Rest of Vic. / Grampians This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names. SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP). Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available. ABS ERP | -- people | -- 2021 Census | -- people Sales Activity Data to Sep 2026 Property Sales Trends in Ararat Surrounds Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level. Demographics Data to Aug 2026 Population Growth in Ararat Surrounds Ararat Surrounds has an estimated 3,187 residents . Fewer than ten people live on each square kilometre, across a boundary that takes in surrounding rural land. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually. According to research by AreaSearch, the resident count in Ararat Surrounds stands at approximately 3,187 as of Aug 2026. Relative to the 3,204 residents documented in the 2021 Census, this represents a slight drop of 17 people (0.5%). This adjustment is derived from the ABS estimated resident population figure of 3,181 as of June 2025 alongside 37 validated new addresses registered following the Census. With this population base, the local density comes to 0.80 persons per square kilometer, ensuring considerable personal space. Despite recording a 0.5% decline since the 2021 census, the locality outperformed the wider SA3 area (-1.6%). Inward movement from overseas served as the primary demographic driver, representing virtually the only source of population expansion in recent times. SA2 geographic projections produced jointly by the ABS and Geoscience Australia, published in 2024 using 2022 as a baseline, form the foundation of AreaSearch's demographic modeling. Wherever an SA2 area lacks coverage in that series, AreaSearch incorporates the 2023 Victorian State Government Regional/LGA dataset, applying a weighted aggregation approach to step down LGA figures to SA2 boundaries. Age-bracket growth rates derived from these aggregated models are likewise integrated across all locations for the period spanning 2032 to 2041. Based on these demographic outlooks, growth is anticipated to track slightly under the regional Australian median, with local numbers projected to expand by 249 persons to 2041 under the most current annual ERP benchmarks, amounting to a cumulative 7.6% rise across the 16 years. Frequently Asked Questions - Population Residential Supply Data to Aug 2026 Housing Development & Building Approvals in Ararat Surrounds 58 new dwellings have been approved in Ararat Surrounds over the past five years, an average of 11 a year. That is 3.7 approvals per 1,000 residents. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this SA2 boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them. Residential building approvals across Ararat Surrounds have averaged approximately 11 dwellings per year, totaling 58 homes consented across the 5 financial years from FY-22 to FY-26. Against a backdrop of recent demographic contractions, this building pace has provided adequate supply for purchasers, with new residential projects reflecting an average construction value of $464,000. Additionally, commercial development consents reached $9.1 million during the present financial year, underlining the district's predominantly residential character. Building activity in Ararat Surrounds marginally outpaces Rest of Vic., tracking 11.0% above the per-capita regional benchmark over the 5 year period, which maintains healthy inventory for purchasers while buttressing prevailing real estate values. New dwelling composition is overwhelmingly oriented toward detached houses at 92.0%, with attached dwellings accounting for the remaining 8.0%, reinforcing the low-density fabric and catering to buyers seeking expansive living. Generating roughly one consent per 202 people, the locality clearly exhibits low-density characteristics. Demographic forecasts point to an influx of 243 residents across Ararat Surrounds leading up to 2041, drawn from AreaSearch's latest quarterly calculations. Existing construction volumes appear well-positioned to satisfy incoming housing requirements, fostering favorable conditions for property purchasers and potentially facilitating expansion above current demographic projections. Frequently Asked Questions - Development Development applications around Ararat Surrounds SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint. Project Pipeline Data to Jul 2026 Infrastructure & Major Projects in Ararat Surrounds AreaSearch tracks one current infrastructure or development project inside Ararat Surrounds, worth an estimated $360 million. A further 78 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $7.97 billion. 19 are already under construction and 32 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans transport & logistics, communities, precincts & urban renewal and residential development. