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 per AreaSearch's analysis, was approximately 6,221 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 25 people, a 0.4% rise from the 2021 Census which recorded a population of 6,196. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,206 in June 2024 and an additional 24 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 0.90 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration contributed approximately 59.5% to recent population gains in the area.

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 employs VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusting using weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Future projections indicate a decline in overall population over this period. The area's population is expected to decrease by 646 persons by 2041, while specific age cohorts like the 25 to 34 group are projected 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 has 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 4 approved so far in FY-26. On average, over these five years, each newly constructed dwelling has accommodated approximately 0.8 new residents annually.

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 expected construction cost value of new dwellings in Towong is $307,000. In FY-26, commercial approvals valued at $5.5 million have been registered, indicating a limited focus on commercial development in the area.

Compared to the rest of Victoria, Towong shows approximately 56% of the construction activity per person. Nationally, it places among the 46th percentile of areas assessed, suggesting more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing properties. The new building activity in Towong is dominated by detached houses, accounting for 94.0%, 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 density of approximately 394 people per dwelling approval reflects 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 26thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 16 projects likely to affect this 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's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate was 3.5% as of June 2024, which is 0.3% lower than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation was broadly similar to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Key employment sectors include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and construction. The area specializes 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%.

Local employment opportunities appear limited based on Census data comparisons. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 0.4%, while labour force grew by 1.5%, leading to an unemployment rise of 1.1 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic.'s 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 suggest potential future demand within Towong. These projections estimate local growth of approximately 5.6% over five years and 12.2% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to Towong's employment mix.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2022, Towong had a median income among taxpayers of $47,827 with the average level standing at $57,395. This is lower than national averages which were $48,741 and $60,693 respectively for Rest of Vic. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% from financial year ended June 2022 to September 2025, current estimates would be approximately $53,643 (median) and $64,374 (average). Census data for 2021 shows household, family and personal incomes in Towong all fall between the 19th and 26th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that 28.3% of individuals earn within the $1,500 - 2,999 band (1,760 individuals), similar to regional levels where this cohort represents 30.3%. Housing costs are modest with 90.6% of income retained, but 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

Towong's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 97.2% houses and 2.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Vic.'s 91.6% houses and 8.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Towong was at 52.9%, with the rest being mortgaged (31.7%) or rented (15.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,200, lower than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,863 and the national average of $2,200. The median weekly rent figure in Towong was $210, significantly below Non-Metro Vic.'s $280 and the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 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 constitute the remaining 31.5%, with lone person households at 29.7% and group households making up 1.6%. The median household size is 2.2 people, 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 (3.2%) and postgraduate qualifications (2.7%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 43.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.5%) and certificates (32.3%). Educational participation is high at 26.3%, with 10.1% in primary education, 8.3% in secondary education, and 2.1% pursuing tertiary education.

There are 10 schools operating within Towong, educating approximately 902 students, and they provide balanced educational opportunities typical of Australian schools (ICSEA: 981). The school 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. These are served by buses via four different routes, offering a total of 32 weekly passenger trips. Accessibility is limited, with residents generally located 3943 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages four trips per day across all routes, equating to 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

Health data indicates significant challenges in Towong regarding common health conditions, affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low, with approximately 48% coverage (~3004 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.7%) and mental health issues (9.0%). Notably, 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% (1830 people), compared to Rest of Vic's 20.7%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Towong are above average, outperforming the general population in 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'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 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 than the regional average of 8.3%. Similarly, German stood at 4.6%, slightly lower than the regional figure of 4.8%, while Dutch representation was 1.5%, marginally lower than the regional 1.6%.

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 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 those aged 25-34 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 15-24 age group has grown from 7.8% to 9.4%, while the 55-64 cohort has declined from 17.9% to 16.0% and the 45-54 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, expected to grow by 14%, adding 65 residents to reach 540. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 35-44 and 0-4 age cohorts.