suburb.guide

VIC · Indigo Council

Chiltern, 3683

Est. population · Jun 2025

1,613

Growth (1 yr)

+1.1%

Growth (5 yr)

+2.9%

Median age

50

Median income

$1,305/wk

Employment rate

53.9%

Median house price · 4th Quarter 2025

$525,000

Languages at home

1.8%non-English

Mostly English at home

2021 Census · usual residence

Desirability score

45.9/100
Average

Top 45% of Victoria's suburbs

Verified 100% confidence

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

Suburb profile

Chiltern is a quieter smaller community in Indigo Council, where peace, space and a country-town pace still dominate. An older demographic makes it especially popular with retirees, with multiple generations sharing the same neighbourhood. The pace is unhurried, with local businesses and community spots doing the heavy lifting.

Outdoor life is easy here, with generous parks and room for kids, dogs and weekend strolls. A car helps for most daily errands, though buses still link the suburb further afield. Purchase and rent costs sit on the more affordable side of the local range.

Crime trends have improved of late compared with the previous period. Active development is adding new homes and refreshed pockets throughout the suburb.

Desirability lands around average here: softer local dining and lifestyle amenities, plus community and employment weighing on the result versus similar regional towns, even with growth momentum holding up better. Limited access to some essential local services also trimmed the result.

At a glance

Chiltern snapshot

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

Median house price

$525k

+14% change

Median rent

—

No data available

Population (ERP)

1,613

+1.1% annual growth

Dwelling vacancy

7.9%

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

#56

among Country & regional · Mature

Safety

39th

percentile in state (higher = safer)

Pop. growth

73rd

percentile in VIC

Advantage (IRSAD)

3/10

national SEIFA decile

School ICSEA

41st

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
45.9/100 — Average
State standing
Top 45% of Victoria's suburbs
National rank
2760th in Australia
State rank
565th in VIC
Peer rank
#56 among Country & regional · Mature suburbs
Cohort rank
#168 among Country & regional suburbs
Data confidence
100%

Data sources & freshness

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

Housing

Median house price (4th Quarter 2025)
$525,000
Median price change
+13.6%

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

1,613(June 2025)

+1.1% annual · +2.9% over 5 years · 73th percentile in VIC

Growth figures & methodology
Annual growth
+1.1%
5-year growth
+2.9%
Change in 1 year
+18
Change in 5 years
+45
Growth rank in VIC
73th 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 (~1,700), extrapolated at +0.8% average annual growth since 2011. It is illustrative only — not an official ABS forecast.

2021 Census figures

2021 Census

Population
1,580
Median age
50
Median household income / week
$1,305
Dwelling vacancy
7.9%
Unoccupied private dwellings
57 of 718
Median monthly mortgage
$1,300
Employment rate
53.9%
Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
613 / 14 / 11 (+ 19 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 decreased compared with the previous period.

Offence counts & rates
Total offences (2026)
67
Against the person
12
Against property
28
Rate per 1,000 residents
41.5
Person-crime prevalence
About 1 in 132 residents
State safety percentile
38.6th (lower crime is better)
Decrease (daily rate)
-13%

Most common offence types

  • B41 Motor Vehicle Theft5
  • B42 Steal From A Motor Vehicle8
  • B49 Other Theft6
  • C32 Drug Possession5
  • E21 Breach Family Violence Order17

Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)

Crime rate and year-on-year trend

Data sources & freshness

Family & Lifestyle

Schools & preschools

Schools within 2 km
2
Median school ICSEA (2 schools)
987.5
Median ICSEA percentile
41th
School list
  • Chiltern Primary SchoolPrimary · Government · ICSEA 987 · 41th percentile · LBOTE 4% · 71 students · Top SEA quarter 7%View on My School →
  • St Joseph's SchoolPrimary · Catholic · ICSEA 988 · 41th percentile · LBOTE 0% · 33 students · Top SEA quarter 8%View on My School →

