suburb.guide

VIC · East Gippsland Council

Bairnsdale, 3875

Est. population · Jun 2025

8,372

Growth (1 yr)

+1.2%

Growth (5 yr)

+2.3%

Median age

44

Median income

$1,101/wk

Employment rate

48.7%

Median house price · 4th Quarter 2025

$485,000

Languages at home

6.9%non-English

Most common: Italian, Vietnamese, Tagalog

2021 Census · usual residence

Desirability score

46.1/100
Average

Top 44% of Victoria's suburbs

Verified 100% confidence

How this score is calculated
  • Green suburb
  • National parks
  • Excellent transport
  • Education hub
  • Heritage area
What Bairnsdale is known for: Green suburb, National parks, Excellent transport, Education hub, Heritage area

Suburb profile

In East Gippsland Council, Bairnsdale keeps a rural calm, a mid-sized suburb with room to breathe and a strong local rhythm. The area suits established families and long-term locals, with family life visible on every street. There is a dense cluster of schools and early-learning options nearby.

Life here is grounded in local routine rather than big-city choice. Green space punches above what many regional towns offer, with parks and playgrounds woven through the suburb. Buses are a genuine asset, linking residents to work, study and nearby neighbourhoods.

Homes are relatively cheap compared with the wider market, which keeps entry costs lower. A busy pipeline of new development is gradually changing the look and feel of the streets.

The desirability picture is around average, weighed down by softer local dining and lifestyle amenities, plus community and employment relative to similar regional towns. Limited access to some essential local services also trimmed the result.

At a glance

Bairnsdale snapshot

A quick read of housing, growth, livability, and risk

Median house price

$485k

+3.2% change

Median rent

$460/wk

Population (ERP)

8,372

+1.2% annual growth

Dwelling vacancy

10.3%

Census unoccupied dwellings

Livability profile

Desirability pillars vs the peer median (50th percentile)

How it compares

Relative standing using percentiles, ranks, and national deciles

Desirability

#40

among Country & regional · Established

Safety

95th

percentile in state (higher = safer)

Pop. growth

75th

percentile in VIC

Advantage (IRSAD)

2/10

national SEIFA decile

School ICSEA

39th

percentile among schools with ICSEA

Population growth

Recent ERP change over 1 and 5 years

Housing mix

Dwelling types from the 2021 Census

Risks & flags

Quick scan — open a section below for full context

Living here

Desirability

Ranks & confidence
Desirability score
46.1/100 — Average
State standing
Top 44% of Victoria's suburbs
National rank
2723rd in Australia
State rank
555th in VIC
Peer rank
#40 among Country & regional · Established suburbs
Cohort rank
#161 among Country & regional suburbs
Data confidence
100%

Data sources & freshness

  • Suburb Guide desirability index — Suburb Guide (derived) · current · Updated

Housing

All types (Sep 2025)
$460
Median house price (4th Quarter 2025)
$485,000
Median price change
+3.2%

Median weekly rent from Victorian government rent reports. Council median fallback may apply where suburb rent is unavailable.

Contributes to desirability score · Housing (15%) · Future Growth (7%)

Median price, rental yield and vacancy Recent price momentum

Data sources & freshness

Population

Estimated resident population

8,372(June 2025)

+1.2% annual · +2.3% over 5 years · 75th percentile in VIC

Growth figures & methodology
Annual growth
+1.2%
5-year growth
+2.3%
Change in 1 year
+101
Change in 5 years
+186
Growth rank in VIC
75th percentile

ABS Estimated Resident Population allocated to this suburb from SA2-level data. Not an official ABS suburb count.

Methodology

Figures are allocated from ABS Estimated Resident Population at Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2), using 2021 Census share within overlapping SA2 regions. Where Census data is unavailable, area overlap is used instead.

The dashed chart line is a simple growth-trend estimate to June 2030 (~8,900), extrapolated at +1.2% average annual growth since 2011. It is illustrative only — not an official ABS forecast.

