Bendigo (Vic.)

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According to evaluations of official population updates across the region and residential addresses verified by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Bendigo has a projected population of approximately 5,608 in May 2026. This represents a contraction of 44 residents, or 0.8%, from the 2021 Census, which documented 5,652 individuals. This shift is derived from a June 2025 estimate of 5,542 residents from official agency statistics alongside 127 validated new addresses registered after the Census date. The current population translates to a density of 1,019 persons per square kilometer, matching typical averages observed in similar monitored regions. In recent times, population expansion was almost exclusively supported by incoming overseas migration.

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The suburb of Bendigo has a highly qualified labor force with strong representation in essential services, showing an unemployment rate of 5.8% and a yearly job growth rate of 1.8% based on regional data aggregations. By March 2026, employed residents numbered 2,787, with unemployment sitting 2.2% above the Regional Vic. rate of 3.7%, and labor force participation matching the regional benchmark of 61.1%. Census records show a moderate 17.9% of the workforce operated from home, though this period was influenced by pandemic-related lockdowns.

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Taxation records from financial year 2023 show local median income in the suburb of Bendigo stands at $54,568, while the average income is $71,376, exceeding national benchmarks. This is higher than the Regional Vic. median of $50,954 and average of $62,728. Adjusted for a Wage Price Index increase of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimated figures reach approximately $59,817 for median income and $78,242 for average income as of March 2026. According to the 2021 Census, individual earnings place in the 53rd percentile with a weekly median of $821, while household earnings sit in the 31st percentile. The largest cohort, representing 29.7% of residents or 1,665 people, falls within the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket, similar to the wider region where of households share this range. Discretionary income stands at after housing costs, and the local socio-economic index ranks in the th decile.

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According to the latest Census, the housing inventory in the suburb of Bendigo consists of 82.0% separate houses and 18.1% multi-unit formats like apartments and townhouses, compared to 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings across Regional Vic.. Home ownership rates lag the regional average at 31.7%, with remaining properties split between mortgaged homes at 22.9% and rental properties at 45.4%. Local mortgage payments average $1,482 monthly, and weekly rents average $290, which are higher than the Regional Vic. figures of $1,430 and $285. On a national level, housing costs are lower than the Australian average mortgage payment of $1,863 and average weekly rent of $375.

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Family households constitute 56.5% of the local area, comprising 17.4% couples with children, 25.7% couples without children, and 11.7% single parent families. Non-family households represent the remaining 43.5% of homes, consisting of 38.5% single-person households and 5.1% group households. The average household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.

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Educational profiles in the suburb of Bendigo are elevated relative to wider areas, with 35.2% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 21.7% in the Rest of Vic. and 23.6% across the SA3 region. This concentration of higher education positions the locality well for professional opportunities. Bachelor degrees represent 21.4% of qualifications, postgraduate degrees account for 8.6%, and graduate diplomas make up 5.2%. Technical credentials are also common, with 30.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational qualifications, including 10.3% with advanced diplomas and 20.0% with certificates.

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Public transport infrastructure consists of 77 transit stops operating within the suburb of Bendigo, including train services. These facilities are serviced by 42 distinct routes, providing 7,218 passenger trips weekly. Accessibility is high, with residents living an average of 181 meters from the nearest stop. The area is mostly residential with outward commuting patterns, where private vehicles remain the primary mode of travel for 79% of commuters, and 16% walk. Household vehicle ownership averages 1.1 cars, which is below the regional benchmark, and 17.9% of residents work from home according to 2021 data.

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The suburb of Bendigo displays prominent health indicators based on mortality and chronic illness rates across younger and older demographics, while private health insurance rates are elevated, covering approximately 55% of the population, or about 3,086 people, compared to 50.5% in Regional Vic..

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Cultural diversity metrics are below average, with citizens accounting for 87.5% of the population, 86.7% born in Australia, and 91.0% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 43.3% of residents in the suburb of Bendigo, while Jewish residents represent 0.1% of the population, matching the 0.1% share across Regional Vic..

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The median age in the suburb of Bendigo is 42 years, matching the Regional Vic. average of 43 years but exceeding the national median of 38 years. Residents aged 25 to 34 represent a large cohort at 18.8%, while children aged 5 to 14 make up a smaller proportion at 7.8% compared to the regional average. Since 2021, the 25 to 34 age bracket increased from 15.3% to 18.8%, and the 35 to 44 cohort grew from 10.7% to 11.9%, while the 45 to 54 cohort fell from 13.5% to 11.6% and the 15 to age bracket declined from to . Future projections to suggest the to age group will grow by , adding people to reach while declines are projected for the to and to cohorts.

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Bendigo currently has an estimated 314 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 196 children aged 0-2 and 131 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 24% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 27% by 2041 (to approximately 400 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 418. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 11.1 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area within the middle tier nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.