suburb.guide

VIC · Greater Bendigo Council

Heathcote, 3523

Est. population · Jun 2025

3,161

Growth (1 yr)

+1.4%

Growth (5 yr)

+9.8%

Median age

57

Median income

$946/wk

Employment rate

38%

Median house price · 4th Quarter 2025

$550,000

Languages at home

4%non-English

Most common: Italian, Polish, Filipino

2021 Census · usual residence

Desirability score

45.8/100
Average

Top 45% of Victoria's suburbs

Verified 100% confidence

How this score is calculated
  • Green suburb
  • National parks
  • Excellent transport
  • Café precinct
  • Education hub
What Heathcote is known for: Green suburb, National parks, Excellent transport, Café precinct, Education hub

Suburb profile

Heathcote sits in Greater Bendigo Council as a regional mid-sized suburb that feels self-contained and a long way from big-city bustle. Regional towns and local services do more of the everyday heavy lifting than the city. An older demographic makes it especially popular with retirees, with multiple generations sharing the same neighbourhood.

There are enough cafés and casual dining options to keep weekends interesting without the inner-city crush. There is enough green space nearby for walks, picnics and after-school play. Buses are solid enough for daily errands and regular trips further afield.

Housing is more affordable than in many parts of the state. Construction and infill projects are noticeably reshaping parts of the area.

Against similar regional towns, the suburb sits around average overall, mainly because community and employment lag behind, despite relative strength in growth momentum. Limited access to some essential local services also trimmed the result.

At a glance

Heathcote snapshot

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

Median house price

$550k

+7.8% change

Median rent

$475/wk

Population (ERP)

3,161

+1.4% annual growth

Dwelling vacancy

18.6%

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

#57

among Country & regional · Mature

Safety

71st

percentile in state (higher = safer)

Pop. growth

79th

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
45.8/100 — Average
State standing
Top 45% of Victoria's suburbs
National rank
2775th in Australia
State rank
568th in VIC
Peer rank
#57 among Country & regional · Mature suburbs
Cohort rank
#170 among Country & regional suburbs
Data confidence
100%

Data sources & freshness

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

Housing

All types (Sep 2025 (council median))
$475
Median house price (4th Quarter 2025)
$550,000
Median price change
+7.8%

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

3,161(June 2025)

+1.4% annual · +9.8% over 5 years · 79th percentile in VIC

Growth figures & methodology
Annual growth
+1.4%
5-year growth
+9.8%
Change in 1 year
+42
Change in 5 years
+282
Growth rank in VIC
79th 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 (~3,500), extrapolated at +1.9% average annual growth since 2011. It is illustrative only — not an official ABS forecast.

2021 Census figures

2021 Census

Population
2,962
Median age
57
Median household income / week
$946
Dwelling vacancy
18.6%
Unoccupied private dwellings
287 of 1,544
Median monthly mortgage
$1,291
Employment rate
38%
Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
1,191 / 30 / 6 (+ 23 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 are unchanged compared with the previous period.

Offence counts & rates
Total offences (2026)
272
Against the person
48
Against property
140
Rate per 1,000 residents
86
Person-crime prevalence
About 1 in 62 residents
State safety percentile
70.9th (lower crime is better)
No change (daily rate)
0%

Most common offence types

  • B21 Criminal Damage16
  • B322 Non-Residential Non-Aggravated Burglary19
  • B41 Motor Vehicle Theft15
  • B49 Other Theft35
  • E21 Breach Family Violence Order42

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)
982.5
Median ICSEA percentile
39th
School list
  • Heathcote Primary SchoolPrimary · Government · ICSEA 961 · 29th percentile · LBOTE 7% · 150 students · Top SEA quarter 6% · 1.7 km awayView on My School →
  • Holy Rosary SchoolPrimary · Catholic · ICSEA 1004 · 49th percentile · LBOTE 10% · 82 students · Top SEA quarter 11% · 1.9 km awayView 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

  • Heathcote Kindergartenkindergarten
  • Jenny’s Early Learning Centrechildcare

Contributes to desirability score · Education (15%)

Childcare centre count

Data sources & freshness

  • Childcare services — OpenStreetMap · current · Updated

Public transport

10 public transport stops in this suburb

  • Jennings St/Northern Hwy
  • Jennings St/Northern Hwy
  • Jennings St/Northern Hwy
  • Mitchell St/High St
  • Mitchell St/High St

Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)

Public transport stop coverage

Data sources & freshness

Amenities

82 nearby amenities within ~1.5 km

3 cafes · 1 pubs · 1 bars · 2 fast food · 1 bakeries · 1 libraries · 1 sports centres · 2 swimming pools