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale. Capital investments and strategic upgrades exert a major influence on regional growth and community capacity. Within Ararat Surrounds, AreaSearch has highlighted 2 priority initiatives with direct local significance. Notable projects include the Western Highway Upgrade - Ararat to Stawell, Great Western Future Plan 2014-2024, Western Highway Ballarat to Stawell Upgrade, as well as the Ararat to Maryborough Line Upgrades (Murray Basin Rail Project), with detailed information on key works outlined 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. Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure Planning continues for duplication of the Western Highway between Ararat and Stawell. The project includes two lanes in each direction separated by a central median, upgraded intersections, safer local road connections, a bypass north of Great Western, new bridges and overpasses, and improved freight and road safety outcomes. Early environmental investigations and tree surveys are underway while planning and approvals continue. A 10-year plan developed in partnership with the Northern Grampians Shire Council and the community to guide the future development and growth of Great Western. The plan considers the impact of the Western Highway bypass and aims to enhance the town's village feel, heritage, and tourism potential, particularly around its wineries. Multi-billion dollar duplication of the Western Highway between Ballarat and Stawell, the busiest national undivided highway in Australia and the key freight link between Melbourne and Adelaide. The Ballarat to Buangor section (55km) is complete. The Buangor to Ararat section (12km, Section 2B) is in preconstruction, with design, Cultural Heritage Management Plan, planning scheme amendment and key environmental approvals now finalised; construction is expected to start before the end of 2026, funded by an additional $446 million joint state and federal commitment announced in the 2026/27 budgets, taking the cost of this section to $1.17 billion. Works include an extra lane in each direction, a centre median, safety barriers, a new interchange at Hillside Road, and new bridges over the railway line and Hopkins River. The Ararat to Stawell section remains in planning. The corridor has recorded 158 crashes and 22 fatalities in the decade to March 2026, underscoring the safety case for the upgrade. Read more Developed by the Pyrenees Shire Council, Correa Park aimed to create affordable residential housing lots to meet the needs of a growing population. The development proceeded in stages over seven years and was completed in 2021. Approximately 100 blocks of land were sold. Phase one of the Beaufort Lake Caravan Park upgrade has been completed, delivering seven new visitor cabins including an all-abilities access cabin (two bedrooms, toilet, kitchen and ramp access). The works form part of a broader $3.8 million masterplan and included associated civil upgrades to power, wastewater, plumbing, roads and drainage. The new cabins double the total cabins in the park to 14 and are intended to support both tourism and short-term worker accommodation. A new car park at Beaufort Station, delivered through the Victorian Government's Car Parks for Commuters program. The project includes at least 40 new car parking spaces, two new accessible spaces, and 15 new bicycle hoops. It also features new lighting and CCTV for enhanced security and landscaping. The Beaufort Bypass project, part of the Western Highway Upgrade, comprises 11 kilometres of dual carriageway bypassing Beaufort and connecting to duplicated sections of the Western Highway. It includes half-diamond interchanges, a full diamond interchange at Beaufort-Lexton Road, one road-over-rail bridge, overpass structures, culverts, small bridges, and watercourse realignments. The Environment Effects Statement (EES) process was concluded in November 2023. The Beaufort Linear Park project aims to create a recreational corridor along the course of the Garibaldi Creek, extending from Beaufort Lake to Yam Holes Creek north of the railway line. The master plan, completed in May 2024, focuses on enhancing water quality and biodiversity, promoting community health and wellbeing, and improving the experience for visitors to Beaufort. Central Goldfields Shire Council is updating the Carisbrook Flood Management Plan and reviewing levee implementation after the completed western levee and the 2024 independent review. The current work includes hydrologic and hydraulic modelling, calibration to the 2010, 2011 and 2022 flood events, climate change scenarios, review of the existing levee and flood infrastructure, flood warning and emergency management inputs, and assessment of further mitigation options for Carisbrook and nearby catchments. The Mt Fyans Wind Farm, set to be in Victoria's Southwest Renewable Energy Zone, will feature 81 turbines, generate 400 MW, and include 18 km of transmission lines. Starts 2024, operational by 2026. BrightNight's $700 million integrated hybrid renewable energy project, combining a 360 MW solar generation facility with a 300 MW Battery Energy Storage System. It is set to become Victoria's largest hybrid renewable energy project, capable of powering nearly 140,000 homes. Proposed construction of a Liberty petrol station and an Elders Rural Store and trade