That is despite most local councils setting their lowest rate rise in five to 10 years.

Across the state the average rate rise is 3.8 per cent, but in central Victoria the increases are higher, according to figures provided by the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV).

Central Goldfields Shire, which centres on Maryborough, has adopted the region’s highest rate rise of 5.5 per cent.

Rates have risen by 5.18 per cent in Loddon Shire and 4.86 per cent in Campaspe in the state's north.

Greater Bendigo's rate rise of 4.37 per cent is the city's lowest in five years, comparing favourably to those in other major regional cities, including Ballarat (6.16 per cent) and Greater Geelong (4.53 per cent).

Bendigo househoulds will pay an average $1769 in rates, an increase of $74 from 2014-15.

Mount Alexander Shire rates will rise 4.19 per cent, while residents in Macedon Ranges will enjoy a modest 3.97 per cent rise.

Only seven of 79 councils listed in the survey increased rates by less than the current CPI increase of 1.1 per cent.

They include Glenelg Shire in the state's south west (0.44 per cent), Mansfield (0.63 per cent) and five Melbourne suburban councils.

The City of Melbourne has the lowest rise of minus .87 per cent.

This year is the last time council's will set their own rise, with the Andrews state government committing to its election policy of capping rate rises to match inflation.

The rate cap has received a less than lukewarm response from the region's councils, with the MAV vocal in its opposition.

Councils may charge above inflation, but must justify their reasons and be granted approval by the Local Government Minister.