Home › AUS › Rest of Vic. › Surf Coast - Bellarine Peninsula › Barwon Heads
Rest of Vic. / Surf Coast - Bellarine Peninsula
$583
Median rent / wk
Period ending Sep 2025
+4.1%
Rent growth / yr
Period ending Sep 2025
4,229
People
17 Jul 2026
-2.8%
Growth since 2021
Census
19
For sale now
indexed listings
Data sourcesABSDFFH Rental ReportACARARefreshed July 2026
ABS QuickStats SAL20162How we calculate this
How figures are calculatedFigures are extracted from the sources listed here at the observation date shown, and displayed unchanged. Rank bars use the profile's score out of 10 where one exists. Missing values are shown as unavailable — never estimated or back-filled.
Suburb (SAL) analysis
This analysis uses Suburb (SAL) boundaries, which can differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when they share the same name. SAL 20162.
4,229
People
est. as @ 17 Jul 2026
2021 Census | 4,353 people
6.81 km²
Land area
621 /km²
Density
1.9%
Unemployment
37 /yr
Resi approvals
Located 66 kilometers southwest of the Melbourne CBD, the suburb of Barwon Heads boasts picturesque coastal views and a serene environment. This tranquil region is characterized by pristine sandy beaches ideal for swimming and surfing, alongside wetlands and reserves rich in native flora and fauna. Local communities are friendly and committed to environmental preservation, and residents enjoy access to recreational facilities such as golf courses, parks, and walking trails. According to demographic analysis, the population of the suburb of Barwon Heads is estimated at 4,229 as of May 2026. This figure is derived from annual SA2-level Estimated Resident Population counts and quarterly national address files, representing a minimal shift since the 2021 Census population of 4,353. The community features a highly educated demographic with a high proportion of middle-aged, mature, and retired residents, representing one of the strongest population growth profiles in the country. Key market factors include strong educational qualifications, a below-average unemployment rate, excellent school performance, a high percentage of married couples, an above-average median household income, and a prominent 45 to 54 year-old age group.
Estimated residents are up from 4,353 at the 2021 Census — a change of -124 people, or -2.8%.
Districts View
Data to 17 Jul 2026Population growth
Barwon Heads ranks in the 86th percentile nationally for population growth, with the population up -2.8% since the 2021 Census.
Forecast demand
Official forecasts point to an additional 1,221 residents by 2041 — growth of 28.9% on the current estimated population.
Infrastructure pipeline
8 major projects are tracked in and around Barwon Heads, and infrastructure activity ranks in the 71st percentile nationally.
Employment outlook
Industry-weighted employment growth of 7.0% is forecast over the next five years based on the local industry mix.
Limited public transport access
Barwon Heads ranks in the 30th percentile nationally for transport & access (score 3/10). Car-dependent locations can appeal to a narrower tenant pool and are more exposed to fuel and commuting costs.
Districts' reading of national rankings, Census change and the tracked project pipeline for Barwon Heads. Each line cites its evidence; this is interpretation, not advice. The Investment Report PDF is the long form of this thesis.
Sales activity
Data to 17 Jul 2026No market glance has been ingested for this suburb yet. Recorded sales below come from Districts property records where indexed.
Residential supply
Data to 17 Jul 2026Districts view
Districts analysis of residential development drivers sees Barwon Heads recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide
Detail
Analysis of ABS building approvals allocated by statistical area indicates that the suburb of Barwon Heads averages roughly 37 approved dwellings annually, with a total of 188 residential completions approved over the past 5 financial years. In the current FY-26 period, 1 approval has been logged. Because the local population decreased recently, the volume of new completions has likely matched market demand to provide sufficient options for buyers, with new builds averaging an estimated construction value of $493,000, pointing to a focus by developers on upmarket residential projects. Additionally, commercial approvals reached $187,000 in the current financial year, reinforcing the residential focus of the locality.
When contrasted with the Rest of Vic., the suburb of Barwon Heads shows approximately half the volume of building approvals per capita, though it places in the 95th percentile of all examined locations nationally, with construction activity rising in recent times. Furthermore, all recent building permits have been for separate houses, preserving the established low-density layout of the area with spacious properties suited to families. There are roughly 51 residents for every approved dwelling, reflecting a low-density property market.
Long-term forecasts suggest the suburb of Barwon Heads will gain 1,221 residents by 2041, according to the latest quarterly models from Districts. Current building rates are tracking closely with this projected growth, though home buyers may experience heightened competition as the resident population rises.
Districts' assessment of the Greater Geelong LGA register has identified 32 substantial development applications lodged in Barwon Heads over the past 5 years (2 in the last 12 months). Minor and ancillary works — single dwellings, outbuildings, signage and smaller residential developments — are excluded. Of these, 8 were approved (25%) while 2 were withdrawn (6%). The most common application types are retail, commercial and industrial.
32 applications in the profile extract.
