🔍

Birchip

VIC 3483 • Victoria

694
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
114.37 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralAgriculturalMalleeQuiet
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About Birchip

Birchip is a small agricultural town in the Mallee region of north-western Victoria, located on the Sunraysia Highway approximately 312 kilometres north-west of Melbourne within the Shire of Buloke. With a 2021 Census population of 694, the town covers a large area of 114 square kilometres and serves as a local service hub for the surrounding farming communities. The landscape is characterised by flat, open wheat and grain-growing country typical of the Victorian Mallee, with a warm, semi-arid climate.

Birchip offers the essential services of a rural town, including a primary school, hotel, fuel, and basic retail. The town is home to the iconic "Mallee Bull" roadside sculpture, a landmark celebrating the region's agricultural heritage and pioneering spirit. Life in Birchip revolves around the farming calendar, community sporting clubs, and the strong social ties that define small Mallee towns. It appeals to those who value wide open spaces, a tight-knit community, and a genuinely rural lifestyle far from the pressures of metropolitan living.

Birchip falls under postcode 3483 and is governed by the Buloke Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Mallee, while state elections fall under the Mildura (Northern Victoria) electorate.

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📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3483
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Buloke
Federal Electorate
Mallee
State Electorate
Mildura (Northern Victoria)
Type
Locality
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-35.90°, 142.89°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
114.37 km²
Population Density
6 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 3483

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 3483 for the 2023–24 financial year (2019–20 data not published for this postcode).

Median 2019–20
N/A
Median 2023–24
$59,733
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$79,880

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 3483; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • V/Line coach services — Melbourne (Southern Cross) Approx. 4 hrs

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
312 km
By Train
No direct train; V/Line coach services available via nearby towns
By Car (Peak)
Approx. 3.5-4 hrs
By Car (Off-Peak)
Approx. 3.5 hrs

🛣️ Located on the Sunraysia Highway. Bendigo is the nearest large regional centre, approx. 172km south-east.

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

A car is essential for almost all daily needs; the town centre is compact but most services require regional travel

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

  • 🏫
    Birchip P-12 School
    47 Campbell St
    GovernmentPrimary/Secondary CombinedCoedNon-Denominational

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
694
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
152.9 / 100k
2yr Up 15.5% 10yr Stable
Motor vehicle theft
152.9 / 100k
2yr Up 823.6% 10yr Up 861.1%
Non-FV assault
152.9 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 220.4%
Robbery (unarmed)
0 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
543.8 / 100k
2yr Up 556.8% 10yr Up 127.8%
View all offence subgroups for Buloke →

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Birchip known for? +

Birchip is known as a service town for the Mallee grain-growing region and is home to the "Mallee Bull" roadside sculpture, a regional landmark celebrating the area's farming heritage. The town sits in one of Victoria's key wheat and cereal cropping districts.

How far is Birchip from Melbourne? +

Birchip is approximately 312 kilometres north-west of Melbourne CBD, a drive of around 3.5 to 4 hours via the Western Ring Road and Sunraysia Highway.

Does Birchip have public transport? +

Birchip does not have a local rail service. V/Line coach services connect the broader region to Melbourne, but a private vehicle is the most practical way to get around and access services beyond the town.

What is the population of Birchip? +

According to the 2021 Census, Birchip has a population of 694 residents. The town is the main service centre for a wider rural area in the Shire of Buloke.

Is Birchip a good place to live? +

Birchip suits those who are committed to rural living or are connected to the farming industry. It offers a close-knit community, affordable housing, and access to basic amenities, though residents rely on travel to larger centres like Horsham or Bendigo for specialised services.

What is the postcode for Birchip? +

The postcode for Birchip, Victoria is 3483.

Is Birchip a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Birchip is part of the Buloke 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.