Ararat (Vic.)

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Based on Districts' evaluation of ABS population updates for the wider region alongside newly validated addresses since the Census, Ararat's current population is estimated to be approximately 8,414 as of May 2026. Compared to the 2021 Census population of 8,500 people, this represents a minor drop of 86 people (1.0%). This shift is calculated from a resident population of 8,399, derived from the latest June 2025 ABS ERP figures, combined with an additional 215 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level translates to a density ratio of 52 persons per square kilometer, indicating a spacious environment. While Ararat recorded a 1.0% decline since the 2021 census, this outcome was more favorable than the SA3 area's contraction of -1.6%. Growth in the area was almost exclusively driven by overseas migration during recent periods.

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Ararat features a diverse workforce across both white and blue-collar occupations, with strong representation in essential services and an unemployment rate of only 2.6%. As of March 2026, there are 3,510 employed residents, with the unemployment rate sitting 1.0% lower than the Regional Vic. average of 3.7%, though participation is considerably lower at 50.0% compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.1%. Only a small fraction of residents (7.3%) reported working from home during the Census, although COVID-19 restrictions likely influenced this figure.

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Tax data for financial year 2023 indicates Ararat's income levels are below the national average. The median income for taxpayers is $46,346, while the average is $54,693, compared to Regional Vic. levels of $50,954 and $62,728. Adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, these estimates would rise to approximately $50,804 (median) and $59,954 (average) as of March 2026. Census data places household, family, and personal incomes between the 14th and 25th percentiles nationally. The $1,500 - 2,999 weekly income bracket contains 29.6% of residents (2,490 individuals), close to the wider region's average of 30.3%. Although living costs are manageable with residents keeping of their income, total disposable income sits at the th percentile nationally.

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Census data reveals that houses represent 89.8% of dwellings in Ararat, while other formats (including semi-detached properties and apartments) account for 10.2%, compared to 90.1% and 9.9% in Regional Vic. The home ownership rate matches the regional benchmark at 42.2%, with 30.6% of properties mortgaged and 27.1% rented. The median monthly mortgage payment is $1,083 and the median weekly rent is $250, both below the Regional Vic. averages of $1,430 and $285. Locally, mortgage repayments are lower than the national average of $1,863, and rents are also well below the national figure of $375.

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Families make up 62.7% of all households, consisting of couples without children (29.1%), couples with children (20.2%), and single parent households (12.2%). Non-family households represent 37.3%, consisting of lone person households (34.1%) and group households (3.1%). The median household size of 2.2 people is below the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.

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The region shows lower rates of tertiary education, with university qualification levels at 14.3% compared to the VIC average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are held by 9.6% of residents, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 2.5% and graduate diplomas at 2.2%. Vocational training is prominent, with 35.2% of residents aged 15+ holding qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas (9.9%) and certificates (25.3%).

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There are 64 active public transport stops in Ararat, primarily featuring train services. These are served by 12 distinct routes providing 275 weekly passenger trips. Access to transit is favorable, with residents living an average of 205 meters from a stop. Most residents commute out of the suburb, with cars remaining the primary transport method at 90%, and 7% of people walking. Average vehicle ownership is 1.3 per household, which is below the regional average. A low 7.3% of residents worked from home during the 2021 Census, which may reflect the pandemic conditions.

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Mortality data and chronic illness rates suggest notable health challenges in Ararat, with common health conditions appearing across all age groups. Private health insurance coverage is low, held by approximately 49% of residents (~4,083 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%.

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Cultural diversity measures are below average, with citizens making up 81.1% of the population, 87.1% born in Australia, and 92.8% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the primary religion at 44.3%. The most pronounced overrepresentation is in Judaism, which accounts for 0.1% of the population, matching the 0.1% rate across Regional Vic.

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The median age of residents is 44 years, similar to the Regional Vic. average of 43 and higher than the national average of 38 years. Compared to Regional Vic., Ararat has a higher proportion of residents aged 25 - 34 (14.8%) but fewer children aged 5 - 14 (9.9%). The 35 to 44 age bracket increased from 11.1% to 13.3% of the population since the 2021 Census, while the 45 to 54 group decreased from 12.4% to 10.4%. Demographic shifts by 2041 are projected to see the 25 to 34 age bracket increase by 27% (341 people) to reach from while the to and to brackets are expected to decline.

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Ararat currently has an estimated 395 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 238 children aged 0-2 and 159 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 7% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 30% by 2041 (to approximately 515 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 663. Birth rates in the area have averaged 9.4 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a moderate rate (within the middle tier nationally).