Strathdale is a major regional centre in Victoria, in Greater Bendigo Council, with mainly mixed commercial and residential development.
Local amenities is an exceptional strength, well above typical levels for major regional centres. Local school ICSEA scores sit well above the peer median. University qualifications are more common than in comparable places, with university qualifications 74% above the peer median, and recorded road-crash rates are lower than in comparable places, with recorded road crashes 49% below the peer median. The main trade-offs are higher housing costs and limited health access, with median house prices 26% above the peer median.
Strathdale is a better fit for people who value school quality and local amenities more than lower housing costs.
Generated from the official metrics on this page. It can omit nuance or contain errors — check the tables and source notes before relying on it.
Strengths and weaknesses
Major regional centre · compared with major regional centres in Victoria (187)
Strengths
Local school ICSEA scores sit well above the peer median
Local amenity access is stronger than in most comparable places
University qualifications are more common than in comparable places
Recorded road-crash rates are lower than in comparable places
Weaknesses
Housing is expensive relative to comparable places
Health-facility access is relatively limited
What stands out
Nothing distinctive beyond the usual profile.
Who it suits
Stars are audience-fit ratings derived from Suburb.Guide data, not demographic counts or user reviews.
Families★★★☆☆
Professionals★★☆☆☆
Retirees★☆☆☆☆
Students★★☆☆☆
Budget buyers★★☆☆☆
Housing, growth and risk
How Strathdale compares
A quick read of housing, growth, livability, and risk
Median house price
$750k
+20% change
Median rent
$475/wk
Population (ERP)
5,876
-0.1% annual growth
Dwelling vacancy
6.0%
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
#142
among Country & regional · Mature
Crime rate
59th
percentile in state (higher = more crime)
Pop. growth
4th
percentile in VIC
Rented dwellings
25%
2021 Census tenure
Advantage (IRSAD)
6/10
national SEIFA decile
School ICSEA
66th
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
48.3/100 — Average
State standing
Top 46% of Victoria's suburbs
National rank
2355th in Australia
State rank
581st in VIC
Peer rank
#142 among Country & regional · Mature suburbs
Cohort rank
#258 among Country & regional suburbs
Data confidence
97%
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)
$750,000
Median price change
+19.8%
Median weekly rent from Victorian government rent reports. Council median fallback may apply where suburb rent is unavailable.
-0.1% annual · +1.0% over 5 years · 4th percentile in VIC
Growth figures & methodology
Annual growth
-0.1%
5-year growth
+1.0%
Change in 1 year
-8
Change in 5 years
+60
Growth rank in VIC
4th 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 (~5,900), extrapolated at +0.0% average annual growth since 2011. It is illustrative only — not an official ABS forecast.
2021 Census figures
2021 Census
Population
5,756
Median age
46
Median household income / week
$1,527
Dwelling vacancy
6%
Unoccupied private dwellings
150 of 2,489
Median monthly mortgage
$1,517
Median weekly rent (2021 Census)
$300
Tenure (owned / mortgaged / rented)
46.4% / 28.3% / 25.2%
Employment rate
54.7%
Travel to work (WFH / public transport / car)
16.6% / 1.2% / 67.5%
Walked or cycled to work
1.8%
Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
2,042 / 282 / 11
Contributes to desirability score · Community (12%) · Accessibility (12%) · Future Growth (6%)
Employment, household income and owned-outright tenure (2021 Census) Work-from-home and public-transport commute shares (2021 Census) Five-year population change as a healthy-growth band, not a boom bonus
Data sources & freshness
2021 Census — General Community Profile (including method of travel to work and educational attainment) — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Updated
The 2026 Census was conducted in August 2026; suburb-level updates are expected from mid-2027.
26.6% of adults have a university degree, compared with 29.2% across Victoria. 15.9% have a trade or vocational qualification.
University qualified26.6% · 29.2% VIC
Diploma qualified11.1% · 9.8% VIC
Trade / vocational15.9% · 14.2% VIC
Year 12 or below46.3% · 46.8% VIC
Highest qualification field
Main field of the highest non-school qualification (2021 Census).
