suburb.guide

VIC · East Gippsland Council

Nicholson, 3882

Est. population · Jun 2025

1,311

Growth (1 yr)

+1.2%

Growth (5 yr)

+6.4%

Median age

47

Median income

$1,390/wk

Employment rate

55.4%

Languages at home

3.3%non-English

Most common: Italian, Portuguese

2021 Census · usual residence

Desirability score

36/100
Below average

870th in VIC

Verified 78% confidence

How this score is calculated
  • Excellent transport
  • Education hub
  • High desirability
What Nicholson is known for: Excellent transport, Education hub, High desirability

Suburb profile

Nicholson sits in East Gippsland Council as a regional smaller community that feels self-contained and a long way from big-city bustle. Neighbouring centres cover more of the weekly rhythm than the distant capital does. Established families and long-term residents give the suburb a settled feel, with plenty of young families in the mix.

Weekends tend to revolve around local favourites: a café, a market run, a walk through town. Day-to-day life is more car-oriented here, with buses covering longer trips across the wider area. Property prices are middling for the area: fair relative to what is nearby.

Steady development is bringing new homes and gradual renewal to parts of the suburb.

Versus similar regional towns, the suburb reads below average on desirability, chiefly because parks and green space, plus schools and education trail behind. Limited access to some essential local services also trimmed the result.

At a glance

Nicholson snapshot

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

Median house price

—

No data available

Median rent

—

No data available

Population (ERP)

1,311

+1.2% annual growth

Dwelling vacancy

9.8%

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

#183

among Country & regional · Mature

Safety

60th

percentile in state (higher = safer)

Pop. growth

74th

percentile in VIC

Advantage (IRSAD)

4/10

national SEIFA decile

School ICSEA

24th

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
36.0/100 — Below average
National rank
4477th in Australia
State rank
870th in VIC
Peer rank
#183 among Country & regional · Mature suburbs
Cohort rank
#398 among Country & regional suburbs
Data confidence
78%

Data sources & freshness

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

Population

Estimated resident population

1,311(June 2025)

+1.2% annual · +6.4% over 5 years · 74th percentile in VIC

Growth figures & methodology
Annual growth
+1.2%
5-year growth
+6.4%
Change in 1 year
+15
Change in 5 years
+79
Growth rank in VIC
74th 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 (~1,400), extrapolated at +1.1% average annual growth since 2011. It is illustrative only — not an official ABS forecast.

2021 Census figures

2021 Census

Population
1,322
Median age
47
Median household income / week
$1,390
Dwelling vacancy
9.8%
Unoccupied private dwellings
54 of 550
Median monthly mortgage
$1,733
Employment rate
55.4%
Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
460 / 0 / 0 (+ 31 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)
87
Against the person
17
Against property
28
Rate per 1,000 residents
66.4
Person-crime prevalence
About 1 in 78 residents
State safety percentile
60.2th (lower crime is better)
Decrease (daily rate)
-1.1%

Most common offence types

  • B21 Criminal Damage10
  • C32 Drug Possession7
  • D35 Improper Movement On Public Or Private Space6
  • E21 Breach Family Violence Order14
  • E22 Breach Intervention Order6

Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)

Crime rate and year-on-year trend

Data sources & freshness

Family & Lifestyle

Schools & preschools

Schools within 2 km
1
Median school ICSEA
948
Median ICSEA percentile
24th
School list
  • Nicholson Primary SchoolPrimary · Government · ICSEA 948 · 24th percentile · LBOTE 8% · 70 students · Top SEA quarter 6% · 0.3 km awayView on My School →

Contributes to desirability score · Education (15%)

School and preschool counts, median school ICSEA

Data sources & freshness

Public transport

3 public transport stops in this suburb

  • General Store/Princes Hwy
  • Retreat Hotel/Princes Hwy
  • Retreat Motel/Princes Hwy

Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)

Public transport stop coverage

Data sources & freshness

Amenities

26 nearby amenities within ~1.5 km

1 restaurants · 1 pubs · 1 playgrounds · 1 petrol stations · 1 post offices

Local character & venue list

Local character

  • Limited walkable amenities nearby
  • Decent local green space — 1 parks in suburb, 1 playgrounds nearby
Walkability proxy
9/100
Cafés per 1,000 residents
0
Food & drink per 1,000 residents
1.51
Parks per 1,000 residents
0.76
Food & drink(2)
  • Pub
  • Restaurant
Shopping(1)
  • Nicholson General StoreConvenience store
Community(1)
  • Nicholson Primary SchoolSchool

