Stawell (Vic.)

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Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by Districts since the Census the suburb of Stawell has an estimated population of approximately 6,194 as of May 2026. This represents a reduction of 26 people (0.4%) compared to the 6,220 people recorded in the 2021 Census. This adjustment is derived from the resident population of 6,189 estimated by Districts following analysis of the latest ABS ERP release (June 2025) and an additional 62 validated new addresses since the Census. This population corresponds to a density of 66 persons per square kilometer, which indicates substantial space per resident and capacity for prospective development. Although the suburb of Stawell registered a 0.4% contraction since the 2021 census, its performance was stronger than the wider SA3 area (-1.6%). Inward overseas migration was the primary driver of population gains, serving as almost the sole source of growth in recent periods.

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The workforce of the suburb of Stawell is balanced between white and blue collar occupations, with a strong representation in essential services and an unemployment rate of only 2.6% according to aggregated statistical area data from Districts. As of March 2026, there are 2,903 employed residents, and the unemployment rate sits 1.1% lower than the Regional Vic. average of 3.7%. However, workforce participation is notably lower at 55.9% compared to the regional figure of 61.1%. Census records show that a low 8.4% of residents worked from home, though this figure may have been influenced by COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

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Based on the latest postcode-level ATO data released by Districts for the 2023 financial year, taxpayers in the suburb of Stawell earn a median income of $43,922 and an average income of $52,559. These levels are below the national averages, and compare to a median of $50,954 and an average of $62,728 across Regional Vic. Adjusted for a 9.62% increase in the Wage Price Index since the 2023 financial year, current estimates as of March 2026 would be roughly $48,147 for the median and $57,615 for the average. Data from the 2021 Census shows that household, family, and individual incomes in the suburb of Stawell all rank between the 8th and 20th percentiles nationally. Income distribution is dominated by the $800 - 1,499 bracket, which accounts for 27.4% of residents ( people), in contrast to metropolitan regions where the - range is largest at . Although living costs are low, with residents keeping of their income, total disposable income sits in the th percentile nationally.

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At the time of the latest Census, the housing stock in the suburb of Stawell was comprised of 90.2% standalone houses and 9.8% alternative dwellings, such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and other formats, compared to 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings in Regional Vic. Outright home ownership in the suburb of Stawell was significantly higher than the regional average, standing at 46.2%, while the remaining properties were either under mortgage (28.1%) or occupied by renters (25.8%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $973 was far below the Regional Vic. average of $1,430, and the median weekly rent was $210 compared to the regional figure of $285. On a national level, mortgage repayments in the suburb of Stawell are much lower than the Australian median of $1,863, and weekly rents are well below the national median of $375.

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Families make up the majority of households at 61.1%, consisting of couples with children at 19.8%, couples without children at 30.2%, and single-parent households at 9.8%. The remaining 38.9% are non-family households, which include single-person households at 35.4% and group shared housing at 3.4%. The median household size is 2.2 individuals, which is smaller than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.

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Educational attainment in the area shows areas for improvement, with university graduation rates at 14.9%, which is considerably lower than the Victorian average of 33.4%. This represents both a difficulty and an opportunity for focused educational programs. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 10.6%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 2.3% and graduate diplomas at 2.0%. Vocational and technical training is prominent, with 38.7% of residents aged 15 and over holding qualification credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas at 10.1% and certificate qualifications at 28.6%.

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Analysis of transit options shows 56 active public transport stops within the suburb of Stawell. These facilities are served by 8 separate routes, which combine to deliver 214 weekly passenger journeys. Access is rated as excellent, with residents living an average of 195 meters from their nearest stop. Commuting patterns reflect the residential nature of the area, with most workers traveling outward; cars remain the dominant mode of travel at 91%, while 6% of commuters walk. Average vehicle ownership stands at 1.4 per household. A low 8.4% of residents worked from home according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by pandemic conditions.

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Health outcomes present challenges for the suburb of Stawell based on Districts assessments of mortality and chronic disease rates, with a high incidence of common conditions noted across youth and older cohorts. Private health insurance coverage is low, with approximately 48% of residents (~2,954 people) holding policies, compared to 50.5% across Regional Vic. and a national average of 55.7%.

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The suburb of Stawell shows lower levels of cultural diversity than average, with citizens making up 85.5% of the population, 87.9% of residents born in Australia, and 91.5% using only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 46.3% of the community. The most notable statistical overrepresentation is in the Other category, which accounts for 0.8% of residents, matching the 0.8% average for Regional Vic.

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With a median age of 46, the suburb of Stawell has an older population profile than Regional Vic. at 43 and the national average of 38. The 25 - 34 age group is well represented at 13.5% relative to Regional Vic., while the 45 - 54 bracket is less common at 9.6%. Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 cohort has expanded from 9.5% to 11.5% of the population, and the 75 to 84 cohort has grown from 8.3% to 10.1%. In contrast, the proportion of residents aged 45 to 54 declined from 11.5% to 9.6%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate shifts in the local age structure, led by a increase in the to cohort (growing by people from to ), while the to and to cohorts are projected to contract.

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Stawell currently has an estimated 297 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 165 children aged 0-2 and 110 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 6% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 20% by 2041 (to approximately 355 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 504. Birth rates in the area have averaged 10.4 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a moderate rate (within the middle tier nationally).