Contributes to desirability score · Education (15%)

School and preschool counts, median school ICSEA

Data sources & freshness

Childcare

2 childcare services from OpenStreetMap

  • childcarechildcare
  • kindergartenkindergarten

Contributes to desirability score · Education (15%)

Childcare centre count

Data sources & freshness

  • Childcare services — OpenStreetMap · current · Updated

Public transport

4 public transport stops in this suburb

  • Chiltern Railway Station
  • Chiltern Sports Complex/Alliance St
  • Chiltern Sports Complex/Alliance St
  • Chiltern 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

  • Black Ball Mine Dam Bushland ReserveNature reserve
  • Chiltern I87 Bushland ReserveNature reserve
  • Chiltern I88 Bushland ReserveNature reserve
  • Eldorado I84 Bushland ReserveNature reserve
  • Memorial ParkPark
  • White Box Ridge Reference AreaNature reserve

Data sources & freshness

Green cover

Parks & woodland (OSM)
31
Parks (OSM)
2

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
1
Nearest hospital
Beechworth Health Service (17.9 km)
Nearest hospital type
Hospital
Nearest hospital emergency
Emergency department
Emergency department in suburb
Not in suburb
  • Chiltern Medical ClinicDoctor

Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)

Hospitals and GP clinics

Data sources & freshness

NDIS participation

NDIS participants (31 March 2026)
48
Participants per 1,000 residents
29.8

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
29° / 15°
Rainfall
153 mm · ~19 rainy days

Autumn (Mar–May)

Usual max / min
22° / 9°
Rainfall
178 mm · ~22 rainy days

Winter (Jun–Aug)

Usual max / min
13° / 4°
Rainfall
254 mm · ~32 rainy days

Spring (Sep–Nov)

Usual max / min
20° / 8°
Rainfall
206 mm · ~26 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).

59 planning-related records

2021· 20 proposals

  • August 2021

  • Upgrades to St. Joseph's Primary School, Chiltern. Works include: Extension of covered area on west facade. Extensions to canteen in NE corner of main building, & school classrooms to the north of the main building.
    142 NORTH ROAD CHILTERN 3683Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • July 2021

  • alterations and additions to an existing single dwelling and construction of a new 4-bay shed and associated water tank storage.
    148 CHILTERN-HOWLONG ROAD CHILTERN 3683Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • New domestic shed
    18 PARK STREET CHILTERN 3683Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • SES Shed
    ANDERSON STREET CHILTERN 3683Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Singage
    53 CONNESS STREET CHILTERN 3683Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • June 2021

  • Dwelling and Shed
    1533 BEECHWORTH CHILTERN ROAD CHILTERN 3683No permit required

  • May 2021

  • Extension to existing dwelling
    52 MASONS GAP ROAD CHILTERN 3683Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Dwelling - extension of time
    Mackay StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Internal refurbishment - Building extensions - Landscaping
    142 NORTH ROAD CHILTERN 3683No permit required
  • Amendment
    45 Franks RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • retail of: homewares, decor plants, seeds, manchester, clothing, cosmetics, wines, smoked goods, cheeses add window to Main Street, repainting and repairs to exterior, new signage, change external lighting, reinstate verandah
    62 TO 64 CONNESS STREET CHILTERN 3683Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • April 2021

  • Dwelling
    115 to 119 North RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • New dwelling
    7 CHURCH STREET CHILTERN 3683Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • March 2021

  • Verandah
    537 Chiltern Valley RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • February 2021

  • Amend Endorsed Plans
    25 Deep Creek RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Chiltern Community Hub
    50 TO 52 MAIN STREET CHILTERN 3683Permit issued by the RA
  • Shed
    13 Brick Kiln RoadNo permit required
  • Farming, single dwelling, sheds
    537 Chiltern Valley RoadWithdrawn
  • Shed, Carport, Verandah and Water Tank
    45 Franks RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • verandah / covered deck
    35 Main StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
2020· 20 proposals

