Cardigan (Vic.)

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According to evaluation of ABS demographic updates for the surrounding region, combined with new addresses validated by Districts since the Census, the resident population of the suburb of Cardigan is calculated to be approximately 3,086 as of May 2026. This represents an addition of 2,022 people (190.0%) from the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 1,064 people. The adjustment is derived from the resident population of 3,086, calculated by Districts using the latest ERP data release from the ABS (June 2025) along with an additional 744 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population size corresponds to a density ratio of 75 persons per square kilometer, which offers ample space per resident and opportunities for future development. The 190.0% expansion in the suburb of Cardigan since the 2021 census outpaced the Rest of Vic. (4.3%), as well as the SA4 region, establishing it as a regional growth leader. Population expansion in the area was chiefly propelled by interstate migration, which accounted for approximately of total population increases during recent periods, though all factors including natural growth and overseas migration registered positive gains.

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Cardigan has a skilled labor force, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of only 0.6%, and 15.9% in estimated job growth over the past year, according to Districts aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 2,148 residents are employed, which is an unemployment rate 3.1% below Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%, and workforce participation is far above the norm (88.3% compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.1%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 14.7% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown influences should be taken into account.

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Based on the most recent postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, the median income of taxpayers in the suburb of Cardigan is $52,739, and the average is $67,538. This is comparable to the national averages, and compares to Regional Vic.'s median of $50,954 and average of $62,728. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $57,812 (median) and $74,035 (average) as of March 2026. According to 2021 Census figures, weekly household incomes rank exceptionally at the 94th percentile ($2,713 weekly), though personal income ranks lower at the 64th percentile. Distribution data indicates that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket is the most common, accounting for of residents ( people), reflecting patterns in the surrounding region where occupy this range. A significant earn above weekly, reflecting pockets of prosperity that drive robust local economic activity. After housing costs, residents retain of income, reflecting strong purchasing power, and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the th decile.

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Dwelling structure within Cardigan, as recorded at the latest Census, was composed of 98.7% houses and 1.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Cardigan was behind that of Regional Vic. at 36.7%, with the remaining dwellings being mortgaged (55.9%) or rented (7.4%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was significantly above the Regional Vic. average at $2,167, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $350, compared to Regional Vic.'s $1,430 and $285. Nationally, Cardigan's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are less than the national figure of $375.

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Family households are the dominant group at 89.9% of all households, consisting of 60.8% couples with children, 24.8% couples without children, and 3.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 10.1%, with single person households at 7.8% and group households making up 1.6% of the total. The median household size of 3.4 people is larger than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.

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The locality experiences educational challenges, with university qualification rates (21.0%) significantly below the VIC average of 33.4%. This represents both a hurdle and an opening for targeted educational programs. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.4%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Vocational skills are prominent, with 35.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (9.5%) and certificates (26.3%).

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Public transport analysis indicates one active transport stop operating within Cardigan. This stop is serviced by one individual route, collectively providing 197 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is classified as limited, with residents typically located 1803 meters from the closest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward, and the car remains the dominant mode at 99%. Vehicle ownership averages 2.6 per dwelling, above the regional average. Some 14.7% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

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Analysis of health indicators demonstrates strong performance across Cardigan, based on Districts' evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups, and the rate of private health insurance slightly leading that of the average SA2 area at approximately 54% of the total population (~1,651 people). This compares to 50.5% across Regional Vic..

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Cardigan is below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 90.3% of its population born in Australia, 94.9% being citizens, and 93.8% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Cardigan is Christianity, which makes up 59.7% of people in Cardigan. This compares to 47.3% across Regional Vic..

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The 36-year median age in Cardigan is significantly below Regional Vic.'s average of 43 and also slightly younger than Australia's 38 years. The 15 - 24 age bracket shows strong representation at 17.1% compared to Regional Vic., whereas the 65 - 74 group is less prevalent at 6.4%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 2.0% to 4.0% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 18.1% to 15.9% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 17.6% to 15.6%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Cardigan. Leading the demographic shift, the to group will grow by ( people), reaching from . In contrast, the + cohort shows minimal growth of exactly zero percentage points (no residents).

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Cardigan currently has an estimated 145 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 120 children aged 0-2 and 80 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 154% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 122% by 2041 (to approximately 322 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 395. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 10.6 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area within the middle tier nationally.