Kerang

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

The population of the Kerang statistical area (Lv2) is estimated to be around 3,836 as of November 2025. This reflects a decrease of 124 people since the Census in 2021, which recorded a population of 3,960. The current estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024. This level of population results in a density ratio of 26 persons per square kilometer. Population growth for the area has been driven by balanced factors across natural increase and migration patterns.

AreaSearch is using projections from ABS/Geoscience Australia released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 for areas not covered by the first data set. For years 2032 to 2041, these projections indicate a decline in overall population, with an expected reduction of 1,071 persons by 2041 according to this methodology.

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 in Kerang shows around 12 new homes approved annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 62 homes were approved, with another 3 approved so far in FY-26. This steady supply likely meets demand, given the population decline during this period.

The average construction cost value of new dwellings is $501,000, indicating a focus on premium developments. In FY-26, there have been $4.4 million in commercial approvals, reflecting Kerang's primarily residential nature. Compared to Rest of Vic., Kerang has comparable building activity per person, suggesting market stability and alignment with regional patterns. However, this is below the national average, implying established characteristics and potential planning limitations.

Recent construction comprises 89.0% detached dwellings and 11.0% attached dwellings, maintaining Kerang's traditional low density character. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 549 people, reflecting its quiet development environment. With stable or declining population forecasts, Kerang may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for 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 to affect the region. Notable ones 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.

The employment landscape in Kerang presents a mixed picture: unemployment remains low at 2.9%, yet recent job losses have affected its comparative national standing

Kerang's workforce comprises an equal mix of white and blue-collar jobs, with essential services well-represented. The unemployment rate is 2.9%, as per AreaSearch's statistical aggregation.

As of September 2025, there are 1,601 employed residents, a figure 0.9% below Rest of Vic.'s rate. Workforce participation stands at 46.9%, significantly lower than the regional average of 57.4%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing. Notably, public administration & safety has a high concentration with levels at 1.6 times the regional average.

Conversely, accommodation & food services are under-represented at 5.1% compared to Rest of Vic.'s 6.9%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work. Over the year to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 4.3%, with employment declining by 2.0%, leading to a drop in unemployment rate by 2.3 percentage points. By contrast, Rest of Vic. saw an employment decline of 0.7% and a slight rise in unemployment. State-level data from 25-Nov shows VIC's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. National forecasts project employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Kerang's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.5% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows median income in Kerang is $42,504, with average income at $50,020. This is lower than national averages of $50,954 (median) and $62,728 (average) for Rest of Vic. Projecting forward using Wage Price Index growth of 8.25%, estimated median income in Kerang by September 2025 would be approximately $46,011, with average income at $54,147. Census data indicates incomes in Kerang fall between the 3rd and 8th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. Income distribution shows 32.5% of locals (1,246 people) earn between $400 - $799 weekly, contrasting with broader area where the highest bracket is $1,500 - $2,999 at 30.3%. A significant proportion, 40.1%, earn below $800 weekly, suggesting affordability pressures. Despite modest housing costs allowing retention of 89.0% of income, 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

Kerang's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 89.6% houses and 10.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Vic. had 90.7% houses and 9.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kerang was at 48.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.5% and rented ones at 23.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,000, lower than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,083. The median weekly rent in Kerang was $200, the same as Non-Metro Vic.'s figure. Nationally, Kerang's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,000 compared to Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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 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 Rest of Vic. average of 2.3.

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 most common at 8.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Vocational credentials are held by 38.6% of residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 9.5% and certificates at 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

Transport analysis shows two active stops operating in Kerang, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by five routes, collectively offering 64 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 902 meters from the nearest stop.

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

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

Kerang faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. The rate of private health cover in Kerang is extremely low at approximately 47%, covering around 1,791 people, compared to the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 13.0% of residents) and asthma (9.9%), while 56.6% claim to be free from any medical ailments, compared to 64.1% in Rest of Vic.. Kerang has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 30.4%, with around 1,166 people falling into this age category, compared to the 24.0% average in Rest of Vic.. Despite these figures, health outcomes among seniors in Kerang are generally better than those of the general population when measured by specific health metrics.

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 showed low cultural diversity, with 91.2% being Australian citizens, 93.9% born in Australia, and 97.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 55.6%, compared to 53.2% across Rest of Vic.. The top three ancestry groups were English (35.2%), Australian (33.5%), and Scottish (9.2%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal (2.6%) and Irish (8.3%) populations were higher than regional averages, while German was slightly above at 3.3%.

Kerang ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Kerang's median age is 51 years, which is significantly higher than the Rest of Vic. average of 43 years and considerably older than the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of Vic., the 65-74 cohort in Kerang is notably over-represented at 15.9%, while the 45-54 year-olds are under-represented at 9.4%. This concentration of the 65-74 age group is well above the national average of 9.4%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 9.6% to 10.7% of Kerang's population, while the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 10.9% to 9.4%. By 2041, Kerang is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition, with the 85+ group growing by -6% (-11 people) to reach 173 from 184. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for both the 85+ and 45-54 cohorts.