Health19.4%
Management and commerce18.3%
Education15%
Society and culture13.6%
Engineering and related technologies11.8%
Architecture and building6.1%
How these groups are defined
Measure
Definition
University qualified
Bachelor degree or higher
Diploma qualified
Advanced Diploma / Diploma
Trade / vocational
Certificate III + IV
Year 12
Year 12 as highest attainment
Below Year 12
Year 11 / 10 / 9 or below
People aged 15 years and over, 2021 Census. University, diploma and trade shares match ABS highest educational attainment (HEAP). Year 12 and below Year 12 are combined in the chart because the General Community Profile reports school-only attainment as a residual.
Contributes to desirability score · Community (12%)
University qualifications from the 2021 Census
Data sources & freshness
2021 Census — General Community Profile (including method of travel to work and educational attainment) — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Updated
The 2026 Census was conducted in August 2026; suburb-level updates are expected from mid-2027.
Tax & income
Median taxable income (2023–24)
$54,524
55th percentile in VIC · -7% vs Australia
Median salary / wages (2023–24)
$59,049
53rd percentile in VIC · -9% vs Australia
Residents with rental investments
11.0%
33rd percentile in VIC · -20% vs Australia
Median super balance (2023–24)
$71,987
39th percentile in VIC · +14% vs Australia
Residents with business income
10.0%
26th percentile in VIC · -4% vs Australia
Australian Taxation Office Taxation Statistics 2023–24, individuals Table 25. Figures describe taxpayers who live in postcode 3550 — not a suburb-level official statistic. Rental investment is the share of local taxpayers reporting rental income or loss, not the share of local properties owned by investors.
Counts, net rent & state comparison
Taxpayers in this postcode
24,977
Taxpayers reporting net rent
2,836
Median net rent
$77
Taxpayers reporting business income
2,391
Taxable income vs state median
+2%
Salary / wages vs state median
+1%
Rental investment vs state median
-15%
Super vs state median
-11%
Business income vs state median
-9%
Percentiles rank this postcode among unique postcodes in VIC, so suburbs that share a postcode are not counted twice. Dollar figures are compared with Australia-wide ATO medians from the same release. Median net rent is among taxpayers who reported the rent label and can be negative.
Data sources & freshness
Taxation Statistics 2023–24 — individuals by postcode (Table 25) — Australian Taxation Office · Updated · Annual release; taxpayer residential postcode, not suburb boundary
Community & culture
6.7% speak a language other than English at home; 10.8% born overseas
Language at home
5,122 English only · 369 other
Non-English at home
6.7%
Born overseas
593 (10.8%)
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
98 (1.7%)
Australian citizens
5,262
Languages spoken at home (other than English)
19
Top languages other than English
Share of residents who speak a language other than English at home (2021 Census).
Mandarin23 · 16%
Punjabi13 · 9%
Sinhalese11 · 7.6%
Urdu11 · 7.6%
Arabic10 · 6.9%
Afrikaans8 · 5.6%
Hindi8 · 5.6%
Italian8 · 5.6%
Religion
49.4%Most common religion · Christianity
Christianity is the most common response at 49.4%, while 41.3% reported no religion.
Measure
Suburb
State
No religion
41.3%
38.8%
Christianity
49.4%
40.9%
Other / not stated
9.2%
20.3%
Christian denominations
Denomination
Suburb
State
Catholic
22.9%
20.5%
Anglican
11.2%
6.5%
Uniting Church
6.5%
2.4%
Christian (not further defined)
2.2%
2.5%
Baptist
2%
1.3%
2021 Census — languages spoken at home, birthplace, Indigenous status, and religious affiliation (usual residence). Religion is optional on the Census form.
