Huntly (Vic.)

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According to ABS population statistics analyzed for the wider region and new addresses verified by Districts after the Census, Huntly's population is estimated to be approximately 5,211 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 1,626 people (45.4%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded 3,585 residents. The change is based on a resident population of 5,181, which was estimated by Districts using the latest ABS ERP release (June 2025) plus an additional 711 validated new addresses post-Census. This population size results in a density of 119 persons per square kilometer, offering plenty of space per resident and capacity for future expansion. Huntly's 45.4% expansion rate since the 2021 census outpaced the SA3 area (3.9%) and the SA4 region, positioning it as a regional growth leader. Population expansion was mostly driven by natural increase, which accounted for roughly of the overall gains lately, though other factors like interstate and overseas migration also contributed positively.

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Huntly has a skilled labor pool with strong representation in key service sectors, an unemployment rate of only 2.8%, and an estimated job growth rate of 7.5% over the past year, according to Districts' aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, there are 2,840 employed residents, with the unemployment rate sitting 0.8% below the Regional Vic. average of 3.7%, and workforce participation significantly higher than normal (75.5% versus Regional Vic.'s 61.1%). Census data shows that a minor 13.2% of residents worked from home, although the influence of Covid-19 restrictions should be kept in mind.

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According to the latest postcode-level ATO data released by Districts for financial year 2023, the suburb of Huntly's taxpayers have a median income of $57,744 and an average of $70,771. This is above the national average, and compares to a median of $50,954 and an average of $62,728 in Regional Vic. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current figures are estimated at approximately $63,299 (median) and $77,579 (average) as of March 2026. Census findings place household, family, and personal incomes in Huntly around the 61st percentile nationally. The largest income category consists of the 43.8% of taxpayers earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (2,282 residents), which is consistent with the broader region where this group makes up 30.3% of the total. After housing costs, residents retain of their income for other expenses, and the suburb sits in the th decile for the SEIFA income index.

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The housing stock in Huntly at the latest Census consisted of 100.0% houses and natural language zero other dwellings (such as semi-detached homes, apartments, or alternative options), compared to Regional Vic.'s breakdown of 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the home ownership rate in Huntly trailed the Regional Vic. average, sitting at 24.4%, with the remaining properties occupied by mortgage holders (54.4%) or tenants (21.2%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was higher than the Regional Vic. average at $1,517, while the median weekly rent was recorded at $360, compared to Regional Vic. averages of $1,430 and $285 respectively. On a national level, Huntly's mortgage payments are notably below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are also lower than the national figure of $375.

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Families make up the vast majority of households at 81.5%, consisting of 39.4% couples with children, 27.8% couples without children, and 13.4% single parents. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 18.5%, with single-person households at 16.2% and group housing making up 2.1% of the total. The median household size is 2.9 individuals, which is larger than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.

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The suburb displays lower rates of higher education, with university qualification rates (18.7%) falling well short of the VIC state average of 33.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opening for targeted educational programs. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.2%, followed by graduate diplomas (3.4%) and postgraduate credentials (2.1%). Vocational and technical training is highly prevalent, with 43.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational qualifications, split between advanced diplomas (10.4%) and certificates (33.2%).

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Public transport data shows 21 active stops situated within Huntly. These stops are served by 3 unique routes, which run a total of 427 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is rated as good, with residents living an average of 393 meters from the nearest stop. Since it is primarily a residential suburb, most workers commute out of the area, and cars remain the primary mode of travel for 96% of commuters. Households own an average of 1.9 vehicles, which is above the regional average. A relatively low 13.2% of residents work from home (based on 2021 Census data, which may reflect pandemic-related conditions).

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Huntly experiences notable health challenges, based on Districts' evaluation of mortality statistics and the prevalence of chronic illnesses, with common ailments present across both younger and older demographics. The rate of private health insurance is relatively high, covering about 55% of the total population (~2,855 people), compared to 50.5% throughout Regional Vic.

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Huntly displays lower levels of cultural diversity, with citizens making up 90.3% of the population, 92.6% born in Australia, and 93.9% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 40.7% of residents. However, the most notable overrepresentation is in the Other category, which accounts for 0.7% of the population, compared to 0.8% across Regional Vic.

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The median age of 32 years in Huntly is considerably lower than the Regional Vic. average of 43, and also well below the national median of 38. Compared to Regional Vic., Huntly has a higher share of residents aged 25 - 34 (17.7%) but fewer people aged 75 - 84 (2.5%). Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age cohort has increased from 14.6% to 15.9% of the population, while the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 10.4% to 9.0%. By 2041, Huntly's age structure is set to undergo significant changes, led by the 25 to 34 group which is projected to grow by ( people), rising from to .

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Huntly currently has an estimated 479 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 249 children aged 0-2 and 166 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 41% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 83% by 2041 (to approximately 875 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 627. Recent growth has been driven by high birth rates observed in the area, with approximately 15.1 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.