Stratford (Vic.)

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Stratford (Vic.) has a population estimated at approximately 3,154 as of May 2026, according to recent address records validated by Districts since the Census and ABS population updates. Compared to the 2021 Census, which recorded 2,980 residents, this represents a growth of 174 people (5.8%). The estimate draws on a resident population of 3,142 calculated by Districts using the ABS June 2025 ERP data release, combined with an additional 91 validated new addresses identified since the Census. The density of the suburb of Stratford (Vic.) stands at 20 persons per square kilometer, indicating plenty of personal space. The growth rate of 5.8% for the suburb of Stratford (Vic.) since the 2021 census outpaced both the Rest of Vic. and the broader SA3 area (2.4%), making it a regional growth leader. The primary driver of these population gains was interstate migration, which accounted for roughly 53.0% of the growth, though overseas migration and natural increase also made positive contributions.

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The local workforce displays a balanced mix of professional and trade occupations, alongside solid representation in essential services, an unemployment rate of 2.1%, and an estimated 4.0% rise in employment over the previous year. Statistics from March 2026 show 1,522 residents employed. The unemployment rate is 1.6 percentage points lower than the 3.7% recorded across Regional Vic., while participation in the labor force aligns closely with the regional rate of 61.1%. Census records show that a modest 12.1% of working residents operated from home, though this figure was likely influenced by pandemic containment measures.

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Taxpayer data from the ATO for the 2023 financial year shows Stratford residents have a median income of $50,045 and an average income of $60,898. These figures sit below the national average and are lower than the Regional Vic. median of $50,954 and average of $62,728. Factoring in a Wage Price Index increase of 9.62% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates for March 2026 are approximately $54,859 for median income and $66,756 for average income. In the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in the area were modest, falling between the 30th and 32nd percentiles. The most common income bracket is $1,500 - 2,999, containing 33.3% of the community (1,050 people), which aligns with the regional trend where fall into this bracket. Residents retain of their income after housing costs, indicating manageable living expenses, though disposable income is below average at the th percentile and the SEIFA index places the area in the th decile for income.

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At the time of the latest Census, the housing stock in Stratford consisted of 96.6% houses and 3.4% other dwelling types like apartments and semi-detached properties, compared to Regional Vic. where houses made up 90.1% and other options accounted for 9.9%. Home ownership rates in Stratford matched the Regional Vic. level of 41.1%, while mortgaged properties accounted for 45.9% and rental properties made up 13.0% of homes. The median monthly mortgage payment was $1,308, which is lower than the Regional Vic. average of $1,430. The median weekly rent was $290, slightly above the Regional Vic. average of $285. On a national level, mortgage costs in Stratford are much lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are also well below the national median of $375.

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Families make up 73.2% of all households, consisting of couples without children at 33.7%, couples with children at 30.6%, and single parent households at 7.7%. Non-family households account for 26.8% of the total, with single person households representing 25.1% and group houses making up 1.8%. The median household size is 2.5 individuals, which is slightly higher than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.

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Tertiary educational attainment in the area is low, with university graduation rates at 14.8%, which is well below the VIC average of 33.4%. This presents an opportunity for targeted educational support. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 10.6%, followed by graduate diplomas at 2.5% and postgraduate qualifications at 1.7%. Technical and vocational credentials are common, with 45.7% of residents aged 15+ holding qualifications, including advanced diplomas at 11.3% and certificates at 34.4%.

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Public transport services in Stratford include 7 active stops, which are train stations. These stops are served by 5 distinct routes that provide 51 weekly passenger journeys. Transport access is classified as limited, with residents living an average of 868 meters from their closest stop. The suburb is predominantly residential, meaning the majority of workers travel outside the area for employment, with private cars being the primary mode of travel for 96% of commuters. Household car ownership averages 1.9 vehicles, which is higher than the regional average. A relatively low 12.1% of residents worked from home according to the 2021 Census, a figure that may reflect pandemic conditions.

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Health indicators for the local population are generally positive. Analysis of mortality rates and chronic conditions by Districts shows outcomes that align with national averages, showing typical rates of health conditions across both older and younger demographics. The proportion of residents with private health insurance is relatively low, standing at approximately 51% of the population, which represents about 1,606 people.

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Cultural diversity metrics show the area is below average, with Australian-born residents making up 91.7% of the population, citizens representing 93.4%, and English-only speakers at home accounting for 98.0%. Christianity is the largest religious group, representing 44.9% of the population. The most distinct statistical variation is in Judaism, which represents none of the population, compared to 0.1% across Regional Vic.

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The median age of residents is 38, which is lower than the Regional Vic. median of 43 and equal to the national median of 38. The 25 - 34 age bracket is highly represented at 13.4% compared to Regional Vic., while the 55 - 64 bracket is less common at 10.8%. Since the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age bracket grew from 11.1% to 12.2%, and the 75 to 84 bracket increased from 5.5% to 6.6%. Meanwhile, the 55 to 64 bracket fell from 12.8% to 10.8%. Projections suggest Stratford's age profile will change by 2041, led by the to age group which is forecast to grow by ( people), rising from to . The - cohort is projected to grow by , adding residents.

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Stratford currently has an estimated 223 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 109 children aged 0-2 and 72 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 14% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 36% by 2041 (to approximately 303 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 314. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 11.8 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.