of Vic. By September 2025, estimated median and average incomes in Towong would be approximately $52,282 and $62,390 respectively, based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25%. Census 2021 data shows Towong's household, family, and personal incomes fall between 18th and 25th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile reveals that the $1,500 - 2,999 income band captures 28.3% of residents (1,767 individuals), similar to regional levels at 30.3%. Housing costs are modest with 90.6% of income retained. However, total disposable income ranks at the 27th percentile nationally and Towong's SEIFA income ranking places it 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 evaluation, 97.2% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 2.8% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This differs from Non-Metro Vic.'s figures of 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Towong stood at 52.9%, with mortgaged properties at 31.7% and rented dwellings at 15.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,200, lower than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,430. Weekly rent in Towong was recorded at $210, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Towong's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, with rents substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 account for the remaining 31.5%, with lone person households at 29.7% and group households comprising 1.6% of the total. 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 Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.7%, followed by graduate diplomas at 3.2% and postgraduate qualifications at 2.7%. Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 43.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them. Advanced diplomas account for 11.5% and certificates for 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

A transport analysis shows ten active stops operating within Towong, offering mixed bus services. Four routes serve these stops, collectively facilitating forty weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated limited, with residents typically residing 3945 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward; cars remain the dominant mode at 86%, while 10% walk. Vehicle ownership averages 1.9 per dwelling, exceeding regional averages. According to the 2021 Census, 20% of residents work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages five trips daily across all routes, equating to roughly four weekly trips per individual stop.

Towong's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Towong's health metrics closely match national benchmarks. AreaSearch assessed mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence as standard for both young and old age cohorts. Private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~3,010 people), compared to 50.5% across Rest of Vic., and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (11.7%) and mental health issues (9.0%). 62.0% of residents report no medical ailments, similar to Rest of Vic.'s 63.4%. Working-age population faces notable chronic condition rates. Seniors aged 65 and over comprise 29.4% of the population (1,836 people), higher than Rest of Vic.'s 23.9%. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, ranking even higher than the general population nationally.

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's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 88.9% of its population being citizens, 90.6% born in Australia, and 96.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the main religion in Towong, comprising 54.8% of people, compared to 47.3% across the rest of Victoria. The top three ancestral groups are Australian (32.3%), English (32.2%), and Irish (10.3%).

Notably, Scottish ancestry is overrepresented at 9.0%, compared to 8.8% regionally, while German ancestry stands at 4.6% (vs 3.5%) and Dutch at 1.5% (vs 1.7%).

Towong ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Towong's median age is 51 years, which is significantly higher than the Rest of Vic. average of 43 and considerably older than the Australian median of 38. The 65-74 cohort is notably over-represented in Towong at 16.7%, compared to the Rest of Vic. average, while the 25-34 year-olds are under-represented at 8.1%. This concentration of the 65-74 age group is well above the national average of 9.5%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 7.8% to 9.4%, while the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 17.9% to 15.6% and the 45 to 54 group has dropped from 12.3% to 11.0%. By 2041, Towong is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition, with the 25 to 34 group projected to grow by 7%, reaching 540 people from 504. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 45 to 54 and 0 to 4 cohorts.