Local character & venue list

Local character

  • A car helps for daily errands
  • Reasonable bus and transport access — 10 public transport stops
Walkability proxy
31/100
Cafés per 1,000 residents
1.01
Food & drink per 1,000 residents
2.7
Parks per 1,000 residents
1.01
Food & drink(8)
  • Gaffney's BakeryBakery
  • Commercial Hotel BarBar
  • Cellar and StoreCafe
  • Fetching TreasuresCafe
  • Heathcote HouseCafe
  • Heathcote Country KitchenFast food
  • Oval TakeawayFast food
  • Commercial HotelPub
Shopping(1)
  • MvIvor MeatsButcher

    101 High Street

Community(1)
  • Heathcote LibraryLibrary
Health & services(1)
  • McIvor Medical CentreClinic
Sport & outdoors(10)
  • Heathcote Swimming PoolGym
  • YogatimeGym
  • Barrack ReservePark
  • Heathcote ShowgroundsPark
  • Picnic area
  • Viewing Rock Picnic tablesPicnic area
  • Sports centre
  • Sports field
  • Swimming pool (2)
Entertainment(3)
  • Powder MagazineMuseum
  • Devils CaveViewpoint
  • Viewing Point RockViewpoint
Transport(3)

3 bus stops

Other(33)
  • Alternative
  • Mona Lisa GalleryArtwork
  • Bendigo BankATM
  • Bendigo BankBank
  • NABBank
  • Bbq (4)
  • Bench (4)
  • Bicycle Parking (5)
  • Bicycle Repair Station
  • Queen's Meadow Caravan ParkCaravan Site

    3 Barrack Street, Heathcote

  • Flossy’s Sweets And TreatsConfectionery
  • Drinking water
  • Evie NetworksEV charging
  • Heathcote CFAFire station
  • Potted ColourFlorist
  • Court House GiftsGift
  • Heart. Land. SpiritGift
  • HQV Bargains Arts and CraftsGift

    145 High Street

  • Jennys Western Country LifestyleGift
  • Heathcote Country AirGuest House
  • Heathcote House Luxury B&BGuest House
  • Information
  • Parking (2)
  • Heathcote Police StationPolice
  • Heathcote Post OfficePost office
  • Public toilets
  • Shelter (4)
  • TelstraTelephone
  • Waste Basket (9)
  • Heathcote Wine HubWine
  • M. Chapoutier AustraliaWine

    143 High Street

  • Mitchelton Wines Cellar DoorWine
  • CJ Window & DoorsYes

    149 High Street

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

Parks & reserves

7 parks and public open space in this suburb

  • Barrack ReservePark
  • Heathcote H111 Bushland ReserveNature reserve
  • Heathcote H111A Bushland ReserveNature reserve
  • Heathcote I169 Bushland ReserveNature reserve
  • Heathcote ShowgroundsPark
  • Pink Cliffs Geological ReserveNature reserve
  • Wild Duck Creek Bushland ReserveNature reserve

Data sources & freshness

Green cover

Parks & woodland (OSM)
9
Parks (OSM)
3

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
5
Nearest hospital
Heathcote Hospital (1.7 km)
Nearest hospital type
Public hospital
Nearest hospital emergency
Emergency department
Emergency department in suburb
On site
  • AlternativeAlternative
  • Heathcote DentalDentist
  • Heathcote HospitalPublic hospital
  • McIvor Medical CentreClinic
  • The Optometrist HeathcoteOptometrist

Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)

Hospitals and GP clinics

Data sources & freshness

NDIS participation

NDIS participants (31 March 2026)
115
Participants per 1,000 residents
36.4

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
27° / 13°
Rainfall
126 mm · ~16 rainy days

Autumn (Mar–May)

Usual max / min
21° / 9°
Rainfall
148 mm · ~18 rainy days

Winter (Jun–Aug)

Usual max / min
13° / 4°
Rainfall
218 mm · ~27 rainy days

Spring (Sep–Nov)

Usual max / min
19° / 8°
Rainfall
188 mm · ~24 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).