  • December 2020

  • Dwelling
    79 Conness StreetWithdrawn
  • Dwelling and 2 sheds
    Conness StreetPermit issued by the RA
  • Amend Plans
    18 Moffat RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Dwelling
    Old Cemetery RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • November 2020

  • Shipping Container
    91 to 101 Albert RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Removal of Vegetation & Replace Fence
    72 Conness StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Carport, Pergola and Water Tank
    36 Franks RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • October 2020

  • Shed (store)
    Brown StreetLapsed
  • Dwelling & Shed
    40 D2 Access RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • SES Shed & Carparking
    Crawford StreetWithdrawn

  • September 2020

  • hayshed
    222 Chiltern-Rutherglen RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Alfresco
    26 Bests RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Dwelling & Shed
    Racecourse RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Alfresco
    401 Chiltern-Barnawartha RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • August 2020

  • Construction of a shed use of the land for a store.
    - 0 Brown StreetWithdrawn
  • Amend Permit
    537 Chiltern Valley RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Amend Planning Permit & Endorsed Plans
    1 to 3 Harkins StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • July 2020

  • Alteration of Access to a Category 1 Road
    6 Gaunt StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Installation of outdoor furniture
    62 Main StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Amended Planning Permit (Dwelling)
    4 Bridge StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

Contributes to desirability score · Future Growth (7%)

Development and planning activity

Data sources & freshness

Roadworks & transport

2 active roadworks / incidents

  • Building / 3rd Party Works activities occurring between 08/12/2025 and 31/08/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Weekends 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed southbound. Altered speed limit during operation will be Nil and the traffic delay is expected to be 0 to 5 min.HUME FREEWAY, HUME IN-BEECHWORTH-CHILTERN RAMP OF07 Dec 2025 – 30 Aug 2026
  • Other Government Department Works activities occurring between 01/11/2025 and 31/01/2027 during the following times: Weekdays 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Weekends 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Note that changed conditions may also be in place during 12:00 AM to 12:00 AM. 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 6 to 10 min.CHILTERN-HOWLONG ROAD, MT PLEASANT ROAD31 Oct 2025 – 30 Jan 2027

Data sources & freshness

  • Road incidents & closures — State road authority open-data feeds · current · Updated

Heritage

6 heritage places

  • CHILTERN ATHANAEUM & MUSEUMNH1326
  • CHILTERN RAILWAY STATION AND GOODS SHEDNH1603
  • FORMER BANK OF AUSTRALASIANH0277
  • LAKE VIEWNH0280
  • MAGENTA QUARTZ MINENH1873
  • STAR THEATRENH0278

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
Indi
Member of Parliament
Helen HAINES (Independent)
Results from
2025 federal election
Electorate enrolment (2025)
120,774
Turnout (2025)
92.8%
Swing since 2022 (2025)
-1.4 pp toward Coalition

Two-party preferred (2025)

Coalition 56.7%Labor 43.3%

Estimated suburb voting profile

Estimated from 8 nearby ordinary polling places (up to 21.7 km away).

Coalition 54.0%Labor 46.0%

2.6 percentage points more Labor-leaning than the electorate

Estimated swing since 2022: -1.7 pp toward Coalition

Nearest polling places

  • ChilternLabor 47.3% · Coalition 52.7% TPP (2025)4.0 km away
  • BarnawarthaLabor 34.9% · Coalition 65.1% TPP (2025)10.1 km away
  • SpringhurstLabor 39.0% · Coalition 61.0% TPP (2025)13.8 km away
  • WoorageeLabor 50.6% · Coalition 49.4% TPP (2025)15.1 km away
  • EldoradoLabor 44.9% · Coalition 55.1% TPP (2025)16.3 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)
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

Compare with

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

More in Indigo Council

Other suburbs in the same local government area.

Comparable suburbs

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