2021 Census figures

2021 Census

Population
7,905
Median age
44
Median household income / week
$1,101
Dwelling vacancy
10.3%
Unoccupied private dwellings
380 of 3,682
Median monthly mortgage
$1,192
Employment rate
48.7%
Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
2,781 / 476 / 28 (+ 17 other)

Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)

Employment, household income and age diversity (2021 Census)

Data sources & freshness

  • 2021 Census — General Community Profile — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Updated

    The 2026 Census runs in August 2026; suburb-level updates are expected from mid-2027.

  • Estimated Resident Population — Australian Bureau of Statistics · 2025 · Updated · SA2 ERP allocated to suburb boundaries

Community & culture

No 2021 Census cultural diversity data for this suburb yet.

Data sources & freshness

  • 2021 Census — General Community Profile — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Updated

    The 2026 Census runs in August 2026; suburb-level updates are expected from mid-2027.

Crime & safety

Reported offences increased compared with the previous period.

Offence counts & rates
Total offences (2026)
2,437
Against the person
461
Against property
916
Rate per 1,000 residents
291.1
Person-crime prevalence
About 1 in 17 residents
State safety percentile
94.8th (lower crime is better)
Increase (daily rate)
+1.9%

Most common offence types

  • B21 Criminal Damage191
  • B43 Steal From A Retail Store205
  • C32 Drug Possession159
  • E21 Breach Family Violence Order334
  • E23 Breach Bail Conditions156

Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)

Crime rate and year-on-year trend

Data sources & freshness

Family & Lifestyle

Schools & preschools

Schools within 2 km
8
Median school ICSEA (8 schools)
982.5
Median ICSEA percentile
39th
School list
  • Bairnsdale Christian CollegeCombined · Independent · ICSEA 1010 · 51th percentile · LBOTE 15% · 82 students · Top SEA quarter 10%View on My School →
  • Bairnsdale Primary SchoolPrimary · Government · ICSEA 892 · 9th percentile · LBOTE 9% · 260 students · Top SEA quarter 5%View on My School →
  • Bairnsdale Secondary CollegeSecondary · Government · ICSEA 955 · 27th percentile · LBOTE 5% · 1,213 students · Top SEA quarter 7%View on My School →
  • Bairnsdale West Primary SchoolPrimary · Government · ICSEA 913 · 13th percentile · LBOTE 8% · 328 students · Top SEA quarter 5%View on My School →
  • East Gippsland Specialist SchoolSpecial · Government · ICSEA 857 · 5th percentile · LBOTE 7% · 95 students · Top SEA quarter 1%View on My School →
  • Nagle CollegeSecondary · Catholic · ICSEA 1018 · 55th percentile · LBOTE 4% · 803 students · Top SEA quarter 10%View on My School →
  • St Mary's SchoolPrimary · Catholic · ICSEA 1024 · 58th percentile · LBOTE 3% · 473 students · Top SEA quarter 13%View on My School →
  • Wild Cherry SchoolPrimary · Independent · ICSEA 1053 · 69th percentile · LBOTE 10% · 43 students · Top SEA quarter 26%View on My School →

Contributes to desirability score · Education (15%)

School and preschool counts, median school ICSEA

Data sources & freshness

Childcare

1 childcare service from OpenStreetMap

  • Westdale Kinderkindergarten

Contributes to desirability score · Education (15%)

Childcare centre count

Data sources & freshness

  • Childcare services — OpenStreetMap · current · Updated

Public transport

33 public transport stops in this suburb

  • Bailey St/Princes Hwy
  • Bailey St/Princes Hwy
  • Bairnsdale Railway Station
  • Bairnsdale Railway Station/Macleod St
  • Bairnsdale Station

Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)

Public transport stop coverage

Data sources & freshness

Amenities

No OpenStreetMap amenities mapped for this suburb yet.