supplies, located on former agricultural land. The project aims to provide important services and support the economic vitality of Moyne Shire and Mortlake. Reopening and subsequent upgrades of the 88 km Maryborough-Ararat freight line (Avoca line) as part of the Murray Basin Rail Project. Works delivered standard gauge, 21-tonne axle loading, new 47 kg rail and ballast, a new passing loop at Elmhurst (mid-2024), and associated junction/signalling upgrades. The line is operational; further signalling works around Maryborough continue under the broader program. Construction of new female-friendly changerooms at the Mortlake Recreation Reserve (DC Farran Oval) to benefit all users of the sports complex. Origin Energy's large-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) at the Mortlake Power Station features a capacity of 300MW and up to 650MWh. Currently in the construction phase, it will connect to the existing 500kV network. The battery will play a vital role in grid stability by charging during off-peak periods when renewable generation is high and discharging during peak demand. Commissioning is expected in late 2026. The project represents a $400 million investment and has received conditional funding from ARENA. A project by AusNet to connect the existing 500 kV Tarrone-to-Haunted Gully transmission line to the Mortlake Terminal Station. This is critical infrastructure to unlock the renewable energy potential of western Victoria. ACCIONA Energa's 157.5 MW wind farm, consisting of 35 wind turbines and battery storage. It has been fully operational since July 2024 and can generate enough energy for up to 117,000 households. Lakes Edge is a master-planned community on 22 hectares of land adjacent to Lake Hamilton. The development is designed to address regional housing shortages by delivering over 350 new homes with diverse lot sizes. Key features include a 120+ placement childcare centre to be delivered in Stage 1, one hectare of public open space with BBQ and play facilities, and improved pedestrian connectivity. The 438-hectare Ballarat West Employment Zone is a major industrial and logistics precinct delivered by Development Victoria in partnership with the City of Ballarat. Stage 2 civil works are complete, unlocking 55 hectares of serviced land. Current activity focuses on Stage 3A (21.5 hectares) and the Ballarat Intermodal Freight Hub. The freight hub, which recently completed its Stage 2 construction tender in early 2026, is a critical component for regional freight connectivity, linking road, rail, and aviation infrastructure. The precinct supports advanced manufacturing, logistics, and circular economy initiatives. Read more Construction of a permanent 45m x 55m x 6.6m multipurpose pavilion at Hamilton Showgrounds, replacing costly temporary marquee hire and securing the long-term viability of Sheepvention Rural Expo and other community events. Southern Grampians Shire Council approved an $800,000 loan to the Hamilton Pastoral and Agricultural Society, which contributed a further $249,000, bringing total project cost to $1,049,000. The shed is sited on Council-managed land on the Shakespeare Street side of the showgrounds, between the Hamilton Lions and Western District Umpires Association buildings, and is consistent with the Hamilton Showgrounds Masterplan adopted in March 2024. A major redevelopment of Hamilton Gallery designed by Angelo Candalepas and Associates. The project will demolish the existing gallery and library buildings on the Brown Street site to deliver a new nationally significant regional gallery raised above a community garden, with expanded exhibition spaces, museum-standard environmental controls, and proper storage for the collection of more than 9,000 works. Concept designs were endorsed by Council in July 2025, and a 3.35 million dollar detailed design contract was awarded to Angelo Candalepas and Associates in September 2025. Detailed designs are anticipated to be completed in March 2026. The new gallery forms part of a wider Hamilton CBD revitalisation precinct that includes the Hamilton Community Hub (incorporating the Greater Hamilton Library, Digital Hub and Council offices), a new town square, and a CBD streetscape upgrade. Council has capped its construction contribution at 10 million dollars, with additional funding to be sought from state and federal governments and philanthropic partners. Read more A $34 million transformative multipurpose precinct featuring a two-storey modern library, a Digital Hub with co-working spaces, and integrated government service offices. The project includes a central Civic Square designed to connect the CBD with the New Hamilton Gallery and performing arts spaces. Key features include maternal and child health services and aged care offices, with construction underway following demolition works. Proposed utility-scale wind farm in south-west Victoria being developed by Wind Prospect through Hexham Wind Farm Pty Ltd, with AGL working with Wind Prospect as potential long-term owner and operator. The project proposes up to 106 turbines with up to 600 MW capacity, maximum 