Lake Wendouree

An assessment of population growth drivers in Lake Wendouree reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

The population of Lake Wendouree is estimated at around 2,736 as of February 2026. This reflects a decrease from the 2021 Census figure of 2,878 people, a drop of 142 individuals (4.9%). 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, which put the resident population at 2,732. This results in a density ratio of 598 persons per square kilometer. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration during recent periods.

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 the 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 years 2032 to 2041. According to these projections, Lake Wendouree is expected to grow by 389 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 14.1% over the 17-year period.

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

Lake Wendouree had minimal residential development activity with 1 dwelling approval annually on average over the five years from 2016 to 2020, totalling 6 approvals. This low level of development is typical in rural areas where housing needs are modest and construction activity is limited by local demand and infrastructure capacity. It should be noted that the small sample size means individual projects can significantly influence annual growth statistics.

Lake Wendouree had much lower development activity compared to the rest of Victoria during this period, with national patterns also being higher. Recent construction comprised 50% standalone homes and 50% townhouses or apartments. This shift from the current housing mix of 79% houses reflects reduced availability of development sites and addresses shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. The estimated population density was 1404 people per dwelling approval, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Lake Wendouree is projected to add 385 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag behind population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Future projections show Lake Wendouree adding 385 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Lake Wendouree has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

The performance of an area can significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified nine such projects that could impact the area. Notable ones include the Ballarat Base Hospital Redevelopment, Federation University SMB Campus Redevelopment, Ballarat Co-Operative Education and Skills City Centre, and Ballarat Major Events Precinct Upgrades. The following list details those most likely to be 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 Lake Wendouree well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Lake Wendouree has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 1.6%, showing relative stability over the past year according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation as of December 2025. There are 1,394 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 2.1% below Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%.

Workforce participation is similar to Regional Vic.'s 61.5%. Census responses indicate that 22.4% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Key industries include health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. Lake Wendouree specializes in health care & social assistance with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 2.4% compared to Regional Vic.'s 7.5%.

The worker-to-resident ratio of 0.7 indicates local employment opportunities above average. Over the year to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.8%, employment fell by 0.5%, leading to a unemployment rate drop of 0.3 percentage points. In comparison, Regional Vic.'s employment fell by 0.6%, labour force contracted by 0.7%, and unemployment fell by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth varies significantly between industries. Applying these projections to Lake Wendouree's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.3% over five years and 15.0% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023, Lake Wendouree had a median income among taxpayers of $60,869 and an average income of $77,879. These figures are high compared to national levels and those in Regional Victoria, which stood at $50,954 and $62,728 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year ending June 2023, estimated median income for Lake Wendouree as of September 2025 would be approximately $65,891, with average income estimated at $84,304. According to the 2021 Census, personal income in Lake Wendouree ranks at the 79th percentile ($1,010 weekly), while household income is at the 62nd percentile. Income distribution shows that the highest bracket of $4,000+ includes 25.2% of residents (689 people), differing from the regional trend where the $1,500 - $2,999 category is predominant at 30.3%. The significant proportion of high earners (35.2% above $3,000/week) suggests strong economic capacity in Lake Wendouree. After housing costs, residents retain 90.2% of their income, indicating strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

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

In Lake Wendouree, as per the latest Census, 79.1% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 20.9% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This differs from Regional Vic., where 90.1% were houses and 9.9% were other dwellings. Home ownership in Lake Wendouree stood at 52.1%, with mortgaged properties at 22.5% and rented ones at 25.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,106, higher than Regional Vic.'s average of $1,430. The median weekly rent in Lake Wendouree was $321, lower than Regional Vic.'s figure of $385 and the national average of $375. Nationally, Lake Wendouree's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863.

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

Family households constitute 65.3% of all households, including 24.5% couples with children, 34.2% couples without children, and 6.9% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 34.7%, with lone person households at 32.0% and group households making up 2.0%. The median household size is 2.2 people, smaller than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.

Lake Wendouree shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Educational attainment in Lake Wendouree is notable with 43.6% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications, compared to 21.7% in Rest of Vic. and 24.6% in SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 26.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (11.2%) and graduate diplomas (5.6%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 26.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas account for 11.9% and certificates for 14.6%. Educational participation is high, with 27.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 9.8% in secondary education, 8.7% in primary education, and 5.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Lake Wendouree has 20 active public transport stops. These are served by three routes offering a total of 525 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically living 196 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily. Car use dominates at 87%, with walking at 10% and cycling at 2%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 22.4% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 75 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 26 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Lake Wendouree is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Lake Wendouree shows superior health outcomes according to AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is low across both younger and older age groups.

Approximately 58% (~1,574 people) have private health cover, higher than Regional Vic.'s 50.5%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (10.4%) and mental health issues (8.4%), while 62.7% report no medical ailments, comparable to Regional Vic.'s 63.4%. Health outcomes among working-age residents are typical. Lake Wendouree has 31.5% of residents aged 65 and over (861 people), higher than Regional Vic.'s 23.9%. Senior health outcomes are above average, aligning with national rankings for the general population.

Lake Wendouree is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Lake Wendouree had a cultural diversity level below average, with 86.9% of its population born in Australia, 91.1% being citizens, and 94.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Lake Wendouree, accounting for 58.0% of its population, compared to 47.3% across Regional Vic. The top three ancestry groups were English (31.0%), Australian (24.7%), and Irish (14.4%).

Notably, Scottish ancestry was overrepresented at 10.9%, Dutch at 1.9%, and Welsh at 0.7%.

Lake Wendouree ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Lake Wendouree is 52 years, which is significantly higher than Regional Vic.'s average of 43 and also above the national norm of 38. The percentage of people aged 85 and over is notably higher in Lake Wendouree at 6.7%, compared to the regional average, while those aged 25-34 are under-represented at 7.9%. Between 2021 and present, the population of 25 to 34-year-olds has grown from 5.9% to 7.9%, and the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 10.3% to 11.4%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 13.6% to 12.2%, and the 55 to 64 age range has dropped from 15.0% to 13.7%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Lake Wendouree, with the strongest projected growth in the 25 to 34 age group at 52%, adding 112 residents to reach a total of 329. In contrast, numbers in the 55 to 64 age range are expected to fall by 10%.