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 February 2026, the estimated population of Benalla is around 11,402, reflecting a growth of 580 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a 5.4% rise from the previous population figure of 10,822. The change can be inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 10,890 in June 2024 and an additional 449 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 36 persons per square kilometer. Benalla's growth rate of 5.4% is close to that of its SA3 area (5.9%), indicating strong fundamentals for growth. Interstate migration contributed approximately 83.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch employs the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusting using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking ahead, projections indicate a decline in overall population by 625 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are expected to grow, notably the 35 to 44 age group, projected to expand by 251 people during this period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates that Benalla has experienced approximately 87 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling around 437 homes. As of FY26, 54 approvals have been recorded. The average new resident arrival rate is about 0.6 persons per new home annually between FY21 and FY25, suggesting that supply is meeting or exceeding demand. Average construction cost value for new homes is $377,000, slightly above the regional average.

This financial year has seen $23.4 million in commercial approvals, indicating moderate commercial development activity. Compared to the rest of Victoria, Benalla shows elevated construction levels, around 30% above the regional average per person over five years. The majority of new building activity consists of detached houses (93%), preserving Benalla's low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

With approximately 128 people per approval, Benalla reflects a low-density area. 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 has identified eight projects that may impact this region. Notable projects are Benalla Art Gallery Redevelopment, Benalla West - Stage One, Park Lane Estate, and Livingston Benalla. The following details those most relevant:.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

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, with essential services well represented. The unemployment rate is 7.1%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, there are 4,665 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 3.3% above Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation stands at 53.8%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 61.4%. Census responses indicate that only 12.0% of residents work from home. The key industries are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction has a notable concentration with 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 data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, the labour force decreased by 1.6%, and employment fell by 3.2%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 1.6 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Vic., where employment contracted by 0.7%, and unemployment rose marginally. 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 industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2023 shows Benalla had a median taxpayer income of $45,789 and an average of $55,515. These figures are lower than the national averages of $50,954 (median) and $62,728 (average) for Rest of Vic. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $49,567 (median) and $60,095 (average). According to the 2021 Census, Benalla's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 9th and 18th percentiles nationally. The largest income segment in Benalla comprises 28.4% earning $400 - $799 weekly, with 3,238 residents. Unlike regional trends, only 20.6% fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range. Housing costs are modest, with 86.9% of income retained, but total disposable income ranks at just the 13th percentile nationally.

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

Benalla's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, comprised 86.4% houses and 13.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Vic.'s figures of 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Benalla stood at 44.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.3% and rented dwellings at 27.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,253, below Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,430. Median weekly rent in Benalla was $250, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Benalla's 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 constitute 60.9% of all households, including 17.6% couples with children, 31.6% couples without children, and 11.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for 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 Rest of 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 prominent, with 40.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas comprise 11.8% and certificates 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 served by 15 routes, collectively providing 593 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is good, with residents typically located 278 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward, primarily using cars (92%), with 5% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 12.0% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 84 trips per day across all routes, 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

Benalla faces significant health challenges according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial 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 common medical conditions are arthritis (11.8%) and mental health issues (10.1%), with 55.7% of residents reporting no medical ailments, compared to 63.4% in Rest of Vic. Working-age residents have notably high chronic condition rates. Benalla has 29.4% of residents aged 65 and over (3,352 people), higher than the 23.9% in Rest of Vic. Health outcomes among seniors are broadly in line with national rankings.

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 Australian citizens, born in Australia, and speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, making up 50.7% of Benalla's population. However, Judaism appears overrepresented compared to regional averages, comprising 0.1% versus 0.1%.

The top three ancestral groups based on parents' country of birth are English (32.8%), Australian (30.4%), and Irish (10.8%). Notably, Scottish ancestry is overrepresented at 9.8%, compared to the regional average of 8.8%. Similarly, German ancestry stands at 3.7% versus 3.5%, and Dutch ancestry is at 1.3% versus 1.7%.

Benalla ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Benalla's median age is 50, higher than Rest of Vic.'s figure of 43 and above the national average of 38. The age group 75-84 has strong representation at 10.7%, compared to Rest of Vic., while the 5-14 cohort is less prevalent at 9.5%. In 2021, Benalla's population showed changes in certain age groups: the 35-44 group grew from 9.1% to 11.6%, the 65-74 group declined from 15.5% to 14.2%, and the 45-54 group dropped from 11.2% to 10.0%. By 2041, Benalla's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 25-34 cohort is expected to grow by 73 people (6%), reaching 1,339 from its current figure of 1,265. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 5-14 and 75-84 cohorts.