Recent Development Approvals by Type
ABS / Districts
| Metrici | Barwon Heads | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Latest FY Approvals | 2 | 185,138 | 888 |
| Current FY-to-Date Approvals | 1 | 184,871 | 1,034 |
| –Detached House Approvals | 46/100.0% | 89,436/61.9% | 1,014/87.9% |
| –Attached/Other Approvals | 0/0.0% | 55,043/38.1% | 139/12.1% |
| Average Annual Approvals | 37 | 188,882 | 1,604 |
| Total 5-Year Approvals | 188 | 944,410 | 8,020 |
| Approvals per 1,000 People (2yr) | 19.7 | 6.5 | 12 |
| Approvals per 1,000 People (5yr) | 8.9 | 7.2 | 17 |
| Pop Growth per Approval (2yr) | 0 | 2.8 | 2.1 |
| Pop Growth per Approval (5yr) | -0.6 | 2.1 | 1.9 |
| Persons per Approval | 50 | 158 | 92 |
| Residential Value per Unit | 493 | 342 | 352 |
| Commercial Development Value | 187 | 105,080,908 | 178,813 |
| Development Drivers Ranking | 52 | 100 | 93 |
Project pipeline
Data to 17 Jul 2026Districts view
Barwon Heads has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally
Detail
Local infrastructure projects, major planning decisions, and new developments are key factors in regional performance. Districts has identified 6 projects in the locality that are expected to influence the community. These developments include the 5-7 Bridge Road Mixed Use Development Site, the Barwon Heads Village Park Master Plan, the IGA Barwon Heads Redevelopment, the At The Heads Restaurant Refurbishment, and new cabins at the Barwon Heads Caravan Park, with details provided on those of highest relevance.
Retail
ProposedPrime 1338 sqm Commercial 1 zoned corner site in the heart of Barwon Heads town centre, listed for sale at $4,000,000. Advertised as a development opportunity suitable for a large-scale commercial and/or residential mixed-use project, subject to council approval.
Source for 5-7 Bridge Road Mixed Use Development Site (opens in new tab)
Retail
CompletedMulti-stage redevelopment which doubled the supermarket's floor area, added upgraded stockrooms, coolrooms, a new basement car park with 20 spaces, and constructed six new townhouses above the supermarket extension. The project was managed to allow the IGA to continue trading during construction.
Source 1 for IGA Barwon Heads Redevelopment (opens in new tab)Source 2 for IGA Barwon Heads Redevelopment (opens in new tab)
Sports & Recreation
PlanningLong-term master plan for the 23 hectare Barwon Heads Village Park guiding staged upgrades to community sporting facilities, recreation spaces, environmental protection, accessibility and Wadawurrung cultural recognition. The City of Greater Geelong continues to implement the adopted 2021 master plan through individual capital works projects, including pavilion renewals and recreation improvements.
Source 1 for Barwon Heads Village Park Master Plan (opens in new tab)Source 2 for Barwon Heads Village Park Master Plan (opens in new tab)
Tourism
CompletedRefurbishment and upgrade of the 'At The Heads' restaurant at the Barwon Heads jetty, including improvements to the kitchen, storage, and staff amenities, relocation of the historic 'Boot Room', and an updated public seating area. The project also delivered seven new accommodation cabins at the entrance to the adjoining Barwon Heads Caravan Park.
Source 1 for At The Heads Restaurant Refurbishment and Barwon Heads Caravan Park Cabins (opens in new tab)Source 2 for At The Heads Restaurant Refurbishment and Barwon Heads Caravan Park Cabins (opens in new tab)
Communities, Precincts & Urban Renewal
PlanningA 15-year strategic framework and master plan for managing coastal public land from Breamlea to Collendina, focusing on environmental protection, climate adaptation, trails, amenities, and infrastructure. The plan incorporates technical feedback and extensive community engagement, with the final Master Plan scheduled for release in mid-2026.
Source 1 for Barwon Coast Foreshore Master Plan (opens in new tab)Source 2 for Barwon Coast Foreshore Master Plan (opens in new tab)
8 projects tracked around Barwon Heads (Vic.), in the source's significance order. Stages and reference links are as published by the source.