260 m blade tip height, a new on-site terminal station, internal underground and overhead electrical infrastructure, access tracks, temporary construction infrastructure and provision for a battery energy storage facility. The Environment Effects Statement and Planning Permit Application have been submitted and exhibited, and the project is now progressing through the Inquiry and Advisory Committee process, with a Ministerial determination expected in Q3 2026. The Hamilton CBD Streetscape Revitalisation is a multi-stage project designed to transform the town centre into a pedestrian-friendly community hub. The initiative involves replacing aging London Plane trees with more suitable species, installing stone paving, new street furniture, and energy-efficient lighting. The project is structured into three packages, with Package 1 focusing on Gray Street between Thompson and Brown Streets, including the central plaza. As of mid-2026, the project is progressing through detailed design and infrastructure planning following extensive community consultation to address greenery and civil engineering requirements. Jobs & Industry Data to Mar 2026 Employment Trends in Ararat Surrounds 1,690 residents of Ararat Surrounds are employed, from a labour force of 1,711. Unemployment sits at 1.2% , with participation at 63.7%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 4.8% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 2,923, about 92% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census. Ararat Surrounds maintains a capable workforce spanning multiple industries, accompanied by a minimal jobless rate of 1.2%. Total employed persons numbered 1,690 as of March 2026, with local unemployment sitting 2.5% below the Regional Vic. benchmark of 3.7%, while labor participation remains typical at 63.7% compared to 61.1% across Regional Vic.. A substantial 29.0% share of working locals reported working remotely during the Census, though pandemic-related lockdown measures should be kept in mind. Local employment is primarily anchored by agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, alongside education & training. Specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing is notably pronounced, commanding a workforce proportion 5.3 times greater than regional averages. Conversely, building and construction maintains a modest presence, employing 4.3% locally versus 10.4% regionally. The balance between local working positions captured at Census and resident worker tallies suggests limited job availability within the immediate boundary. Analysis of SALM and ABS statistics by AreaSearch indicates that during the 12 months to March 2026, the local workforce contracted by 3.4% as resident employment declined by 1.9%, reducing the jobless rate by 1.5 percentage points. By comparison, Regional Vic. saw a 0.1% contraction in employment and a 0.3% reduction in the workforce, yielding a 0.2 percentage point drop. National industry employment projections issued by Jobs and Skills Australia in Mar-26 provide additional context regarding future workforce requirements for Ararat Surrounds. Spanning five and ten-year horizons, these figures were aligned with the local industry profile to estimate potential trends. Across Australia, workforce numbers are projected to rise by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though trajectories diverge widely across individual sectors. Applying these sectoral forecasts to the employment structure of Ararat Surrounds indicates local jobs could grow by 4.8% over five years and 11.0% over ten years (note that this represents a straightforward weighted projection for demonstration and excludes localized population models). Frequently Asked Questions - Employment Earnings Data to FY 2023 Household Income in Ararat Surrounds Median household income in Ararat Surrounds is $1,384 a week (about $72,000 a year), with median personal income at $718 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $49,145 a year against an average of $59,764. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index. Taxation records compiled by AreaSearch at the postcode level from the ATO for financial year 2023 indicate a median taxpayer return of $49,145 and an average return of $59,764 within the Ararat Surrounds SA2. These figures fall below national standards and trail Regional Vic., where median earnings reach $50,954 and averages hit $62,728. Accounting for a 9.62% increase in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023, updated estimates reach approximately $53,873 at the median and $65,513 on average as of March 2026. The 2021 Census placed local household, family, and individual earnings in modest bands between the 27th and 31st percentiles. Regarding broad brackets, 32.3% of earners (1,029 individuals) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 range, closely tracking the surrounding region at 30.3%. Housing costs remain manageable with 93.3% of income retained after shelter expenses, although disposable earnings sit below typical levels at the 38th percentile, aligning with a SEIFA income placement in the 6th decile. Frequently Asked Questions - Income Housing Stock 2021 Census · next 2026 Housing & Dwellings in Ararat Surrounds Ararat Surrounds had 1,234 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 99% detached houses and 0% apartments. 