suburb.guide

VIC · Campaspe Council

Rochester, 3561

Current weather

10.6°CLight drizzle

94% humidity · 24.4 km/h wind · 13.4° / 9.1° today · 6.6 mm rain

Desirability score

46.8/100

2128th in Australia

82% data confidence

How this score is calculated

Suburb snapshot

Rochester (Vic.) is a smaller suburban community in the Campaspe area, home to around 3,154 residents (2021 Census). Available data shows 178 offences in 2026 with falling year-on-year trends (-10%), roughly 56.4 offences per 1,000 residents, 3 school and preschool sites in the area, strong public transport coverage with many Public Transport Victoria stops, fewer mapped amenities than nearby suburbs, 1 active roadworks or transport incidents on nearby routes, and notable planning and development activity on record. Snapshot data also shows parks or public open space within the suburb and hospitals or GP clinics within the suburb.

Population

Population
3,154
Median age
53
Median household income / week
$1,073
Dwelling vacancy
9.2%
Unoccupied private dwellings
131 of 1,430
Median monthly mortgage
$1,083
Employment rate
45.7%
Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
121 / 71 / 0

Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)

Employment, household income and age diversity (2021 Census)

Data sources & freshness

  • 2021 Census — General Community Profile — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Period: 2021 · Updated on site · 2021 Census release

    The 2026 Census runs in August 2026; suburb-level updates are expected from mid-2027.

Crime & safety

Total offences (2026)
178
Against the person
40
Against property
64
Rate per 1,000 residents
56.4
Person-crime prevalence
About 1 in 79 residents
State safety percentile
52.3th (lower crime is better)
Decrease (daily rate)
-10.1%

Reported offences decreased compared with the previous period.

Reported offences by period

Most common offence types

  • B21 Criminal Damage14
  • B49 Other Theft16
  • E21 Breach Family Violence Order40
  • E23 Breach Bail Conditions17
  • Other Crimes Against The Person10

Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)

Crime rate and year-on-year trend

Data sources & freshness

Schools & preschools

Schools & preschools
3
Median school ICSEA (3 schools)
978
  • Rochester Primary SchoolPrimary
  • Rochester Secondary CollegeSecondary
  • St Joseph's SchoolPrimary

Contributes to desirability score · Education (15%)

School and preschool counts, median school ICSEA

Data sources & freshness

Public transport

24 public transport stops in this suburb

  • Gilles St/Moore St
  • Queen St/McKenzie St
  • Rochester Railway Station
  • Rochester Station
  • Rochester Station/Northern Hwy

Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)

Public transport stop coverage

Data sources & freshness

Roadworks & transport

1 active roadworks / incidents

  • Building / 3rd Party Works activities occurring between 01/01/2026 and 30/09/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed northbound. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 0 to 5 min.ELIZABETH STREET, MACKAY STREET31 Dec 2025 – 29 Sep 2026

Data sources & freshness

  • Road incidents & closures — State road authority open-data feeds · Period: current · Updated on site · Hourly refresh where supported

Planning & development

Development applications from PPARS statewide register (lodged 2020–2022). Free public PPARS MapServer — applications through ~2022 (service last updated Feb 2024).

51 planning-related records

2021· 25 proposals

  • September 2021

  • Buildings and works (dwelling extension) in the Land Subject to Inundation Overlay
    72 VICTORIA STREET ROCHESTER 3561Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Buildings and works (outbuilding) in the Farming Zone Schedule 1 associated with an existing Landscape Garden Supplies and the Land Subject to Inundation Overlay
    6525 NORTHERN HIGHWAY ROCHESTER 3561Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • August 2021

  • Development of the land for 4 dwellings in the General Residential Zone and Land Subject to Inundation Overlay
    46 ECHUCA ROAD ROCHESTER 3561Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • VICSMART - Buildings and works (agricultural shed) in the Farming Zone Schedule 1
    400 DIGGORA ROAD ROCHESTER 3561Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • June 2021

  • Building and Works (dwelling) in the Land Subject to Inundation Overlay
    46 Morton StreetPermit issued by the RA
  • Building and works (dwelling extension) in the Land Subject to Inundation Overlay
    15 Moore StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Development of the land for three (3) dwellings in the General Residential Zone and Land Subject to Inundation
    37 MACKAY STREET ROCHESTER 3561Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • May 2021

