Kerang

Kerang has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

As of Feb 2026, the population of the suburb of Kerang is estimated at around 3,836 people. This reflects a decrease from the 2021 Census figure of 3,960 people, indicating a reduction of 124 individuals (3.1%). The current estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses since the Census date and examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 26 persons per square kilometer. Population growth in Kerang has been driven by balanced factors across natural increase and migration patterns.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods. According to these projections, Kerang's population is expected to decline over the period from 2026 to 2041. By 2041, the suburb's population is projected to shrink by 1,072 persons.

The level of residential development activity in Kerang is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Kerang averaged around 12 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 62 homes. As of FY-26 so far, 3 approvals have been recorded. The population decline in recent years has maintained adequate housing supply relative to demand, creating a balanced market with good buyer choice. New properties are constructed at an average value of $501,000, indicating developer focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

This financial year, $4.4 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting limited commercial development focus. Compared to Rest of Vic., Kerang shows comparable building activity per person, maintaining market balance consistent with the broader area and under the national average, implying established nature and potential planning limitations. Recent construction comprises 89.0% detached dwellings and 11.0% attached dwellings, preserving Kerang's traditional low density character focused on family homes. The estimated population count of 549 people per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

With population projections showing stability or decline, Kerang should see reduced housing demand pressures benefiting potential buyers.

Kerang has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified seven projects that could affect this region. Major initiatives include Victoria to NSW Interconnector West (VNI West), Kerang Solar & BESS Hybrid, Koorangie Energy Storage System (KESS), and Kerang District Health Facility Upgrade (CSSD, PACU, and Operating Theatre Equipment). The following list 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.

AreaSearch analysis places Kerang well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Kerang's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well-represented. The unemployment rate was 2.3% as of December 2025.

Employment grew by an estimated 1.4% in the past year. Kerang's unemployment rate, at 1.4%, is below Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation in Kerang is lower at 51.2%, compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.5%. According to Census data, 8.6% of residents work from home.

Key industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing. Public administration & safety has notably high employment levels, at 1.6 times the regional average. Accommodation & food services have a limited presence, with 5.1% employment compared to Regional Vic.'s 6.9%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work. From December 2024 to December 2025, employment increased by 1.4%, labour force decreased by 2.1%, and unemployment fell by 3.4 percentage points in Kerang. In contrast, Regional Vic. saw employment contract by 0.6% over the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Kerang's employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 5.7% over five years and 12.5% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2023 shows Kerang's median income is $42,504 and average income is $50,020. This is lower than Regional Vic.'s median of $50,954 and average of $62,728. By September 2025, estimated median income in Kerang would be $46,011 and average income $54,147, based on an 8.25% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. Census 2021 data indicates Kerang's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 3rd and 8th percentiles nationally. Income distribution in Kerang is dominated by the $400 - $799 category, with 32.5% of locals (1,246 people). This differs from Regional Vic., where the $1,500 - $2,999 category predominates at 30.3%. With 40.1% earning under $800 per week, Kerang faces income constraints influencing local spending patterns. Despite modest housing costs, allowing for 89.0% income retention, disposable income ranks at just the 7th percentile nationally.

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

As evaluated at the latest Census, dwelling structures in Kerang comprised 89.6% houses and 10.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Regional Vic.'s dwelling structures were 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kerang was at 48.9%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (27.5%) or rented (23.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Kerang was $1,000, significantly lower than Regional Vic.'s average of $1,430 and the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure in Kerang was recorded at $200, substantially below Regional Vic.'s figure of $285 and the national figure of $375.

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

Family households compose 58.7% of all households, including 19.1% couples with children, 28.2% couples without children, and 10.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 41.3%, with lone person households at 38.7% and group households comprising 2.8%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.

Kerang faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 11.8%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications and graduate diplomas, each at 1.6%. Vocational credentials are prevalent among residents aged 15 and above, with 38.6% holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (9.5%) and certificates (29.1%). Educational participation is high, with 25.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 10.6% in primary education, 7.9% in secondary education, and 1.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis indicates two operational stops within Kerang, offering a mix of train services. These stops are served by five distinct routes, collectively facilitating 64 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is deemed limited, with residents typically situated 902 meters from the nearest stop. As predominantly residential, most commuters travel outward; car use dominates at 90%, while walking accounts for 8%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, below regional norms. According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 8.6% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages nine trips daily across all routes, equating to around 32 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Kerang faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both younger and older age cohorts exhibit notable prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover is extremely low in Kerang, at approximately 47% (1,791 people), compared to Regional Vic.'s 50.5% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (13.0%) and asthma (9.9%), with 56.6% of residents reporting no medical ailments, compared to 63.4% in Regional Vic. Working-age population health is notably challenging due to high chronic condition rates. Kerang has 30.4% (1,166 people) aged 65 and over, higher than Regional Vic.'s 23.9%. Senior health outcomes present challenges but align broadly with national rankings.

The latest Census data sees Kerang placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Kerang's population shows low cultural diversity, with 91.2% being Australian citizens, 93.9% born in Australia, and 97.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 55.6%, compared to 47.3% regionally. The top three ancestry groups are English (35.2%), Australian (33.5%), and Scottish (9.2%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal people are overrepresented at 2.6% in Kerang, compared to 1.4% regionally. Irish and German populations also diverge from regional averages, at 8.3% and 3.3%, respectively.

Kerang ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Kerang's median age is 51 years, which is significantly higher than the Regional Victoria average of 43 years and considerably older than the Australian median of 38 years. The 65-74 age cohort is notably over-represented in Kerang at 16.1%, compared to the Regional Victoria average, while the 15-24 year-olds are under-represented at 8.6%. This concentration of the 65-74 cohort is well above the national average of 9.5%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 9.6% to 11.0% of Kerang's population, while the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 10.9% to 9.3%. By 2041, Kerang is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition, with the 85+ group projected to grow by -5%, reaching 172 people from a current total of 180. Population declines are also projected for both the 85+ and 45-54 cohorts.