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

According to the analysis conducted by AreaSearch, the population of Towong stands at approximately 6,157 in May 2026. Since the 2021 Census, which recorded 6,196 residents, the population has decreased by 39 individuals (0.6%). This adjustment is calculated using the June 2025 ABS estimated resident population of 6,155 and factoring in 31 validated new addresses registered since the Census. With this population level, the density ratio is 0.90 persons per square kilometer, ensuring a spacious environment for residents. The main driver of population growth recently was overseas migration, which accounted for roughly 88.2% of the total population increases.

AreaSearch implements projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia for every SA2 region, using 2022 as the baseline year and published in 2024. For SA2 regions lacking this coverage, projections from the VIC State Government released in 2023 are utilized, adjusted via a weighted aggregation method of population growth from LGA to SA2 tiers. These aggregated growth rates by age cohort are also projected forward for the years 2032 to 2041. Looking at future demographics, this methodology forecasts a population decline, with a projected reduction of 654 persons by 2041. Conversely, certain age groups are expected to grow, particularly the 25 to 34 age bracket, which is estimated to increase by 63 people. See the age section for more details.

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

Yearly dwelling approvals in Towong have run at about 23, with a total of 119 homes approved over the 5 financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, and 14 approvals recorded so far in FY-26. Because there was an average of just 0.1 new residents per built dwelling over the 5 financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, the residential supply is keeping pace with or outstripping demand, providing buyers with diverse choices and allowing room for population growth above current projections, while new properties average a construction cost of $307,000. Additionally, commercial approvals registered this financial year total $5.5 million, reflecting a modest focus on commercial building.

Towong registers roughly 56% of the per-capita construction activity seen in Rest of Vic., placing in the 46th percentile of all areas evaluated across the nation, which translates to fewer choices for prospective buyers and sustains demand for existing homes. The mix of new construction consists of 94.0% detached houses and 6.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the established low-density profile of the area with a emphasis on spacious family residences. The ratio of 391 people per dwelling approval highlights a quiet development landscape with low building volumes.

With stable or contracting population projections, Towong is likely to see reduced pressure on housing, which presents advantageous conditions for home buyers.

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

Changes to infrastructure, major developments, and local planning policies have a significant impact on local performance. AreaSearch has identified 18 projects that are expected to influence the region. Significant projects include Hilltops by Birchmore Residential Development, Thurgoona Link Road Project, Thurgoona Neighbourhood Shopping Centre, and Elizabeth Mitchell Drive Extension (Thurgoona Link Road), with the most relevant ones detailed in the list below.

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 3.3%, Towong has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

The local labor force is evenly split between white-collar and blue-collar roles across multiple sectors, accompanied by a low unemployment rate of 3.3%. In March 2026, employed residents numbered 3,105, representing an unemployment rate 0.4% lower than the 3.7% recorded in Regional Vic., while workforce participation levels are close to the Regional Vic. average of 61.1%. According to Census records, a moderate 20.0% of the working population performed their jobs from home, though this figure may reflect the influence of COVID-19 restrictions.

The primary employment sectors for local workers are agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and construction. The community displays a strong concentration in agriculture, forestry & fishing, employing residents at 3.3 times the regional average rate. By contrast, retail trade is under-represented, employing 6.6% of local workers compared to 9.9% across Regional Vic.. The balance between the local working population and resident workforce suggests that local employment opportunities are limited.

Based on AreaSearch's evaluation of SALM and ABS statistics, the labor force shrank by 2.3% and total employment fell by 2.5% during the 12 months ending March 2026, leading to a 0.2 percentage point increase in unemployment. In comparison, Regional Vic. experienced a 0.1% decline in employment, a 0.3% contraction in the labor force, and a 0.2 percentage point reduction in unemployment. National employment projections from May-25 by Jobs and Skills Australia provide further context for future demand trends in Towong. These five and ten-year projections have been aligned with the local industry profile to project local trends. Nationally, employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though rates vary by sector. Projecting these national sectoral trends onto the local workforce distribution suggests that Towong's employment could rise by 5.6% over five years and 12.2% over ten years, representing a basic weighted extrapolation for illustrative purposes that excludes local population trends.

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

Based on AreaSearch's compilation of the latest postcode-level ATO statistics released for the 2023 financial year, taxpayers in the Towong SA2 recorded a median income of $48,297 and an average income of $57,635. These figures are below the national averages and compare to median and average levels of $50,954 and $62,728 in Regional Vic. respectively. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since the 2023 financial year, current estimated levels would be roughly $52,943 (median) and $63,179 (average) as of March 2026. 2021 Census data shows that personal, family, and household incomes in Towong sit between the 18th and 25th national percentiles. The income distribution shows that 28.3% of the community (1,742 individuals) falls into the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly earnings cohort, which is similar to the 30.3% recorded regionally. Although residents retain 90.6% of their income due to modest housing costs, total disposable income ranks in the 27th percentile nationally, and the area's SEIFA income index sits in the 4th decile.

