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

The population of Myrtleford was estimated at 3,285 people according to the 2021 Census. By May 2026, this had decreased to around 3,175, a drop of 110 individuals (3.3%). This decrease is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population as 3,170, based on their examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025, and an additional 24 validated new addresses since the Census date. The current population density stands at 39 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth in recent periods for Myrtleford.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024, with a base year of 2022, for each SA2 area. For areas not covered by this data, they utilise the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Future trends suggest a population increase just below the median of Australian non-metropolitan areas, with Myrtleford expected to expand by 165 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an overall increase of 5.0% over the 16-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 in Myrtleford shows around 12 residential properties granted approval each year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 61 homes were approved, with an additional seven approved so far in FY-26. Despite a declining population, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice.

The average expected construction cost value of new homes is $492,000, indicating developers are focusing 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 Victoria, Myrtleford records roughly half the building activity per person and ranks among the 56th percentile nationally.

Recent construction comprises 92.0% standalone homes and 8.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 279 people per dwelling approval, Myrtleford exhibits characteristics of a low-density area. Population forecasts indicate Myrtleford will gain 160 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Myrtleford has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

No infrastructure changes are currently anticipated in the area. Zero projects have been identified by AreaSearch that could impact the region. Key initiatives include Alpine Shire Land Development Strategy 2024, North East Rail Line Upgrade, Inland Rail Beveridge to Albury (scheduled for completion in 2025), and Inland Rail - Tottenham To Albury (expected to finish in 2026).

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Employment drivers in Myrtleford are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Myrtleford's workforce comprises an equal mix of white and blue collar jobs, with manufacturing and industrial sectors prominent. Its unemployment rate stands at 4.8%, as per AreaSearch's statistical aggregation (December 2025). There are 1,436 employed residents, with an unemployment rate 1.1% higher than Regional Vic.'s 3.7%.

Workforce participation is lower at 55.2%, compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.0%. Home-based workers comprise a low 9.3% of the workforce (Census data). Key employment sectors are health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. Manufacturing is particularly strong, with an employment share 1.8 times the regional level, while construction is under-represented at 8.0%, compared to Regional Vic.'s 10.4%.

Employment opportunities locally appear limited, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, Myrtleford's labour force decreased by 4.1% and employment declined by 5.4%, leading to a 1.3 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. In contrast, Regional Vic.'s employment contracted by 0.6%, labour force fell by 0.7%, and unemployment fell by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts (May-25) project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth varies between sectors. 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.

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

The suburb of Myrtleford has a median taxpayer income of $43,835 and an average income of $52,858 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This is below the national average, which stands at $67,147 median and $96,590 average for Regional Vic. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $48,052 (median) and $57,943 (average) as of March 2026. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Myrtleford all fall between the 9th and 19th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that the largest segment comprises 27.8% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (882 residents), aligning with the metropolitan region where this cohort likewise represents 30.3%. While housing costs are modest with 87.5% of income retained, 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 per the latest Census, comprised 91.4% houses and 8.5% other dwellings. In Regional Vic., it was 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Myrtleford stood at 48.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.0% and rented at 23.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, below Regional Vic.'s average of $1,430. Median weekly rent in Myrtleford was $250, compared to Regional Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Myrtleford's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,300 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and 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 make up the remaining 33.7%, with lone person households at 31.7% and group households comprising 2.3%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Regional 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 and above 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. One route services these stops, offering 15 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport access is considered limited, with residents located an average of 935 meters from the nearest stop. The area is predominantly residential, with outward commuting being common. Cars are the primary mode of transport at 90%, while walking accounts for 7%. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 9.3% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages two trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately seven weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Myrtleford is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Myrtleford faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~1,517 people), compared to 50.5% in Regional Vic., and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 10.3 and 9.4% of residents respectively, while 61.4% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.4% in Regional Vic.. Working-age residents show above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 30.5% of residents aged 65 and over (968 people), higher than the 23.9% in Regional Vic.. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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 was comparable to the broader region, with 83.0% of residents born in Australia, 90.2% being citizens, and 88.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity dominated Myrtleford's religious landscape, accounting for 59.2%, compared to 47.3% across Regional Vic. The top three ancestry groups were English (27.4%), Australian (26.2%), and Italian (14.9%), the latter being significantly higher than the regional average of 2.9%.

Other ethnic groups showed notable differences: Dutch at 1.6% in Myrtleford versus 1.7% regionally, Filipino at 1.8% versus 0.6%, and Lebanese at 0.3% versus 0.1%.

Myrtleford ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Myrtleford's median age is 49, surpassing Regional Vic.'s figure of 43 and Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Regional Vic., Myrtleford has a notably higher proportion of the 75-84 age group (10.7%) but fewer individuals aged 15-24 (9.6%). Between 2021 and present, the 25-34 cohort grew from 9.5% to 12.0%, while the 65-74 group increased from 13.7% to 14.8%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort declined from 15.0% to 12.0%, and the 5-14 age group dropped from 11.4% to 10.2%. By 2041, projections indicate significant shifts in Myrtleford's age structure. The 25-34 cohort is expected to grow by 82 people (22%), from 381 to 463, while the 15-24 and 65-74 cohorts are projected to decrease.