St Arnaud (Vic.)

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Based on evaluation of ABS demographic updates for the surrounding region and subsequent address validations by Districts since the Census, the suburb of St Arnaud has an estimated population of 2,234 in May 2026. This represents a contraction of 84 individuals (3.6%) from the 2021 Census, which documented 2,318 residents. This shift is calculated from the 2,234 inhabitant figure determined by Districts using the ABS June 2025 release of ERP statistics combined with 4 validated new addresses added post-Census. Such a population size results in a density of 32 persons per square kilometer, which ensures a spacious living environment. The -3.6% decline recorded since the census is within 2.0 percentage points of the broader SA3 region's rate of -1.6%, showing comparable population pressures. Gains in the local population were mostly fueled by overseas migration, which made up roughly 89.0% of the overall population growth during recent times.

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The workforce in the suburb of St Arnaud is evenly split between white-collar and blue-collar occupations, with a solid presence in essential service industries and an unemployment rate sitting at just 2.4%, according to aggregated district data. In March 2026, there were 979 employed residents, and the local unemployment rate was 1.3% below the Regional Vic. average of 3.7%, though participation in the labor force is much lower at 51.9% compared to 61.1% across Regional Vic. Census data reveals that a minimal 4.1% of the workforce operated from home, though this figure may have been influenced by COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

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According to the latest postcode-level ATO data released for the 2023 financial year, taxpayers in the suburb of St Arnaud earn a median income of $40,429 and an average income of $48,282. These figures are below national benchmarks, and compare to a median of $50,954 and average of $62,728 in Regional Vic. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since the 2023 financial year, current estimated values would be roughly $44,318 for the median and $52,927 for the average as of March 2026. The 2021 Census indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in the suburb of St Arnaud are positioned between the 1st and 7th percentiles nationwide. In terms of distribution, the largest cohort accounts for 35.5% of local taxpayers (793 people) earning between $400 - differing from the wider region where of earners fall into the - bracket. With of residents earning under /week, lower-income households are highly prevalent, indicating tight family budgets. Even though living costs are low, leaving residents with of their income, total disposable income sits at the th percentile nationally.

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Residential structures in the suburb of St Arnaud at the time of the latest Census consisted of 94.4% standalone houses and 5.6% alternative dwellings like apartments or semi-detached homes, compared to 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings across Regional Vic. Outright home ownership in the suburb of St Arnaud was notably high at 50.6%, with mortgaged homes making up 28.6% and rented properties accounting for 20.8%. The median monthly mortgage payment of $867 was much lower than the Regional Vic. average, while the median weekly rent was $188, compared to regional averages of $1,430 and $285 respectively. On a national level, housing costs in the suburb of St Arnaud are highly affordable, with median mortgages well below the Australian average of $1,863 and median rents substantially lower than the national figure of $375.

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Families make up the majority of households at 55.3%, consisting of couples without children at 26.8%, couples with children at 17.6%, and single parent households at 9.7%. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 44.7% of homes, dominated by single-person households at 42.5% and group households at 2.2%. The median household size of 2.0 people is smaller than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.

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Attainment levels in the area show distinct educational challenges, as university graduation rates stand at 12.4%, which is far below the VIC average of 33.4%. This highlights both a deficit and an opening for focused educational programs. Among degree holders, bachelor degrees are most common at 9.1%, followed by graduate diplomas at 2.1% and postgraduate degrees at 1.2%. Vocational and technical skills are highly prominent, with 37.7% of residents aged 15+ holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas at 9.1% and certificates at 28.6%.

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Analysis of transit options indicates there are 3 active public transport stops in the suburb of St Arnaud. These stops are connected to 3 separate routes, which provide a combined total of 23 passenger journeys per week. Local transit access is classified as limited, with the average distance to a stop being 705 meters. Because it is a residential area, most workers commute out of the suburb, with private vehicles being the primary mode of travel at 87%, followed by walking at 10%. Household vehicle ownership stands at an average of 1.4 cars. A small portion of residents, 4.1%, worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect the influence of COVID-19 pandemic conditions.

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Evaluations of mortality rates and chronic illness patterns by Districts highlight significant health challenges in the suburb of St Arnaud, with common medical conditions visible across both younger and older demographics. Furthermore, the rate of private health insurance is particularly low, covering only about 46% of the population (~1,028 people), compared to 50.5% in Regional Vic. and a national average of 55.7%.

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The suburb of St Arnaud exhibits lower cultural diversity metrics than average, with citizens making up 90.7% of the population, 93.1% born in Australia, and 97.3% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, followed by 58.3% of residents, compared to 47.3% across Regional Vic.

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The median age in the suburb of St Arnaud is 51 years, which is older than the Regional Vic. median of 43 and the Australian median of 38. The 75 - 84 age bracket is highly represented locally at 12.1%, compared to regional averages, whereas 35 - 44 year-olds are underrepresented at 9.7%. This local concentration of residents aged 75 - 84 is far higher than the national figure of 6.1%. Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 35 to 44 has risen from 7.7% to 9.7%, while the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 12.4% to 10.2%. Significant shifts in age structure are projected by led by a increase in the to cohort (adding people to reach from ), while the to and to cohorts are expected to decrease in size.

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St Arnaud currently has an estimated 125 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 79 children aged 0-2 and 52 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 13% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 14% by 2041 (to approximately 142 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 184. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 11.4 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area within the middle tier nationally.