Towong
Statistical Area - sa2

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 Aug 2025, is approximately 6,225, reflecting a growth of 29 people since the 2021 Census. The population in 2021 was 6,196. This increase is inferred from ABS estimated resident population data of 6,208 as of June 2024 and an additional 25 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is 0.90 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration contributed approximately 59.5% of overall population gains in recent periods.

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 utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods. By 2041, Towong's population is projected to decline by 646 persons according to these projections. However, specific age cohorts are expected to grow, notably the 25 to 34 age group, which is projected to expand by 72 people.

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. Over the past five financial years (FY-21 to FY-25), a total of 119 homes were approved, with one more approved so far in FY-26. On average, this results in around 0.8 new residents per year per dwelling constructed during these years.

This suggests that the supply of new dwellings is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average value of new dwellings developed is $537,000, which is slightly above the regional average, indicating a focus on quality developments. In FY-26, Towong has recorded $5.5 million in commercial development approvals, reflecting its primarily residential nature.

Compared to the Rest of Vic., Towong has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person. Nationally, it places among the 46th percentile of areas assessed, suggesting somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established properties. The new development in Towong consists of approximately 94% detached dwellings and 6% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated count of people per dwelling approval is around 394, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. With population expected to remain stable or decline in the future, Towong should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Towong has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 26thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 16 projects likely to affect the region. Notable ones 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.

Towong has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Towong has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, representing various sectors. Its unemployment rate is 3.5% as of June 2025.

This rate is 0.3% lower than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Towong is similar to Rest of Vic.'s at 57.4%. Key industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and construction. Agriculture, forestry & fishing stands out with an employment share 3.3 times the regional level.

Retail trade, however, is under-represented at 6.6% compared to Rest of Vic.'s 9.9%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited based on Census data comparison. In the year ending June 2025, employment increased by 0.4%, labour force by 1.5%, and unemployment rose by 1.1 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Vic., where employment fell by 0.9%, labour force contracted by 0.4%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 indicate a potential five-year growth rate of 6.6% and ten-year growth rate of 13.7%. Applying these projections to Towong's employment mix suggests local growth rates of approximately 5.6% over five years and 12.2% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022 shows Towong had a median income among taxpayers of $47,827 with an average level of $57,395. This is lower than national averages and compares to levels of $48,741 and $60,693 across Rest of Vic. respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $53,643 (median) and $64,374 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Towong all fall between the 19th and 26th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 28.3% of the community (1,761 individuals), aligning with the broader area where this cohort likewise represents 30.3%. Housing costs are modest with 90.6% of income retained. However, total disposable income ranks at just the 27th percentile nationally and the area'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 properties, apartments, and other types. This contrasts with Non-Metro Vic., where 91.6% of dwellings were houses and 8.5% were other types. Home ownership in Towong stood at 52.9%, with mortgaged dwellings making up 31.7% and rented ones 15.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,200, lower than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,473. The median weekly rent figure in Towong was $210, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $280. Nationally, Towong's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian 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%, consisting of 29.7% lone person households and 1.6% group households. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the average for the Rest of Vic., at 2.4 people.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 17.6%, significantly below the VIC average of 33.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 11.7%, followed by graduate diplomas (3.2%) and postgraduate qualifications (2.7%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 43.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (11.5%) and certificates (32.3%).

Educational participation is notably 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. A network of 10 schools operates within Towong, educating approximately 902 students. The area demonstrates typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 981) with balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes 8 primary, 1 secondary, and 1 K-12 school.

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

Transport analysis indicates ten active public transport stops in Towong, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by four distinct routes that together offer 32 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is categorized as limited, with residents generally located 3943 meters away from the nearest stop.

The average service frequency across all routes is four trips per day, equating to roughly 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 is low at approximately 48%, covering around 3,006 people, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most frequent medical issues are arthritis (11.7%) and mental health problems (9.0%). About 62.0% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly lower than the Rest of Vic's 64.1%. Towong has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 29.4%, or 1,832 people, compared to Rest of Vic's 20.7%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Towong are above average, even better than the general population in some 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 had a cultural diversity level below average, with 88.9% of its population being citizens, 90.6% born in Australia, and 96.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion in Towong, comprising 54.8% of people, compared to 48.2% across Rest of Vic. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (32.3%), English (32.2%), and Irish (10.3%).

Notably, Scottish representation was higher at 9.0% in Towong versus 8.3% regionally, while German was 4.6% compared to 4.8%, and Dutch was 1.5% versus 1.6%.

Towong ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Towong is 52 years, which is significantly higher than Rest of Vic.'s average of 43 and well above the national norm of 38. The 65-74 age cohort is notably 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 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 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 25-34 age cohort projected to grow by 14%, adding 65 residents to reach 540. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 35-44 and 0-4 cohorts.