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 is estimated at around 3,230 as of February 2026. This reflects a decrease from the 2021 Census figure of 3,285 people, indicating a drop of 55 individuals (1.7%). AreaSearch validated this estimate following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 18 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 40 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Overseas migration primarily drove population growth in the suburb during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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 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 the years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends suggest an increase just below the median of Australian non-metropolitan areas, with the suburb expected to expand by 190 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of approximately 5.0% over the 17 years.

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 shows Myrtleford has averaged around 12 residential properties approved per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 61 homes were granted approval, with a further 5 approved in FY-26 so far. Despite population decline, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice.

The average expected construction cost of new homes is $492,000, indicating developers focus on the premium market and high-end developments. This financial year, there have been $4.2 million in commercial approvals, suggesting Myrtleford's residential character. Compared to Rest of Vic., Myrtleford records roughly half the building activity per person, placing it among the 56th percentile nationally for areas assessed.

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 280 people per dwelling approval, Myrtleford exhibits characteristics of a low density area. Population forecasts indicate Myrtleford will gain 160 residents by 2041. 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 factors influence a region's performance more than modifications to local infrastructure, significant projects, and planning initiatives. Zero projects have been pinpointed by AreaSearch as potentially impacting this area. Notable undertakings 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 likely to be most pertinent.

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

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

Myrtleford has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, particularly in manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate is 5.0%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, 1,449 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 3.7% higher than Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%.

Workforce participation in Myrtleford is lower at 55.9%, compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.5%. According to Census responses, only 9.3% of residents work from home. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. Manufacturing has a significant presence with an employment share of 1.8 times the regional level, while construction is under-represented at 8.0%, compared to Regional Vic.'s 10.4%.

The local job market appears limited, as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, Myrtleford's labour force decreased by 4.0% while employment declined by 5.5%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 1.5 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional Vic., where employment contracted by 0.6%, the labour force fell by 0.7%, and unemployment fell 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, with varying rates across industry 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 had a median taxpayer income of $43,835 and an average income of $52,858 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This was below the national average for that year. Regional Vic., on the other hand, had a median income of $50,954 and an average income of $62,728 in the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Myrtleford would be approximately $47,451 (median) and $57,219 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Myrtleford all fell between the 9th and 19th percentiles nationally. Income analysis revealed that the largest segment comprised 27.8% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (897 residents). This aligns with the metropolitan region where this cohort likewise represented 30.3%. Housing costs were modest in Myrtleford, with 87.5% of income retained. However, the total disposable income ranked 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 structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 91.4% houses and 8.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Myrtleford was at 48.5%, with the rest being mortgaged (28.0%) or rented (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 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 make up 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 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+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.5%) and certificates (28.9%). A total of 24.8% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, with 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. These are served by one route, offering a total of 15 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is limited, with residents typically residing 935 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards, primarily using cars (90%), with walking accounting 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.

Services run approximately twice daily across all routes, resulting in about 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 as assessed by AreaSearch. Mortality rates and prevalence of chronic conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~1,544 people), compared to 50.5% in Regional Vic., and 55.7% nationally.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (10.3%) and mental health issues (9.4%), with 61.4% reporting no medical ailments, compared to 63.4% in Regional Vic. Working-age residents show above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 29.4% of residents aged 65 and over (949 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 population, as per the 2016 Census, shows cultural diversity similar to its wider region. 83.0% of residents were born in Australia, with 90.2% being citizens and 88.1% speaking English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 59.2%, compared to Regional Vic's 47.3%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (27.4%), Australian (26.2%), and Italian (14.9%), with Italians being significantly more represented than regionally (2.9%). Notably, Dutch (1.6% vs regional 1.7%), Filipino (1.8% vs 0.6%), and Lebanese (0.3% vs 0.1%) groups are overrepresented in Myrtleford compared to the wider area.

Myrtleford ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Myrtleford's median age is 49, which exceeds Regional Vic.'s figure of 43 and Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Regional Vic., Myrtleford has a notably higher percentage of the 85+ cohort (4.9% locally), while the 5-14 year-olds are under-represented (9.9%). Between 2021 and present, the population aged 25-34 grew from 9.5% to 12.3%, and the 35-44 cohort increased from 10.3% to 11.6%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort declined from 15.0% to 11.6%, and the 5-14 group dropped from 11.4% to 9.9%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Myrtleford's age structure. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to grow by 89 people (23%), from 397 to 487. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 15-24 and 65-74 cohorts.