Sebastopol (Vic.)

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According to ABS population updates evaluated for the surrounding region alongside validated addresses tracked by Districts since the Census, the estimated population of the suburb of Sebastopol (Vic.) reached approximately 10,423 in May 2026. This represents an expansion of 229 people (2.2%) compared to the 2021 Census, which documented 10,194 residents. This adjustment is calculated from a resident population of 10,394 estimated by Districts using the ABS June 2025 ERP release, combined with 333 validated new addresses confirmed since the Census. Consequently, the local density stands at 1,223 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the typical ratio recorded across locations nationally monitored by Districts. The suburb of Sebastopol (Vic.) recorded a post-census expansion of 2.2%, placing it within 2.1 percentage points of the Rest of Vic. (4.3%) and showing sound growth dynamics. Overseas migration was the primary driver of this growth, accounting for approximately 84.0% of the overall population increases in recent times.

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Data aggregated by Districts from local statistical units indicates that Sebastopol has a balanced labor force distributed across white-collar and blue-collar roles, with a solid representation of essential service industries, and an unemployment rate of 8.0%. In March 2026, there were 4,584 employed residents, while the local unemployment rate sat 4.3% higher than the Regional Vic. average of 3.7%, pointing to capacity for labor market improvement. Workforce participation is somewhat low, measuring 56.9% compared to 61.1% in Regional Vic. According to the Census, a modest 9.9% of residents worked from home, although this figure should be interpreted in the context of pandemic restrictions.

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Based on ATO postcode data aggregated by Districts for the financial year 2023, tax-paying residents of Sebastopol recorded a median income of $45,765 and an average income of $52,958. These figures sit below national averages and compare with regional averages of $50,954 (median) and $62,728 (average) across Regional Vic. Adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since the financial year 2023, March 2026 income estimates are positioned at roughly $50,168 for the median and $58,053 for the average. Census data from 2021 ranks Sebastopol's household, family, and personal incomes between the 3rd and 12th percentiles on a national basis. In terms of earnings distribution, the largest segment contains 31.5% of local taxpayers (3,283 people) who earn in the $400 - range, contrasting with the wider region where the - cohort is largest at . Housing affordability represents a severe challenge, with only of income remaining after housing costs, placing the area in the th percentile.

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At the time of the last Census, the housing mix in Sebastopol consisted of 72.9% detached houses and 27.2% other housing types, including semi-detached options, apartments, and alternative structures. This compares to Regional Vic., where houses represented 90.1% of dwellings and other options made up 9.9%. Home ownership rates in Sebastopol lagged the region at 29.7%, with the remaining properties being held with a mortgage (28.4%) or occupied by tenants (41.9%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,133 was lower than the Regional Vic. average of $1,430, while the median weekly rent stood at $270 compared to $285 regionally. On a national level, Sebastopol's housing costs are low, with mortgage payments well below the Australian average of $1,863 and rent levels significantly under the national figure of $375.

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Families make up the majority of households at 58.0%, consisting of couples with children (17.5%), couples without children (22.4%), and single-parent households (16.9%). Non-family households represent the remaining 42.0%, with single-person households accounting for 38.1% and group living situations representing 4.0% of the total. The median household occupancy of 2.1 persons is smaller than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.

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Educational attainment levels present a clear area for development, with university graduation rates of 13.9% sitting substantially lower than the Victorian average of 33.4%. This gap outlines opportunities for targeted educational programs. Bachelor degrees are the most common tertiary qualification at 9.9%, with postgraduate degrees at 2.2% and graduate diplomas at 1.8%. Vocational and technical training is highly prevalent, with 38.7% of residents aged 15+ holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (9.3%) and certificates (29.4%).

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An analysis of public transport networks shows 41 active stops within Sebastopol. These stops are served by 4 unique routes, which combine to offer 778 weekly passenger journeys. Transport access is rated as positive, with residents living an average of 215 meters from the nearest stop. Due to the residential nature of the area, the vast majority of workers commute to external areas, with private vehicles remaining the primary transport mode at 94%. Average vehicle ownership is 1.1 cars per household, below the regional standard. A relatively small 9.9% of residents work from home according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-era conditions.

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Evaluation of mortality and chronic illness rates by Districts points to notable health issues in Sebastopol, with diverse health conditions affecting both younger and older residents. The proportion of residents with private health insurance is low at approximately 48% of the population (~4,987 people), which compares to 50.5% in Regional Vic. and a national average of 55.7%.

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Sebastopol exhibits low cultural diversity relative to broader averages, with citizens making up 89.1% of the population, 89.3% of residents born in Australia, and 94.3% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the primary religious affiliation, representing 42.4% of residents. The most distinct statistical anomaly is in the Other category, which represents 1.2% of the population compared to 0.8% across Regional Vic.

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The median age in Sebastopol is 38, which is lower than the Regional Vic. average of 43 but matches the national average of 38. The 25 - 34 age bracket has strong representation at 18.0% compared to Regional Vic., whereas the 55 - 64 cohort is smaller at 10.1%. Since the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group expanded from 15.1% to 18.0% of the population. By contrast, the 55 to 64 group decreased from 11.7% to 10.1%, and the 5 to 14 age group fell from 11.3% to 10.1%. Demographic projections suggest the age structure of Sebastopol will experience changes by led by the to cohort which is expected to expand by ( people), growing from to . The to group is projected to show flat growth at , adding only residents.

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Sebastopol currently has an estimated 614 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 348 children aged 0-2 and 232 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 8% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 45% by 2041 (to approximately 893 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 800. Recent growth has been driven by high birth rates observed in the area, with approximately 12.0 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the top 30% of areas assessed nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.