  • Building and Works (dwelling) in the Land Subject to Inundation Overlay
    46 Morton StreetWithdrawn
  • Buildings and Works (dwelling) in the Land Subject to Inundation Overlay
    63 Northcote StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • VICSMART - Buildings and works (external painting) and Business Identification Signage in the Heritage Overlay Schedule 203
    60 Mackay StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • April 2021

  • Subdivision of the land into two lots in the General Residential Zone and Land Subject to Inundation Overlay
    39 EDWARD STREET ROCHESTER 3561Permit issued by the RA
  • Building and Works (extension to manufacturing building) in the Industrial Zone Schedule 1 and a reduction in car parking pursuant to Clause 52.06
    80 Lowry StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Buildings and works (building extension, partial demolition and tree removal) in the General Residential Zone, Land Subject to Inundation Overlay and Heritage Overlay 212 and business identification signage in the General Residential Zone and Heritage Overlay Schedule 212
    11 Campaspe StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Buildings and works (external alterations and additions and partial demolition) and internally illuminated business identification signage in the Commercial 1 Zone and Heritage Overlay Schedule 203, a reduction of car parking pursuant to Clause 52.06 and alteration to existing red line plan pursuant to Clause 52.27
    10-20 Gillies StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • March 2021

  • Building and Works (dwelling extension) in the Land Subject to Inundation Overlay
    20 Echuca RoadPermit issued by the RA
  • Building and works (silo artwork and sculptures) in the Public Conservation and Resource Zone and Heritage Overlay 203 and 210
    31 Ramsay StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Building and Works (external painting) and Business Identification Signage Heritage Overlay Schedule 203
    41 Moore StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • February 2021

  • Boundary realignment and creation of a carriageway easement in the Farming Zone Schedule 1, Floodway Overlay and Land Subject to Inundation Overlay
    6708 Northern HighwayPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Subdivision of the Land into three Lots in the General Residential Zone and Land Subject to Inundation Overlay
    54 Echuca RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Building and works (minor utility station pipe and pump) in the Public Conservation and Resource Zone
    16 Bridge RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Building and Works (Ablutions Block) in association with Existing Section 2 Use (Police Station) in the General Residential Zone and Land Subject to Inundation Overlay
    29 Moore StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Building and Works (outbuilding) in the Farming Zone Schedule 1
    6533 Northern HighwayPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • January 2021

  • Use and development (fence) of the land for vehicle store (in association with a rural store) in the Farming Zone Schedule 1, Floodway Overlay and Land Subject to Inundation Overlay
    Northern HighwayPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Buildings and Works (external painting) and Business Identification Signage in the Heritage Overlay Schedule HO203
    11-13 Gillies StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • VICSMART Building and Works (outbuilding) in the General Residential Zone
    25 Hotham StreetNo permit required
2020· 15 proposals

  • December 2020

  • Buildings and Works (Dwelling) in the Land Subject to Inundation Overlay, Removal of Native Vegetation (3 Trees) pursuant to Clause 52.17 and Alteration to Access to a Road Zone Category 1 pursuant to Clause 52.29 - Amendment to Permit Description, Endorsed Plans and Condition 3
    12-14 Bridge RoadWithdrawn

  • November 2020

  • Building and Works (dwelling) in the Land Subject to Inundation Overlay
    4 Edward StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Subdivision of the land into two (2) lots in the General Residential Zone
    41 Kerford StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Use and Development of the land for a dwelling and outbuilding in the Farming Zone Schedule 1 and Land Subject to Inundation Overlay
    O'Donnell RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • October 2020

  • Buildings and works (dwelling extension) in the Commercial 1 Zone and Land Subject to Inundation Overlay
    8 Moore StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • September 2020

  • Building and Works (Dwelling and Outbuilding) in the Land Subject to Inundation Overlay
    40 High StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • External Painting and Business Identification Signage in the Heritage Overlay Schedule 203
    64 Mackay StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Development of the land for a Dwelling in the Land Subject to Inundation Overlay
    4-6 Church StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • July 2020

  • Buildings and Works (Extension) in the Commercial 1 Zone and Land Subject to Inundation Overlay
    58 Campaspe StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Floodlit Major Promotion Sign in the Commercial 1 Zone
    18 Moore StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Use and Development of the Land for a Dwelling in the Farming Zone Schedule 1
    Diggora RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • June 2020