Data sources & freshness
2021 Census — General Community Profile (including method of travel to work and educational attainment) — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Updated
The 2026 Census was conducted 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)
382
Against the person
87
Against property
178
Rate per 1,000 residents
65
Person-crime prevalence
About 1 in 66 residents
State crime-rate percentile
58.7th (higher = more crime)
Increase (daily rate)
+4.9%
Recorded road crashes (in suburb)
68
Crash rate per 1,000 residents (state rank)
11.57
Most common offence types
B21 Criminal Damage38
B42 Steal From A Motor Vehicle35
B49 Other Theft42
C32 Drug Possession19
E21 Breach Family Violence Order67
Contributes to desirability score · Safety (22%)
Crime rate, offences against the person, year-on-year trend and recorded road crash rates
Kennington Primary SchoolPrimary · Government · ICSEA 979 · 37th percentile · LBOTE 16% · 581 students · Top SEA quarter 15% · 0.7 km awayView on My School →
St Therese's SchoolPrimary · Catholic · ICSEA 1076 · 77th percentile · LBOTE 17% · 460 students · Top SEA quarter 29% · 1.5 km awayView on My School →
Bendigo South East 7-10 Secondary CollegeSecondary · Government · ICSEA 1016 · 54th percentile · LBOTE 9% · 1,030 students · Top SEA quarter 18% · 1.9 km awayView on My School →
Victory Christian CollegeCombined · Independent · ICSEA 1077 · 77th percentile · LBOTE 26% · 900 students · Top SEA quarter 30% · 1.9 km awayView on My School →
School catchments
Bendigo South East 7-10 Secondary CollegeGovernment school catchment overlapping this suburb boundarysecondary_catchment
Kennington Primary SchoolGovernment school catchment overlapping this suburb boundaryprimary_catchment
Weeroona College BendigoGovernment school catchment overlapping this suburb boundarysecondary_catchment
Government school intake zones that overlap this suburb boundary. Living in a catchment does not guarantee enrolment; check the education authority.
Contributes to desirability score · Education (14%)
Median school ICSEA first, then school and catchment counts
Data sources & freshness
Victorian designated neighbourhood zones — Victorian Department of Education · current · Updated · Open catchment polygons where published
1 cafes · 2 pubs · 4 playgrounds · 1 dog parks · 1 sports centres · 29 swimming pools · 1 petrol stations
Local character & venue list
Local character
A car helps for daily needs
Great for outdoor family life — 12 parks mapped in suburb, 4 playgrounds nearby
Well connected by public transport — 25 public transport stops
Strong local sport and recreation — 40 sport and outdoor facilities nearby
Walkability proxy
36/100
Cafés per 1,000 residents
0.17
Food & drink per 1,000 residents
0.52
Parks per 1,000 residents
2.08
Food & drink(3)
Cafe
Pub
The Bendigo ClubPub
22 Park Street, Strathdale
Everyday services(1)
APCO - StrathdalePetrol station
Community(1)
Helen Jessen Early Learning CentreKindergarten
Health & services(1)
Serious About SkinClinic
Sport & outdoors(60)
Bendigo Bushland TrailCycling route
Bendigo Creek Trail (North)Cycling route
Grassy Flat Creek TrailCycling route
O'Keefe Rail TrailCycling route
Harcourt ParkDog park
Drinking water (3)
Amaroo Crescent ParkPark
Chelsea Boulevard Nature ReservePark
Figtree Lane Bushland ReservePark
Frog Hollow ReservePark
Harley Street ParkPark
Hillary Court ParkPark
Isabella Grove Bushland ReservePark
Landale Drive ParkPark
Park (4)
Picnic area
Cliff Avenue PlayspacePlayground
Playground (3)
All Seasons Resort Hotel BendigoSports centre
Bell OvalSports field
Cricket NetsSports field
Mason FieldSports field
Rodda FieldSports field
Sports field
Swimming pool (29)
Places to stay(6)
All Seasons Resort Hotel BendigoHotel
173-183 McIvor Road, Strathdale
Golden Reef Motor InnMotel
186 McIvor Road, Strathdale
Motel (4)
Transport(17)
17 bus stops
Other(9)
Car wash
The Conservatory and AtriumEvents Venue
Garden (4)
Hairem ScaremHairdresser
All Seasons Resort Hotel BendigoParking
Parking (26)
Parking Space (17)
All Seasons Resort Hotel BendigoShelter
Smoking Area
Names and addresses from OpenStreetMap. Unnamed venues show as their type (e.g. Cafe). Transport stops are summarised by type rather than listed individually. Campgrounds, beaches, wineries and local trails are included when they sit inside the suburb boundary.
