Statistics from the 2016 Census, released this week, show population increased in Horsham and Ararat rural cities, but declined markedly in other local government areas in the region.

Data shows Horsham Rural City had 19,642 residents on Census night, up 363 from the previous Census in 2011.

Ararat’s population increased by 417 people in the same period.

Despite this, the number of families decreased in both areas.

Horsham had 5150 families last year compared with 5198 in 2011, while the number of Ararat families dropped from 2944 to 2825.

Northern Grampians and Yarriambiack shire populations declined by more than 400 people each from 2011 to 2016, while West Wimmera’s dropped 348 and Hindmarsh’s was down 77.

Buloke shire’s population also dropped, by 183.

Overall, the Wimmera had 648 fewer residents in 2016 compared with 2011.

Horsham Rural City mayor Pam Clarke said the population growth in the municipality was not surprising.

“We’ve seen those statistics for a long time – it’s good Horsham is continually growing,” she said.

“However if you look at the statistics for the smaller municipalities, their populations are going down at a similar rate.

“Many people from those areas are moving into Horsham. We are a bigger regional centre and have all the services that people need.

“That's one of the main things that has contributed to our growing population, but we’ve also had growth in agricultural research and agricultural businesses, which is bringing people in.”

Yarriambiack mayor Graeme Massey said council anticipated annual population declines.

“We understand it because of a lack of employment opportunities, and young people moving away,” he said.

“People do retire into bigger centres, but I think that's balanced out by people moving into our area for reasons such as cheaper housing.

“We’re very aware of the decline and are trying to find ways to hold on to people. But the more remote you are, the harder it is to get industry in.”

Housing statistics followed the population trend, with growth in the number of private dwellings in Horsham and Ararat, but declines elsewhere.

The two rural cities had 525 more dwellings in 2016 than in 2011.

One category where all Wimmera municipalities experienced the same trend was median age, with all registering an average increase between one and three years.

Buloke shire has the highest median age of 51, while Horsham has the youngest residents on average, with a median age of 42.