On the market now
Data to 17 Jul 2026$1,050,000–$1,150,000
House · 3 bed · 579m² land
Listed 1 Nov 2023
$2,350,000–$2,550,000
Land · 0 bed · 1,518m² land
Listed 26 Mar 2024
$990,000–$1,080,000
House · 3 bed · 585m² land
Listed 7 Aug 2026
$810,000–$850,000
Unit · 2 bed · 276m² land
Listed 25 Sept 2025
$790,000–$860,000
House · 2 bed · 327m² land
Listed 18 Mar 2026
$660,000–$690,000
Unit · 2 bed · 260m² land
Listed 3 Dec 2025
$690,000–$730,000
Unit · 3 bed
Listed 20 Mar 2026
$105,000–$115,000
Land · 0 bed · 1,226m² land
Listed 9 July 2026
$1,050,000–$1,150,000
Unit · 2 bed · 350m² land
Listed 12 Aug 2026
$2,500,000–$2,700,000
House For Sale · 3 bed · 810m² land
Listed 4 July 2024
Price not recorded
House For Sale · 1 bed · 623m² land
Listed 24 Jan 2025
$3,300,000–$3,600,000
House For Sale · 5 bed · 353m² land
Listed 18 Aug 2025
$4,400,000–$4,800,000
Rural Property For Sale · 4 bed · 655,591m² land
Listed 26 Aug 2025
$3,300,000–$3,500,000
House For Sale · 4 bed · 926m² land
Listed 26 Feb 2026
$2,100,000–$2,300,000
House For Sale · 3 bed · 843m² land
Listed 30 Mar 2026
$3,200,000–$3,500,000
House For Sale · 4 bed · 892m² land
Listed 4 May 2026
$580,000–$625,000
Apartment For Sale · 2 bed
Listed 4 June 2026
$1,750,000–$1,850,000
House For Sale · 4 bed · 694m² land
Listed 11 Aug 2026
$2,600,000–$2,800,000
House For Sale · 4 bed · 449m² land
Listed 3 Aug 2026
From indexed listing events. Districts records what the listing publishes — asks and attributes are the agent's, not a valuation.
Properties
Data to 17 Jul 2026| Address | Price | Sold | Type | Beds | Baths | Cars | Land | $/m² land |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22 ozone rd, barwon heads, VIC, 3227 | — | 23 Apr 2026 | House | 3 | 1 | 2 | 569m² | — |
Source: Districts property records · 1 in 2026 · 193 recorded sales in total
Nearby
Data to 17 Jul 2026| Suburb | Distance | People | Median | Growth | Sales |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barwon Heads | — | 4,229 | — | — | — |
| Ocean Grove | 4.0 km | 21,124 | — | — | — |
| Wallington | 5.8 km | 1,955 | — | — | — |
| Leopold | 9.5 km | 14,399 | — | — | — |
| Point Lonsdale | 10.6 km | 4,495 | — | — | — |
| Curlewis (Vic.) | 12.3 km | 3,995 | — | — | — |
| Armstrong Creek (Vic.) | 12.3 km | 16,489 | — | — | — |
| Moolap | 12.8 km | 1,831 | — | — | — |
| St Albans Park | 12.8 km | 4,822 | — | — | — |
| Charlemont | 12.9 km | 5,251 | — | — | — |
| Drysdale | 13.0 km | 6,576 | — | — | — |
| Whittington | 13.6 km | 3,908 | — | — | — |
| Queenscliff (Vic.) | 14.1 km | 1,920 | — | — | — |
| Marshall | 14.5 km | 2,370 | — | — | — |
| Newcomb | 14.6 km | 4,665 | — | — | — |
| Clifton Springs | 14.7 km | 7,459 | — | — | — |
| Thomson (Greater Geelong - Vic.) | 15.1 km | 1,595 | — | — | — |
| Torquay (Vic.) | 15.1 km | 22,258 | — | — | — |
| Mount Duneed | 15.2 km | 9,457 | — | — | — |
| Grovedale | 15.7 km | 15,344 | — | — | — |
| East Geelong | 16.1 km | 3,986 | — | — | — |
| Belmont (Vic.) | 16.8 km | 15,293 | — | — | — |
Market columns show — where a nearby suburb has not been ingested yet.
Strong educational qualifications across the community
Below-average unemployment rate
Standout school performance levels
High proportion of married families
Above-average median household income
Notable 45 to 54yo representation
Population growth over recent years well above the national average
Top quartile expectations for future population growth
One of the lowest unemployment rates in the country
Industry weighted employment projections in the top 10% of the nation
Population Growth
8.6
Density
4.4
Development Activity
5.2
Employment Drivers
7.0
Infrastructure Drivers
7.1
Education
9.9
Amenities
6.8
Transport & Access
3.0
Income
7.6
Age
8.2
Household Composition
5.3
Housing
8.9
Cultural Diversity
0.7
Health
9.5
Housing Cost
7.9
Rate Sensitivity
0.0
Demographics
Data to 17 Jul 2026Districts view
Barwon Heads lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to Districts analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends
Detail
Based on demographic evaluations from the ABS for the wider region, along with newer addresses verified by Districts since the Census, the population of the suburb of Barwon Heads is projected to be approximately 4,229 in May 2026. This represents a decline of 124 residents (2.8%) from the 4,353 individuals counted during the 2021 Census. This shift is calculated from a local population of 4,198, which Districts estimated using June 2025 ABS ERP data and 27 newly verified addresses since the Census. Such population numbers translate to a density of 621 persons per square kilometer, indicating low density and potential capacity for future building. Recent population gains were driven mostly by interstate relocations, which accounted for approximately 77.0% of the growth, though all factors including natural increase and overseas migration made positive contributions.
