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, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, North Wonthaggi's population is estimated at around 3722 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 247 people (7.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3475 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3702 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 165 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 366 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. North Wonthaggi's 7.1% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the Rest of Vic. (4.3%), along with the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area 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 utilises 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, placing in the top 10 percent of non-metropolitan areas nationally, is predicted over the period with the suburb expected to expand by 1611 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 42.8% in total over the 16 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 had approximately 24 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 123 homes from FY-20 to FY-25. As of FY-26, 23 approvals have been recorded. On average, 3.7 people moved to the area per dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating high demand exceeding new supply.

New dwellings are developed at an average cost of $570,000, suggesting a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY-26, there have been $10.2 million in commercial approvals, indicating balanced commercial development activity. Compared to the rest of Victoria, North Wonthaggi shows around 61% of construction activity per person and ranks among the 82nd percentile nationally.

New development consists mainly of standalone homes (97.0%) with a small proportion of attached dwellings (3.0%), preserving the area's low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With approximately 125 people per dwelling approval, North Wonthaggi exhibits characteristics of a growth area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the population is forecasted to grow by 1,591 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 impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight projects likely affecting the region. Notable projects include Summerfields Estate, Wonthaggi North East Precinct Structure Plan, Bass Coast Health Staff Accommodation Facility, and Powlett Ridge Estate. The following list details those most 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 both white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well represented. The unemployment rate is 3.5%, with an estimated employment growth of 4.7% over the past year (AreaSearch data).

As of December 2025, there are 1,637 residents in work. The unemployment rate is 0.2% below Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation is lower at 55.7%, compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.0%. Only 8.8% of residents work from home (Census data).

Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Retail trade has a strong presence with an employment share of 1.6 times the regional level. Agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 2.4%, compared to the regional average of 7.5%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by the working population vs resident population count. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 4.7% and labour force increased by 4.0%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.6 percentage points (AreaSearch analysis). In contrast, Regional Vic. recorded an employment decline of 0.6% and a labour force decline of 0.7%, with unemployment falling by 0.1 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia indicate growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to North Wonthaggi's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years (simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes).

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. This is below Regional Vic.'s median income of $50,954 and average income of $62,728. Based on a 9.62% increase since financial year 2023, current estimates for North Wonthaggi are approximately $45,088 (median) and $57,879 (average) as of March 2026. The 2021 Census indicates that incomes in North Wonthaggi fall between the 10th and 10th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. Income brackets show that 30.2% of residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999 (1,124 people), aligning with metropolitan trends at 30.3%. 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

In North Wonthaggi, as per the latest Census, 99.0% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 1.0% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to Regional Vic.'s figures of 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, lower than Regional Vic.'s average of $1,430. The median weekly rent in North Wonthaggi 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 at $300.

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 account for 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 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%. 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 serviced by three distinct routes, collectively facilitating 80 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport in the area is rated as good, with residents typically located 253 meters from their nearest transport stop. As a predominantly residential area, most residents commute outward, with the car being the dominant mode of transportation 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 reflect COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 11 trips per day across all routes, equating to 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 slightly higher degree among older age cohorts

North Wonthaggi faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are somewhat prevalent across all age groups but more so among older cohorts. Private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~1,778 people), compared to Regional Vic.'s 50.5% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (11.0%) and mental health issues (9.4%). 61.0% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Regional Vic.'s 63.4%. Working-age residents show above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. 23.0% of residents are aged 65 and over (856 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some 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 showed lower cultural diversity, with 85.6% born in Australia, 89.9% being citizens, and 93.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion at 44.2%. The 'Other' category comprised 0.8%, similar to Regional Vic's 0.8%.

Top ancestry groups were English (33.4%), Australian (28.6%), and Irish (8.3%). Dutch, Italian, and Maltese showed notable overrepresentation at 2.7% (vs regional 1.7%), 5.1% (vs 2.9%), and 0.4% respectively.

North Wonthaggi's median age exceeds the national pattern

North Wonthaggi has a median age of 41 years, which is lower than Regional Vic.'s average of 43 but higher than Australia's national average of 38 years. The 25-34 age group makes up 12.5% of North Wonthaggi's population, compared to Regional Vic., while the 55-64 cohort comprises 11.5%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 35-44 age group has increased from 10.7% to 12.0%, and the 55-64 cohort has decreased from 12.6% to 11.5%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in North Wonthaggi's age profile. The 25-34 cohort is expected to grow by 72%, adding 332 residents and reaching a total of 798.