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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Towong's population is around 6,245 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 49 people (0.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,196 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,206 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 31 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 0.90 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 59.5% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilizes the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Anticipating future population dynamics, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to contract by 646 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 25 to 34 age group, which is projected to expand by 72 people. See the age section for more details.

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

Towong has averaged around 23 new dwelling approvals annually, with 119 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 9 so far in FY-26. Given an average of only 0.8 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, offering ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts, while new dwellings are developed at an average value of $307,000. Additionally, $5.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating a limited commercial development focus.

Compared to the Rest of Vic., Towong shows approximately 56% of the construction activity per person and ranks in the 46th percentile of areas assessed nationally, meaning more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing properties. New building activity consists of 94.0% detached houses and 6.0% 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 394 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low-activity development environment.

Given stable or declining population forecasts, Towong may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 18 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key 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 list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 spanning white and blue collar employment, with diverse sector representation and an unemployment rate of only 3.8%. As of December 2025, 3,065 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 0.1% above Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%, and workforce participation is on par with Regional Vic.'s 61.5%. Based on Census responses, a moderate 20.0% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and construction. The area has a particular employment specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 3.3 times the regional level. Conversely, retail trade is under-represented, with only 6.6% of Towong's workforce compared to 9.9% in Regional Vic.. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 3.6% alongside a 4.9% employment decline, causing unemployment to rise by 1.3 percentage points. This compares to Regional Vic., where employment fell by 0.6%, the labour force contracted by 0.7%, and unemployment fell 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Towong. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Towong's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.6% over five years and 12.2% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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 FY-23, the Towong SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $48,297 with the average level standing at $57,635. This is lower than average on a national basis and compares to levels of $50,954 and $62,728 across Regional Vic. respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $52,282 (median) and $62,390 (average) as of September 2025. 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 the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 28.3% of the community (1,767 individuals), aligning with regional levels where this cohort likewise represents 30.3%. While housing costs are modest with 90.6% of income retained, 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

Dwelling structure within Towong, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 97.2% houses and 2.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Towong was well beyond that of Regional Vic., at 52.9%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (31.7%) or rented (15.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional Vic. average at $1,200, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $210, compared to Regional Vic.'s $1,430 and $285. Nationally, Towong's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 68.5% of all households, comprising 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%, with lone person households at 29.7% and group households comprising 1.6% of the total. The median household size of 2.2 people is smaller than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (17.6%) substantially below the VIC average of 33.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 11.7%, followed by graduate diplomas (3.2%) and postgraduate qualifications (2.7%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 43.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including 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.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 10 active transport stops operating within Towong, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 4 individual routes, collectively providing 40 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 car remains the dominant mode at 86%, with 10% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.9 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. Some 20.0% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 5 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 4 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 sit close to national benchmarks, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. There is a standard level of common health conditions across both young and old age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~3,010 people). This compares to 50.5% across Regional Vic. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 11.7 and 9.0% of residents, respectively, while 62.0% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.4% across Regional Vic. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 29.4% of residents aged 65 and over (1,836 people), which is higher than the 23.9% in Regional Vic. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than the general 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

Towong was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 88.9% of its population being citizens, 90.6% born in Australia, and 96.9% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Towong is Christianity, which makes up 54.8% of people in Towong, compared to 47.3% across Regional Vic..

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Towong are Australian, comprising 32.3% of the population, English, comprising 32.2% of the population, and Irish, comprising 10.3% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Scottish is notably overrepresented at 9.0% of Towong (vs 8.8% regionally), German at 4.6% (vs 3.5%) and Dutch at 1.5% (vs 1.7%).

Towong ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

At 51 years, Towong's median age is significantly above the Regional Vic. average of 43 as well as considerably older than the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Regional Vic. average, the 65 - 74 cohort is notably over-represented (16.7% locally), while 25 - 34 year-olds are under-represented (8.1%). This 65 - 74 concentration is well above the national 9.5%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 7.8% to 9.4% of the population. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 17.9% to 15.6% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 12.3% to 11.0%. By 2041, Towong is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the 25 to 34 group will grow by 7% (35 people), reaching 540 from 504. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 45 to 54 and 0 to 4 cohorts.