🔍

Cardigan

VIC 3352 • Rest of VIC

1,064
Population (2021)
$141,076
Median Household Income
40.68 km²
Area
$350/wk
Median Rent
RuralSemi-RuralFamily-FriendlyGrowth SuburbAffordable

About Cardigan

Cardigan is a rural locality on the outskirts of Ballarat in Victoria's Central Highlands, situated within the City of Ballarat Local Government Area approximately 10 kilometres south-west of the Ballarat CBD. Covering a substantial 40.7 square kilometres at an elevation of 421 metres, the locality has seen strong recent growth — population jumped from 754 in 2016 to 1,064 in 2021 — reflecting Ballarat's expanding urban fringe and the appeal of rural-residential living within striking distance of the city. The median age of 36 is younger than many comparable rural areas, suggesting a community of growing families attracted by affordable land and the Ballarat lifestyle.

Cardigan is characterised by a mix of rural properties, hobby farms, and newer residential subdivisions as Ballarat's urban growth boundary extends outward. Residents access shops, schools, and services in Ballarat proper, with the Ballarat CBD offering a full range of retail, healthcare, and cultural amenities. The locality's predominantly Catholic and Christian community is reflective of the wider Ballarat region's Irish and English heritage. Good road connections to the Western Highway and Ballarat's arterial network make Cardigan accessible, while Ballarat railway station — on the Regional Rail line to Melbourne — provides a public transport option for Melbourne commuters.

Cardigan falls under postcode 3352 and is governed by Ballarat Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Ripon (Western Victoria) electorate.

📰 Featured In

💰 Top 50 Suburbs in Victoria by Median Household Income

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3352
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Ballarat
Federal Electorate
Ballarat
State Electorate
Ripon (Western Victoria)
Type
Rural
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-37.54°, 143.74°
Statistical Area
Rest of VIC
Area
40.68 km²
Elevation
421m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$350
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$2,167
Avg Household Size
3.4 people
Median Age
36 years

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Ballarat
10 km
N/A (drive recommended)

Bus Services

  • Ballarat regional bus services — Ballarat CBD 20-30 min

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
115 km
By Train
Drive to Ballarat Station (~10 km), then ~75 min to Southern Cross on Ballarat Line
By Car (Peak)
90-120 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
75-90 min

🛣️ Western Freeway provides main access to Melbourne; Ballarat is the primary service centre for residents

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Rural fringe locality with no local shops; a car is required for all daily needs with Ballarat the nearest service centre

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
467.6 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 46.3%
Motor vehicle theft
449.8 / 100k
2yr Up 23.3% 10yr Up 11.4%
Non-FV assault
395.7 / 100k
2yr Up 38.7% 10yr Up 20.1%
Robbery (unarmed)
1.6 / 100k
2yr Down 52.3% 10yr Up 67.2%
Steal from vehicle
1,167 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 27.0%
View all offence subgroups for Ballarat →

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
754
Census 2021
1,064
▲ 41.1% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$39,520
Personal Income 2021
$45,916
▲ 16.2% 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
$45,916 / yr
$883/wk
Household
$141,076 / yr
$2713/wk
Family
$143,676 / yr
$2763/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 943
Born Overseas 101

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 28
  • 2. India 12
  • 3. Germany 8
  • 4. New Zealand 7
  • 5. Croatia 6
  • 6. Netherlands 6
  • 7. Philippines 4
  • 8. Japan 3
  • 9. Sri Lanka 3

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 463
English 406
Irish 148
Scottish 133
German 42
Italian 37
Dutch 27
Maltese 25
Indian 20
Polish 15

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

820
Both parents born in Australia
147
Both parents born overseas
84
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
57.9%
No Religion
37.2%
Hinduism
1.2%
Sikhism
0.7%
Islam
0.5%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
58 (5.5%)
5-14 years
195 (18.3%)
15-19 years
125 (11.7%)
20-24 years
54 (5.1%)
25-34 years
87 (8.2%)
35-44 years
152 (14.3%)
45-54 years
190 (17.9%)
55-64 years
129 (12.1%)
65-74 years
64 (6.0%)
75-84 years
22 (2.1%)
85+ years
3 (0.3%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cardigan known for? +

Cardigan is known as part of Ballarat's expanding rural fringe, offering affordable rural-residential blocks and hobby farm lifestyle close to the city. The locality has experienced strong population growth as families seek space and value on Ballarat's outskirts.

How far is Cardigan from Ballarat CBD? +

Cardigan is approximately 10 kilometres south-west of Ballarat CBD, a 15–25 minute drive depending on the route and traffic conditions.

Does Cardigan have public transport? +

Cardigan has limited bus connections to Ballarat CBD. Ballarat Station, approximately 10 km away, provides V/Line train services to Melbourne on the Ballarat Line, taking around 75 minutes to Southern Cross Station. A car is essential for most daily travel.

What is the population of Cardigan? +

According to the 2021 Census, Cardigan has a population of 1,064 residents, a significant increase from 754 in 2016, reflecting strong growth in Ballarat's outer fringe. The median age is 36 with an average household size of 3.4 persons, indicating a young, family-oriented community.

Is Cardigan a good place to live? +

Cardigan suits families looking for affordable rural-residential land near Ballarat's amenities and services. The combination of space, value, and access to Ballarat's schools, shops, and rail connections to Melbourne makes it an increasingly popular choice for young families in the region.

What is the postcode for Cardigan? +

The postcode for Cardigan is 3352, which it shares with Ballarat East and other nearby localities.

What is the average income in Cardigan? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Cardigan is about $883 per week (around $45,900 per year). The median household income is $2,713 per week and the median family income is $2,763 per week.

What is the age profile of Cardigan? +

The median age in Cardigan is 36. The largest age group is 5–14 (195 residents, around 18%). Around 36% of residents are under 20 and about 8% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Cardigan a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Cardigan is part of the Ballarat 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 Cardigan? +

In Cardigan, the median weekly rent is $350, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $2,167 (2021 Census).