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Napoleons

VIC 3352 • Victoria

555
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
46.18 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralHistoricFamily-FriendlyAffordable
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About Napoleons

Napoleons is a historic rural locality situated approximately 14 kilometres south of Ballarat in central Victoria, along the Colac–Ballarat Road. The area has deep Gold Rush-era roots — gold was first discovered here in 1857 and the Napoleons lead became one of the most significant in the Buninyong district, lending the locality its distinctive name (said to derive from a miner who resembled Napoleon Bonaparte). With a population of around 553 residents at the 2016 Census, Napoleons retains the character of a small agricultural village with heritage charm. It falls within the City of Ballarat local government area.

Today Napoleons is a peaceful rural-residential community popular with those who want the tranquillity of country living with straightforward access to Ballarat's full range of urban services. The locality has a primary school, Napoleons Primary School, which has served the community since the 1860s, and a strong sense of local identity reinforced by the Napoleons and District Historical Society. Properties tend to be large residential or hobby farm allotments, attracting families and lifestyle seekers. Ballarat, just 15–20 minutes north by car, provides hospitals, universities, shopping centres, and a V/Line train service to Melbourne.

Napoleons falls under postcode 3352 and is governed by the Golden Plains Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Wannon, while state elections fall under the Wendouree (Western Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3352
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Golden Plains
Federal Electorate
Wannon
State Electorate
Wendouree (Western Victoria)
Type
Locality
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-37.48°, 143.66°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
46.18 km²
Population Density
12 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 3352

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 3352, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$48,120
Median 2023–24
$57,054
▲ 18.6% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$72,245

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 3352; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Ballarat Station
14 km
N/A

Bus Services

  • Ballarat Transit regional bus — Ballarat CBD ~20 min

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
115 km
By Train
Approx 1h 20min from Ballarat Station (V/Line)
By Car (Peak)
Approx 1h 30min via Western Freeway
By Car (Off-Peak)
Approx 1h 15min

🛣️ Drive to Ballarat Station (~14km) then V/Line train to Southern Cross; Western Freeway (M8) provides direct road access

Walkability Car-Dependent

Small village with limited footpaths; a car is needed for most errands outside the immediate locality

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
555
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
189.8 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 57.4%
Motor vehicle theft
130.2 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 13.1%
Non-FV assault
63.3 / 100k
2yr Up 16.6% 10yr Down 22.6%
Robbery (unarmed)
0 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
174.9 / 100k
2yr Up 29.0% 10yr Down 31.2%
View all offence subgroups for Golden Plains →

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

How did Napoleons get its name? +

Napoleons is said to be named after a miner who worked the goldfields in the 1850s and reportedly resembled Napoleon Bonaparte. Gold was discovered here in 1857, and the area became a significant lead in the Buninyong district.

How far is Napoleons from Ballarat? +

Napoleons is approximately 14 kilometres south of Ballarat CBD, roughly a 15–20 minute drive along the Colac–Ballarat Road.

Does Napoleons have a primary school? +

Yes, Napoleons Primary School has operated in the locality since the 1860s and continues to serve the local community.

How do residents of Napoleons commute to Melbourne? +

Most residents drive to Ballarat Station (about 14km) and take a V/Line train to Southern Cross Station, a journey of approximately 1 hour 20 minutes. The trip by car via the Western Freeway takes around 1 hour 15–30 minutes depending on traffic.

What LGA is Napoleons in? +

Napoleons falls within the City of Ballarat local government area in Victoria.

Is Napoleons a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Napoleons is part of the Golden Plains 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.

What is the population of Napoleons? +

Napoleons had a population of 555 at the 2021 Census.