Median house price
—
No data available
VIC · Greater Bendigo Council
Big Hill, 3555
Est. population · Jun 2025
288
Growth (1 yr)
+0.3%
Growth (5 yr)
+2.5%
Median age
37
Median income
$1,771/wk
Employment rate
60.8%
Languages at home
4.5%non-English
Mostly English at home
2021 Census · usual residence
Desirability score
- Heritage area
- Education hub
- High desirability
Suburb profile
Big Hill offers a slower smaller community life in Greater Bendigo Council, with open surrounds and a close-knit community feel. Working households and growing families are the backbone of local life, with family life visible on every street. Life here is grounded in local routine rather than big-city choice.
With limited local amenities, residents regularly travel to a neighbouring town for shops, appointments and a wider choice. Open space is thinner than in many regional towns, so residents often travel a little further for a longer park day. Day-to-day life is more car-oriented here than in denser, more walkable pockets.
Housing is more affordable than in many parts of the state. This is a mature, settled pocket where the existing streetscape still defines the local character.
The desirability picture is below average, weighed down by softer local dining and lifestyle amenities, plus safety relative to similar regional towns. Limited access to some essential local services also trimmed the result.
At a glance
Big Hill snapshot
A quick read of housing, growth, livability, and risk
Median rent
$475/wk
Population (ERP)
288
+0.3% annual growth
Dwelling vacancy
3.2%
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
#116
among Country & regional · Established
Pop. growth
50th
percentile in VIC
Advantage (IRSAD)
3/10
national SEIFA decile
School ICSEA
38th
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
- 32.1/100 — Below average
- National rank
- 5219th in Australia
- State rank
- 1003rd in VIC
- Peer rank
- #116 among Country & regional · Established suburbs
- Cohort rank
- #510 among Country & regional suburbs
- Data confidence
- 58%
Data sources & freshness
- Suburb Guide desirability index — Suburb Guide (derived) · current · Updated
Housing
- All types (Sep 2025 (council median))
- $475
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
- DFFH rent report and Valuer-General property sales report — Department of Families, Fairness and Housing / Department of Transport and Planning (Victoria) · Sep 2025 (council median) · Updated · Quarterly releases; council median rent fallback where suburb rent unavailable
Population
Estimated resident population
288(June 2025)
+0.3% annual · +2.5% over 5 years · 50th percentile in VIC
Growth figures & methodology
- Annual growth
- +0.3%
- 5-year growth
- +2.5%
- Change in 1 year
- +1
- Change in 5 years
- +7
- Growth rank in VIC
- 50th 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 (~300), extrapolated at +1.0% average annual growth since 2011. It is illustrative only — not an official ABS forecast.
2021 Census figures
2021 Census
- Population
- 281
- Median age
- 37
- Median household income / week
- $1,771
- Dwelling vacancy
- 3.2%
- Unoccupied private dwellings
- 3 of 93
- Median monthly mortgage
- $1,656
- Employment rate
- 60.8%
- Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
- 82 / 0 / 0 (+ 3 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.
Family & Lifestyle
Schools & preschools
- Schools within 2 km
- 1
- Median school ICSEA
- 980
- Median ICSEA percentile
- 38th
School list
- Big Hill Primary SchoolPrimary · Government · ICSEA 980 · 38th percentile · LBOTE 5% · 221 students · Top SEA quarter 11% · 1.2 km awayView on My School →
Contributes to desirability score · Education (15%)
School and preschool counts, median school ICSEA
Data sources & freshness
- ACARA school locations — Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority · 2025 · Updated · Annual release
- School ICSEA scores — Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority · 2025 · Updated · Annual release
Amenities
7 nearby amenities within ~1.5 km
Local character & venue list
Local character
- Limited walkable amenities nearby
- Walkability proxy
- 0/100
- Cafés per 1,000 residents
- 0
- Food & drink per 1,000 residents
- 0
- Parks per 1,000 residents
- 0
Community(1)
- Big Hill Primary SchoolSchool
5644 Calder Highway
Sport & outdoors(1)
- No. 7 ParkPicnic area
Other(5)
- The PuddlerAttraction
- A-Line Holiday VillageCaravan Site
- Parking
- Public toilets
- Shelter
Names and addresses from OpenStreetMap. Unnamed venues show as their type (e.g. Cafe). Transport stops are summarised by type rather than listed individually.
