Chiltern (Vic.)

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Based on examination of ABS demographic data updates for the wider region and fresh residential addresses verified by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Chiltern has an estimated population of approximately 1,616 as of May 2026. This represents an addition of 36 people (2.3%) since the 2021 Census, which counted 1,580 individuals. This shift is calculated from a resident population of 1,614, which Districts estimated using the ABS release of ERP figures from June 2025 alongside 15 validated new addresses since the Census date. With this population level, the density stands at 8.1 persons per square kilometer, indicating a spacious environment. The 2.3% rate of growth since the census is within 0.1 percentage points of the broader SA3 area (2.4%), indicating comparable growth dynamics. Population gains were mostly propelled by interstate migration, which accounted for roughly 66.0% of the overall growth, though natural growth and overseas migration also contributed positively.

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Chiltern possesses a balanced job market that includes both professional and trade-based occupations, with strong representation in essential services. The unemployment rate is 5.4%, according to Districts' compilation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, there are 786 employed local residents. The unemployment rate is 1.7% higher than the Regional Vic. rate of 3.7%, while the labor participation rate is close to the Regional Vic. level of 61.1%. Census details show that a moderate 15.0% of the workforce worked from home, though this figure may have been influenced by COVID-19 restrictions.

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Tax data compiled by Districts for financial year 2023 shows that income levels in the suburb of Chiltern are below the national average. The median income for local taxpayers is $44,330, and the average income is $52,478, compared to Regional Vic. figures of $50,954 and $62,728. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index increase of 9.62% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes would be roughly $48,595 for the median and $57,526 for the average as of March 2026. The 2021 Census placed household, family, and individual incomes in Chiltern between the 20th and 25th percentiles nationally. Looking at income brackets, the $1,500 - 2,999 range includes 30.6% of the population, representing 494 individuals, which aligns closely with the regional figure of in this bracket. Although residents retain of their income due to modest housing costs, total disposable income ranks at the th percentile nationally.

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The housing stock in Chiltern at the time of the latest Census consisted of 93.3% separate houses and 6.7% alternative housing types, such as semi-detached properties and apartments. This compares to 90.1% houses and 9.9% alternative options across Regional Vic.. Outright home ownership in Chiltern was high at 45.5%, with the remaining properties being mortgaged (43.0%) or rented (11.5%). The median monthly mortgage payment was $1,300, and the median weekly rent was $260, which are lower than the Regional Vic. medians of $1,430 and $285. Nationally, mortgage costs in Chiltern are below the Australian median of $1,863, and weekly rents are lower than the national median of $375.

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Families make up 66.1% of all local households, consisting of couples with children at 24.1%, couples without children at 32.3%, and single-parent households at 8.4%. Non-family households account for the remaining 33.9%, which includes single-person households at 30.8% and group living situations at 3.0%. The median household size is 2.3 individuals, slightly below the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.

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Higher education completion rates in the area are low, with 18.0% of residents holding a university qualification compared to the Victorian average of 33.4%. Among these graduates, bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.8%, followed by graduate diplomas at 3.6% and postgraduate qualifications at 2.6%. Vocational and technical skills are common, with 41.7% of residents aged 15+ holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (10.8%) and certificates (30.9%).

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Public transport services in Chiltern include 3 active stops, which consist of train connections. These stops are served by 3 separate routes that provide 53 passenger trips each week. Transport access is moderate, with the average distance to the nearest stop being 572 meters. Because it is a residential community, most workers travel outside the suburb, with private vehicles being the primary mode of travel for 94% of commuters, while 6% walk. The average number of vehicles per household is 1.8, which is higher than the regional average. In the 2021 Census, 15.0% of the workforce worked from home, which may have been influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

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Health assessments by Districts indicate that Chiltern faces notable challenges, particularly regarding mortality rates and the prevalence of chronic health conditions across both younger and older cohorts. Private health insurance coverage is low, with approximately 48% of the population, or about 770 people, holding cover. This compares to 50.5% in Regional Vic. and a national average of 55.7%.

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Cultural diversity in Chiltern is lower than average, with 88.8% of residents born in Australia, 92.7% holding citizenship, and 98.2% speaking only English at home. The predominant religion is Christianity, practiced by 49.6% of residents, compared to 47.3% across Regional Vic..

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Chiltern has a median age of 50, which is higher than the Regional Vic. median of 43 and the national average of 38. The 55 - 64 age bracket is highly represented at 15.8% of the population, while the 25 - 34 bracket is less common at 7.5%. Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 15 to 24 grew from 10.3% to 12.3%. In contrast, the 55 to 64 group declined from 17.4% to 15.8%, and the 5 to 14 group fell from 10.6% to 9.5%. Demographic models indicate that Chiltern's age profile will change by with the to cohort projected to grow by people () from to while the to cohort is expected to increase by , adding people.

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Chiltern currently has an estimated 71 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 51 children aged 0-2 and 33 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 6% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 31% by 2041 (to approximately 93 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 10.1 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.