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Snake Valley

VIC 3351 • Victoria

820
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
57.62 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralHistoricAgriculturalQuietSemi-Rural
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About Snake Valley

Snake Valley is a small rural town in central western Victoria, situated on Linton-Carngham Road within the Pyrenees Shire, approximately 27 kilometres west of Ballarat and 154 kilometres west of Melbourne. With a population of 820 and an area of around 57.6 square kilometres, it is a quiet agricultural locality set amid the gently undulating farmlands of the central goldfields region. The area has deep Indigenous heritage as part of the traditional country of the Carringum balug people of the Wathaurong nation.

Snake Valley has a fascinating gold rush history: following a gold discovery in 1857, the town once boasted five hotels, multiple churches, and a mechanics' institute. Today it retains a quiet, rural character with a small residential community and is known for its wide-open agricultural landscapes and strong sense of place. The town is well-placed for those who enjoy the space and lifestyle of rural Victoria while remaining within easy commuting distance of Ballarat's full range of services, schools, and healthcare.

Snake Valley falls under postcode 3351 and is governed by the Pyrenees Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Wannon, while state elections fall under the Ripon (Western Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3351
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Pyrenees
Federal Electorate
Wannon
State Electorate
Ripon (Western Victoria)
Type
Locality
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-37.76°, 143.64°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
57.62 km²
Population Density
14 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 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.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Ballarat
27 km
N/A (drive required)

Bus Services

  • No regular services — N/A N/A

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
154 km
By Train
Drive to Ballarat (27 km) then Ballarat Line train to Southern Cross (~1 h 20 min total)
By Car (Peak)
2–2.5 hours
By Car (Off-Peak)
1.5–2 hours

🛣️ Western Freeway access via Ballarat; car essential for all local travel

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Snake Valley is a small rural town with minimal local facilities; virtually all errands require a car to Ballarat or nearby towns

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
820
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
386.1 / 100k
2yr Up 58.2% 10yr Down 37.2%
Motor vehicle theft
286.5 / 100k
2yr Up 71.5% 10yr Up 74.6%
Non-FV assault
236.6 / 100k
2yr Up 22.8% 10yr Up 15.4%
Robbery (unarmed)
0 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
510.6 / 100k
2yr Up 89.3% 10yr Up 33.4%
View all offence subgroups for Pyrenees →

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Snake Valley known for? +

Snake Valley is known for its gold rush heritage — a gold discovery in 1857 once transformed it into a thriving mining town with five hotels and multiple churches. Today it is a quiet rural locality amid agricultural land in Victoria's Pyrenees Shire.

How far is Snake Valley from Melbourne? +

Snake Valley is approximately 154 kilometres west of Melbourne, a drive of around 1.5–2 hours via the Western Freeway through Ballarat.

Does Snake Valley have public transport? +

Snake Valley does not have rail or regular bus services. The nearest train station is Ballarat, approximately 27 kilometres to the east, which provides frequent services to Melbourne on the Ballarat Line. A car is essential for daily life.

What is the population of Snake Valley? +

According to the 2021 Census, Snake Valley has a population of 820 residents. This represents significant growth from just 329 people recorded in the 2006 Census.

Is Snake Valley a good place to live? +

Snake Valley is ideal for those seeking affordable rural living within easy reach of Ballarat's full range of services. It suits families, farmers, and lifestyle-seekers who value space, quiet, and the character of central western Victoria.

What is the postcode for Snake Valley? +

Snake Valley's postcode is 3351, which covers the Pyrenees Shire region of central western Victoria.

Is Snake Valley a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Snake Valley is part of the Pyrenees 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.