Contributes to desirability score · Lifestyle (15%)

Food, shopping, recreation and sport (OpenStreetMap)

Data sources & freshness

  • Local amenity insights — Suburb Guide (derived) · current · Updated
  • OpenStreetMap amenities — OpenStreetMap contributors · current · Updated

Parks & reserves

6 parks and public open space in this suburb

  • City ParkPark
  • Dennison OvalPark
  • Harnham Drive ReservePark
  • Mitchell River water reserve Gippsland Lakes ReserveNature reserve
  • Park or reserveNature reserve
  • Rotary ParkPark

Data sources & freshness

Green cover

Parks & woodland (OSM)
12
Parks (OSM)
9

OpenStreetMap parks and natural woodland features mapped within the suburb boundary.

Contributes to desirability score · Environment (10%)

Parks and green cover (OpenStreetMap)

Data sources & freshness

Health access

Hospitals & GP clinics in suburb
6
Nearest hospital
Bairnsdale Regional Health Service (3.6 km)
Nearest hospital type
Hospital
Nearest hospital emergency
Emergency department
Emergency department in suburb
On site
  • Bairnsdale Medical GroupClinic
  • Bairnsdale Regional Health ServiceHospital
  • Chemist WarehousePharmacy
  • Gippsland Physiotherapy Group BairnsdaleNicholson StreetPhysiotherapist
  • TerryWhite ChemmartPharmacy
  • Your SpaceClinic

Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)

Hospitals and GP clinics

Data sources & freshness

NDIS participation

NDIS participants (31 March 2026)
398
Participants per 1,000 residents
47.5

Active NDIS participants allocated from NDIA Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2, ASGS 2016) counts to this suburb boundary. Not an official suburb-level NDIS figure · as at 31 March 2026.

For NDIS spend and service-demand exploration by SA2 or postcode, see the Care Sector Demand Map.

Data sources & freshness

Weather

Typical conditions by season for suburbs in the same ~44 km climate area. Rainfall totals are summed from monthly WorldClim layers; rainy-day counts are approximate.

Summer (Dec–Feb)

Usual max / min
24° / 14°
Rainfall
187 mm · ~23 rainy days

Autumn (Mar–May)

Usual max / min
20° / 11°
Rainfall
190 mm · ~24 rainy days

Winter (Jun–Aug)

Usual max / min
15° / 6°
Rainfall
188 mm · ~24 rainy days

Spring (Sep–Nov)

Usual max / min
19° / 9°
Rainfall
218 mm · ~27 rainy days

Contributes to desirability score · Lifestyle (15%)

Temperature and humidity comfort

Data sources & freshness

  • Seasonal climate normals — WorldClim 2.1 · Updated

Future & Planning

Planning & development

Development applications from PPARS statewide register (lodged 2020–2022). Free public PPARS MapServer — applications through ~2022 (service last updated Feb 2024).

94 planning-related records

2021· 34 proposals

  • August 2021

  • Development of an industrial building and reduction to the standard car parking requirement
    3 CAMPBELLS DRIVE BAIRNSDALE 3875Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Buildings and works for a carport
    15 MCCULLOCH STREET BAIRNSDALE 3875Withdrawn
  • Construction of four light towers
    2 HOLLOWAY STREET BAIRNSDALE 3875Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Buildings and works (Alterations and additions to existing school buildings including new classrooms and associated site works)
    5 HOPE AVENUE BAIRNSDALE 3875Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Change of use to a Medical Centre, development of a business identification signage and reduction to the car parking requirement
    9 ROSS STREET BAIRNSDALE 3875Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Development of four double storey dwellings and four lot subdivision
    189 NICHOLSON STREET BAIRNSDALE 3875NOD issued by a delegate

