Winchelsea

Population growth drivers in Winchelsea are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Winchelsea's population, as of November 2025, is approximately 7,139 people. This figure represents an increase of 525 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,614 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,958 in June 2024 and an additional 256 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 7.9 persons per square kilometer. Winchelsea's growth rate of 7.9% since the 2021 census surpassed the non-metro area average of 6.0%, indicating it as a regional growth leader. Natural growth contributed approximately 44.9% to overall population gains during recent periods, with other factors such as interstate and overseas migration also being positive contributors.

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 the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking ahead, non-metropolitan areas nationally are projected to have above median population growth, with Winchelsea expected to grow by 1,069 persons by 2041, reflecting a total gain of 12.4% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Winchelsea among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Winchelsea has experienced approximately 58 dwelling approvals annually. Between FY21 and FY25, around 292 homes received approval, with an additional 20 approved so far in FY26. Over these five years, each dwelling built attracted an average of 2.8 new residents per year, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

New homes are being constructed at an average cost of $391,000, which is moderately above regional levels, suggesting a focus on quality construction. In FY26, $6.7 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating limited commercial development activity compared to residential growth. When comparing Winchelsea's construction activity per capita with the Rest of Vic., it shows similar patterns, supporting market stability aligned with regional trends.

The recent construction comprises 87% detached houses and 13% townhouses or apartments, maintaining Winchelsea's low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 129 people per approval, Winchelsea reflects a developing area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Winchelsea is projected to add 887 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, offering favorable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth beyond current projections.

Winchelsea has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 44thth percentile nationally

The performance of an area can significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 30 such projects that could impact the area. Notable among these are Gnarwarre BESS, Glenlee Armstrong Creek Estate, Warralily Quarter Shopping Precinct, and Debonair Development (Anglesea). The following list details those projects likely to be 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.

AreaSearch assessment positions Winchelsea ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Winchelsea's workforce is skilled with notable representation in construction. Its unemployment rate was 2.7% as of September 2025, lower than Rest of Vic.'s 3.8%.

Workforce participation was 64.0%, higher than Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and agriculture, forestry & fishing. The area specializes in agriculture, forestry & fishing with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level. However, health care & social assistance has limited presence at 14.1% compared to 16.8% regionally.

Labour force decreased by 0.2% and employment declined by 0.5% over a year, causing unemployment rate to rise by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov shows VIC employment grew by 1.13%, with state unemployment rate at 4.7%. National employment forecasts suggest growth of 6.6% over five years and 12.8% over ten years for Winchelsea, based on its employment mix.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Winchelsea SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $50,765 and an average of $66,985. This was slightly above the national averages of $48,741 (median) and $60,693 (average). By September 2025, based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16%, estimated median income would be approximately $56,938 and average $75,130. Census 2021 data indicates Winchelsea incomes cluster around the 54th percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals that 32.5% of residents (2,320 individuals) earn between $1,500 - $2,999, similar to regional levels at 30.3%. After housing costs, residents retain 88.3% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking in the 6th decile.

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

Winchelsea's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 97.4% houses and 2.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Vic. had 98.0% houses and 2.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Winchelsea was at 42.3%, with the rest either mortgaged (43.7%) or rented (13.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, lower than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,800 and the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent was $300, below Non-Metro Vic.'s figure of $330 and the national figure of $375.

Winchelsea features high concentrations of family households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 77.9% of all households, including 35.9% couples with children, 32.3% couples without children, and 9.3% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 22.1%, with lone person households at 20.2% and group households at 1.8%. The median household size is 2.6 people, smaller than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.8.

The educational profile of Winchelsea exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Winchelsea has lower university degree holders among residents aged 15 and above, with 25.2% compared to Victoria's 33.4%. The most common qualification is bachelor degrees at 17.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 4.7% and graduate diplomas at 3.1%. Vocational credentials are held by 40.3% of residents, with advanced diplomas at 13.1% and certificates at 27.2%. Educational participation is high, with 29.2% currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 10.6% in primary education, 9.1% in secondary education, and 3.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Winchelsea has two active public transport stops operating. These offer a mix of train and bus services. Six routes serve these stops collectively providing 116 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is limited with residents typically located 3648 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 16 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 58 weekly trips per individual stop.

Winchelsea'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

Winchelsea's health metrics closely match national benchmarks, with common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts.

Private health cover stands at approximately 52% of the total population (~3,740 people), slightly higher than the average SA2 area. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and arthritis, affecting 8.1% and 8.0% of residents respectively. A majority, 68.4%, report being free from medical ailments, comparable to Rest of Vic.'s 68.7%. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 18.8% (1,340 people), compared to Rest of Vic.'s 15.4%. Health outcomes among seniors in Winchelsea are above average, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

The latest Census data sees Winchelsea placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Winchelsea had a cultural diversity index below the average, with 91.3% citizens, 90.8% born in Australia, and 97.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 44.8%. Judaism, however, was overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to 0.0% regionally.

The top three ancestry groups were English (32.6%), Australian (31.9%), and Irish (9.9%). Notable divergences included Scottish (9.9% vs regional 9.2%), Dutch (1.9% vs 2.3%), and Maltese (0.5% vs 0.8%).

Winchelsea's median age exceeds the national pattern

Winchelsea's median age is 42 years, similar to Victoria's average of 43 but older than Australia's 38 years. The age profile shows that 35-44 year-olds are prominent at 13.6%, while the 75-84 group is smaller at 6.0%. Between 2021 and present, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 10.0% to 11.5%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 14.9% to 12.9%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial changes in Winchelsea's demographics. The 35-44 age group is projected to grow by 27%, adding 263 residents to reach 1,237. However, population declines are projected for the 75-84 and 15-24 cohorts.