118 planning-related records

2021· 40 proposals

  • August 2021

  • 2 Lot Subdivision (Boundary Re-alignment)
    95 TRELLIS DRIVE HEATHCOTE 3523Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Alterations and additions to existing dwelling and outbuilding, and construction of a swimming pool
    35 FIVE GUMS LANE HEATHCOTE 3523Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Use of land for agriculture (keeping of two horses) and the construction of a shed
    LOT 1 RUSHALL ROAD HEATHCOTE 3523Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Extension to existing dwelling
    380 NORTHERN HIGHWAY HEATHCOTE 3523Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Use of land for the sale and consumption of liquor and display of associated signage
    146 HIGH STREET HEATHCOTE 3523Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • July 2021

  • Construction of a Shed
    93 Sangsters LaneWithdrawn
  • Construction of a verandah
    29 WRIGHT STREET HEATHCOTE 3523Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Use and development of a dwelling and associated outbuildings (Amended dwelling plans)
    LOT 5 MCNUTTS LANE HEATHCOTE 3523Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construction of an outbuilding
    144 Hylands LanePermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construction of relocatable dwelling
    100 BENNETT STREET HEATHCOTE 3523Lapsed
  • Construction of shed
    234 HEATHCOTE-NAGAMBIE ROAD HEATHCOTE 3523Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Use of land for a Restaurant, Liquor Licence, Reduction in Car Parking, Works and Display of Signage
    178 HIGH STREET HEATHCOTE 3523Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • 2 Lot Subdivision
    530 SPRING FLAT ROAD HEATHCOTE 3523Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construction of a Dwelling Outside the Building Envelope
    11 O'BRIEN COURT HEATHCOTE 3523Withdrawn

  • June 2021

  • Replacement and extension of an existing verandah
    259 Heathcote-Redesdale RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Use and development of land for 2 dwellings on a lot
    7 MANDEL COURT HEATHCOTE 3523Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Use and development of land for a dwelling and outbuilding
    CA 25A JACKAS LANE HEATHCOTE 3523Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Use and development of the land for a second dwelling (replacement dwelling)
    28 ANDERSON COURT HEATHCOTE 3523Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • May 2021

  • Use and development of land for a dwelling and outbuilding (amend siting of outbuilding)
    30 MCNUTTS LANE HEATHCOTE 3523Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Partial Demolition and Extension to Exisitng Hosptial Dining Room
    39-55 Hospital StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construction of a Carport and Shipping Container
    2 HIGH STREET HEATHCOTE 3523Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construction of a verandah and decking
    9 McMahon StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construction of a Dwelling
    52B Hospital StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Use and development of land for a dwelling, garage and swimming pool
    CA 15 VAUGHANS LANE HEATHCOTE 3523Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Replacement and construction of rear to an existing building
    85 High StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • April 2021

  • Use and development of land for a dwelling
    70 PINK CLIFFS ROAD HEATHCOTE 3523Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Development of the land for an outbuilding (shed)
    149 Milhaven LanePermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Alterations and additions to existing building (Amended plans for design changes)
    1/39-55 Hospital StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • March 2021

  • Use and Development of a Dwelling and Outbuilding
    Lot 7 Plantation RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Removal of a tree
    42 Ross StreetWithdrawn
  • 4 lot subdivision PS840324M (4 lot subdivision)
    16 Hospital StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construction of an outbuilding
    6360 Northern HighwayPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Use and development of land for a dwelling, shed and removal of native vegetation
    LOT 4 WARROWITUE-FOREST ROAD HEATHCOTE 3523Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • February 2021

  • Construction of a dwelling
    8/93 Ebden StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Development of the land for an outbuilding (shed)
    9 Doolan CrescentPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construction of a domestic swimming pool
    470 Northern HighwayPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construction of a dwelling
    2/189 High StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construction of an outbuilding
    12 Boughyard LanePermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • January 2021

  • Liquor licence, buildings and works, alteration of access to a road zone, reduction of car parking and signage (Inclusion of 166 and 170 High Street, relocation of car parking, alteration of access and extension to redline area)(Amendment to increase patron numbers)
    168 High StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Partial demolition limited to rear toilet block, verandah and concrete apron
    2/121 High StreetPermit 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

  • FORMER HEATHCOTE COURT HOUSENH1368
  • FORMER SURVEY OFFICENH2247
  • HEATHCOTE POWDER MAGAZINENH1402
  • INNISFAILNH0388
  • PINK CLIFFS HYDRAULIC GOLD SLUICING SITENH1352
  • SAWPIT GULLY GOLD PUDDLING SITENH1246

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 37.2 km away).

Coalition 53.8%Labor 46.2%

5.2 percentage points more Coalition-leaning than the electorate

Estimated swing since 2022: +46.2 pp toward Labor

Nearest polling places

  • HeathcoteLabor 46.3% · Coalition 53.7% TPP (2025)2.1 km away
  • TooboracLabor 41.1% · Coalition 58.9% TPP (2025)15.8 km away
  • RedesdaleLabor 45.6% · Coalition 54.4% TPP (2025)21.3 km away
  • AxedaleLabor 37.6% · Coalition 62.4% TPP (2025)24.0 km away
  • PyalongLabor 43.3% · Coalition 56.7% TPP (2025)25.9 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

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 Greater Bendigo Council

Other suburbs in the same local government area.

Comparable suburbs

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