Diggers Rest (Vic.)

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According to ABS demographic updates and quarterly validation of new addresses, the suburb of Diggers Rest has an estimated population of 7,972 as of May 2026. This indicates a rise of 2,303 people (40.6%) compared to the 2021 Census, which registered 5,669 residents. The figure is derived from an estimated resident population of 7,876 calculated from the ABS June 2025 ERP release, combined with an additional 694 validated new addresses added since the Census. This population level translates to a density of 117 persons per square kilometer, which leaves ample physical space and opportunity for future expansion. The 40.6% rate of growth since the 2021 Census outpaced the state average of 9.3% as well as the national benchmark, establishing the suburb as a primary growth corridor. This expansion was mostly fueled by interstate migration, which accounted for approximately 73.0% of the overall population increases, though natural increase and overseas migration also contributed positively.

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Diggers Rest features a capable labor pool with varied industry representation, a 2.8% joblessness rate, and steady employment conditions throughout the previous year according to Districts compiled data from statistical areas. As of March 2026, 4,506 residents are employed while the joblessness rate sits at 2.0% lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.8% figure, and workforce participation remains fairly typical at 75.2% versus Greater Melbourne's 70.2%. Census data indicates that a substantial 25.6% of residents were working from home, although the influence of Covid-19 lockdown measures should be taken into account.

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The latest ATO statistics for the 2023 financial year show that incomes in the suburb are slightly below the national average, with a median of $59,008 and an average of $65,440. This compares to a median of $57,688 and an average of $75,164 across Greater Melbourne. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates for March 2026 stand at roughly $64,685 for the median and $71,735 for the average. Census data places household, family, and individual incomes in the 69th percentile nationwide. The largest income bracket consists of weekly earnings between $1,500 and $2,999, accounting for 42.9% of households (3,419 residents), which is higher than the regional average of 32.8%. Servicing housing costs absorbs of income, leaving disposable income at the th percentile nationally, while the SEIFA index ranks the suburb in the th decile for income.

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At the time of the latest Census, the local housing stock consisted of 92.5% separate houses and 7.5% semi-detached, apartment, or other dwelling types, contrasting with Greater Melbourne where separate houses made up 67.9% and alternative dwellings 32.1%. Outright home ownership stood at 21.0%, lower than the metropolitan average, with the remaining properties occupied by mortgaged owners (57.9%) or renters (21.1%). The median monthly mortgage payment was $1,800 and the median weekly rent was $397, compared to metropolitan medians of $2,000 and $390 respectively. Nationally, local mortgage payments are below the Australian median of $1,863, while weekly rents exceed the national median of $375.

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Families comprise the vast majority of households at 76.7%, consisting of couples with children at 35.9%, couples without children at 28.1%, and single parent households at 11.1%. Non-family households account for 23.3% of the total, with single person households representing 21.1% and group households making up 2.4%. The median household size is 2.6 people, matching the metropolitan average.

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Educational attainment levels present a specific profile, with the proportion of residents holding a university degree standing at 25.3%, which is lower than the Greater Melbourne average of 37.0%. Among university graduates, bachelor degrees are the most common at 17.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 5.2% and graduate diplomas at 2.8%. Vocational education is highly prevalent, with 39.3% of residents aged 15 and over holding technical qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas at 12.8% and certificates at 26.5%.

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Public transport infrastructure consists of 33 active bus stops operating locally. These stops are served by 3 distinct routes, which accommodate 1,427 passenger trips per week. The average distance to a transit stop is 388 meters, indicating good accessibility. The suburb is primarily residential, resulting in high levels of outward commuting; private vehicles are the primary mode of travel for 89% of workers, while 9% commute by train. Household vehicle ownership averages 1.6 cars, exceeding the regional norm. Additionally, 25.6% of residents worked from home according to the 2021 Census, which was likely affected by pandemic restrictions.

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Health indicators point to outcomes that are slightly below average, with the prevalence of common health conditions being relatively typical for the broader population but elevated among older demographics. The proportion of residents with private health insurance stands at approximately 53% (~4,202 people), which is just ahead of the average statistical area but lower than the Greater Melbourne average of 56.7%.

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The suburb displays a higher level of cultural diversity than most comparable areas, with overseas-born residents making up 25.0% of the population and 25.2% using a non-English language at home. Christianity is the most common religious affiliation, represented by 49.1% of the population. The most notable statistical divergence is in the category of Other religions, which accounts for 5.1% of the population compared to 2.3% across Greater Melbourne.

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The median age of the population is 33, making it younger than Greater Melbourne at 37 and Australia as a whole at 38. The suburb has a higher proportion of residents aged 35 to 44 (19.4%) compared to the metropolitan average, but a lower share of 15 to 24 year-olds (9.8%). The concentration of 35 to 44 year-olds is also higher than the national benchmark of 14.3%. Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 cohort grew from 16.4% to 19.4%, and the 5 to 14 cohort rose from 11.8% to 13.1%, while the 25 to age bracket decreased from to . Projections for indicate that the to cohort will experience the highest growth rate, expanding by to add residents and reach a total of .

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Diggers Rest currently has an estimated 701 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 421 children aged 0-2 and 282 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 35% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 75% by 2041 (to approximately 1,227 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 841. Recent growth has been driven by high birth rates observed in the area, with approximately 20.8 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the top 20% of areas assessed nationally.