  • July 2021

  • Buildings and works to an existing dwelling (verandah and carport) within a Heritage Overlay
    13 WARDE STREET BAIRNSDALE 3875Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Use and development of a dwelling in the rural living zone
    25 RACECOURSE ROAD BAIRNSDALE 3875Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Multi lot subdivision and roadworks
    70 BAIRNSDALE-DARGO ROAD BAIRNSDALE 3875Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Externally paint a heritage building (windows and doors)
    9 FRANCIS STREET BAIRNSDALE 3875Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • June 2021

  • Buildings and works for Industrial development, five lot industrial subdivision and reduction to the standard car parking requirement
    15 RAILWAY COURT BAIRNSDALE 3875Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Development of a warehouse with an ancillary office and reduction in the standard carparking requirement.
    66 FORGE CREEK ROAD BAIRNSDALE 3875Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Use and development of the land for a dwelling
    170 RACECOURSE ROAD BAIRNSDALE 3875Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construction and Display of Internally illuminated Business Identification and Pylon Signage
    457-461 MAIN STREET BAIRNSDALE 3875Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Buildings and works to an existing industrial premises
    41 BOSWORTH ROAD BAIRNSDALE 3875Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Buildings and works for an ancillary office to an existing utility depot
    107 RUPERT STREET BAIRNSDALE 3875Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Alterations and works associated with an existing heritage building
    9 FRANCIS STREET BAIRNSDALE 3875Withdrawn

  • May 2021

  • Demolition, buildings and works, redevelopment of a place of assembly (neighbourhood house), display of signs, and reduction of car parking to be provided
    27 DALMAHOY STREET BAIRNSDALE 3875NOD issued by a delegate

  • April 2021

  • Use and Development of land for Trade Supplies, Buildings and Works for Industry, Display of Signs, Removal of Native Vegetation, Reduction in Car Parking Requirement and Reduction in Bicycle Facilities
    108 FORGE CREEK ROAD BAIRNSDALE 3875Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construction of additions (carport) to the existing dwelling and construction of two double storey dwellings to the rear and a Three lot subdivision
    23 DAWSON STREET BAIRNSDALE 3875Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • External Painting of a Heritage Building (HO62)
    119 Main StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • March 2021

  • External Painting of a Heritage Building
    59 Main StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Development of a warehouse and reduction to the standard car parking requirement
    15 Collins StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Buildings and works (Alterations and additions to existing school buildings including new classrooms and associated site works)
    5 Hope AvenuePermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Buildings and works (Extension to an existing office building) and a reductions to the car parking requirement
    347 Main StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Building and works (extension to existing industrial buildings), reduction to the required number of carparking spaces
    15 BOSWORTH ROAD BAIRNSDALE 3875Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Extension to an existing restricted place of assembly
    6 FORGE CREEK ROAD BAIRNSDALE 3875Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construction of additions (carport) and alterations to the existing dwelling and construction of a single storey dwelling to the rear
    40 GOOLD STREET BAIRNSDALE 3875NOD issued by a delegate

  • February 2021

  • Demolition of a heritage dwelling
    98 Wallace StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Four lot subdivision
    35 PINNOCK STREET BAIRNSDALE 3875Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Two lot subdivision and construction of a new dwelling (on Lot 2) and carport (existing dwelling on Lot 1)
    46 MORONEY STREET BAIRNSDALE 3875Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Buildings and works for an outbuilding (domestic shed and carport) within a Heritage Overlay
    11 Warde StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • January 2021

  • Use and development of the land for an outbuilding (shed)
    85 Bengworden RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Use of land for restricted recreation facility (circus school)
    1/30 ROVAN PLACE BAIRNSDALE 3875Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
2020· 6 proposals