Districts implements projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia for every SA2 region, which were published in 2024 using 2022 as the baseline. For SA2 territories where this data is unavailable, projections are sourced from the 2023 VIC State Government Regional/LGA dataset, adjusted by scaling population changes from the LGA to the SA2 level. Growth dynamics by age bracket from these models are also applied to all areas for the period spanning 2032 to 2041. Looking forward, the suburb of Barwon Heads is projected to experience population expansion placing it in the top quarter of regional areas nationwide, with an estimated addition of 1,252 residents by 2041 based on combined SA2 figures, representing an increase of 28.9% over the 16 years.
Annual Population Growth Rates (CAGR) by Period
ABS / Districts
| Metrici | Barwon Heads | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Latest Population Est. | 4,229 | 1,643,738 | 27,798,796 |
| Growth Since Census | -2.8% | 4.3% | 9.3% |
| Population 2021 Census | 4,353 | 1,576,613 | 25,422,788 |
| Natural Increase | 16.0% | 15.0% | 20.0% |
| Overseas Migration | 7.0% | 47.0% | 80.0% |
| Interstate Migration | 77.0% | 38.0% | 0.0% |
| Population Forecast Growth (2041) | 28.9% | 8.2% | 19.8% |
| Persons per Square Kilometer | 621 | 7 | 3 |
Employment
Data to 17 Jul 2026Districts view
The labour market in Barwon Heads shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions
Detail
The suburb of Barwon Heads features a highly qualified labor force with a strong concentration of professionals, alongside an unemployment rate of only 1.9%, according to aggregated local data. As of March 2026, there are 1,578 employed residents, representing an unemployment rate 1.8% lower than the Regional Vic. average of 3.7%, while the participation rate is notably low at 45.3% compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.1%. Census details indicate that a substantial 35.3% of workers operated from home, though this figure may reflect the influence of pandemic restrictions.
The primary employment sectors for local residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. The suburb of Barwon Heads shows a notable concentration in professional & technical services, with a employment share 2.1 times that of the regional benchmark. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing accounts for only 1.9% of local jobs compared to the regional average of 7.5%. The discrepancy between local jobs and the resident workforce suggests that local employment opportunities are somewhat limited.
Analysis of SALM and ABS statistics aggregated for the area shows that over the 12 months to March 2026, the local labor force contracted by 15.2% and the number of employed residents fell by 15.3%, while the unemployment rate remained virtually unchanged. This differs from Regional Vic., where employment fell by 0.1%, the labor force decreased by 0.3%, and the unemployment rate dropped by 0.2 percentage points. National employment projections from May-25 by Jobs and Skills Australia provide context for future labor demand. These five and ten-year forecasts have been combined with the local industry profile to estimate future trends. Nationally, employment is expected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though rates vary by sector. Applying these figures to the local industry mix suggests employment among residents of the suburb of Barwon Heads could rise by 7.0% over five years and 14.3% over ten years, based on a simple weighting of industry categories without adjusting for local population changes.
Employment Change (Persons)
DEWR / ABS / Districts
| Metrici | Barwon Heads | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Employment | 1,578 | 14,651,372 | 51,693 |
| –Health Care & Social Assistance | 16.7% | 15.2% | 16.5% |
| –Construction | 11.7% | 9.3% | 12.6% |
| –Education & Training | 11.5% | 9.2% | 10.9% |
| Labour Force | 1,609 | 15,298,546 | 53,005 |
| Participation Rate | 45.3% | 67.2% | 61.7% |
| Working from Home | 35.3% | 23.9% | 28.6% |
| Unemployment | 1.9% | 4.2% | 2.5% |
| 1Yr Emp. Growth | -15.3% | 1.5% | -0.7% |
| 5Yr Emp. Growth Forecast | 7.0% | 6.5% | 6.8% |
| Employment Drivers Ranking | 70 | 100 | 65 |
Income
Data to 17 Jul 20262021 CensusDistricts view
Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by Districts
Detail
According to the latest ATO postcode data for the financial year 2023, taxpayers in the suburb of Barwon Heads recorded a median income of $60,054 and an average income of $78,947. These figures are high on a national scale, comparing to a median of $50,954 and an average of $62,728 across Regional Vic. Based on a Wage Price Index increase of 9.62% since the financial year 2023, current estimates for March 2026 stand at approximately $65,831 for the median and $86,542 for the average. Census statistics show household, family, and individual incomes all rank between the 79th and 81st percentiles nationally. Income distribution data indicates 28.2% of the population, representing 1,192 people, earn between $1,500 and $2,999, which is similar to the broader region where 30.3% of people are in this bracket. A further 37.1% of residents earn more than $3,000 weekly, pointing to affluent households that support local retail trade. After mortgage and rent payments, residents keep 88.8% of their earnings, indicating high discretionary spending, and the area is positioned in the 9th decile of the SEIFA index.