    1004 Princes Highway

Sport & outdoors(3)
  • Park
  • Nicholson Rest AreaPicnic area
  • Playground
Transport(2)

2 bus stops

Other(14)
  • Alcohol
  • Bicycle Parking
  • Boat Storage
  • Nicholson River Tourist ParkCaravan Site
  • Drinking water
  • Information
  • Nicholson General Store MotelMotel
  • Parking (3)
  • Nicholson General StorePetrol station
  • Picnic Table (2)
  • Australia PostPost office
  • Public toilets
  • Shelter
  • VLINEShelter

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)
2
Parks (OSM)
1

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

Nearest hospital
Bairnsdale Regional Health Service (12.6 km)
Nearest hospital type
Hospital
Nearest hospital emergency
Emergency department

Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)

Hospitals and GP clinics

Data sources & freshness

NDIS participation

NDIS participants (31 March 2026)
36
Participants per 1,000 residents
27.5

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).

24 planning-related records

2021· 10 proposals

  • August 2021

  • Earthworks associated with the construction of a dwelling within an Erosion Management Overlay
    36 PARKSIDE DRIVE NICHOLSON 3882Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • July 2021

  • Build a steel shed to maximum height of four point three eight metres
    73 LIDDELLS ROAD NICHOLSON 3882No permit required

  • June 2021

  • Buildings and works for an outbuilding in association with a dwelling
    973 Princes HighwayPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • May 2021

  • Earthworks associated with an outbuilding to a dwelling
    23 PEPPERCORN WAY NICHOLSON 3882Withdrawn
  • Buildings and works for an outbuilding extension and water tank
    290 Watts RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Two lot subdivision
    86 LANDSMAN DRIVE NICHOLSON 3882Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • April 2021

  • Buildings and works for an outbuilding (domestic storage shed)
    35 Hazeldene CrescentPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Development of a dwelling and outbuilding
    4 GLEN IRVINE ROAD NICHOLSON 3882Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • March 2021

  • Removal of vegetation (Box Tree)
    1 HALLIER COURT NICHOLSON 3882Lapsed

  • January 2021

  • Multiple lot staged subdivision and roadworks
    285 Nicholson-Sarsfield RoadWithdrawn
2020· 14 proposals

  • December 2020

  • Earthworks associated with construction of a dwelling and outbuilding
    3 Wattlebark CourtPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • October 2020

  • Buildings and works for dwelling additions and alterations
    56 Waddells RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • September 2020

  • Buildings and works associated with the development of a dwelling and outbuilding
    12 Paterson CourtPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Buildings and works for a dwelling
    620 Olivers RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Development of an outbuilding
    34 Neds Creek DriveNo permit required
  • Earthworks associated with a dwelling within an Erosion Management Overlay
    4 Wattlebark CourtPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • August 2020

  • Use and development of land for a dwelling and outbuilding
    234 Waddells RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • July 2020

  • Earthworks Associated with a Dwelling Greater than 1 Metre
    198 Nicholson-Sarsfield RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • June 2020

  • Two lot subdivision (restructure)
    8 Binghams RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Development of a dwelling
    20 Peppercorn WayPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • May 2020

  • Earthworks associated with construction of a dwelling
    3 Wattlebark CourtPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • April 2020

  • Buildings and works for the development of a dwelling and shed, and use of the site for a dwelling
    785 Princes HighwayNOD issued by a delegate

  • March 2020

  • Works associated with the development of a dwelling
    23 Peppercorn WayPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • January 2020

  • Development of a dwelling
    7 Peppercorn WayPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

Contributes to desirability score · Future Growth (7%)

Development and planning activity

Data sources & freshness

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 12.8 km away).

Coalition 71.1%Labor 28.9%

1.7 percentage points more Coalition-leaning than the electorate

Estimated swing since 2022: +0.4 pp toward Labor

Nearest polling places

  • JohnsonvilleLabor 24.6% · Coalition 75.4% TPP (2025)7.0 km away
  • LucknowLabor 22.3% · Coalition 77.7% TPP (2025)8.7 km away
  • EastwoodLabor 28.6% · Coalition 71.4% TPP (2025)10.7 km away
  • BairnsdaleLabor 27.7% · Coalition 72.3% TPP (2025)11.0 km away
  • Eagle PointLabor 31.8% · Coalition 68.2% TPP (2025)11.3 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)
4/10
IRSD decile (2021)
5/10

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.