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
Green cover
- Parks & woodland (OSM)
- 3
- Parks (OSM)
- 0
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
- OpenStreetMap green cover — OpenStreetMap contributors · current · Updated
Health access
- Nearest hospital
- Bendigo Day Surgery (8.6 km)
- Nearest hospital type
- Hospital
- Nearest hospital emergency
- Emergency department
Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)
Hospitals and GP clinics
Data sources & freshness
- Hospitals & clinics — OpenStreetMap + state health datasets · current · Updated
NDIS participation
- NDIS participants (31 March 2026)
- 15
- Participants per 1,000 residents
- 52.1
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
- NDIS participants by SA2 — National Disability Insurance Agency · 2026-Q1 · Updated · Quarterly SA2 counts allocated to suburb boundaries
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
- 27° / 12°
- Rainfall
- 115 mm · ~14 rainy days
Autumn (Mar–May)
- Usual max / min
- 21° / 8°
- Rainfall
- 133 mm · ~17 rainy days
Winter (Jun–Aug)
- Usual max / min
- 13° / 4°
- Rainfall
- 180 mm · ~22 rainy days
Spring (Sep–Nov)
- Usual max / min
- 19° / 7°
- Rainfall
- 172 mm · ~22 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).
9 planning-related records
2021· 5 proposals
July 2021
- Construction of a Dwelling (Amended plans to allow for revised setback)38 MCINNES STREET BIG HILL 3555Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
May 2021
- Construction of a Dwelling38 McInnes StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
April 2021
- Construction of a Dwelling21 Prospectors WayPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Construction of a dwelling31 McInnes StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
January 2021
- Construction of a dwelling33 McInnes StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
2020· 4 proposals
November 2020
- Construction of a dwelling5624A Calder HighwayPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
October 2020
- Construction of shed, access track, culvert crossing and associated earthworks27 Tuckermans LanePermit issued by a delegate of the RA
August 2020
- Use and development of a dwelling27 Tuckermans LaneNOD issued by a delegate
February 2020
- 7 Lot subdivision and removal of native vegetation (Amendment to planning permit for removal of Condition 4, Public Open Space Condition and amendment to plans)2-6 McInnes StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
Contributes to desirability score · Future Growth (7%)
Development and planning activity
Data sources & freshness
- PPARS planning permit activity (statewide) — Department of Transport and Planning (Victoria) · 2020–2022 · Updated · MapServer through FY 2022–23; newer data needs council/API access
Roadworks & transport
21 active roadworks / incidents
- Maintenance Works activities occurring between 30/06/2026 and 30/06/2027 during the following times: Weekdays 12:00 AM to 12:00 AM, Weekends 12:00 AM to 12:00 AM. Note that changed conditions may also be in place during 12:00 AM to 12:00 AM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed multiple directions. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be Greater than 10 min.CALDER HIGHWAY, MCINNES STREET29 Jun 2026 – 29 Jun 2027
- Maintenance Works activities occurring between 30/06/2026 and 30/06/2027 during the following times: Weekdays 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Weekends 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be Greater than 10 min.CALDER HIGHWAY, TUCKERMANS LANE29 Jun 2026 – 29 Jun 2027
- Maintenance Works activities occurring between 30/06/2026 and 30/06/2027 during the following times: Weekdays 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Weekends 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed both directions. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be Greater than 10 min.CALDER HIGHWAY, UNNAMED29 Jun 2026 – 29 Jun 2027
- Maintenance Works activities occurring between 30/06/2026 and 30/06/2027 during the following times: Weekdays 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Weekends 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed both directions. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be Greater than 10 min.CALDER HIGHWAY, BELVOIR PARK ROAD29 Jun 2026 – 29 Jun 2027