30% are owned with a mortgage, 11% rented and 59% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $151 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,083 a month. Rent absorbs 10.9% of household income here and mortgage repayments 18.1%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size. Residential stock in Ararat Surrounds at the most recent Census consisted of 99.2% standalone houses and 0.8% other dwelling types such as apartments and semi-detached units, in contrast to Regional Vic. where houses formed 90.1% and other formats represented 9.9%. Outright home ownership stood exceptionally high at 58.7%, notably exceeding regional rates, while remaining properties were mortgaged (30.1%) or leased (11.2%). The typical monthly mortgage commitment sat well below regional standards at $1,083 compared to $1,430 across Regional Vic., and weekly rent medians stood at $151 against $285 regionally. Evaluated Australia-wide, local mortgage repayments remain substantially lower than the national median of $1,863, with rental costs trailing well beneath the countrywide standard of $375. Frequently Asked Questions - Housing Households 2021 Census · next 2026 Household Composition in Ararat Surrounds Ararat Surrounds counted 1,234 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.4 people each. 27% are couples with children, against 36% couples without children. 27% of households are people living alone, and families average 2.1 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures. Families constitute the vast majority of households at 71.2%, made up of couples with offspring (27.1%), couples without dependent children (36.3%), and lone parent structures (7.1%). Single and unrelated living arrangements comprise the other 28.8%, where single-person homes represent 27.1% and shared dwellings make up 1.7%. Typical household occupancy stands at 2.4 people, matching Regional Vic. exactly. Frequently Asked Questions - Households Education Data to Aug 2026 Schools & Education in Ararat Surrounds 20.4% of adults in Ararat Surrounds hold a university qualification, including 15.6% with a bachelor degree and 2.3% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 26.9% hold a vocational qualification. 6 schools serve the area, with 199 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,006 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release. Tertiary attainment poses a notable hurdle for the area, as university qualification rates of 20.4% sit well underneath the Victorian benchmark of 33.4%, highlighting a distinct target for future skill initiatives. Bachelor degree holders constitute 15.6% of residents, while graduate diplomas account for 2.5% and postgraduate credentials represent 2.3%. In contrast, vocational and technical qualifications show substantial strength, with 41.4% of the population aged 15+ holding trade credentials, comprising advanced diplomas (14.5%) and certificates (26.9%). Active participation in study is pronounced across the community, with 27.2% of residents enrolled in formal studies. Broken down by tier, this encompasses 12.0% attending primary school, 8.0% in secondary education, and 1.9% undertaking tertiary programs.

Frequently Asked Questions - Education Amenities Data to Jul 2026 Services & Amenities in Ararat Surrounds Getting Around Data to Jul 2026 Transport & Commuting in Ararat Surrounds Getting around Ararat Surrounds means driving: households keep an average of 2.1 vehicles , and scheduled services reach only a handful of stops. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census. Public transit coverage in Ararat Surrounds includes 16 operational transit stops connected across 7 routes, generating 72 passenger services each week. Access remains sparse overall, with residents located an average of 1542 meters from the closest boarding point. Commuters predominantly travel outward for employment, with private motor vehicles accounting for 85% of journeys and pedestrian trips representing 12%. Vehicle ownership averages 2.1 cars per household, surpassing regional averages, while a notable 29.0% of the workforce operated from home according to the 2021 Census under potential pandemic influences. Transit schedules provide an average of 10 daily journeys throughout the entire network, translating to roughly 4 weekly arrivals at each designated stop. Frequently Asked Questions - Transport Transport Stops Detail Healthcare Data to 2024 Health Services in Ararat Surrounds 65.2% of residents in Ararat Surrounds report no long-term health condition. 