Latest Annual Income Estimate
ATO / ABS / Districts
| Metrici | Barwon Heads | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Income Est. | 65,831 | 62,634 | 60,495 |
| Average Annual Income Est. | 86,542 | 80,499 | 83,111 |
| ATO Median Taxable Income | 60,054 | 57,137 | 55,186 |
| ATO Average Taxable Income | 78,947 | 73,435 | 75,817 |
| Median Household Income | 2,226 | 1,746 | 1,770 |
| –$0 to 399 | 68 (4.5%) | 638,312 (6.3%) | 2,074 (5.3%) |
| –$400 to 799 | 193 (12.8%) | 1,671,771 (16.5%) | 6,612 (16.9%) |
| –$800 to 1,499 | 263 (17.4%) | 2,158,104 (21.3%) | 8,490 (21.7%) |
| –$1,500 to 2,999 | 425 (28.2%) | 3,201,695 (31.6%) | 12,090 (30.9%) |
| –$3,000 to 3,999 | 195 (12.9%) | 1,114,514 (11.0%) | 4,695 (12.0%) |
| –$4,000+ | 365 (24.2%) | 1,357,681 (13.4%) | 5,165 (13.2%) |
| Median Family Income | 2,773 | 2,120 | 2,176 |
| –$0 to 399 | 25 (2.2%) | 236,192 (3.3%) | 779 (2.7%) |
| –$400 to 799 | 80 (7.1%) | 758,676 (10.6%) | 2,856 (9.9%) |
| –$800 to 1,499 | 178 (15.8%) | 1,474,408 (20.6%) | 6,173 (21.4%) |
| –$1,500 to 2,999 | 321 (28.5%) | 2,562,321 (35.8%) | 10,183 (35.3%) |
| –$3,000 to 3,999 | 188 (16.7%) | 973,396 (13.6%) | 4,298 (14.9%) |
| –$4,000+ | 334 (29.7%) | 1,145,171 (16.0%) | 4,586 (15.9%) |
| Median Personal Income | 1,030 | 805 | 833 |
| –$0 to 399 | 914 (21.6%) | 7,303,780 (26.3%) | 24,812 (23.7%) |
| –$400 to 799 | 864 (20.4%) | 6,526,191 (23.5%) | 26,068 (24.9%) |
| –$800 to 1,499 | 936 (22.1%) | 7,137,153 (25.7%) | 25,963 (24.8%) |
| –$1,500 to 2,999 | 1,024 (24.2%) | 5,359,808 (19.3%) | 21,566 (20.6%) |
| –$3,000 to 3,499 | 144 (3.4%) | 527,649 (1.9%) | 2,198 (2.1%) |
| –$3,500+ | 347 (8.2%) | 944,215 (3.4%) | 4,083 (3.9%) |
| –Low Income (<$800/wk) | 17.3% | 22.8% | 22.2% |
| –High Income (>$3,000/wk) | 37.1% | 24.4% | 25.2% |
| Largest Income Group | $1,500 - 2,999 | $1,500 - 2,999 | $1,500 - 2,999 |
| Household Disposable Income | 8,567 | 6,376 | 6,606 |
| SEIFA Score | 8.9 | 5.6 | 6.9 |
Housing stock
Data to 17 Jul 20262021 CensusDistricts view
Barwon Heads is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership
Detail
Housing profiles in the suburb of Barwon Heads at the time of the latest Census consisted of 90.9% separate houses and 9.0% alternative housing options like townhouses and apartments, compared to Regional Vic.'s breakdown of 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership was higher than the regional average, standing at 48.8%, with the remaining properties being mortgaged at 34.8% or rented at 16.4%. The median mortgage cost of $2,184 per month was higher than the Regional Vic. median of $1,430, while weekly rent averaged $450 compared to the Regional Vic. median of $285. Nationally, mortgage costs in the suburb of Barwon Heads are higher than the Australian median of $1,863, and rents also exceed the national benchmark of $375.
Barwon Heads at a glance
Source: ABS 2021 Census
Rents today
$583/wk
DFFH median rent
Period ending Sep 2025
+4.1%
DFFH rent movement, 1 yr
Rents are rising
The DFFH median weekly rent rose 4.1% year on year to $583/wk (Period ending Sep 2025).
The 2021 Census recorded a median rent of $450/wk — an older point-in-time figure, kept separate from current medians.
RTBA rental bond lodgements are not in this extract. Rents above are report medians, not bond data.