- Maintenance Works activities occurring between 30/06/2026 and 30/06/2027 during the following times: Weekdays 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM, Weekends 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be Greater than 10 min.CALDER HIGHWAY, TUCKERMANS LANE29 Jun 2026 – 29 Jun 2027
- Maintenance Works activities occurring between 30/06/2026 and 30/06/2027 during the following times: Weekdays 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM, Weekends 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed multiple directions. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be Greater than 10 min.CALDER HIGHWAY, BELVOIR PARK ROAD29 Jun 2026 – 29 Jun 2027
- Maintenance Works activities occurring between 30/06/2026 and 30/06/2027 during the following times: Weekdays 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM, Weekends 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed multiple directions. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be Greater than 10 min.CALDER HIGHWAY, UNNAMED29 Jun 2026 – 29 Jun 2027
- Maintenance Works activities occurring between 30/06/2026 and 30/06/2027 during the following times: Weekdays 8:00 PM to 5:00 AM, Weekends 8:00 PM to 5:00 AM. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be Greater than 10 min.CALDER HIGHWAY, MCINNES STREET29 Jun 2026 – 29 Jun 2027
- Maintenance Works activities occurring between 30/06/2026 and 30/06/2027 during the following times: Weekdays 8:00 PM to 5:00 AM, Weekends 8:00 PM to 5:00 AM. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be Greater than 10 min.CALDER HIGHWAY, TUCKERMANS LANE29 Jun 2026 – 29 Jun 2027
- Maintenance Works activities occurring between 30/06/2026 and 30/06/2027 during the following times: Weekdays 8:00 PM to 5:00 AM, Weekends 8:00 PM to 5:00 AM. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be Greater than 10 min.MCINNES STREET, CALDER HIGHWAY29 Jun 2026 – 29 Jun 2027
Data sources & freshness
- Road incidents & closures — State road authority open-data feeds · current · Updated
Heritage
7 heritage places
- COLIBAN WATER SUPPLYNH1021
- COLIBAN WATER SUPPLYNH1021
- COLIBAN WATER SUPPLYNH1021
- COLIBAN WATER SUPPLYNH1021
- COLIBAN WATER SUPPLYNH1021
- COLIBAN WATER SUPPLYNH1021
- COLIBAN WATER SUPPLYNH1021
Data sources & freshness
- State heritage register — State heritage authority · current · Updated
Hazards
- Bushfire planning zone
- Overlay applies
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
- Bendigo
- Member of Parliament
- Lisa CHESTERS (Australian Labor Party)
- Results from
- 2025 federal election
- Electorate enrolment (2025)
- 120,088
- Turnout (2025)
- 94.0%
- Swing since 2022 (2025)
- +51.4 pp toward Labor
Two-party preferred (2025)
Coalition 48.6%Labor 51.4%
Estimated suburb voting profile
Estimated from 8 nearby ordinary polling places (up to 8.0 km away).
Coalition 53.0%Labor 47.0%
4.4 percentage points more Coalition-leaning than the electorate
Estimated swing since 2022: +47.0 pp toward Labor
Nearest polling places
- Big HillLabor 45.6% · Coalition 54.4% TPP (2025)1.1 km away
- Kangaroo Flat SouthLabor 55.2% · Coalition 44.8% TPP (2025)4.8 km away
- Kangaroo FlatLabor 50.4% · Coalition 49.6% TPP (2025)5.5 km away
- MandurangLabor 46.6% · Coalition 53.4% TPP (2025)6.4 km away
- Spring GullyLabor 59.7% · Coalition 40.3% TPP (2025)6.9 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
- Federal election results — Australian Electoral Commission · Updated · 2025 election with by-election overlays
Socio-economic
- IRSAD decile (2021)
- 3/10
- IRSD decile (2021)
- 4/10
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
- SEIFA 2021 (IRSAD / IRSD) — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Updated
Compare with
Similar suburbs to weigh up side by side — scores, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
More in Greater Bendigo Council
Other suburbs in the same local government area.
Comparable suburbs
Similar population and socio-economic profile in other parts of Victoria.