Myrtleford

Myrtleford is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

As of Nov 2025, Myrtleford's population is estimated at around 3,212, a decrease of 73 people since the 2021 Census. This reflects an inferred resident population of 3,200 based on AreaSearch validation following ABS ERP data release in June 2024 and two additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This level yields a density ratio of 40 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration was the primary driver of recent population gains. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered, VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 are used, adjusted employing weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future trends indicate a population increase just below the median of Australian non-metropolitan areas, with an expected expansion of 203 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 6.2% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Myrtleford, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data in Myrtleford, indicates around 11 residential properties granted approval each year. Over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 57 homes were approved, with an additional 5 approved so far in FY-26. Despite a recent population decline, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a well-balanced market with good buyer choice.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $492,000, suggesting developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments. This financial year has seen $4.2 million in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's residential character. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Myrtleford records roughly half the building activity per person, placing it among the 49th percentile of areas assessed nationally. This indicates more limited choices for buyers and supports demand for existing homes.

The area's construction activity is also below average nationally, suggesting maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent construction comprises 92.0% detached dwellings and 8.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 338 people per dwelling approval, Myrtleford exhibits characteristics of a low density area. Future projections estimate Myrtleford adding 199 residents by 2041 (based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Current construction levels suggest housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

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

No factors influence a region's performance more than alterations to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 0 projects that may impact this area. Notable projects include Alpine Shire Land Development Strategy (2024), North East Rail Line Upgrade, Inland Rail Beveridge to Albury, and Inland Rail - Tottenham To Albury. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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The labour market performance in Myrtleford lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Myrtleford has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs, prominent manufacturing and industrial sectors, and an unemployment rate of 4.9% as per AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation in September 2025. There are 1,462 employed residents, with an unemployment rate 1.2% higher than Rest of Vic.'s 3.8%, and workforce participation at 54.1%, below Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%.

Key industries include health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade, with manufacturing employment at 1.8 times the regional average. Construction employs 8.0% locally, lower than Rest of Vic.'s 10.4%. The area shows limited local employment opportunities, as Census working population versus resident population indicates. Over September 2025 to September 2026, labour force levels decreased by 2.2%, with a 3.6% employment decline, raising unemployment by 1.4 percentage points, contrasting with Rest of Vic.'s marginal unemployment rise despite lower employment and labour force contractions.

State-level data as of 25-Nov shows VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs, with a state unemployment rate of 4.7%, slightly above the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's May-25 projections forecast national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but industry-specific growth rates vary significantly. Applying these projections to Myrtleford's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.8% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting 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 2023 shows that Myrtleford has an income below the national average. The median income is $43,835 and the average income is $52,858. This contrasts with Rest of Vic., which has a median income of $50,954 and an average income of $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, the estimated current incomes as of September 2025 are approximately $47,451 (median) and $57,219 (average). According to the 2021 Census, Myrtleford's household, family, and personal incomes all fall between the 9th and 19th percentiles nationally. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 27.8% of residents (892 people), consistent with broader trends across the broader area showing 30.3% in the same category. Housing costs are modest, with 87.5% of income retained, and the total disposable income ranks at just the 13th percentile nationally.

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

Myrtleford's dwelling structure, as recorded in the latest Census, consisted of 91.4% houses and 8.5% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is comparable to Non-Metro Vic.'s dwelling structure which was also 91.6% houses and 8.5% other dwellings. The home ownership level in Myrtleford stood at 48.5%, with mortgaged dwellings making up 28.0% and rented dwellings comprising 23.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,300, lower than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,473. The median weekly rent figure for Myrtleford was recorded at $250, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s figure of $280. Nationally, Myrtleford's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 66.3% of all households, including 21.8% couples with children, 33.3% couples without children, and 10.3% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 33.7%, with lone person households at 31.7% and group households comprising 2.3% of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.4.

Myrtleford shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

The area's university qualification rate is 16.0%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.3%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.4%) and postgraduate qualifications (2.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.4% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 10.5% and certificates at 28.9%. A total of 24.8% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, including 9.1% in primary, 7.9% in secondary, and 2.5% in tertiary education.

A substantial 24.8% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 9.1% in primary education, 7.9% in secondary education, and 2.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Myrtleford has two operational public transport stops serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are covered by one route in total, offering 15 weekly passenger trips combined. Transport access is considered limited, with residents usually situated 935 meters away from the nearest stop.

On average, services run twice daily across all routes, translating to about seven weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Health data indicates substantial health challenges in Myrtleford. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is low, with approximately 48% (~1,535 people) having it, compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (10.3%) and mental health issues (9.4%). Meanwhile, 61.4% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 64.1% in the rest of Victoria. Myrtleford has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 28.8% (925 people), compared to 20.7% in the rest of Victoria. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Myrtleford's cultural diversity aligns with its wider region, with 83.0% born in Australia, 90.2% being citizens, and 88.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the dominant religion in Myrtleford, accounting for 59.2%, compared to 48.2% across Rest of Vic. The top three ancestry groups are English (27.4%), Australian (26.2%), and Italian (14.9%).

Notably, Dutch (1.6%) and Filipino (1.8%) populations are higher than regional averages (both at 0.6%), while Lebanese is slightly higher at 0.3%.

Myrtleford ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Myrtleford's median age is 49, exceeding Rest of Vic.'s figure of 43 and Australia's 38 years. Compared to Rest of Vic., Myrtleford has a notably over-represented 75-84 cohort (10.5%) and under-represented 5-14 year-olds (10.1%). Between 2021 and present, the 25-34 age group grew from 9.5% to 11.7%, while the 55-64 cohort declined from 15.0% to 12.3%. The 5-14 group dropped from 11.4% to 10.1%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to grow by 113 people (30%), from 375 to 489. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 15-24 and 65-74 cohorts.