Casterton (Vic.)

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Based on assessment of ABS population revisions for the surrounding region, alongside new addresses validated by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Casterton has an estimated residency of 1,578 individuals as of May 2026. This represents a contraction of 95 people (5.7%) compared to the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 1,673 people. The adjustment is derived from the resident population of 1,578, calculated by Districts through analyzing the latest ERP data release from the ABS (June 2025) and incorporating an additional 4 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level translates to a density ratio of 7.0 persons per square kilometer, providing residents with abundant personal space. Population growth in the locality was chiefly supported by overseas migration, which served as virtually the sole contributor to population gains in recent times.

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Casterton possesses a balanced workforce encompassing white and blue collar employment, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of just 2.2%, based on Districts aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026618 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.5% below Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%, and workforce participation lags significantly (44.1% compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.1%). Based on Census responses, a low 7.7% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

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The suburb of Casterton's income level is below the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by Districts for financial year 2023. The suburb of Casterton's median income among taxpayers is $37,438 and the average income stands at $46,769, which compares to figures for Regional Vic.'s of $50,954 and $62,728 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $41,040 (median) and $51,268 (average) as of March 2026. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Casterton all fall between the 1st and 5th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate the largest segment comprises 34.0% earning $400 - 799 weekly (536 residents), differing from patterns across regional levels where - dominates with . The concentration of in sub- weekly brackets highlights economic challenges facing a significant portion of the community. While housing costs are modest with of income retained, the total disposable income ranks at just the th percentile nationally.

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Dwelling structure within Casterton, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 94.3% houses and 5.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Casterton was well beyond that of Regional Vic., at 61.2%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (22.7%) or rented (16.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional Vic. average at $700, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $160, compared to Regional Vic.'s $1,430 and $285. Nationally, Casterton's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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Family households dominate at 55.4% of all households, comprising 14.1% couples with children, 32.6% couples without children, and 7.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 44.6%, with lone person households at 41.7% and group households comprising 2.6% of the total. The median household size of 1.9 people is smaller than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.

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The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (13.5%) substantially below the VIC average of 33.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 9.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 35.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (8.8%) and certificates (26.8%).

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Public transport analysis reveals 4 active transport stops operating within Casterton. These stops are serviced by 2 individual routes, collectively providing 11 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents typically located 560 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - car remains the dominant mode at 87%, with 10% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling. A relatively low 7.7% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

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Casterton faces significant health challenges, based on Districts' assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a slightly higher degree among older age cohorts , and the rate of private health cover found to be extremely low at approximately 45% of the total population (~717 people). This compares to 50.5% across Regional Vic.. The national average is 55.7%.

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Casterton was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 90.3% of its population being citizens, 89.5% born in Australia, and 95.9% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Casterton was found to be Christianity, which makes up 54.2% of people in Casterton. This compares to 47.3% across Regional Vic..

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With a median age of 58, Casterton is significantly above the Regional Vic. figure of 43 and also substantially exceeding Australia's 38 years. The 75 - 84 age group shows strong representation at 15.7% compared to Regional Vic., whereas the 5 - 14 cohort is less prevalent at 6.5%. This 75 - 84 concentration is well above the national 6.1%. In the period since 2021, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 13.5% to 15.7% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 6.6% to 8.3%. Conversely, the 55 to cohort has declined from to and the to group dropped from to . Demographic modeling suggests Casterton's age profile will evolve significantly by . Leading the demographic shift, the + group will grow by ( people), reaching from . Demographic aging continues as residents and older represent of anticipated growth. Conversely, both to and to age groups will see reduced numbers.

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Casterton currently has an estimated 61 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 44 children aged 0-2 and 29 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 9% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 15% by 2041 (to approximately 70 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 127. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 8.4 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the bottom 30% of areas assessed nationally.