🔍

Macedon

VIC 3440 • Greater Melbourne

2,073
Population (2021)
$122,356
Median Household Income
38.97 km²
Area
$371/wk
Median Rent
MountainLeafyHeritageFamily-FriendlySemi-Rural

About Macedon

Macedon is a small township nestled at the base of Mount Macedon in the Macedon Ranges Shire, approximately 55 kilometres north-west of Melbourne CBD within the Greater Melbourne statistical area. With a population of around 2,073 and a median age of 44, Macedon attracts established families, tree-changers, and lifestyle seekers drawn to its elevated setting at 511 metres above sea level and its deep sense of rural community character. The suburb spans a generous 39 square kilometres of rolling hill country, with large residential blocks, heritage homesteads, and cool-climate gardens that define the Macedon Ranges region.

Macedon is renowned for its spectacular historic gardens, cool-climate wineries, and the towering presence of Mount Macedon (1,013 metres), which offers walking trails, a war memorial cross, and sweeping views across Port Phillip Bay on a clear day. The nearby Hanging Rock Reserve — made famous by the 1975 Peter Weir film — is just a short drive away and remains one of regional Victoria's most visited attractions. Macedon railway station on the V/Line Bendigo line connects residents to Melbourne, making the town a popular weekender and weekend-escape destination, while the local village provides essential shops, a general store, and a strong community atmosphere.

Macedon falls under postcode 3440 and is governed by Macedon Ranges Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Macedon (Northern Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3440
Urban Area
Macedon Ranges
LGA / Council
Macedon Ranges
Federal Electorate
Mcewen
State Electorate
Macedon (Northern Victoria)
Type
Urban
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-37.42°, 144.56°
Statistical Area
Greater Melbourne
Area
38.97 km²
Elevation
511m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$371
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$2,213
Avg Household Size
2.8 people
Median Age
44 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
0.4%

3 state housing + 0 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Macedon Station
0.8 km
10 min

Bus Services

  • Dyson Bus Services local routes — Gisborne (connections to Sunbury) 15-20 min

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
55 km
By Train
Approx. 1 hr 10 min to 1 hr 25 min from Macedon Station via V/Line Bendigo Line to Southern Cross Station
By Car (Peak)
55-75 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
45-55 min

🛣️ Calder Freeway (Western Ring Road) provides direct access to Melbourne CBD; V/Line train is a viable commuter option

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Macedon is a rural township where nearly all errands and services require a car; the village has limited local retail

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
133.8 / 100k
2yr Down 30.6% 10yr Down 47.1%
Motor vehicle theft
166.8 / 100k
2yr Up 110.1% 10yr Up 173.0%
Non-FV assault
122.8 / 100k
2yr Up 10.1% 10yr Stable
Robbery (unarmed)
0 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
285.9 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 10.1%
View all offence subgroups for Macedon Ranges →

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
2,040
Census 2021
2,073
▲ 1.6% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$39,520
Personal Income 2021
$48,828
▲ 23.6% 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
$48,828 / yr
$939/wk
Household
$122,356 / yr
$2353/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 1,689
Born Overseas 274

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 85
  • 2. New Zealand 40
  • 3. Germany 17
  • 4. United States 15
  • 5. South Africa 12
  • 6. Ireland 11
  • 7. Canada 6
  • 8. Egypt 6
  • 9. Italy 6
  • 10. Pakistan 6

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 878
English 842
Irish 303
Scottish 273
German 114
Italian 93
Dutch 60
Maltese 43
Polish 32
Chinese 26

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,293
Both parents born in Australia
372
Both parents born overseas
310
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
56.1%
Christianity
35.6%
Buddhism
0.5%
Hinduism
0.2%
Islam
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
103 (5.0%)
5-14 years
352 (17.0%)
15-19 years
141 (6.8%)
20-24 years
86 (4.1%)
25-34 years
107 (5.2%)
35-44 years
275 (13.3%)
45-54 years
332 (16.0%)
55-64 years
280 (13.5%)
65-74 years
269 (13.0%)
75-84 years
110 (5.3%)
85+ years
19 (0.9%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Macedon known for? +

Macedon is known for its magnificent cool-climate gardens, the iconic Mount Macedon summit and its war memorial cross, and its proximity to Hanging Rock Reserve — the atmospheric volcanic outcrop made famous by the 1975 film Picnic at Hanging Rock.

How far is Macedon from Melbourne CBD? +

Macedon is approximately 55 kilometres north-west of the Melbourne CBD, typically a 45-75 minute drive via the Calder Freeway, or about 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 25 minutes by V/Line train.

Does Macedon have public transport? +

Macedon has a V/Line railway station on the Bendigo Line, with regular services to Melbourne's Southern Cross Station. This makes it one of the better-connected townships in the Macedon Ranges for rail commuters.

What is the population of Macedon? +

According to the 2021 Census, Macedon has a population of approximately 2,073 residents across its 39 square kilometre area, with a median age of 44 reflecting its appeal to established families and lifestyle seekers.

Is Macedon a good place to live? +

Macedon is highly regarded as a lifestyle destination offering cool mountain air, heritage gardens, and a close-knit village community within reach of Melbourne via the V/Line train — ideal for those seeking a rural escape without completely leaving city connectivity behind.

What is the postcode for Macedon? +

The postcode for Macedon is 3440.

What is the average income in Macedon? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Macedon is about $939 per week (around $48,800 per year). The median household income is $2,353 per week and the median family income is $2,763 per week.

What is the age profile of Macedon? +

The median age in Macedon is 44. The largest age group is 5–14 (352 residents, around 17%). Around 29% of residents are under 20 and about 19% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Macedon a safe area? +

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

In Macedon, the median weekly rent is $371, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $2,213 (2021 Census).