🔍

Ross Creek

VIC 3351 • Rest of VIC

1,221
Population (2021)
$107,380
Median Household Income
40.38 km²
Area
$310/wk
Median Rent
RuralPeacefulCommuter BeltEstablishedFamily-Friendly
Advertisement

About Ross Creek

Ross Creek is a rural locality in the Golden Plains Shire, situated approximately 15 kilometres south-east of Ballarat in central Victoria. With a population of 1,221 in the 2021 Census, the suburb spans a generous 40 square kilometres at an elevation of 419 metres, giving it a characteristic open pastoral landscape. The community has a median age of 40 and is predominantly Australian-born, with strong English, Irish and Scottish heritage reflecting the area's long settlement history.

Life in Ross Creek revolves around a quiet rural lifestyle, with residents accessing schools, shops and services in nearby Ballarat — one of Victoria's largest regional cities. The suburb is well-suited to families and those who value open space, hobby farming and rural tranquillity within commuting distance of Ballarat's full range of amenities. There is no dedicated public transport service, making a private vehicle essential, but the proximity to the Western Freeway corridor provides reasonable access to Melbourne for those who need it.

Ross Creek falls under postcode 3351 and is governed by the Golden Plains Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Ballarat, while state elections fall under the Ripon (Western Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3351
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Golden Plains
Federal Electorate
Ballarat
State Electorate
Ripon (Western Victoria)
Type
Rural
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-37.65°, 143.77°
Statistical Area
Rest of VIC
Area
40.38 km²
Population Density
30 /km²
Elevation
419m

📣 Ad

💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 3351

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 3351, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$45,935
Median 2023–24
$53,972
▲ 17.5% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$63,900

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 3351; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

Census personal income 2016 vs 2021

Personal Income 2016
$33,644
Personal Income 2021
$42,796
▲ 27.2% increase

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

2021 Census income breakdown

Personal = median for one earner. Household = all members of a dwelling pooled. Family = related members only. Annual = weekly × 52.

Personal
$42,796 / yr
$823/wk
Household
$107,380 / yr
$2065/wk
Family
$117,000 / yr
$2250/wk
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$310
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,733
Avg Household Size
3 people
Median Age
40 years

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Ballarat Station
15 km
N/A (car required)

Bus Services

  • No regular bus service — Ballarat (car required) 15-20 min by car

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
115 km
By Train
Drive to Ballarat Station, then V/Line train approx. 75 min to Southern Cross
By Car (Peak)
90-120 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
75-90 min

🛣️ Access via Western Freeway (M8); Ballarat provides full regional amenities nearby

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Dispersed rural locality with no walkable centre; a car is essential for all daily needs

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,153
Census 2021
1,221
▲ 5.9% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest rates for the Golden Plains Local Government Area, which contains Ross Creek. 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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,100
Born Overseas 90

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 21
  • 2. New Zealand 10
  • 3. Singapore 10
  • 4. Thailand 8
  • 5. Malta 6
  • 6. France 5
  • 7. Germany 5
  • 8. Italy 4
  • 9. United States 4
  • 10. Croatia 3

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 549
English 525
Irish 152
Scottish 117
German 53
Dutch 48
Australian Aboriginal 47
Italian 36
Welsh 17
Polish 12

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace

950
Both parents born in Australia
134
Both parents born overseas
108
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
50.6%
Christianity
44.1%
Buddhism
0.8%

📣 Ad

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
62 (5.1%)
5-14 years
221 (18.1%)
15-19 years
91 (7.5%)
20-24 years
60 (4.9%)
25-34 years
79 (6.5%)
35-44 years
171 (14.0%)
45-54 years
219 (17.9%)
55-64 years
191 (15.6%)
65-74 years
115 (9.4%)
75-84 years
24 (2.0%)
85+ years
5 (0.4%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ross Creek known for? +

Ross Creek is known for its quiet rural character and open pastoral landscapes in Victoria's Golden Plains Shire, offering residents a peaceful lifestyle within easy reach of Ballarat's amenities.

How far is Ross Creek from Melbourne? +

Ross Creek is approximately 115 kilometres north-west of Melbourne CBD, typically a 75–120 minute drive via the Western Freeway. Ballarat, about 15 kilometres away, offers V/Line train connections to Melbourne.

Does Ross Creek have public transport? +

There is no regular public transport service in Ross Creek. Residents drive to Ballarat to access V/Line train services connecting to Melbourne and regional centres.

What is the population of Ross Creek? +

According to the 2021 Census, Ross Creek has a population of 1,221 residents across its 40 square kilometre area, making it a sparsely settled rural locality in the Golden Plains Shire.

Is Ross Creek a good place to live? +

Ross Creek appeals to those seeking a rural lifestyle with larger properties and a close community feel, while remaining within a short drive of Ballarat's schools, shops, hospitals, and employment. It suits families and those comfortable with car dependency.

What is the postcode for Ross Creek? +

The postcode for Ross Creek, VIC is 3351.

What is the average income in Ross Creek? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Ross Creek is about $823 per week (around $42,800 per year). The median household income is $2,065 per week and the median family income is $2,250 per week.

What is the age profile of Ross Creek? +

The median age in Ross Creek is 40. The largest age group is 5–14 (221 residents, around 18%). Around 31% of residents are under 20 and about 12% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Ross Creek a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Ross Creek 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.

How much is rent in Ross Creek? +

In Ross Creek, the median weekly rent is $310, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,733 (2021 Census).