North Wonthaggi

North Wonthaggi lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, the estimated population of North Wonthaggi is around 3,931 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 456 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,475 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,641 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 166 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 386 persons per square kilometer. North Wonthaggi's 13.1% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the Rest of Vic. (8.1%), along with the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 88.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking at population projections moving forward, exceptional growth is predicted over the period, placing North Wonthaggi in the top 10 percent of non-metropolitan areas nationally. The area is expected to expand by 1,845 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 39.6% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions North Wonthaggi among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows North Wonthaggi approved around 24 new homes annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 123 homes. In FY-26 so far, 16 approvals have been recorded. This results in approximately 4 people moving to the area per year for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25. Commercial approvals this financial year total $10.2 million.

North Wonthaggi shows around 61% of construction activity per person compared to Rest of Vic., placing it among the 82nd percentile nationally. New development consists predominantly of standalone homes, with 97.0% and attached dwellings at 3.0%. This preserves the area's low density nature, attracting space-seeking buyers.

With around 127 people per dwelling approval, North Wonthaggi exhibits growth area characteristics. Latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate forecasts a population gain of 1,555 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight projects that could impact the area. Notable projects include Summerfields Estate, Wonthaggi North East Precinct Structure Plan (2018), Bass Coast Health Staff Accommodation Facility (commenced 2019), and Parklands Estate, Wonthaggi (planned for 2020). 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 in North Wonthaggi demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

North Wonthaggi has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar employment. Essential services sectors are well represented. The unemployment rate is 3.8%, with an estimated employment growth of 5.7% over the past year (AreaSearch data).

As of December 2025, there are 1,686 residents in work, with an unemployment rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation is at 58.2%, compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.5%. According to Census responses, only 8.8% of residents work from home. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

Retail trade shows strong specialization with an employment share of 1.6 times the regional level. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 2.4%, compared to Regional Vic.'s average of 7.5%. Employment opportunities appear limited locally, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 5.7% and labour force increased by 5.1%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points (AreaSearch analysis). In comparison, Regional Vic. had an employment decline of 0.6%, labour force decline of 0.7%, with a fall in unemployment of 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest North Wonthaggi's employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

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 median income in North Wonthaggi is $41,131. Average income stands at $52,800. This is below Regional Vic.'s median income of $50,954 and average income of $62,728. Based on 8.25% growth since financial year 2023, current estimates for North Wonthaggi would be approximately $44,524 (median) and $57,156 (average) as of September 2025. The 2021 Census reveals that household, family, and personal incomes in North Wonthaggi fall between the 10th and 10th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that 30.2% of residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999, consistent with metropolitan trends showing 30.3% in the same category. After housing costs, 86.1% of income remains, ranking at the 13th percentile nationally.

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

North Wonthaggi's dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 99.0% houses and 1.0% other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings, contrasting with Regional Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in North Wonthaggi stood at 46.0%, with mortgaged properties at 33.3% and rented ones at 20.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, lower than Regional Vic.'s average of $1,430, while the median weekly rent was $300 compared to Regional Vic.'s $285. Nationally, North Wonthaggi's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,300 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

North Wonthaggi has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 71.2% of all households, including 25.5% couples with children, 30.6% couples without children, and 14.1% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 28.8%, with lone person households at 25.3% and group households making up 3.2% of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which aligns with the Regional Vic. average.

The educational profile of North Wonthaggi exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 12.8%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. This indicates a need for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 9.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.9%) and certificates (31.3%).

Educational participation is high, with 26.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.1% in primary education, 7.5% in secondary education, and 2.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

North Wonthaggi has seven active public transport stops. These are served by three routes offering a total of eighty weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy good accessibility to these stops, with an average distance of 253 meters to the nearest one. Most residents commute outward from this primarily residential area, preferring cars as their dominant mode of transport at 95%. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, only 8.8% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages eleven trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately eleven weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in North Wonthaggi is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts

North Wonthaggi faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across all age groups but more so among older cohorts. Private health cover is low at approximately 48% of the total population (~1,878 people), compared to 50.5% in Regional Vic.

and 55.7% nationally. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (11.0%) and mental health issues (9.4%). 61.0% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 63.4% in Regional Vic. Working-age residents have an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. 23.0% of residents are aged 65 and over (904 people). Health outcomes among seniors present challenges but rank lower nationally than the broader population.

North Wonthaggi ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

North Wonthaggi was found to have low cultural diversity, with 85.6% of its population born in Australia and 89.9% being citizens. English is the primary language spoken at home by 93.5%. Christianity is the predominant religion, practiced by 44.2%.

The 'Other' religious category comprises 0.8%, similar to Regional Vic's 0.8%. Top ancestry groups are English (33.4%), Australian (28.6%), and Irish (8.3%). Notably, Dutch ancestry is overrepresented at 2.7% compared to regional levels of 1.7%. Italian ancestry also exceeds regional averages, with 5.1% in North Wonthaggi versus 2.9%. Maltese ancestry is slightly lower than regional levels, at 0.4% compared to 0.5%.

North Wonthaggi's median age exceeds the national pattern

North Wonthaggi's median age is 42 years, similar to Regional Vic.'s average of 43 but considerably older than Australia's 38 years. The age profile indicates that those aged 25-34 are particularly prominent at 12.6%, while the 55-64 group is comparatively smaller at 11.9% compared to Regional Vic.. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group has grown from 10.7% to 12.0%. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort has declined from 13.8% to 12.8%. Population forecasts for the year 2041 suggest substantial demographic changes in North Wonthaggi. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 70%, adding 344 residents to reach a total of 840.