Housing Tenure (Census)
ABS / Districts
| Metrici | Barwon Heads | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Dwellings (Census) | 1,557 | 9,275,218 | 34,920 |
| –Owned Outright | 48.8% | 32.1% | 43.2% |
| –Owned with Mortgage | 34.8% | 36.2% | 36.4% |
| –Rented | 16.4% | 31.7% | 20.3% |
| –Detached Houses | 90.9% | 72.5% | 93.0% |
| –Semi-Detached | 6.0% | 12.6% | 6.0% |
| –Apartments | 2.8% | 14.3% | 0.7% |
| –Other Dwellings | 0.2% | 0.6% | 0.3% |
| –Median Monthly Mortgage | 2,184 | 1,863 | 1,950 |
| –Median Weekly Rent | 450 | 375 | 402 |
| –$0-149/wk | 7.8% | 7.3% | 3.0% |
| –$150-349/wk | 18.7% | 33.4% | 23.7% |
| –$350-649/wk | 53.9% | 50.9% | 68.3% |
| –$650-949/wk | 17.8% | 6.6% | 4.3% |
| –>$950/wk | 1.7% | 1.8% | 0.6% |
| –Aggregate Housing Cost | 1,079 | 1,189 | 1,063 |
| –Mortgage / Income | 22.6% | 24.6% | 25.4% |
| –Rent / Income | 20.2% | 21.5% | 22.7% |
| –Persons per Bedroom | 0.7 | 0.8 | 0.7 |
Households
Data to 17 Jul 20262021 CensusDistricts view
Barwon Heads has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size
Detail
Families make up 74.6% of all households in the suburb of Barwon Heads, consisting of couples with children at 33.2%, couples without children at 32.2%, and single parent households at 8.2%. The remaining 25.4% are non-family households, with single person households accounting for 24.1% and group households representing 1.5%. The average household size is 2.5 people, slightly higher than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.
Household Types (Census)
ABS / Districts
| Metrici | Barwon Heads | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Current Household Est. | 1,509 | 10,142,077 | 39,126 |
| Median Household Size | 2.5 | 2.5 | 2.5 |
| Total Households (Census) | 1,553 | 9,275,217 | 34,913 |
| –Lone Person Households | 24.1% | 25.6% | 23.6% |
| –Group Households | 1.5% | 3.9% | 2.6% |
| –Other Households | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| –Family Households | 74.6% | 70.5% | 73.8% |
| –Couple with Children | 33.2% | 31.4% | 30.3% |
| –Couple No Children | 32.2% | 26.8% | 33.9% |
| –One Parent Family | 8.2% | 11.1% | 8.8% |
| –Avg Children per Family | 1.9 | 1.6 | 1.8 |
| Currently Married | 57.3% | 46.5% | 53.6% |
| Never Married | 27.2% | 36.5% | 29.4% |
Education
Data to 17 Jul 20262021 CensusDistricts view
Barwon Heads demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on Districts' comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics
Detail
The proportion of residents with tertiary qualifications in the suburb of Barwon Heads is higher than wider regional averages, with 44.2% of individuals aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 21.7% in the Rest of Vic. and 28.6% across the SA4 region. This high concentration of qualifications positions the local workforce well for professional opportunities. Bachelor degrees are held by 30.4% of residents, followed by postgraduate degrees at 8.8% and graduate diplomas at 5.0%. Vocational training is also common, with 30.0% of residents aged 15+ holding qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas at 13.7% and certificates at 16.3%.
School and university participation is strong, with 33.2% of the local population enrolled in an educational institution. This group includes 13.9% in primary school, 10.2% in high school, and 4.1% in higher education.
Qualification Attainment by Type - Residents Aged 15+ (Census)
ABS / Districts
| Metrici | Barwon Heads | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| University Qualifications | 44.2% | 30.4% | 33.2% |
| –Bachelor Degree | 30.4% | 20.0% | 22.0% |
| –Postgraduate Degree | 8.8% | 7.6% | 6.7% |
| –Advanced Diploma | 13.7% | 10.8% | 13.3% |
| –Certificate | 16.3% | 22.0% | 22.4% |
| No Tertiary Qualifications | 25.7% | 36.8% | 31.1% |
| Number of Schools | 1 | 11,054 | 31 |
| Total School Attendance | 426 | 4,176,099 | 12,992 |
| ICSEA Score | 1,117 | 1,001 | 1,067 |
| Education Drivers Ranking | 99 | 100 | 81 |
Schools detail
| # | School name | Type | Places | ICSEA | Distance (km) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Barwon Heads Primary School | Primary | 426 | 1117 | 0.95 |
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Amenities
Data to 17 Jul 2026Districts view
Amenity provision was found to be above the typical area assessed nationally by Districts, based on counts and proximity analysis
Supermarket
3.2km · score 58
Child Care
1.3km · score 70
GP
1.6km · score 81
Government Services
26km · score 65
Post Office
0km · score 0
Parcel Locker
0km · score 0
Dentist
2.4km · score 71
Hospital
15km · score 56
Shopping Centre
9.5km · score 61
Banks
2.3km · score 82
Pharmacy
2.8km · score 61
Fitness Centre
4.5km · score 65
Schools
2.9km · score 48
Getting around
Data to 17 Jul 2026Districts view
Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
Detail
Public transport networks in the suburb of Barwon Heads feature 25 active stops. These are connected by 4 transit routes, which provide a total of 214 weekly services. Access is generally good, with the average home located 216 meters from a transit point. Because the area is primarily residential, most workers commute outside the area, with private vehicles remaining the main choice at 90% and bicycles used by 3%. Households own an average of 1.6 vehicles. A total of 35.3% of workers worked from home, based on 2021 Census data which may reflect pandemic-era conditions.