Contributes to desirability score · Lifestyle (12%)
Food, shopping, recreation and sport per 1,000 residents (OpenStreetMap)
Data sources & freshness
Local amenity insights — Suburb Guide (derived) · current · Updated
Green cover is the share of this suburb's boundary overlapping OpenStreetMap parks, woodland and forest polygons — not a satellite tree-canopy product. Summer maximum is the WorldClim / Open-Meteo seasonal normal already collected for Weather.
Contributes to desirability score · Environment (12%)
Tree canopy first, then green-cover area and parks per 1,000
Data sources & freshness
OpenStreetMap green cover and tree canopy — OpenStreetMap contributors · current · Updated · Park/woodland polygons intersected with suburb boundaries
Health access
Hospitals & GP clinics in suburb
1
Nearest hospital
Anne Caudle Campus (3.5 km)
Nearest hospital type
Hospital
Nearest hospital emergency
Emergency department
Emergency department in suburb
Not in suburb
GP clinics in suburb
1
GPs tagged bulk billing (OSM)
0 of 1
Aged-care services
2
GP clinic counts from OpenStreetMap. Bulk-billing figures only include clinics tagged in OSM (sparse and unofficial — not a Medicare list).
Serious About SkinClinic
Aged-care services
Uniting AgeWell Ballarat Home CareSTRATHDALEHome Care
Uniting AgeWell BendigoSTRATHDALEHome Care
Australian Government–subsidised services from the AIHW GEN list (30 June 2025), assigned to this suburb by location.
Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (12%)
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.
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
115 mm · ~14 rainy days
Autumn (Mar–May)
Usual max / min
21° / 8°
Rainfall
133 mm · ~17 rainy days
Winter (Jun–Aug)
Usual max / min
13° / 4°
Rainfall
180 mm · ~22 rainy days
Spring (Sep–Nov)
Usual max / min
19° / 7°
Rainfall
172 mm · ~22 rainy days
Contributes to desirability score · Lifestyle (12%)
Development applications from PPARS statewide register (lodged 2020–2022). Free public PPARS MapServer — applications through ~2022 (service last updated Feb 2024).
78 planning-related records
2021· 35 proposals
August 2021
Construction of a Dwelling
18 ELWOOD DRIVE STRATHDALE 3550Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
Construction of a Dwelling
19 ELWOOD DRIVE STRATHDALE 3550Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
July 2021
The staged subdivision of the land into 16 lots in accordance with the endorsed plans
40 COUSINS STREET STRATHDALE 3550Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
32 Lot subdivision of land; Use of land for 18 single storey dwellings (proposed lots 7-24 inclusive); and Construction and Use of 8 two storey dwellings (lots 25-32 inclusive); Construction of roads and works; Alteration to access a road zone category 1; and Removal and creation of easements (Construction of a retaining wall on Lot 12)
LOT 12 MCIVOR ROAD STRATHDALE 3550Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
Construction of a dwelling
16 ELSTEAD DRIVE STRATHDALE 3550Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
Development of the land for a dwelling
177 CROOK STREET STRATHDALE 3550Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
5 lot subdivision of land, including removal of native vegetation and creation of easement in 2 stages (Amended plans for crossover relocation and amended condition 12)
2-10 HARLEY STREET STRATHDALE 3550Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
Subdivide land into 2 lots
157 MCIVOR ROAD STRATHDALE 3550Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
Boundary realignment, partial removal drainage easement, extension to medical centre, additional car parking and access (amended plans to allow for design changes)
168-170 McIvor RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
2 Lot Subdivision and Removal of Native Vegetation
17 COUSINS STREET STRATHDALE 3550NOD issued by a delegate
June 2021
Development of the land for a dwelling (Amended plans for minor change to site levels)
20 Elstead DrivePermit issued by a delegate of the RA
Subdivide land into 2 lots
24 LANDALE DRIVE STRATHDALE 3550Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
Development of the land for a dwelling
2 CLAREMONT TERRACE STRATHDALE 3550Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
Development of the land for a dwelling
167 Crook StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
May 2021
Construction of an extension to existing building
190 STRICKLAND ROAD STRATHDALE 3550Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
Development of Warehouse, Showroom and Office (Amendment to plans to allow to lift floor level of building)
6 Schoder StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
Removal of an unused easement
4 Harrods CourtPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
Development of the land for a dwelling
20 Elstead DrivePermit issued by a delegate of the RA
April 2021
