Kerang

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

As of November 2025, Kerang's population is estimated at around 3,841 people, reflecting a decrease of 119 individuals since the Census in 2021. This decline corresponds to a 3.0% reduction from the previous population count of 3,960 people. The current estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), which indicated a resident population of 3,833 in Kerang. This results in a population density ratio of 26 persons per square kilometer. Comparing Kerang's -3.0% decline since the census to the SA3 area's -0.3%, it is evident that both areas face similar population challenges. The suburb's population growth was primarily 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, to forecast demographic trends. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilizes the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to estimate population growth at SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. According to these projections, Kerang's population is expected to decrease by 1,071 persons by the year 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, indicates Kerang has seen approximately 12 new homes approved annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 62 homes were approved, with an additional 3 approved so far in FY-26. The estimated average construction cost value of these dwellings is $501,000.

In contrast, commercial development approvals this financial year totalled $79,000, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Comparing Kerang to the Rest of Vic., new home approvals per person are comparable, indicating market stability in line with regional patterns. However, these levels are below national averages, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. The building activity shows 89.0% detached houses and 11.0% attached dwellings, preserving Kerang's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

With an estimated 549 people per dwelling approval, the quiet, low activity development environment is apparent. Given 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 40% 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, Kerang District Health Facility Upgrade (CSSD, PACU, and Operating Theatre Equipment), and Koorangie Energy Storage System (KESS). The following list outlines 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.

While Kerang retains a healthy unemployment rate of 3.9%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

Kerang has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue-collar jobs, with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate as of June 2025 was 3.9%, slightly higher than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%.

A total of 1,593 residents were employed, but workforce participation lagged at 46.9% compared to the regional average of 57.4%. Key industries for employment among residents were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing. Notably, public administration & safety had an employment concentration of 1.6 times the regional average, while accommodation & food services had a limited presence at 5.1% compared to the regional figure of 6.9%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work, indicating local employment opportunities may not fully meet demand.

Between June 2024 and June 2025, Kerang's labour force decreased by 4.2%, with employment declining by 3.6%. This resulted in a fall of 0.5 percentage points in the unemployment rate. In contrast, Rest of Vic. saw employment contract by 0.9%, the labour force fall by 0.4%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Kerang's current employment mix suggests local employment should increase by approximately 5.7% over five years and 12.5% over ten years, assuming no significant changes in population projections.

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

AreaSearch's latest data for financial year 2022 shows that Kerang's median income is $42,504 and average income is $50,020. This is below the national averages of $67,183 (median) and $79,128 (average). Rest of Vic.'s figures are higher, with a median income of $48,741 and an average income of $60,693. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for Kerang as of September 2025 would be approximately $47,672 (median) and $56,102 (average). According to Census 2021 data, income levels in Kerang fall between the 3rd and 8th percentiles nationally. The most common income bracket in Kerang is $400 - $799, with 32.5% of locals earning within this range. This differs from the region where the predominant income bracket is $1,500 - $2,999 at 30.3%. With 40.1% earning under $800 per week, Kerang faces income constraints that may impact local spending patterns. Despite having modest housing costs with 89.0% of income retained, the 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 data, 89.6% of dwellings were houses while 10.5% comprised semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This compares to Non-Metro Vic.'s figures of 90.7% houses and 9.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kerang stood at 48.9%, similar to Non-Metro Vic., with mortgaged properties 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. Median weekly rent in Kerang was $200, matching Non-Metro Vic.'s figure but significantly below the national average of $375. Nationally, Kerang's mortgage repayments were much lower at $1,000 compared to Australia's average of $1,863.

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, including 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 at 38.7% and group households comprising 2.8% of the total. The median household size is 2.1 people, 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 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, both at 1.6%. Vocational credentials are prominent 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, including 10.6% in primary, 7.9% in secondary, and 1.6% in tertiary education.

Kerang's five schools have a combined enrollment of 686 students, operating under typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 959) with balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes three primary, one secondary, and one K-12 school. School capacity exceeds residential needs, with 17.9 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 14.5, indicating that the area serves as an educational hub for the broader region.

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 in Kerang offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 14 routes, collectively providing 108 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is limited with residents typically located 902 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 15 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 54 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

Critical health challenges are evident across Kerang. A range of health conditions impact both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 47% of the total population (~1,794 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 13.0% and 9.9% of residents respectively. Conversely, 56.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 64.1% across Rest of Vic. The area has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 30.4% (1,167 people), compared to the Rest of Vic.'s 24.0%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, performing even better than the general population in 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 dominant religion in Kerang, 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%) was overrepresented compared to the regional average of 2.5%. Irish (8.3%) and German (3.3%) also had higher representation than the regional averages of 9.2% and 3.0%, respectively.

Kerang ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Kerang's median age is 51 years, significantly higher than the Rest of Vic average of 43 and older than the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Rest of Vic., the 65 - 74 cohort is notably over-represented in Kerang at 15.9%, while the 45 - 54 age group is under-represented at 9.4%. This concentration of the 65 - 74 cohort is well above the national average of 9.4%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 35 to 44 age group grew from 9.6% to 10.7%, while the 45 to 54 cohort declined from 10.9% to 9.4%. By 2041, Kerang's demographic is expected to shift notably. The 85+ group will grow by -6%, reaching 173 from 184. Population declines are projected for the 85+ and 45 to 54 cohorts.