suburb.guide

VIC · East Gippsland Council

Sarsfield, 3875

Est. population · Jun 2025

567

Growth (1 yr)

+1.1%

Growth (5 yr)

+6.4%

Median age

50

Median income

$1,423/wk

Employment rate

55%

Languages at home

2.7%non-English

Most common: Sinhalese

2021 Census · usual residence

Desirability score

40.2/100
Average

744th in VIC

Verified 62% confidence

How this score is calculated
  • National parks
  • Green suburb
  • High desirability
What Sarsfield is known for: National parks, Green suburb, High desirability

Suburb profile

In East Gippsland Council, Sarsfield keeps a rural calm, a smaller community with room to breathe and a strong local rhythm. An older demographic makes it especially popular with retirees, 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.

Green space punches above what many regional towns offer, with parks and playgrounds woven through the suburb. Day-to-day life is more car-oriented here than in denser, more walkable pockets. Housing sits in the middle of the local market: neither cheap nor premium.

Reported crime has been falling recently. Steady development is bringing new homes and gradual renewal to parts of the suburb.

Versus similar regional towns, the suburb reads around average on desirability, chiefly because local dining and lifestyle amenities trail behind. Limited access to some essential local services also trimmed the result.

At a glance

Sarsfield snapshot

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

Median house price

—

No data available

Median rent

—

No data available

Population (ERP)

567

+1.1% annual growth

Dwelling vacancy

14.3%

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

#121

among Country & regional · Mature

Safety

9th

percentile in state (higher = safer)

Pop. growth

71st

percentile in VIC

Advantage (IRSAD)

6/10

national SEIFA decile

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
40.2/100 — Average
National rank
3721st in Australia
State rank
744th in VIC
Peer rank
#121 among Country & regional · Mature suburbs
Cohort rank
#294 among Country & regional suburbs
Data confidence
62%

Data sources & freshness

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

Population

Estimated resident population

567(June 2025)

+1.1% annual · +6.4% over 5 years · 71th percentile in VIC

Growth figures & methodology
Annual growth
+1.1%
5-year growth
+6.4%
Change in 1 year
+6
Change in 5 years
+34
Growth rank in VIC
71th 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 (~600), extrapolated at +1.1% average annual growth since 2011. It is illustrative only — not an official ABS forecast.

2021 Census figures

2021 Census

Population
543
Median age
50
Median household income / week
$1,423
Dwelling vacancy
14.3%
Unoccupied private dwellings
35 of 244
Median monthly mortgage
$1,500
Employment rate
55%
Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
199 / 6 / 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 decreased compared with the previous period.

Offence counts & rates
Total offences (2026)
8
Against the person
1
Against property
3
Rate per 1,000 residents
14.1
Person-crime prevalence
About 1 in 543 residents
State safety percentile
8.8th (lower crime is better)
Decrease (daily rate)
-70.4%

Most common offence types

  • B21 Criminal Damage1
  • B321 Residential Non-Aggravated Burglary1
  • B45 Receiving Or Handling Stolen Goods1
  • E13 Resist Or Hinder Officer3
  • Other Crimes Against The Person1

Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)

Crime rate and year-on-year trend

Data sources & freshness

Family & Lifestyle

Amenities

1 nearby amenities within ~1.5 km

Local character & venue list

Local character

  • Limited walkable amenities nearby
  • Great for outdoor family life — 2 parks mapped in suburb
Walkability proxy
0/100
Cafés per 1,000 residents
0
Food & drink per 1,000 residents
0
Parks per 1,000 residents
3.68
Sport & outdoors(1)
  • Sarsfield camping & river reservePark

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

4 parks and public open space in this suburb

  • Sarsfield Bushland ReserveNature reserve
  • Sarsfield camping & river reservePark
  • Sarsfield Recreation ReservePark
  • Tambo Bushland ReserveNature reserve

Data sources & freshness

Green cover

Parks & woodland (OSM)
4
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

Nearest hospital
Bairnsdale Regional Health Service (14.0 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)
16
Participants per 1,000 residents
28.2

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).

