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

The population of North Wonthaggi is estimated at 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. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,641 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 growth of 13.1% since the 2021 census exceeded the Rest of Vic.'s (8.1%) and the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration 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 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises 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 are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Exceptional growth, placing in the top 10 percent of non-metropolitan areas nationally, is predicted over the period with the area expected to expand by 1,871 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 41.9% in total over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, North Wonthaggi has seen around 26 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 131 homes. So far in FY-26, 15 approvals have been recorded. On average, 4.1 people have moved to the area per year for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating demand significantly exceeds new supply. New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost value of $570,000, suggesting developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments.

This financial year has seen $10.2 million in commercial approvals, indicating balanced commercial development activity. Relative to Rest of Vic., North Wonthaggi shows approximately 64% of the construction activity per person and places among the 84th percentile of areas assessed nationally. New development consists of 97.0% standalone homes and 3.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers.

With around 119 people per dwelling approval, North Wonthaggi shows characteristics of a growth area. Population forecasts indicate North Wonthaggi will gain 1,648 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Eight projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area, significantly influencing its performance. Key projects include Summerfields Estate, Wonthaggi North East Precinct Structure Plan (2016-2030), Bass Coast Health Staff Accommodation Facility (commencing 2021), and Parklands Estate, Wonthaggi (under construction). The following list details those most relevant.

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Employment conditions in North Wonthaggi remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

North Wonthaggi has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Its unemployment rate was 3.9% in September 2025. Employment grew by 4.1% over the previous year.

As of that date, 1,671 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was slightly higher than Rest of Vic.'s rate at 3.8%. Workforce participation was lower at 58.2%. Only 8.8% of residents worked from home. The dominant employment sectors were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

Retail trade had a particularly high representation with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing showed lower representation at 2.4%. Employment opportunities locally appeared limited based on Census data comparison of working population versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 4.1% while labour force grew by 3.7%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.3 percentage points. This contrasted with Rest of Vic.'s employment decline of 0.7% and labour force decline of 0.6%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May-25, projected national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to North Wonthaggi's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years.

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 in North Wonthaggi, median income is $41,131 and average income is $52,800. In comparison, Rest of Vic.'s median income is $50,954 and average income is $62,728. Based on an 8.25% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for North Wonthaggi as of September 2025 would be approximately $44,524 (median) and $57,156 (average). The 2021 Census indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in North Wonthaggi fall between the 10th and 10th percentiles nationally. Income brackets show that 30.2% of residents (1,187 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually, which is consistent with the metropolitan region's trend of 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 dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 99.0% houses and 1.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in North Wonthaggi stood at 46.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.3% and rented ones at 20.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, below Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,430 and the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $300, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $285 and the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 make up the remaining 28.8%, with lone person households at 25.3% and group households comprising 3.2% of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which matches the average for the Rest of Vic.

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%. Bachelor degrees are the 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, comprising 10.1% in primary, 7.5% in secondary, and 2.8% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably 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 operating within its boundaries. These stops are served by three different routes that collectively facilitate 80 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is rated as good, with residents typically residing an average of 253 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most inhabitants commute outward for work or other purposes. The car remains the primary mode of transportation, used by 95% of residents. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling in the area.

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 11 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 11 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 (around 1,878 people), compared to 50.5% in the rest of Victoria and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 11.0% and 9.4% of residents respectively. However, 61.0% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.4% in the rest of Victoria. Working-age residents have an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 23.0% of residents aged 65 and over (904 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than those for 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, as per the census conducted on 3rd June 2016, exhibited below-average cultural diversity. The majority of its population were born in Australia, with 85.6%, and held citizenship, with 89.9%. English was the primary language spoken at home by 93.5% of residents.

Christianity emerged as the predominant religion, practiced by 44.2% of North Wonthaggi's population. The category 'Other' showed a slight overrepresentation compared to regional averages, comprising 0.8% versus 0.7%. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (33.4%), Australian (28.6%), and Irish (8.3%). Notably, Dutch, Italian, and Maltese ethnicities showed higher representation in North Wonthaggi than across Victoria: Dutch at 2.7% versus 1.7%, Italian at 5.1% versus 2.9%, and Maltese at 0.4% versus 0.5%.

North Wonthaggi's median age exceeds the national pattern

North Wonthaggi's median age is 42 years, similar to Rest of Vic.'s average of 43 and considerably older than Australia's 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 25-34 are particularly prominent at 12.4%, while the 55-64 group is comparatively smaller at 11.8% than in Rest of Vic. Between 2021 and present, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 10.7% to 11.9% of the population. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 13.8% to 12.9%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for North Wonthaggi. The 25-34 cohort is projected to grow by 72%, adding 349 residents to reach a total of 837.