Kerang

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

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Kerang is around 3,786, reflecting a decrease of 174 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 3,960. This decline was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 3,784 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and validation of five new addresses since the Census date. The population density is approximately 25 persons per square kilometer. Kerang's population decline of 4.4% since the census is similar to that of the SA3 area at -2.8%. Population growth was driven by balanced factors across natural increase and migration patterns. 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 VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. According to these projections, the suburb of Kerang's population is expected to decline by 1,050 persons by 2041.

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 each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 62 homes. As of FY-26 so far, 5 approvals have been recorded. The area has experienced population decline, suggesting new supply is likely keeping up with demand and offering good choice to buyers. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $501,000, indicating developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments.

There have also been $4.4 million in commercial approvals this financial year, demonstrating Kerang's primarily residential nature. Relative to Rest of Vic., Kerang shows comparable construction activity per person, supporting market stability inline with regional patterns. This level is below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New development consists of 89.0% detached dwellings and 11.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining Kerang's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

The estimated 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 likely affecting the region. Notable ones are Victoria to NSW Interconnector West (VNI West), Kerang Solar & BESS Hybrid, Koorangie Energy Storage System (KESS), and Kerang District Health Facility Upgrade (CSSD, PACU, 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 has a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 2.3% as of December 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 1.4% over the past year, according to AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of this date, 1,616 residents were in work while the unemployment rate was 1.4% below Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%.

Workforce participation lagged significantly at 52.1%, compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.0%. Based on Census responses, a low 8.6% of residents worked from home. The dominant employment sectors among residents included health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing. There was particularly strong specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share of 1.6 times the regional level.

Meanwhile, accommodation & food had limited presence with 5.1% employment compared to 6.9% regionally. Many residents appeared to commute elsewhere for work based on the count of Census working population to local population. During the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 1.4% while labour force decreased by 2.1%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 3.4 percentage points. By comparison, Regional Vic. recorded an employment decline of 0.6%, labour force decline of 0.7%, with unemployment falling by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggested potential future demand within Kerang. These projections estimated national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differed significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Kerang's employment mix indicated local employment should increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.5% over ten years.

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

Kerang's suburb has a lower income level compared to national averages, according to AreaSearch aggregated ATO data for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Kerang is $42,504, with an average income of $50,020. These figures differ from Regional Vic.'s median and average incomes of $50,954 and $62,728 respectively. By March 2026, estimated median and average incomes in Kerang would be approximately $46,593 and $54,832 based on a 9.62% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. Census 2021 income data shows incomes in Kerang fall between the 3rd and 8th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. Income brackets indicate 32.5% of Kerang's population (1,230 individuals) earn within the $400-$799 range, unlike the region where 30.3% fall into the $1,500-$2,999 bracket. Lower income households are prevalent in Kerang, with 40.1% earning below $800 weekly. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 89.0% income retention, total 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

The dwelling structure in Kerang, as per the latest Census, consisted of 89.6% houses and 10.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kerang stood at 48.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.5% and rented dwellings at 23.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,000, lower than Regional Vic.'s average of $1,430. The median weekly rent in Kerang was $200, significantly below Regional Vic.'s $285 and the national figure of $375. Nationally, Kerang's mortgage repayments were substantially lower than the Australian average of $1,863.

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

Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 41.3%, with lone person households at 38.7% and group households making up 2.8%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Regional Victorian 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%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 38.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 9.5% and certificates at 29.1%.

Educational participation is notably 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

Kerang has two operational public transport stops offering a mix of train services. These stops are served by five distinct routes, collectively facilitating 64 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is limited in Kerang, with residents typically residing 902 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 90%, with 8% walking. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.3, below the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, only 8.6% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages nine trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 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, at approximately 47% of the total population (around 1,768 people), compared to 50.5% in Regional Victoria and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis, affecting 13.0% of residents, and asthma, impacting 9.9%. However, 56.6% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.4% in Regional Victoria. Working-age population health challenges include elevated chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors, with 31.0% of residents aged 65 and over (1,173 people), compared to 23.9% in Regional Victoria. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly aligning with national rankings for the general population.

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 had a cultural diversity index below the average, with 91.2% citizens, 93.9% born in Australia, and 97.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Kerang, comprising 55.6%, compared to 47.3% regionally. The top three ancestral groups were English (35.2%), Australian (33.5%), and Scottish (9.2%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation was higher than regional averages at 2.6% versus 1.4%. Irish ancestry was also relatively high at 8.3%, compared to the regional average of 9.7%, while German ancestry was slightly lower at 3.3% versus 3.5%.

Kerang ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Kerang's median age is 51 years, significantly higher than Regional Vic.'s average of 43 and Australia's median of 38. The 65-74 cohort is notably over-represented in Kerang at 16.4%, compared to the regional average of 9.4%. Conversely, the 15-24 age group is under-represented at 8.8%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 35-44 age group grew from 9.6% to 10.7%, while the 45-54 cohort declined from 10.9% to 9.4%. By 2041, Kerang's population is expected to see notable shifts. The 85+ group will grow by -3 people (-3%), reaching 180 from 185. Population declines are projected for the 85+ and 45-54 cohorts.