  • Creation of an easement (E-1) pursuant to Clause 52.02
    81 Lowry StreetPermit issued by the RA
  • Buildings and Works (Dwelling) in the Land Subject to Inundation Overlay, Removal of Native Vegetation (3 Trees) pursuant to Clause 52.17 and Alteration to Access to a Road Zone Category 1 pursuant to Clause 52.29
    12-16 Bridge RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Buildings & Works (extension to building) in the Public Use Zone (PUZ4 - Transport) and Land Subject to Inundation Overlay
    14 Moore StreetWithdrawn
  • Buildings and works (external painting) and Business Identification Signage in the Heritage Overlay Schedule 203
    19 Gillies StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

Contributes to desirability score · Future Growth (7%)

Development and planning activity

Data sources & freshness

  • PPARS planning permit activity (statewide) — Department of Transport and Planning (Victoria) · Period: 2020–2022 · Updated on site · Public MapServer last updated Feb 2024 — applications through FY 2022–23 only; newer PPARS data requires council/API access

Amenities

1 nearby amenities within ~1.5 km

  • Waste Basket

Names and addresses from OpenStreetMap. Unnamed venues show as their type (e.g. Cafe).

Contributes to desirability score · Lifestyle (15%)

Food, shopping, recreation and sport (OpenStreetMap)

Data sources & freshness

  • OpenStreetMap amenities — OpenStreetMap contributors · Period: current · Updated on site · Weekly refresh

Parks & reserves

6 parks and public open space in this suburb

  • Apex ParkPark
  • Campaspe ParkPark
  • Dohertys Pine Nature Conservation ReserveNature reserve
  • Lions ParkPark
  • Rochester Recreation ReservePark
  • Rotary ParkPark

Data sources & freshness

Health access

Hospitals & GP clinics
2
Emergency department
On site
  • Rochester and Elmore District Health ServicePascoe Streethospital
  • TerryWhite ChemmartGillies Streetpharmacy

Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)

Hospitals and GP clinics

Data sources & freshness

Socio-economic (SEIFA)

IRSAD decile (2021)
2/10
IRSD decile (2021)
2/10

SEIFA indexes from ABS 2021. Decile 10 = most advantaged / least disadvantaged in Australia.

Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)

Socio-economic advantage (IRSAD decile)

Data sources & freshness

Heritage

1 state heritage place

  • ROCHESTER COURT HOUSENH1482

Data sources & freshness

  • State heritage register — State heritage authority · Period: current · Updated on site

Hazards

Bushfire planning zone
No overlay at centroid

Bushfire overlay checked at suburb centroid via Victorian Bushfire Management Overlay mapping.

Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)

Bushfire hazard overlays

Data sources & freshness

  • Hazard planning overlays — State government hazard layers · Period: current · Updated on site

Green cover

Parks & woodland (OSM)
26
Parks (OSM)
8

OpenStreetMap parks and natural woodland features mapped within the suburb boundary.

Contributes to desirability score · Environment (10%)

Parks and green cover (OpenStreetMap)

Data sources & freshness

  • OpenStreetMap green cover features — OpenStreetMap contributors · Period: current · Updated on site · Weekly refresh

Desirability index

Desirability score
46.8/100
National rank
2128th in Australia
State rank
452nd in VIC
Peer rank
#39 among Country & regional · Mature suburbs
Cohort rank
#121 among Country & regional suburbs
Data confidence
82%

Data sources & freshness

  • Suburb Guide desirability index — Suburb Guide (derived score) · Period: current · Updated on site · Derived from source metrics

Recent changes

  • B21 Criminal Damagecrime14
  • B49 Other Theftcrime16
  • E21 Breach Family Violence Ordercrime40
  • E23 Breach Bail Conditionscrime17
  • Other Crimes Against The Personcrime10
  • ROCHESTER COURT HOUSEheritageNH1482
  • Rochester and Elmore District Health ServicehealthPascoe Streethospital
  • TerryWhite ChemmarthealthGillies Streetpharmacy
  • Apex Parkgovernmentpark
  • Campaspe Parkgovernmentpark

Data sources & freshness

Similar suburbs

Suburbs with a similar population, SEIFA decile and location.