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

Benalla's population was estimated at around 10,822 people as of May 2021 according to the Census. By November 2025, this number had increased to approximately 11,339 people, reflecting a growth of 517 individuals (4.8%) since the previous census. This increase was inferred from AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024, which estimated the resident population at 10,892. The suburb experienced a density ratio of 36 persons per square kilometer as of November 2025. Benalla's growth since the 2021 Census exceeded that of its SA3 area (4%), making it a regional growth leader during this period. Interstate migration contributed approximately 83% of overall population gains in recent periods.

AreaSearch is using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, to anticipate future demographic trends. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch employs the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods. These projections indicate that Benalla's population is expected to contract by 625 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are anticipated to grow; notably, the 35-44 age group is projected to increase by 251 people over this period.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis using ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Benalla averaged approximately 87 new dwelling approvals annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 437 homes were approved, with an additional 38 approved so far in FY-26. This averages to about 0.6 new residents per year arriving for each new home over the past five financial years, indicating that supply is meeting or exceeding demand.

The average construction cost of these new homes was around $377,000, which is below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. In FY-26, commercial development approvals totaled approximately $23.4 million, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the rest of Victoria, Benalla recorded 30.0% higher construction activity per person over the five-year period, balancing buyer choice while supporting current property values.

Recent construction comprised 93.0% detached houses and 7.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 128 people per dwelling approval, Benalla exhibits characteristics of a low-density area. Given that population is expected to remain stable or decline, there should be reduced pressure on housing in Benalla, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Benalla has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight projects likely to impact the area. 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 diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. The unemployment rate was 6.8% as of June 2024.

Employment is stable compared to the previous year. As of June 2025, 4,708 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.0%, which is higher than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Benalla is lower at 49.6% compared to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Major industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Construction is particularly strong with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 4.8%, lower than the regional average of 7.5%. Many residents commute outside Benalla for work. In the year ending June 2025, labour force increased by 1.4% while employment declined by 0.4%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 1.7 percentage points. Rest of Vic., however, saw an employment decline of 0.9% and labour force decline of 0.4%. National employment forecasts from Sep-22 project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Benalla's employment mix suggests local employment could increase by 6.2% in five years and 13.1% in ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Benalla's median income among taxpayers is $45,789, with an average of $55,515. This is below the national average and compares to Rest of Vic.'s median of $48,741 and average of $60,693. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $51,357 (median) and $62,266 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Benalla all fall between the 9th and 18th percentiles nationally. The largest segment comprises 28.4% earning $400 - $799 weekly (3,220 residents), differing from the region where the $1,500 - $2,999 category predominates at 30.3%. While housing costs are modest with 86.9% of income retained, 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 structures, as per the latest Census, comprised 86.4% houses and 13.6% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Vic. had 89.9% houses and 10.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Benalla was 44.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.3% and rented ones at 27.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,253, lower than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,300. The median weekly rent in Benalla was $250, matching Non-Metro Vic.'s figure but significantly below the national average of $375. Nationally, Benalla's mortgage repayments were substantially lower at $1,253 compared to Australia's average of $1,863.

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 2.3.

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%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. 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 account for 11.8% and certificates for 28.8%.

A substantial 24.6% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 8.7% in primary, 7.9% in secondary, and 2.1% in tertiary education. Eleven schools serve 1,846 students with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1009) offering balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes 1 primary, 3 secondary, and 7 K-12 schools. Note that for schools showing 'n/a' in enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Benalla has 57 active public transport stops, including both train and bus services. These stops are served by 29 different routes that together offer 698 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from residents to the nearest stop is 278 meters, indicating good accessibility.

On average, there are 99 trips per day across all routes, which translates to about 12 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Benalla is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Benalla faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Private health cover is low at approximately 49%, covering around 5,539 people, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.8%) and mental health issues (10.1%), while 55.7% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 60.4% in Rest of Vic.. Residents aged 65 and over constitute 29.9%, or around 3,390 people, higher than the 25.7% in Rest of Vic.. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are challenging but perform better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Benalla has a low level of cultural diversity, with 88.7% of its population being Australian citizens and 89.3% born in Australia. The majority, 95.4%, speak English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 50.7% of Benalla's population.

While Judaism makes up just 0.1% of the population, this figure mirrors that of the rest of Victoria. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (32.8%), Australian (30.4%), and Irish (10.8%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences in representation: Scottish is slightly overrepresented at 9.8% compared to 9.3% regionally, while German and Dutch representation matches regional figures at 3.7% and 1.3%, respectively.

Benalla ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Benalla's median age is 50, which exceeds the Rest of Vic. figure of 43 and is well above the national average of 38 years. The 75-84 age group constitutes 10.7% of Benalla's population, higher than Rest of Vic., while the 5-14 cohort makes up 9.6%. Post-2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 9.1% to 10.9%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has decreased from 14.8% to 13.9%. By 2041, Benalla's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 35 to 44 age group is expected to grow by 160 people (13%), rising from 1,235 to 1,396. Conversely, population declines are forecast for the 45 to 54 and 5 to 14 cohorts.