Mildura

Population growth drivers in Mildura are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of May 2026, Mildura's population is estimated at around 34,643 people. This reflects an increase of 78 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 34,565 people. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 34,566 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 708 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 443 persons per square kilometer. Mildura's growth rate of 0.2% since the 2021 census exceeded that of its SA4 region at -1.0%, though growth remains modest overall. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 82.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusting them employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering these projections, the suburb of Mildura is forecasted to experience significant population increase in the top quartile of Australia's regional areas. By 2041, the area is expected to grow by 8,151 persons, reflecting an overall increase of 23.3% over the 16 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Mildura when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Mildura recorded approximately 167 residential property approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 836 homes. As of FY26192 approvals have been granted. On average, 0.3 people moved to the area for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25. This suggests new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, offering buyers more options and enabling population growth.

The average value of new properties constructed is $408,000, indicating a focus on premium segment development. Commercial approvals this financial year totalled $74.6 million, demonstrating strong commercial development momentum. Mildura's construction rates per person are similar to the Rest of Vic., supporting market stability in line with regional patterns.

Recent construction comprises 86% standalone homes and 14% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character focused on family homes. The location has approximately 255 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low-density market. Population forecasts suggest Mildura will gain 8,074 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

Mildura has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 21 projects expected to affect the area. Notable ones are Mildura Riverfront Redevelopment - Stage 2, Mildura South Neighbourhood Activity Centre, Mildura CBD Revitalisation Project, and Whistlers Ridge Estate, Merbein. 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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Employment conditions in Mildura demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Mildura has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 2.3% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.5%. As of December 2025, there were 16,932 residents employed, an unemployment rate of 1.4%, and a workforce participation rate of 61.0%, similar to Regional Vic.'s rates.

According to Census responses, 8.5% of residents worked from home. The dominant employment sectors are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training, while construction is under-represented at 7.4%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 1.5%, labour force decreased by 2.1%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 3.5 percentage points. In comparison, Regional Vic. recorded an employment decline of 0.6% and a decrease in labour force of 0.7%, with unemployment falling by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Mildura's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.2% over ten years.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released in financial year 2023, Mildura had a median income among taxpayers of $45,760 and an average income of $53,688. These figures are below the national averages of $50,954 (median) and $62,728 (average) for Regional Vic. respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates suggest a median income of approximately $50,162 and an average income of $58,853 as of March 2026 in Mildura. Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Mildura all fall between the 19th and 25th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows that the largest segment comprises 30.5% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (10,566 residents), which is similar to regional levels where this cohort represents 30.3%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Mildura, with only 84.7% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 21st percentile nationally.

Mildura is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Mildura, as per the latest Census evaluation, 81.0% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 19.0% being semi-detached homes, apartments, or other types. This is compared to Regional Victoria's figures of 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mildura stood at 31.4%, with mortgaged properties at 30.3% and rented dwellings at 38.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,300, lower than Regional Victoria's average of $1,430. The median weekly rent in Mildura was $280, slightly below Regional Victoria's figure of $285. Nationally, Mildura's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Mildura features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 65.1% of all households, including 23.6% couples with children, 26.4% couples without children, and 14.0% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 34.9%, with lone person households at 31.0% and group households making up 3.9%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which aligns with the Regional Vic. average.

Educational outcomes in Mildura fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 17.6%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 12.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are held by 36.2% of residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 10.3% and certificates at 25.9%. Educational participation is high, with 29.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 10.6% in primary education, 7.9% in secondary education, and 2.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Mildura has 294 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These are covered by 27 individual routes, providing a total of 821 weekly passenger trips. Residents have good transport accessibility, with an average distance of 237 meters to the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward, with cars being the dominant mode at 94%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, only 8.5% of residents work from home, which might be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency across all routes is 117 trips per day on average, equating to roughly 2 weekly trips per stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

Health performance in Mildura is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Mildura faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Notably, both younger and older age cohorts exhibit high prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover is low, with approximately 48% of Mildura's total population (~16,677 people) having it, compared to Regional Vic.'s 50.5% and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 9.6 and 8.9% of residents respectively, while 64.6% claim to have no medical ailments, slightly higher than Regional Vic.'s 63.4%. Working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Mildura has 19.5% of its residents aged 65 and over (6,755 people), lower than Regional Vic.'s 23.9%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Mildura records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Mildura's population shows above-average cultural diversity, with 18.6% born overseas and 17.3% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion in Mildura, comprising 46.1%. Islam is overrepresented compared to Regional Vic., making up 3.3% of Mildura's population.

The top three ancestry groups are English (27.9%), Australian (26.9%), and Other (8.8%). Notably, Italian (5.4%) and Samoan (0.3%) ethnicities are overrepresented in Mildura compared to regional averages, while Australian Aboriginal representation is higher at 4.1%.

Mildura's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

Mildura's median age is 38, which is lower than Regional Victoria's figure of 43 but matches the national norm of 38. The 25-34 age group constitutes 15.7% of Mildura's population, higher than the Regional Victorian average. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort makes up 9.9%, lower than the regional figure. Post the 2021 Census, the 35-44 age group has increased from 11.8% to 13.6%. The 45-54 age group has decreased from 11.8% to 10.3%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant changes in Mildura's age profile. Notably, the 25-34 group is expected to grow by 32%, adding 1,717 people and reaching a total of 7,156 from the current 5,438. The 55-64 age group is projected to grow by 3%, with an increase of 99 residents.