Benalla

Benalla is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

As of Feb 2026, the population of the suburb of Benalla is estimated at around 11,402. This reflects an increase of 580 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,822. The change is inferred from the resident population of 10,890 in Jun 2024 and an additional 449 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 36 persons per square kilometer. Benalla's growth rate of 5.4% since census positions it within 0.5 percentage points of the SA3 area (5.9%). Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 83.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted employing weighted aggregation method from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Projections indicate a decline in overall population by 634 persons by 2041. However, growth is anticipated in specific age cohorts, led by the 35 to 44 age group with an expected increase of 246 people.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Benalla when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Benalla has had around 87 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 437 homes from FY21 to FY25. So far in FY26, 62 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.6 new residents arrive annually for each new home built between FY21 and FY25, indicating that supply is meeting or exceeding demand.

The average construction cost of these homes is $377,000, slightly above the regional average. This financial year has seen $23.4 million in commercial approvals registered, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the rest of Victoria, Benalla records 30% more construction per person over the past five years.

The area's building activity is predominantly detached houses at 93%, preserving its low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 128 people per approval, Benalla reflects a low-density population. Population projections indicate stability or decline, which should reduce housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

Benalla has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified eight projects potentially impacting this region. Notable initiatives are Benalla Art Gallery Redevelopment, Benalla West - Stage One, Park Lane Estate, and Livingston Benalla. The following details projects likely most relevant:.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment conditions in Benalla face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Benalla has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well represented, with an unemployment rate of 7.4% as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, 4638 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 3.7% higher than Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%.

Workforce participation stands at 53.4%, significantly lower than Regional Vic.'s 61.5%. Census responses indicate that only 12.0% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction notably has high employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

However, agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence with 4.8% employment compared to 7.5% regionally. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census working population counts. Between December 2024 and December 2025, Benalla's labour force decreased by 3.5%, with employment falling by 5.6%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 2.1 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional Vic., where employment contracted by 0.6%, the labour force fell by 0.7%, and unemployment fell by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Benalla's employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation of industry-specific projections against the local employment profile.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023 shows Benalla had a median taxpayer income of $45,789 and an average income of $55,515. This is lower than the national averages of $50,954 (median) and $62,728 (average). Considering Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since June 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $49,567 (median) and $60,095 (average). According to the 2021 Census, Benalla's household, family, and personal incomes rank between the 9th and 18th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 28.4% of residents earn between $400 - $799 weekly, compared to 30.3% in the region earning $1500 - $2999 weekly. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 86.9% income retention, total disposable income ranks at only the 13th percentile nationally.

Benalla is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Benalla, as recorded in the latest Census, 86.4% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 13.6% being semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types of dwellings. This compares to Regional Victoria's figures of 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Benalla stood at 44.5%, with mortgaged properties making up 28.3% and rented dwellings accounting for 27.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,253, lower than Regional Victoria's average of $1,430. The median weekly rent in Benalla was recorded at $250, compared to Regional Victoria's figure of $285. Nationally, Benalla's median monthly mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Benalla features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 60.9% of all households, consisting of 17.6% couples with children, 31.6% couples without children, and 11.0% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 39.1%, with lone person households at 36.0% and group households comprising 3.1%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.

Educational attainment in Benalla aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 16.8%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 11.8% and certificates at 28.8%. A total of 24.6% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, including 8.7% in primary, 7.9% in secondary, and 2.1% in tertiary education.

A substantial 24.6% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 8.7% in primary education, 7.9% in secondary education, and 2.1% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Benalla has 59 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These are covered by 15 routes that facilitate 593 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents on average being 278 meters away from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 92%, while 5% walk. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, only 12.0% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 84 trips per day, equating to approximately 10 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Benalla is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data indicates significant health challenges in Benalla. AreaSearch's assessment shows high prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover is low at approximately 49% of the total population (~5,569 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.8%) and mental health issues (10.1%), while 55.7% of residents report no medical ailments, lower than the Regional Vic. average of 63.4%. Working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. Benalla has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 29.6% (3,374 people), compared to the Regional Vic. average of 23.9%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, largely in line with national rankings for the general population.

Benalla is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Benalla's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 88.7% of its population being citizens, 89.3% born in Australia, and 95.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion in Benalla, comprising 50.7% of people. However, Judaism was overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to Regional Vic's 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (32.8%), Australian (30.4%), and Irish (10.8%). Notably, Scottish (9.8%) and German (3.7%) were overrepresented in Benalla compared to regional averages of 8.8% and 3.5%, respectively. Dutch representation was lower at 1.3% versus Regional Vic's 1.7%.

Benalla ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Benalla's median age is 50, surpassing Regional Vic.'s figure of 43 and the national average of 38. The 75-84 age group constitutes 10.8% of Benalla's population, higher than Regional Vic., while the 5-14 cohort makes up 9.6%. Post-2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age group increased from 9.1% to 11.6%, the 65 to 74 cohort decreased from 15.5% to 14.3%, and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 11.2% to 10.1%. By 2041, Benalla's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 35 to 44 cohort is expected to grow by 78 people (6%), reaching 1,401 from 1,322. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 5-14 and 75-84 cohorts.