🔍

Ararat

VIC 3377 • Rest of VIC

8,500
Population (2021)
$63,232
Median Household Income
161.18 km²
Area
$250/wk
Median Rent
HistoricRegional CentreGold Rush HeritageRuralAffordable

About Ararat

Ararat is a historic regional city in the Central Highlands of Victoria, situated approximately 198 kilometres west of Melbourne on the Western Highway. With a population of around 8,500, it serves as the administrative centre of the Rural City of Ararat. The town was established during the gold rush era of the 1850s and is notable for its position at the junction of Victoria's Western District and the Wimmera region. Ararat sits at an elevation of about 295 metres on the eastern slopes of the Ararat Hills.

Ararat offers a relaxed country lifestyle with access to essential services including a hospital, shopping precinct along Barkly Street, and various sporting facilities. The nearby Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park is a major drawcard for outdoor recreation and tourism. The town has a strong agricultural heritage with surrounding pastoral and cropping land, and is increasingly popular with tree-changers seeking affordable housing and a slower pace of life. Local attractions include the Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre and the J Ward museum.

Ararat falls under postcode 3377 and is governed by Ararat Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Ripon (Western Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3377
Urban Area
Moyne - Ararat - Pyrenees
LGA / Council
Ararat
Federal Electorate
Wannon
State Electorate
Ripon (Western Victoria)
Type
Urban
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-37.27°, 142.98°
Statistical Area
Rest of VIC
Area
161.18 km²
Elevation
306m

🏷️ Property Prices June quarter 2025

Median sale prices in Ararat for the June quarter 2025. Median sale prices published by the Valuer-General Victoria.

🏡House
$341K
41 sales · ▼ 9.1% YoY
🏢Unit / Apartment
$270K
9 sales · ▼ 10% YoY

Source: Valuer-General Victoria — Victorian Property Sales Report. Medians are for the latest quarter; the change shown is the official 12-month movement. Suburbs with very few sales in a quarter can be volatile.

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$250
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,083
Avg Household Size
2.2 people
Median Age
45 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
3.5%

104 state housing + 8 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Ararat Railway Station
0.5 km
6 min

Bus Services

  • Town bus service — Local areas 10-20 min
  • V/Line coach — Ballarat / Melbourne 1h / 2.5h

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
198 km
By Train
3h (V/Line coach+train)
By Bus
3h 15min
By Car (Peak)
2h 30min
By Car (Off-Peak)
2h 15min

🛣️ Regional city; most residents work locally or in Ballarat (92km)

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

Town centre is walkable with shops and services along Barkly Street, but outer areas require a car.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Woolworths
    3 Ingor Street Ararat 3377 VIC

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest rates for the Ararat Local Government Area, which contains Ararat. Rates are per 100,000 residents for the year ending September 2025; trends compare 2 and 10 year periods.

Break & enter (dwelling)
504.5 / 100k
2yr Up 25.4% 10yr Up 18.5%
Motor vehicle theft
265.1 / 100k
2yr Up 23.9% 10yr Up 159.4%
Non-FV assault
384.8 / 100k
2yr Down 18.3% 10yr Down 27.1%
Robbery (unarmed)
0 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
538.7 / 100k
2yr Up 33.9% 10yr Up 118.2%
View all offence subgroups for Ararat →

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
8,297
Census 2021
8,500
▲ 2.4% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$29,172
Personal Income 2021
$35,412
▲ 21.4% increase

2021 Census income breakdown

Personal = median for one earner. Household = all members of a dwelling pooled. Family = related members only. Annual = weekly × 52.

Personal
$35,412 / yr
$681/wk
Household
$63,232 / yr
$1216/wk
Family
$83,616 / yr
$1608/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 6,984
Born Overseas 1,033

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 136
  • 2. New Zealand 127
  • 3. India 117
  • 4. Philippines 73
  • 5. Taiwan 46
  • 6. Samoa 38
  • 7. China 37
  • 8. Pakistan 35
  • 9. Vietnam 28
  • 10. Italy 25

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 3,263
English 3,202
Scottish 970
Irish 871
German 465
Italian 159
Australian Aboriginal 116
Indian 114
Dutch 93
Chinese 88

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

5,627
Both parents born in Australia
1,038
Both parents born overseas
571
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
44.0%
Christianity
37.1%
Hinduism
1.0%
Islam
0.9%
Buddhism
0.5%
Sikhism
0.4%
Judaism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
421 (5.0%)
5-14 years
804 (9.5%)
15-19 years
414 (4.9%)
20-24 years
451 (5.3%)
25-34 years
1,177 (13.8%)
35-44 years
946 (11.1%)
45-54 years
1,052 (12.4%)
55-64 years
1,175 (13.8%)
65-74 years
1,093 (12.9%)
75-84 years
664 (7.8%)
85+ years
303 (3.6%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ararat known for? +

Ararat is a historic regional city in the Central Highlands of Victoria, situated approximately 198 kilometres west of Melbourne on the Western Highway. Ararat offers a relaxed country lifestyle with access to essential services including a hospital, shopping precinct along Barkly Street, and various sporting facilities.

How far is Ararat from Melbourne CBD? +

Ararat is approximately 198 kilometres from Melbourne CBD, with a typical drive taking around 238-356 minutes depending on traffic and route taken.

Does Ararat have public transport? +

Ararat has limited public transport options. V/Line coach services connect some regional towns, but a car is the most practical way to get around in this area.

What is the population of Ararat? +

According to the 2021 Census, Ararat has a population of approximately 8,500 residents, reflecting a well-established community. The suburb falls within the Ararat (Rural City) local government area.

Is Ararat a good place to live? +

Ararat offers a comfortable suburban lifestyle with access to local parks, shops, and community services. It suits a broad range of residents including families, professionals, and retirees looking for a connected and well-serviced neighbourhood.

What is the postcode for Ararat? +

The postcode for Ararat, VIC is 3377. This postcode covers Ararat and may also serve nearby localities within the same postcode zone.

What is the average income in Ararat? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Ararat is about $681 per week (around $35,400 per year). The median household income is $1,216 per week and the median family income is $1,608 per week.

What is the median house price in Ararat? +

As of June quarter 2025, the median house price is $341,000, down 9.1% year-on-year, and the median unit/apartment price is $270,000, down 10% year-on-year. Figures are based on Valuer-General Victoria — Victorian Property Sales Report.

What is the age profile of Ararat? +

The median age in Ararat is 45. The largest age group is 25–34 (1,177 residents, around 14%). Around 19% of residents are under 20 and about 24% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Ararat a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Ararat is part of the Ararat LGA — see the Crime Statistics section on this page for the latest recorded offence rates per 100,000 residents, along with 2-year and 10-year trends.

How much is rent in Ararat? +

In Ararat, the median weekly rent is $250, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,083 (2021 Census).