Kerang

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

As of February 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Kerang is around 3,836, reflecting a decrease of 124 people since the 2021 Census. The population was previously reported as 3,960. This decline is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 3,832 residents, based on their examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and validation of five new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is approximately 26 persons per square kilometer. Population growth was driven by balanced factors across natural increase and migration patterns.

AreaSearch employs ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, they utilise VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. According to these projections, the suburb of Kerang's population is expected to decline by 1,071 persons by 2041.

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

Kerang averaged approximately 12 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years ending FY-25. This totals an estimated 62 homes. In FY-26 so far, three approvals have been recorded. The population has declined in recent years, yet housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, maintaining a balanced market with good buyer choice.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $501,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment. This financial year, $4.4 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting limited commercial development focus. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Kerang shows comparable building activity per person, consistent with broader area market balance. However, this level is below the national average, implying an established nature and potential planning limitations.

Recent construction comprises 89.0% detached dwellings and 11.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's traditional low density character favoring family homes. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 549 people, reflecting a quiet development environment. Population projections indicate stability or decline, suggesting reduced housing demand pressures benefiting potential buyers in Kerang.

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 this 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, 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.

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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 has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue collar jobs, with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 2.9%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, there are 1,601 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 0.9% lower than Rest of Vic.'s 3.8%.

Workforce participation stands at 51.2%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 61.4%. Census responses indicate that only 8.6% of residents work from home. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing. Notably, public administration & safety has a high concentration with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average.

However, accommodation & food services are under-represented, with only 5.1% of Kerang's workforce compared to Rest of Vic.'s 6.9%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census working population counts. Over the 12 months to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 4.3%, alongside a 2.0% employment decline in Kerang, leading to a fall in unemployment rate of 2.3 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic. saw an employment decline of 0.7%, labour force decline of 0.6%, and a marginal rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Kerang. National employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Kerang's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.5% over ten years, although this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

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 national averages of $50,954 (median) and $62,728 (average) in Rest of Vic. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $46,011 (median) and $54,147 (average), based on an 8.25% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. Census 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 bracket at 32.5%, contrasting with broader area's leading bracket of $1,500 - $2,999 at 30.3%. Notably, 40.1% of households earn below $800 weekly, suggesting affordability pressures. 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

In Kerang, as per the latest Census evaluation, 89.6% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 10.5% being semi-detached homes, apartments, or other types. This is compared to Non-Metro Vic., which had 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kerang stood at 48.9%, with mortgaged properties making up 27.5% and rented ones 23.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,000, lower than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,430. The median weekly rent in Kerang was $200, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Kerang's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian 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 account for 58.7% of all households, consisting of 19.1% couples with children, 28.2% couples without children, and 10.0% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 41.3%, with lone person households making up 38.7% and group households comprising 2.8% of the total. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Rest of 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%. 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 at 1.6% and graduate diplomas also at 1.6%. Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 38.6% of residents aged 15 and above holding them.

Advanced diplomas account for 9.5% while certificates make up 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 indicates two operational public transport stops in Kerang, offering a mix of train services. These stops are served by five distinct routes, cumulatively facilitating 64 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is categorized as limited, with residents situated an average of 902 metres from the nearest stop. Primarily residential, most Kerang residents commute outward, predominantly using cars (90%), followed by walking (8%). Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, below the regional norm. As recorded in the 2021 Census, a relatively low 8.6% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages nine trips daily across all routes, translating 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. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is extremely low at approximately 47% of the total population (around 1,791 people), compared to 50.5% in Rest of Vic., and 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% report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.4% in Rest of Vic.. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. As of the latest data (2021), Kerang has 30.4% of residents aged 65 and over (1,166 people), higher than the 23.9% in Rest of Vic.. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings generally aligned with the broader 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's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with a population composition of 91.2% citizens, 93.9% born in Australia, and 97.4% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion in Kerang is Christianity, accounting for 55.6% of the population, compared to 47.3% across Rest of Vic. The top three ancestry groups are English (35.2%), Australian (33.5%), and Scottish (9.2%).

Notably, certain ethnic groups have different representations: Australian Aboriginal is overrepresented at 2.6% in Kerang compared to the regional average of 1.4%, Irish at 8.3% versus 9.7%, and German at 3.3% against a regional figure of 3.5%.

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 and considerably older than the Australian median of 38. The 65-74 cohort is notably over-represented in Kerang at 16.1%, compared to the Rest of Vic average, while the 15-24 age group is 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 10.8%, while the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 10.9% to 9.2%. By 2041, Kerang is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition, with the 85+ group projected to grow by -4% (-7 people), reaching 173 from 180. Population declines are also projected for the 85+ and 45-54 cohorts.