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 was around 6,157 as of May 2026, showing a decrease of 39 people since the 2021 Census which recorded 6,196 individuals. This change is inferred from ABS' estimated resident population of 6,155 in June 2025 and 31 validated new addresses post-Census date. The population density was 0.90 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration contributed approximately 88.2% to recent population gains. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for SA2 areas, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For uncovered areas, VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 are used, adjusted via weighted aggregation to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas until 2041. By this period, the population is projected to decline by 654 persons, with the 25-34 age cohort expected to grow by 63 individuals.

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 11 approved so far in FY-26. This averages out to about 0.8 new residents per year per dwelling constructed during these years.

The annual supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings is $307,000. In FY-26, $5.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating limited focus on commercial development in the area compared to residential.

When compared to Rest of Vic., Towong shows approximately 56% of the construction activity per person and places among the 46th percentile nationally, suggesting more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing properties. The new building activity is predominantly detached houses at 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 count of people in the area per dwelling approval is 394, 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 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 that may affect this region. 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 most likely to be 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 3.8%, 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 December 2025, 3,065 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.8%. This is slightly higher than Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%.

Workforce participation in Towong is similar to Regional Vic., at 61.0%. According to Census responses, 20.0% of residents work from home. Dominant employment sectors include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and construction. The area has a strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 3.3 times the regional level.

However, retail trade is under-represented, at 6.6% compared to Regional Vic.'s 9.9%. Labour force levels decreased by 3.6% over the year to December 2025, alongside a 4.9% employment decline, causing unemployment to rise by 1.3 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Vic. saw a 0.6% employment fall and a 0.7% labour force contraction, with unemployment falling by 0.1 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia indicate 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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, Towong SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $48,297. The average income stood at $57,635. This is lower than the national average and compares to levels of $50,954 and $62,728 across Regional Vic., respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $52,943 (median) and $63,179 (average) as of March 2026. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Towong all fall between the 18th and 25th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 28.3% of the community (1,742 individuals), aligning with regional levels where this cohort likewise represents 30.3%. Housing costs are modest with 90.6% of income retained. However, the 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, apartments, and other types. This compares to Regional Vic.'s figures of 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. The home ownership rate in Towong was 52.9%, higher than Regional Vic.'s level. Mortgaged dwellings accounted for 31.7%, while rented dwellings made up 15.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,200, lower than Regional Vic.'s average of $1,430 and the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure in Towong was $210, significantly lower than Regional Vic.'s $285 and the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 68.5 percent of all households, including 23.3 percent couples with children, 38.1 percent couples without children, and 6.6 percent single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 31.5 percent, with lone person households at 29.7 percent and group households comprising 1.6 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Regional Victorian 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 held by 43.8% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 11.5% and certificates at 32.3%. Educational participation is high, with 26.3% currently enrolled in formal education: 10.1% in primary, 8.3% in secondary, and 2.1% in tertiary education.

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.

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

Public transport analysis indicates ten active transport stops operating within Towong, consisting of a mix of bus services. These stops are serviced by four individual routes, collectively providing forty weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 3945 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. The dominant mode of transport remains car at 86%, with 10% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.9 per dwelling, above the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, some 20.0% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages five trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 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 align with 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 (~2,967 people), compared to 50.5% in Regional Vic.

and a national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (11.7%) and mental health issues (9.0%), with 62.0% reporting no medical ailments, compared to 63.4% across Regional Vic. Working-age residents face notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. As of 2021, 30.4% of Towong's population is aged 65 and over (1,869 people), higher than the 23.9% in Regional Vic. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, ranking 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. Its population comprised 88.9% citizens, with 90.6% born in Australia and 96.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 54.8% of Towong residents, compared to 47.3% across Regional Vic.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (32.3%), English (32.2%), and Irish (10.3%). Notably, Scottish ancestry was overrepresented at 9.0%, compared to the regional average of 8.8%. Similarly, German ancestry was higher at 4.6% versus 3.5%, and Dutch ancestry stood at 1.5%, slightly below the regional average of 1.7%.

Towong ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Towong is 52 years, which is significantly higher than Regional Vic.'s average of 43 years and the national norm of 38 years. The 65-74 age cohort is notably over-represented in Towong at 16.9%, compared to Regional Vic.'s average, while the 25-34 year-olds are under-represented at 7.8%. This concentration of the 65-74 cohort is well above the national average of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 8.6% to 9.9%, while the 15-24 cohort increased from 7.8% to 9.1%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort has declined from 17.9% to 15.8%, and the 45-54 group dropped from 12.3% to 10.9%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Towong. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to grow by 7%, adding 34 residents to reach 517. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 52% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Conversely, both the 0-4 and 35-44 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.