33 planning-related records

2021· 12 proposals

  • August 2021

  • Buildings and works to a dwelling (Patio)
    65 RICHES ROAD SARSFIELD 3875Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • July 2021

  • Buildings and works for an outbuilding within a Bushfire Management Overlay
    40 HAGGARS ROAD SARSFIELD 3875Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • June 2021

  • Buildings and works for a replacement dwelling and outbuilding
    25 COSTERS ROAD SARSFIELD 3875Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Two lot rural subdivision within a Bushfire Management Overlay and Erosion Management Overlay
    111 RICHES ROAD SARSFIELD 3875Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Development of a replacement outbuilding (agricultural shed)
    1221 Great Alpine RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • May 2021

  • Use and development of a dwelling, swimming pool and outbuilding & Alteration of Access Adjacent to Road Zone Category 1
    585 GREAT ALPINE ROAD SARSFIELD 3875Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • April 2021

  • Buildings and works of two outbuildings
    525 Great Alpine RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Development of a replacement dwelling
    47 Riches RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • March 2021

  • Development of replacement outbuildings and pergola/alfresco ancillary to a dwelling
    45 Grech CourtPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • February 2021

  • Buildings and works for a dwelling within a Bushfire Management Overlay
    123 Duncan RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • January 2021

  • Buildings and works for a replacement outbuilding
    99 Windsor DrivePermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Buildings and works for a dwelling and outbuilding
    46 Jacks TrackPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
2020· 21 proposals

  • December 2020

  • Building and works for a replacement dwelling and outbuilding within a Bushfire Management Overlay
    9 Heredon CourtPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • November 2020

  • Buildings and works for a replacement shed
    57 Riches RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • October 2020

  • Buildings and works for an outbuilding
    69 Mulhollands RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Development of a replacement outbuilding
    18 Kerry LanePermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • September 2020

  • Buildings and works for a replacement outbuilding
    1655 Great Alpine RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Development of a replacement outbuilding
    46 High StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Development of a replacement dwelling
    77 Howards RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • August 2020

  • Development of a replacement outbuilding
    42 Grech CourtPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Development of a replacement dwelling and outbuilding
    118 Eleven Mile RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Buildings and works to construct a building and associated works for a leisure and recreation facility
    685 GREAT ALPINE ROAD SARSFIELD 3875Withdrawn

  • July 2020

  • Buildings and works for a dwelling reconstruction
    75 Duncan RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Development of a replacement dwelling
    21 Heredon CourtPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • June 2020

  • Reconstruction of a dwelling and outbuilding
    315 Duncan RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Reconstruction of a dwelling
    1614 Great Alpine RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • May 2020

  • Development of a replacement outbuilding
    55 High StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Building and works (dwelling)
    34 Swift LanePermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • April 2020

  • Development of a farm shed
    28 Costers RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construction of a non-habitable out building
    43 Riches RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • March 2020

  • Use and Development of a Dwelling and outbuilding
    1359 Great Alpine RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construction of a shed
    45 Grech CourtPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • January 2020

  • Development of a shed (associated with a dwelling under construction)
    60 Jacks TrackPermit 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 16.9 km away).

Coalition 72.4%Labor 27.6%

3.1 percentage points more Coalition-leaning than the electorate

Estimated swing since 2022: +1.2 pp toward Labor

Nearest polling places

  • BruthenLabor 30.4% · Coalition 69.6% TPP (2025)8.8 km away
  • JohnsonvilleLabor 24.6% · Coalition 75.4% TPP (2025)10.6 km away
  • LucknowLabor 22.3% · Coalition 77.7% TPP (2025)11.2 km away
  • EastwoodLabor 28.6% · Coalition 71.4% TPP (2025)12.4 km away
  • BairnsdaleLabor 27.7% · Coalition 72.3% TPP (2025)13.3 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)
6/10
IRSD decile (2021)
7/10

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.