🔍

Castlemaine

VIC 3450 • Rest of VIC

7,506
Population (2021)
$57,512
Median Household Income
19.81 km²
Area
$300/wk
Median Rent
HistoricArts & CultureTree-ChangeHeritage ArchitectureGoldfields

About Castlemaine

Castlemaine is a historic goldfields town located 120 kilometres northwest of Melbourne in the Mount Alexander Shire. With a population of around 7,500 and a median age of 52, it has evolved from a gold rush boomtown that once rivalled Melbourne into a thriving cultural hub. The town sits at 298 metres elevation on Dja Dja Wurrung country, retaining magnificent Victorian-era streetscapes and architecture.

Life in Castlemaine blends heritage charm with contemporary arts culture. The town boasts an eclectic arts scene, the historic Castlemaine Art Museum, award-winning cafes, and regular markets. Residents include tree-changers, artists, and retirees attracted by its affordability compared to Melbourne, sense of community, and easy train access to the city. The nearby Maldon and surrounding goldfields offer weekend exploration.

Castlemaine falls under postcode 3450 and is governed by Mount Alexander Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Bendigo West (Northern Victoria) electorate.

📰 Featured In

📰 Victoria Suburbs with the Most Housing Commission

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3450
Urban Area
Castlemaine - Kerang
LGA / Council
Mount Alexander
Federal Electorate
Bendigo
State Electorate
Bendigo West (Northern Victoria)
Type
Urban
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-37.06°, 144.22°
Statistical Area
Rest of VIC
Area
19.81 km²
Elevation
298m

🏷️ Property Prices June quarter 2025

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

🏡House
$720K
27 sales · ▼ 5% 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)
$300
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,362
Avg Household Size
2 people
Median Age
52 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
4.6%

121 state housing + 26 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Castlemaine Station
0.5 km
6 min

Bus Services

  • Castlemaine Bus Lines — Local town services Various
  • Coach — Maldon & surrounding towns 15-30 min

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
120 km
By Train
1.5 hours (V/Line)
By Car (Peak)
1.5-2 hours
By Car (Off-Peak)
1.25 hours

🛣️ Regular V/Line services to Southern Cross; several trains daily

Walkability Very Walkable

Compact historic town centre with shops, cafes, and services within walking distance

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
304.2 / 100k
2yr Up 56.5% 10yr Down 14.6%
Motor vehicle theft
118.8 / 100k
2yr Up 22.2% 10yr Stable
Non-FV assault
232.9 / 100k
2yr Up 65.2% 10yr Up 20.2%
Robbery (unarmed)
0 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
313.7 / 100k
2yr Up 43.4% 10yr Stable
View all offence subgroups for Mount Alexander →

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
6,757
Census 2021
7,506
▲ 11.1% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$28,860
Personal Income 2021
$34,736
▲ 20.4% 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
$34,736 / yr
$668/wk
Household
$57,512 / yr
$1106/wk
Family
$84,916 / yr
$1633/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 5,882
Born Overseas 1,081

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 296
  • 2. New Zealand 117
  • 3. Vietnam 52
  • 4. United States 46
  • 5. Germany 42
  • 6. India 37
  • 7. Scotland 37
  • 8. Netherlands 29
  • 9. Malaysia 24
  • 10. Canada 22

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 3,093
Australian 2,458
Irish 1,277
Scottish 1,078
German 374
Italian 214
Dutch 103
Welsh 76
Australian Aboriginal 70
Polish 56

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

4,433
Both parents born in Australia
1,047
Both parents born overseas
860
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
57.4%
Christianity
23.8%
Buddhism
1.3%
Hinduism
0.3%
Judaism
0.2%
Islam
0.1%
Sikhism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
277 (3.7%)
5-14 years
672 (9.0%)
15-19 years
314 (4.2%)
20-24 years
197 (2.6%)
25-34 years
691 (9.2%)
35-44 years
924 (12.3%)
45-54 years
958 (12.8%)
55-64 years
1,060 (14.1%)
65-74 years
1,206 (16.1%)
75-84 years
800 (10.7%)
85+ years
411 (5.5%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Castlemaine known for? +

Castlemaine is a historic goldfields town located 120 kilometres northwest of Melbourne in the Mount Alexander Shire. Life in Castlemaine blends heritage charm with contemporary arts culture.

How far is Castlemaine from Melbourne CBD? +

Castlemaine is approximately 120 kilometres from Melbourne CBD, with a typical drive taking around 144-216 minutes depending on traffic and route taken.

Does Castlemaine have public transport? +

Castlemaine 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 Castlemaine? +

According to the 2021 Census, Castlemaine has a population of approximately 7,506 residents, reflecting a well-established community. The suburb falls within the Mount Alexander (Shire) local government area.

Is Castlemaine a good place to live? +

Castlemaine 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 Castlemaine? +

The postcode for Castlemaine, VIC is 3450. This postcode covers Castlemaine and may also serve nearby localities within the same postcode zone.

What is the average income in Castlemaine? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Castlemaine is about $668 per week (around $34,700 per year). The median household income is $1,106 per week and the median family income is $1,633 per week.

What is the median house price in Castlemaine? +

As of June quarter 2025, the median house price is $720,000, down 5% year-on-year. Figures are based on Valuer-General Victoria — Victorian Property Sales Report.

What is the age profile of Castlemaine? +

The median age in Castlemaine is 52. The largest age group is 65–74 (1,206 residents, around 16%). Around 17% of residents are under 20 and about 32% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Castlemaine a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Castlemaine is part of the Mount Alexander 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 Castlemaine? +

In Castlemaine, the median weekly rent is $300, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,362 (2021 Census).