🔍

Arnold West

VIC 3551 • Victoria

19
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
34.55 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralFarmingRemoteAffordable
Advertisement

About Arnold West

Arnold West is a tiny rural locality in central Victoria, located approximately 25 kilometres north-west of Bendigo within the Greater Bendigo municipality. With a population of just 19 residents spread across 35 square kilometres, it is one of the smallest communities in the region. The area features flat to gently undulating farmland typical of the northern Victorian goldfields fringe.

Arnold West is a quintessential small Australian farming community where agriculture — predominantly sheep grazing and cropping — dominates the landscape. The locality has no shops or services of its own; residents travel to nearby Raywood or Bendigo for all necessities. The area offers affordable rural land, wide open skies, and the peace and quiet that comes with very low population density, appealing to farmers and those seeking complete rural seclusion.

Arnold West falls under postcode 3551 and is governed by the Greater Bendigo Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Nicholls, while state elections fall under the Ripon (Western Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3551
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Greater Bendigo
Federal Electorate
Nicholls
State Electorate
Ripon (Western Victoria)
Type
Locality
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-36.78°, 144.46°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
34.55 km²
Population Density
1 /km²
Elevation
0m

📣 Ad

💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 3551

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 3551, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$49,802
Median 2023–24
$60,155
▲ 20.8% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$71,144

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 3551; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Bendigo Railway Station
25 km
N/A

Commute to Melbourne

Distance
175 km
By Train
2.5 hours (V/Line from Bendigo, plus 25 km drive to station)
By Bus
N/A (no direct bus)
By Car (Peak)
2 hours
By Car (Off-Peak)
2 hours

🛣️ Nearest town is Raywood (10 km). Bendigo (25 km) is the nearest regional city for major services.

Walkability Car-Dependent

Very remote farming locality with no local services; Raywood or Bendigo required for all amenities

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
19
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
329.4 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 33.1%
Motor vehicle theft
258.8 / 100k
2yr Up 62.3% 10yr Up 25.3%
Non-FV assault
400.8 / 100k
2yr Up 21.7% 10yr Up 66.0%
Robbery (unarmed)
4.7 / 100k
2yr Up 192.2% 10yr Up 32.1%
Steal from vehicle
636.9 / 100k
2yr Down 15.4% 10yr Stable
View all offence subgroups for Greater Bendigo →

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

📣 Ad

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Arnold West known for? +

Arnold West is a tiny rural locality in central Victoria, located approximately 25 kilometres north-west of Bendigo within the Greater Bendigo municipality. Arnold West is a quintessential small Australian farming community where agriculture — predominantly sheep grazing and cropping — dominates the landscape.

How far is Arnold West from Melbourne CBD? +

Arnold West is approximately 25 kilometres from Melbourne CBD, with a typical drive taking around 30-45 minutes depending on traffic and route taken.

Does Arnold West have public transport? +

Arnold West 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 Arnold West? +

According to the 2021 Census, Arnold West has a population of approximately 19 residents, one of the smallest localities in the area. The suburb falls within the VIC local government area.

Is Arnold West a good place to live? +

Arnold West suits those who prefer a quiet rural lifestyle away from urban areas. It offers open spaces and a close-knit community but limited local services — a car is essential for daily needs.

What is the postcode for Arnold West? +

The postcode for Arnold West, VIC is 3551. This postcode covers Arnold West and may also serve nearby localities within the same postcode zone.

Is Arnold West a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Arnold West is part of the Greater Bendigo 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.