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

According to the latest Census data, the housing stock in Towong consists of 97.2% detached houses and 2.8% alternative dwellings (such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and other housing types), compared to 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings in Regional Vic.. Home ownership is high, with 52.9% of residents owning their properties outright, while the remaining homes are mortgaged (31.7%) or rented (15.4%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,200 is notably lower than the Regional Vic. average of $1,430, and the median weekly rent of $210 is lower than the Regional Vic. average of $285. In comparison to national benchmarks, Towong's housing costs are low, with median mortgages well below the Australian average of $1,863 and median rents significantly below the national average of $375.

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

Families make up 68.5% of all local households, consisting of couples without children at 38.1%, couples with children at 23.3%, and single-parent households at 6.6%. Non-family households account for the remaining 31.5% of the total, with single-person households representing 29.7% and group housing making up 1.6%. The median household size stands at 2.2 individuals, which is slightly lower than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.

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

The local population presents lower academic attainment levels, with university graduation rates at 17.6%, which is below the VIC state average of 33.4%. Among university graduates, bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.7%, followed by graduate diplomas at 3.2% and postgraduate degrees at 2.7%. Vocational and technical education is highly prevalent, with 43.8% of residents aged 15 and over holding qualification credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas at 11.5% and certificates at 32.3%.

A significant proportion of the population is engaged in learning, with 26.3% of residents enrolled in an educational institution. This enrollment profile includes 10.1% in primary school, 8.3% in secondary school, and 2.1% in tertiary studies.

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

Public transport options in Towong consist of 10 active bus stops. These stops are served by 4 distinct routes, which accommodate 40 passenger trips per week. Transport access is limited, with residents living an average of 3945 meters from the nearest stop. The community is mainly residential, leading to high outward commuting rates, with private cars being the primary mode of transport at 86%, followed by walking at 10%. Household vehicle ownership averages 1.9 cars, which is higher than the regional average. Working from home was recorded for 20.0% of residents in the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Bus services run at an average frequency of 5 daily trips across all routes, which translates to approximately 4 weekly trips per 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

Health outcomes in Towong are comparable to national averages, with AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality and chronic disease data showing typical rates of health conditions across both younger and older demographics. The rate of private health insurance is low, covering approximately 48% of the population (~2,967 people). This is below the Regional Vic. average of 50.5% and the national benchmark of 55.7%.

Arthritis and mental health conditions are the most prevalent health issues in the area, affecting 11.7% and 9.0% of the population, respectively. Meanwhile, 62.0% of residents reported having no long-term medical conditions, compared to 63.4% in Regional Vic.. Chronic disease rates are elevated among the working-age cohort. Residents aged 65 and over constitute 30.4% of the population (1,869 people), which is higher than the Regional Vic. proportion of 23.9%. Senior residents exhibit above-average health profiles, with national health rankings exceeding those of the general local population.

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

The demographic makeup of Towong exhibits lower cultural diversity compared to broader benchmarks, with citizenship at 88.9%, Australian-born residents at 90.6%, and English-only speakers at home at 96.9%. Christianity is the primary religion, practiced by 54.8% of the local population, compared to 47.3% across Regional Vic..

Regarding ancestry background, the three largest groups in Towong are Australian at 32.3%, English at 32.2%, and Irish at 10.3%. Certain European backgrounds are overrepresented locally relative to wider benchmarks: Scottish ancestry accounts for 9.0% of the population (compared to 8.8% regionally), German ancestry is at 4.6% (compared to 3.5%), and Dutch ancestry is recorded at 1.5% (compared to 1.7%).

Towong ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age of 52 years in Towong is higher than the Regional Vic. average of 43 and the national average of 38. The 65 - 74 age group is overrepresented at 16.9% compared to the Regional Vic. average, while the 25 - 34 cohort is underrepresented at 7.8%. The proportion of residents aged 65 - 74 is also higher than the national figure of 9.4%. Since 2021, the 75 to 84 cohort grew from 8.6% to 9.9% of the population, and the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 7.8% to 9.1%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 group decreased from 17.9% to 15.8%, and the 45 to 54 cohort fell from 12.3% to 10.9%. Population projections for 2041 suggest demographic shifts, with the 25 to 34 cohort expected to grow by 7%, adding 34 residents to reach 517. Residents aged 65 and over are projected to account for 52% of total population growth, pointing to ongoing aging trends. Meanwhile, the number of residents in the 0 to 4 and 35 to 44 age brackets is projected to decrease.