suburb.guide

VIC · Ararat Council

Pomonal, 3381

Est. population · Jun 2025

339

Growth (1 yr)

+0.9%

Growth (5 yr)

0.0%

Median age

51

Median income

$1,625/wk

Employment rate

62%

Languages at home

2.6%non-English

Mostly English at home

2021 Census · usual residence

Desirability score

20.4/100
Below average

1238th in VIC

Verified 78% confidence

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

Suburb profile

Pomonal is a quieter smaller community in Ararat Council, where peace, space and a country-town pace still dominate. A mature community gives the area a calm, settled social fabric, with families and grandchildren still a visible part of community life. The pace is unhurried, with local businesses and community spots doing the heavy lifting.

Local green pockets are modest, with bigger outdoor outings usually found in neighbouring areas. A car helps for most daily errands, though buses still link the suburb further afield. Housing sits in the middle of the local market: neither cheap nor premium.

Local crime has been trending higher of late. Renewal is happening in measured doses, with new development complementing what is already there.

Against similar regional towns, the suburb sits below average overall, mainly because local dining and lifestyle amenities, plus parks and green space lag behind, despite relative strength in growth momentum. Limited access to some essential local services also trimmed the result.

At a glance

Pomonal snapshot

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

Median house price

—

No data available

Median rent

—

No data available

Population (ERP)

339

+0.9% annual growth

Dwelling vacancy

22.1%

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

#393

among Country & regional · Mature

Safety

32nd

percentile in state (higher = safer)

Pop. growth

65th

percentile in VIC

Advantage (IRSAD)

6/10

national SEIFA decile

School ICSEA

37th

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
20.4/100 — Below average
National rank
6679th in Australia
State rank
1238th in VIC
Peer rank
#393 among Country & regional · Mature suburbs
Cohort rank
#712 among Country & regional suburbs
Data confidence
78%

Data sources & freshness

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

Population

Estimated resident population

339(June 2025)

+0.9% annual · 0.0% over 5 years · 65th percentile in VIC

Growth figures & methodology
Annual growth
+0.9%
5-year growth
0.0%
Change in 1 year
+3
Change in 5 years
0
Growth rank in VIC
65th 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 (~350), extrapolated at +0.4% average annual growth since 2011. It is illustrative only — not an official ABS forecast.

2021 Census figures

2021 Census

Population
356
Median age
51
Median household income / week
$1,625
Dwelling vacancy
22.1%
Unoccupied private dwellings
38 of 172
Median monthly mortgage
$1,192
Employment rate
62%
Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
135 / 0 / 0

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)
12
Against the person
2
Against property
8
Rate per 1,000 residents
35.4
Person-crime prevalence
About 1 in 178 residents
State safety percentile
31.8th (lower crime is better)
Increase (daily rate)
+200%

Most common offence types

  • A231 Fv Common Assault1
  • B21 Criminal Damage2
  • B41 Motor Vehicle Theft2
  • B49 Other Theft3
  • Other Crimes Against The Person1

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
977
Median ICSEA percentile
37th
School list
  • Pomonal Primary SchoolPrimary · Government · ICSEA 977 · 37th percentile · LBOTE 4% · 22 students · Top SEA quarter 10%View on My School →

Contributes to desirability score · Education (15%)

School and preschool counts, median school ICSEA

Data sources & freshness

Public transport

1 public transport stops in this suburb

  • Lake Fyans Tourist Rd/Ararat - Pomonal Rd

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

3 parks and public open space in this suburb

  • Millers Creek Bushland ReserveNature reserve
  • Moyston West Bushland ReserveNature reserve
  • Rowes Bushland ReserveNature reserve

Data sources & freshness

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

Health access

Nearest hospital
Stawell District Hospital (24.2 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)
7
Participants per 1,000 residents
20.6

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° / 12°
Rainfall
102 mm · ~13 rainy days

Autumn (Mar–May)

Usual max / min
20° / 8°
Rainfall
138 mm · ~17 rainy days

Winter (Jun–Aug)

Usual max / min
13° / 4°
Rainfall
197 mm · ~25 rainy days

Spring (Sep–Nov)

Usual max / min
19° / 7°
Rainfall
169 mm · ~21 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).