5.9% need daily assistance with core activities, and 48.9% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 3.5 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases. Public health metrics for Ararat Surrounds track above typical benchmarks based on AreaSearch assessments of mortality and chronic illnesses, showing limited incidence of routine conditions across both younger and older demographics. Meanwhile, private health insurance coverage is notably restrained, with approximately 49% of residents (~1,558 people) maintaining policies compared to the nationwide benchmark of 55.7%. Arthritis and mental health conditions represent the most prevalent diagnoses locally, affecting 10.5% and 7.5% of the population respectively, while 65.2% of locals reported having no medical ailments whatsoever, exceeding the 63.4% regional average. Chronic health conditions show higher incidence among the working-age cohort. Seniors aged 65 and over make up 27.4% of the community (871 people), outpacing the 24.0% regional share, with older residents demonstrating particularly resilient health indicators in line with broader national rankings. Frequently Asked Questions - Health Ancestry & Language 2021 Census · next 2026 Cultural Diversity in Ararat Surrounds Ararat Surrounds is largely Australian-born, at 90.1% of residents, with 1.9% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (33.5%) and English (30.7%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures. Cultural metrics indicate relatively low diversity across Ararat Surrounds, where 88.5% hold Australian citizenship, 90.1% were born domestically, and 98.1% speak exclusively English at home. Christianity represents the leading faith, adhered to by 46.9% of residents. The clearest deviation from regional trends appears in Judaism, which encompasses 0.1% of locals, consistent with the 0.1% rate seen across Regional Vic.. Regarding reported parent heritage, the primary ancestral backgrounds in Ararat Surrounds are Australian at 33.5%, English at 30.7%, and Scottish at 12.6%. Minor variations appear across other origins, with Maori representation tracking above regional norms at 0.6% (against 0.2% regionally), while Irish ancestry accounts for 9.1% (compared to 9.7%) and German heritage comprises 3.8% (versus 3.5%). Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity Age Structure Data to Aug 2026 Age Profile of Ararat Surrounds The median resident of Ararat Surrounds is 49 , older than 89% of areas nationally. 16.6% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections. The local population structure leans heavily toward mature demographics beyond early family formation. Residents in the 45 - 64 bracket represent 29.4% of the community as at August 2026, compared to 24.4% regionally, whereas young to middle-aged adults aged 25 - 44 form 18.0% against a regional benchmark of 23.1%. Consequently, the estimated median age is 49, matching the 2021 Census and exceeding the Regional Vic. Census benchmark of 43 by 6 years, while the national Census median stood at 38. Retirees and senior residents (65+) expanded their demographic footprint from 25.0% at Census to an estimated 27.4%. Looking toward 2041, the largest numerical gain is anticipated within the 25 - 44 bracket, rising by 103 residents (18%) to reach 676. Frequently Asked Questions - Age Data & Method Boundaries, Sources & Method for Ararat Surrounds 9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Sep 2026 . Everything is aggregated to the SA2 boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census. The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section "Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so. How the numbers are built The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 37 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (3,204 at the 2021 Census → 3,187 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages. Cohort shares are not raw Census counts . Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate". Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially. Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings , not the whole rented stock. Development & infrastructure Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear . Employment & income Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Education, transport & amenities School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release , not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures. Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period. Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice. Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (215011387) . QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date. Common questions about this page Custom Radius (km) Go Custom Radius (km) Go Custom Radius (km) Go Custom Radius (km) Go Custom Radius (km) Go Custom Radius (km) Go Custom Radius (km) Go Custom Radius (km) Go Custom Radius (km) Go Custom Radius (km) Go Custom Radius (km) Go Custom Radius (km) Go Custom Radius (km) Go Custom Radius (km) Go Custom Radius (km) Go Custom Radius (km) Go Custom Radius (km) Go Custom Radius (km) Go Custom Radius (km) Go Custom Radius (km) Go Custom Radius (km) Go Custom Radius (km) Go Custom Radius (km) Go Custom Radius (km) Go Custom Radius (km) Go Custom Radius (km) Go Custom Radius (km) Go Custom Radius (km) Go Custom Radius (km) Go Custom Radius (km) Go