Construction of a second dwelling on a lot
1 PILCHER STREET STRATHDALE 3550Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
Development of the land for a dwelling
16 Elstead DriveLapsed
March 2021
Use and development of a display home, waiver of car parking and display of signs (amended plans to allow relocation of banner poles and design changes)
1 Luxford CourtPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
2 lot subdivision
12 STRATHDALE CRESCENT STRATHDALE 3550NOD issued by a delegate
Removal of native vegetation
15 Matchett DrivePermit issued by a delegate of the RA
Use of land for an office, construction of a building for office, service industry and reduction of car parking (Amended plans to allow for design layout change) (flip location of accessible parking bay and reorientate wash bay)
11 Matchett DrivePermit issued by a delegate of the RA
Boundary realignment, partial removal drainage easement, extension to medial centre, additional car parking and access (amended plans to allow for design changes)
168-170 McIvor RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
Subdivide land into 12 lots, removal of native vegetation, removal and creation of easements, demolition of amenities block, and works within Heritage Overlay
40 Harley StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
Development of the land for a dwelling
14 Elstead DrivePermit issued by a delegate of the RA
Development of the land for a dwelling
26 Elstead DrivePermit issued by a delegate of the RA
February 2021
Subdivision of land into 40 lots, removal of native vegetation and creation of a reserve
21 PRATTS PARK ROAD STRATHDALE 3550In progress
Use and development of Industry and Manufacturing Sales, including ancillary offices and waiver of parking
13 Matchett DrivePermit issued by a delegate of the RA
Construction of a warehouse, display of signage and reduction of parking spaces
5 MATCHETT DRIVE STRATHDALE 3550Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
Use of land for industry (production of dog food treats)
2/7 Matchett DrivePermit issued by a delegate of the RA
Construction of a dwelling
13 Lillie LanePermit issued by a delegate of the RA
January 2021
The construction of a dwelling
169 Crook StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
Development of the land for a dwelling and associated earthworks
2 Elwood DrivePermit issued by a delegate of the RA
2020· 5 proposals
December 2020
Construction of a dwelling under the Bushfire Management Overlay; and Variation to restrictive covenant AL679402F clause 1.8 to vary the percentage of parapet roof construction (as specified on the plans under the permit application), clause 1.9 to allow the use of Colorbond colours other than those specified, and clause 1.12 to allow the removal of trees or shrubs to the minimum extent necessary within 10m of the boundary of the National Park to satisfy defendable space requirements.
5 Sugar Glider WayPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
Development of Warehouse, Showroom and Office
6 Schoder StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
Construction of dwelling
30 Elstead DrivePermit issued by a delegate of the RA
2 lot subdivision of land
37 Button StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
November 2020
Two lot subdivision
7 Butcher StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
Council Works activities occurring between 12/06/2026 and 29/01/2027 during the following times: Weekdays 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM, Weekends 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed multiple directions. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 6 to 10 min.MCIVOR ROAD, MURPHY STREET11 Jun 2026 – 28 Jan 2027
Data sources & freshness
Road incidents & closures — State road authority open-data feeds · current · Updated
Hazards
Bushfire planning zone
Overlay applies
Flood / inundation overlay
No mapped inundation on suburb boundary
Bushfire overlay checked at suburb centroid via Victorian Bushfire Management Overlay mapping. Flood cover uses inundation overlay polygons against the suburb boundary where published.
Contributes to desirability score · Safety (22%)
Bushfire and flood hazard overlays
Data sources & freshness
Bushfire and flood 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 3.8 km away).
Coalition 45.2%Labor 54.8%
3.4 percentage points more Labor-leaning than the electorate
Estimated swing since 2022: +54.8 pp toward Labor
Nearest polling places
KenningtonLabor 57.9% · Coalition 42.1% TPP (2025)0.9 km away
StrathdaleLabor 50.0% · Coalition 50.0% TPP (2025)1.8 km away
Bendigo EastLabor 48.2% · Coalition 51.8% TPP (2025)2.3 km away
JunortounLabor 44.6% · Coalition 55.4% TPP (2025)2.4 km away
Flora HillLabor 56.4% · Coalition 43.6% TPP (2025)2.7 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.
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 (12%)