  • December 2020

  • Buildings and works for a second dwelling
    120 DREVERMANN STREET BAIRNSDALE 3875Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Buildings and works for the purpose of an industrial premise and a store and reduction to the standard car park requirement
    1 Radford PlacePermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Buildings and works for a shadesail
    26D Grant StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Nagle Catholic College - Removal of Native Vegetation, and building and works to refurbish and extend school facilities, car park and bus loop in a Residential Living Zone (RLZ1) and Environmental Significance Overlay (ESO2).
    HOPE AVENUE BAIRNSDALE 3875Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Buildings and works (demolition, additions and alterations to a heritage dwelling) within a Heritage Overlay
    40 Riley StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Buildings and works (storage building)
    3A Radford PlacePermit issued by a delegate of the RA

Contributes to desirability score · Future Growth (7%)

Development and planning activity

Data sources & freshness

Heritage

6 heritage places

  • BAIRNSDALE PUMPING STATIONNH2040
  • BAIRNSDALE PUMPING STATIONNH2040
  • COURT HOUSENH1462
  • FORMER BAIRNSDALE HOSPITALNH2310
  • FORMER BAIRNSDALE MECHANICS INSTITUTENH1284
  • ST MARYS CATHOLIC CHURCHNH2174

Data sources & freshness

  • State heritage register — State heritage authority · current · Updated

Hazards

Bushfire planning zone
No overlay at centroid

Bushfire overlay checked at suburb centroid via Victorian Bushfire Management Overlay mapping.

Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)

Bushfire hazard overlays

Data sources & freshness

  • Hazard planning overlays — State government hazard layers · current · Updated

Politics & representation

Federal electorate
Gippsland
Member of Parliament
Darren CHESTER (The Nationals)
Results from
2025 federal election
Electorate enrolment (2025)
118,075
Turnout (2025)
92.0%
Swing since 2022 (2025)
+1.2 pp toward Labor

Two-party preferred (2025)

Coalition 69.4%Labor 30.6%

Estimated suburb voting profile

Estimated from 8 nearby ordinary polling places (up to 13.0 km away).

Coalition 70.2%Labor 29.8%

0.9 percentage points more Coalition-leaning than the electorate

Estimated swing since 2022: +0.9 pp toward Labor

Nearest polling places

  • Bairnsdale WestLabor 34.7% · Coalition 65.3% TPP (2025)3.3 km away
  • BairnsdaleLabor 27.7% · Coalition 72.3% TPP (2025)4.0 km away
  • EastwoodLabor 28.6% · Coalition 71.4% TPP (2025)5.2 km away
  • LucknowLabor 22.3% · Coalition 77.7% TPP (2025)6.0 km away
  • EllaswoodLabor 22.1% · Coalition 77.9% TPP (2025)6.4 km away

Federal electorate from AEC federal division boundaries (2025 redistribution). Division-level results are official AEC figures from the latest general election, with by-election updates where applicable. The estimated suburb profile blends up to eight nearest ordinary polling booths in the same electorate using inverse-distance weighting from the suburb centroid — an approximation, not official AEC data. Nearest polling places are shown for reference.

Data sources & freshness

Socio-economic

IRSAD decile (2021)
2/10
IRSD decile (2021)
2/10

ABS Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA), 2021 release — the latest available, derived from the 2021 Census. Deciles rank suburbs nationally from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest).

What do IRSAD and IRSD measure?

IRSAD — Index of Relative Socio-economic Advantage and Disadvantage. Combines indicators of advantage (e.g. high income, skilled occupations) and disadvantage. Higher decile = more advantaged relative to other Australian areas.

IRSD — Index of Relative Socio-economic Disadvantage. Focuses on disadvantage only (e.g. low income, unemployment, limited education). Higher decile = less disadvantage nationally.

A new SEIFA edition typically follows each census; the ABS has not announced a release date beyond 2021.

Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)

Socio-economic advantage (IRSAD decile)

Data sources & freshness

Compare with

Similar suburbs to weigh up side by side — scores, safety, schools, and lifestyle.

More in East Gippsland Council

Other suburbs in the same local government area.

Comparable suburbs

Similar population and socio-economic profile in other parts of Victoria.