🔍

St Arnaud

VIC 3478 • Rest of VIC

2,318
Population (2021)
$29,120
Median Income
68.97 km²
Area
$188/wk
Median Rent
RuralHistoricRetiree-HavenAffordable

About St Arnaud

St Arnaud is a country town in the Northern Grampians Shire in Victoria's Wimmera region, located 244 kilometres north-west of Melbourne and approximately 108 kilometres from Horsham. The town covers a large area of nearly 69 square kilometres at an elevation of around 241 metres. With a population of 2,318 at the 2021 census and a median age of 52, St Arnaud has a noticeably older demographic, reflecting broader trends of ageing in small regional Victorian communities. Named after French Crimean War marshal Jacques Leroy de Saint Arnaud, the town was established in the mid-1850s as a gold mining settlement.

St Arnaud is a quiet rural service town with a well-preserved main street, heritage buildings from the goldfields era, and a close-knit community. Median household income of around $920 per week and a median weekly rent of just $188 reflect its affordability compared to metropolitan areas. The town provides essential services including schools, a hospital, local shops, and parks, and is a gateway to the wider Northern Grampians region. It appeals particularly to retirees, agricultural workers, and those seeking a peaceful, affordable lifestyle far from the city.

St Arnaud falls under postcode 3478 and is governed by Northern Grampians Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Ripon (Western Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3478
Urban Area
Wimmera
LGA / Council
Northern Grampians
Federal Electorate
Mallee
State Electorate
Ripon (Western Victoria)
Type
Urban
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-36.62°, 143.26°
Statistical Area
Rest of VIC
Area
68.97 km²
Elevation
241m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • V/Line coach services — Ballarat / Melbourne Approx 2.5 hrs to Melbourne (coach)

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
244 km
By Train
No direct rail service; V/Line coach to Ballarat then train available
By Car (Peak)
2.5-3 hrs
By Car (Off-Peak)
2.5 hrs

🛣️ A car is essential; Western Highway/Calder Highway provide main road access to Melbourne

Walkability Car-Dependent

The town centre is walkable for basic errands but most services require a car given the rural spread

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$188
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$867
Avg Household Size
2 people
Median Age
52 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
4.2%

26 state housing + 18 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
2,193
Census 2021
2,318
▲ 5.7% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$24,596
Income 2021
$29,120
▲ 18.4% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,975
Born Overseas 147

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 38
  • 2. New Zealand 20
  • 3. Philippines 19
  • 4. Netherlands 12
  • 5. Germany 8
  • 6. United States 7
  • 7. India 4
  • 8. Poland 4
  • 9. Vietnam 4
  • 10. Croatia 3

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 1,034
Australian 1,007
Scottish 295
Irish 290
German 91
Italian 53
Australian Aboriginal 38
Dutch 29
Filipino 25
French 9

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,769
Both parents born in Australia
197
Both parents born overseas
139
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
52.5%
No Religion
37.8%
Buddhism
0.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
110 (4.7%)
5-14 years
207 (8.9%)
15-19 years
110 (4.7%)
20-24 years
105 (4.5%)
25-34 years
241 (10.4%)
35-44 years
179 (7.7%)
45-54 years
286 (12.3%)
55-64 years
331 (14.3%)
65-74 years
359 (15.5%)
75-84 years
268 (11.6%)
85+ years
118 (5.1%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is St Arnaud known for? +

St Arnaud is known for its gold mining heritage dating to the 1850s. The town has well-preserved Victorian-era architecture and streetscapes, and serves as a rural service centre for the Northern Grampians region in Victoria's Wimmera.

How far is St Arnaud from Melbourne? +

St Arnaud is approximately 244 kilometres north-west of Melbourne CBD, a drive of around 2.5 to 3 hours via the Western Highway and connecting roads.

Does St Arnaud have public transport? +

St Arnaud does not have a train station; the rail line through the area closed decades ago. V/Line coach services connect the town to Ballarat and Melbourne, though services are limited and a car is the most practical transport option.

What is the population of St Arnaud? +

According to the 2021 Census, St Arnaud has a population of approximately 2,318 people, with a notably older median age of 52 years, reflecting the demographic make-up of many small Victorian country towns.

Is St Arnaud a good place to live? +

St Arnaud offers a genuinely affordable and peaceful rural lifestyle with a strong sense of community. It suits retirees, those working in agriculture or local services, or anyone seeking a slower pace of life in a town with real heritage character and low living costs.

What is the postcode for St Arnaud? +

St Arnaud's postcode is 3478.