26 planning-related records

2021· 13 proposals

  • November 2021

  • Old 300821 - new plan coming. Construction of a dwelling and shed
    360 POMONAL EAST ROAD POMONAL 3381Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • September 2021

  • 2 Lot Subdivision
    PIETSCH ROAD POMONAL 3377Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • August 2021

  • Building and Works to construct an outbuilding and extension of a Red Line
    3447 ARARAT-HALLS GAP ROAD POMONAL 3381Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Partially demolish the existing dwelling, construct replacement parts of dwelling and attach the laundry/bathroom to the new dwelling. RFI Sent out on the 9th September
    111 CHERRYTREE ROAD POMONAL 3381Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • July 2021

  • New shed within 100m of waterway
    25 CORELLA COURT POMONAL 3381Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • June 2021

  • Variation to restriction on title to allow 2 shipping containers outside building envelope, extend deck on house by 4m, keep 3 dogs and a maximum of 12 sheep/alpacas
    497 TUNNEL ROAD POMONAL 3381Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Building and Works for a Garage
    254 TUNNEL ROAD POMONAL 3381Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • May 2021

  • Works associated with a minor utility installation in the Public Conservation & Resource Zone along Mitchell Road, Pomonal
    MITCHELL ROAD POMONAL 3881Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Works associated with a minor utility installation in the Public Conservation & Resource Zone
    REDMAN ROAD POMONAL 3381Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • April 2021

  • Use & Development of Dwelling and Shed
    Robins RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • March 2021

  • Construction of a dwelling and shed
    360 Pomonal East RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • February 2021

  • Construction of a Shade Sail
    3447 Ararat-Halls Gap RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • January 2021

  • 10 lot subdivision, access to Road Zone 1 and Native Vegetation removal
    2121 POMONAL ROAD POMONAL 3381Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
2020· 13 proposals

  • December 2020

  • Development of a Shed
    47 EMU COURT POMONAL 3381Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • November 2020

  • Use and development of a Place of Assembly (Function Centre)for up to 180 people
    360 POMONAL EAST ROAD POMONAL 3381Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construction of attached garage in Overlay area
    3285 ARARAT HALLS GAP ROAD POMONAL 3381Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • August 2020

  • Use and Development of 3 residential cabins, shed & landscaping
    184 Tunnel RoadFailure to determine

  • July 2020

  • Use and Development of a Dwelling and associated shedding
    Ararat-Halls Gap RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Second dwelling, outbuilding and fire bunker
    481 Long Gully RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Use and Development for a 2nd Dwelling & Ancillary building on a Lot
    481 Long Gully RoadFailure to determine
  • Construction of a shed in a Significant Landscape Overlay
    187 Long Gully RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Extension to existing Dwelling
    254 Tunnel RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • June 2020

  • Building and Works for a Farm Shed in a Significant Landscape Overaly
    61 Pomonal East RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • March 2020

  • Development of a dwelling and associated outbuilding
    559 Tunnel RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Use and development of additional accommodation
    45 Rowe RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • February 2020

  • Shed
    Ararat-Halls GapPermit 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
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
Wannon
Member of Parliament
Dan TEHAN (Liberal)
Results from
2025 federal election
Electorate enrolment (2025)
121,788
Turnout (2025)
94.0%
Swing since 2022 (2025)
-2.3 pp toward Coalition

Two-party preferred (2025)

Coalition 60.9%Labor 39.1%

Estimated suburb voting profile

Estimated from 8 nearby ordinary polling places (up to 57.3 km away).

Coalition 60.3%Labor 39.7%

0.6 percentage points more Labor-leaning than the electorate

Estimated swing since 2022: +39.7 pp toward Labor

Nearest polling places

  • MoystonLabor 44.5% · Coalition 55.5% TPP (2025)16.5 km away
  • Ararat WestLabor 49.0% · Coalition 51.0% TPP (2025)29.6 km away
  • AraratLabor 41.3% · Coalition 58.7% TPP (2025)30.5 km away
  • WillauraLabor 26.8% · Coalition 73.2% TPP (2025)34.8 km away
  • GlenthompsonLabor 26.2% · Coalition 73.8% TPP (2025)42.7 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)
6/10
IRSD decile (2021)
6/10

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 Ararat Council

Other suburbs in the same local government area.

Comparable suburbs

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