Transit service levels average 30 daily trips across the local routes, which represents approximately 8 weekly services per bus stop.
Transport Servicing
GTFS / Districts
| Metrici | Barwon Heads | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Transport Stops | 25 | 171,981 | 440 |
| Routes | 4 | 12,966 | 33 |
| Weekly Trips | 214 | 1,140,068 | 3,385 |
| Avg Dist. Between Stops (m) | 116 | 235 | 107 |
| Avg Dist. to Local Pop. (m) | 216 | 7,586 | 372 |
| Population per Stop | 172 | 161 | 240 |
| Population per Trip | 20.1 | 24.3 | 31.2 |
| Population per Route | 1,073 | 2,136 | 3,205 |
| Public Transport Access Ranking | 30 | 100 | 31 |
| Vehicles per Dwelling | 1.6 | 1.4 | 1.6 |
| Work from Home | 35.3% | 23.9% | 28.6% |
| Single Mode Commute | 63.8% | 73.8% | 70.4% |
| Two Mode | 0.9% | 1.9% | 0.8% |
| Three+ Mode | 0.0% | 0.3% | 0.1% |
| –Car | 90.3% | 84.1% | 92.7% |
| –Train | 1.3% | 4.9% | 1.2% |
| –Bus | 0.3% | 3.6% | 0.8% |
| –Walk | 3.8% | 3.7% | 3.2% |
| –Cycle | 2.8% | 1.0% | 0.9% |
| –Ferry | 0.0% | 0.1% | 0.1% |
| –Tram/Light Rail | 0.0% | 0.5% | 0.1% |
| –Other | 0.7% | 1.1% | 0.7% |
Healthcare
Data to 17 Jul 2026Data to 2024Districts view
Barwon Heads's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups
Detail
Health indicators show positive outcomes in the suburb of Barwon Heads, with low rates of chronic illness and low mortality rates across all age brackets. Private health insurance coverage is high, with approximately 58% of the population, or around 2,451 residents, holding cover. This compares to a rate of 50.5% across Regional Vic.
The most prevalent health issues reported locally are arthritis and asthma, affecting 9.5 and 7.2% of the population, respectively. Conversely, 71.6% of residents reported having no long-term health conditions, compared to 63.4% in Regional Vic. The working-age cohort shows low rates of chronic disease. Seniors aged 65 and over make up 28.1% of the local population, totaling 1,188 people, which is higher than the Regional Vic. average of 23.9%. Health measures for this older demographic are favorable, matching the strong performance seen in the broader local community.
Private Health Insurance Coverage
ATO / Districts
| Metrici | Barwon Heads | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Private Health Cover Rate | 58.0% | 55.7% | 57.1% |
| Need for Assistance | 2.9% | 5.8% | 4.9% |
| Zero L/T Health Conditions | 71.6% | 69.8% | 66.8% |
| One Long Term Condition | 20.0% | 20.5% | 22.8% |
| Two Long Term Conditions | 6.2% | 6.4% | 7.1% |
| 3+ Long Term Conditions | 2.3% | 3.3% | 3.3% |
| –Arthritis | 9.5% | 7.7% | 9.0% |
| –Asthma | 7.2% | 7.4% | 8.1% |
| –Cancer | 3.4% | 2.6% | 3.5% |
| –Dementia / Alzheimers | 0.2% | 0.7% | 0.8% |
| –Diabetes | 2.3% | 4.3% | 3.5% |
| –Heart Disease | 3.4% | 3.6% | 4.2% |
| –Kidney Disease | 0.8% | 0.8% | 0.8% |
| –Lung Condition | 1.2% | 1.6% | 1.5% |
| –Mental Health Issue | 6.6% | 8.0% | 8.3% |
| –Stroke | 0.7% | 0.8% | 0.9% |
| –Other Condition | 6.2% | 7.3% | 7.2% |
Ancestry & language
Data to 17 Jul 20262021 CensusDistricts view
The latest Census data sees Barwon Heads placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics
Detail
The suburb of Barwon Heads has lower levels of cultural diversity than broader benchmarks, with citizens making up 91.2% of the population, Australian-born residents at 89.8%, and English-only speakers at 98.3%. Christianity is the most common religious affiliation, represented by 41.4% of the population. The most distinct relative overrepresentation is among those identifying as Jewish, who account for 0.1% of residents, matching the 0.1% average for Regional Vic.
Looking at ancestral backgrounds, the three most common heritages in the suburb of Barwon Heads are English at 32.3%, Australian at 28.9%, and Irish at 12.5%. Differences compared to the wider region include Scottish ancestry at 11.6% of the population compared to 8.8% regionally, Dutch ancestry at 1.7% compared to 1.7% regionally, and Welsh ancestry at 0.6% compared to 0.4% regionally.
