Ararat suburb profile
Ararat is a picturesque regional city located in Victoria, approximately 200km west of Melbourne. Nestled at the foothills of the Grampians, it serves as a gateway to the stunning natural landscapes of the region. Ararat is known for its rich history, with heritage buildings and the iconic J Ward Museum offering glimpses into its past. The city boasts a strong sense of community, with local festivals and events celebrating its diverse culture. With a mix of rural charm and modern amenities, Ararat provides a welcoming environment for families, retirees, and those seeking a peaceful lifestyle amidst nature.
Ararat property market performance
Property growth-6.5%Past 12 months
Ararat's property market has shown positive growth over the past 12 months, with house values increasing by 8.4%, bringing the median house price to $430,000. However, the unit market has remained stagnant, with no change in median value, reflecting limited activity in this sector.
Sales activity has been relatively active, with 62 houses and 9 units sold over the past 12 months. Houses are selling faster, with a median of 45 days on the market, compared to 56 days for units, indicating stronger demand for houses.
The rental market in Ararat has seen a notable increase in house rents, which have risen by 7.7% over the last 12 months, while unit rents have experienced a modest increase of 1.5%, suggesting a stronger demand for rental houses in the area.
| Houses | Units | |
|---|---|---|
Median price Past 3 months | $430K | N/A |
Change in value Past 12 months | 8.4% | -21.3% |
Sold Past 3 months | 62 | 9 |
Median days on market Past 12 months | 45 | 56 |
Average rent Past 12 months | $420 | $335 |
Change in rent Past 12 months | 7.7% | 1.5% |
5 year median price trend for houses and units
Ararat demographics
Ararat, located in the heart of Victoria, is a charming regional town known for its rich history and scenic landscapes. With a population of 8,500, Ararat offers a peaceful lifestyle, attracting families, retirees, and those seeking a slower pace of life. The median age of 45 reflects a mature community, with many residents enjoying the town's blend of rural charm and essential amenities.
The housing market in Ararat is characterized by a high rate of home ownership, with 42.1% of properties owned outright and 30.5% owned with a mortgage. This stability is appealing to families and long-term residents who value the security of home ownership. Rental properties make up 27.4% of the housing market, providing options for those who prefer flexibility or are new to the area.
Family life is central to Ararat's community, with couple families with children comprising 32% of households and couple families without children making up 46.6%. One-parent families account for 19.2%, highlighting the suburb's inclusive and supportive environment. The median total household income of $1,216 per week reflects the town's affordability, making it an attractive option for those looking to balance cost of living with quality of life.
Ararat infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities
Ararat continues to benefit from its role as the administrative centre for the wider Rural City, with ongoing investment in health, education and community facilities supporting its position as a key regional service hub.[3][5] Strong rail and road links via the Western and Pyrenees Highways, together with passenger rail connections to Ballarat, Melbourne, Adelaide and the Port of Portland, underpin commuter access and freight movement, which is likely to support long-term residential and industrial demand.[3][5]
Council is actively promoting Ararat as a gateway to the Grampians region, leveraging tourism assets such as local museums, heritage sites and nearby parks, which may help sustain short-stay accommodation demand and broader investor interest.[4][5] Recent rollout of free public Wi-Fi across key economic, recreation and cultural precincts in the township signals a focus on digital infrastructure and town-centre activation, which can enhance amenity and appeal for both residents and businesses.[5]
Ararat rental market trends
The rental market in Ararat has experienced moderate growth, with house rents increasing by 7.7% over the past year to $420 per week, while unit rents have seen a smaller rise of 1.5% to $335 per week. This steady growth reflects Ararat's appeal as a regional hub, offering a balanced lifestyle with potential for future investment opportunities.
Suburbs near Ararat
Some popular suburbs near Ararat include:
How does Ararat compare to nearby suburbs?
- Median house prices: Ararat’s median house price is 16.4% higher than Stawell’s.
- House price growth: Property prices in nearby Stawell have risen 5.0% more than in Ararat over the past year.
- Selling speed for houses: Properties in nearby Stawell are selling 6.7% faster than in Ararat.
- Selling speed for units: Properties in Ararat are selling 43.4% faster than in Stawell.