Place of Birth (Census)
ABS / Districts
| Metrici | Barwon Heads | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Born Overseas | 10.2% | 29.3% | 14.1% |
| Born in Australia | 89.8% | 70.7% | 85.9% |
| Australian Citizens | 91.2% | 83.8% | 91.1% |
| Speak English Only | 98.3% | 76.4% | 94.9% |
| Speak Other Language | 1.7% | 23.6% | 5.1% |
| Indigenous Population | 0.3% | 2.2% | 0.6% |
| Largest Ethnic Group | English | English | English |
| Main Religion | Christianity | Christianity | Christianity |
| –Buddhism | 0.8% | 2.6% | 0.7% |
| –Christianity | 41.4% | 47.5% | 45.3% |
| –Hinduism | 0.1% | 2.9% | 0.4% |
| –Islam | 0.0% | 3.5% | 0.2% |
| –Judaism | 0.1% | 0.4% | 0.1% |
| –Other | 0.2% | 1.4% | 0.4% |
| –No Religion | 57.4% | 41.6% | 52.9% |
Age structure
Data to 17 Jul 20262021 CensusDistricts view
Barwon Heads hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide
Detail
The median age in the suburb of Barwon Heads is 48 years, which is older than the Regional Vic. median of 43 and the Australian median of 38. The largest age bracket is 45 - 54 year-olds at 15.9%, while the 25 - 34 cohort is relatively small at 5.5% compared to Regional Vic. Since the 2021 Census, the median age has increased from 46 to 48 years. Changes include the 55 to 64 bracket increasing from 13.9% to 15.8% of the population, and the 65 to 74 group rising from 14.9% to 16.6%. Meanwhile, children aged 5 to 14 fell from 16.3% to 12.6% and residents aged 35 to 44 fell from 12.2% to 11.0%. Population forecasts for 2041 show shifts, with the 45 to 54 cohort expected to grow by 52%, adding 349 residents to reach 1,022, while the 15 to 24 cohort is projected to grow by 10%, adding 35 residents.
Age Distribution
ABS / Geoscience Australia / State Govts / Districts
| Metrici | Barwon Heads | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Age | 48 | 38 | 45 |
| Largest Age Group | 65 to 74 | 25 to 34 | 65 to 74 |
| Children (0-14) | 15.6% | 17.5% | 17.6% |
| Working Age (15-64) | 56.7% | 64.7% | 57.7% |
| Seniors (65+) | 28.1% | 17.8% | 24.7% |
| Age Distribution Variance | 26.0% | 16.0% | 13.0% |
| Dependency Ratio | 77.0% | 55.0% | 73.0% |
| Fastest Growing Age Group | 85+ | 85+ | 85+ |
Child care
Data to 17 Jul 2026Districts view
Barwon Heads was found to possess well below average preschool provision for children aged 3-5, while out of school hours care for school age children appears limited.
Detail
Barwon Heads currently has an estimated 126 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 194 children aged 0-2 and 129 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 22% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 35% by 2041 (to approximately 170 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 487. Birth rates in the area have averaged 13.2 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a high rate (among the top 20% of areas assessed nationally).
Barwon Heads contains 1 preschool/kindergarten facility (99 places) and 1 OSHC facility (30 places), while overall provision relative to the local child population appears limited compared to national benchmarks, and is below the Regional Vic. average. With no LDC services observed in the area, only preschool, the ratio of children per place for the under 5 age group is 3.3 - placing the area among the bottom 30% nationally for supply per child. With projected population growth of 28.9% between now and 2041, and 34.9% in the under 5 age group in particular. As well as this projected growth, other drivers of note in the area are strong income performance.
In assessing child care markets local school supply is a particularly important factor, given school-run convenience, and enrolment vs child care place analysis can provide useful insight into capacity both for parents seeking child care options and child care operators assessing opportunities in an area. The catchment sees a level of school enrolment relative to population of 10.1 per 100 residents with 426 enrolments across primary and secondary institutions. This middle-of-the-road rate of school supply suggests most local students are residents within the immediate area. Additionally, the level of school places per child care place (LDC+PSK) is moderate. Rather unsurprisingly, out of school hours child care - serving school age children - was found to be much more abundant than other service types in the area. Proximity analysis saw distances of local residents to their nearest child care centre being longer than typical nationally. Another finding worth noting is the low level of commercial activity in the area and assessment of local working populations which suggest many of the local population commute elsewhere for work with nearby services potentially taking some pressure off local child care centres.
4 school catchments intersect Barwon Heads (note; school catchment data provided for public schools only), in which a combined 2,901 children aged under 5 reside, served by 3,552 LDC and preschool places. The overall demand-to-supply ratio across these catchments is 0.8 children per place, with limited variance in this ratio. Meanwhile, the discrepancy in this ratio between Barwon Heads and the intersecting school catchments highlights the need for a catchment based approach for specific site assessments.
Children per LDC Place by Geographic Level
ACECQA / ABS / GNAF / Geoscience Australia / State Govts / Districts