Traralgon

Population growth drivers in Traralgon are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, as of Nov 2025, Traralgon's estimated population is around 29,723. This shows an increase of 2,816 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 26,907. The change reflects an inferred resident population of 27,594, based on AreaSearch's examination of latest ERP data release by ABS (June 2024) and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 528 persons per square kilometer. Traralgon's growth rate of 10.5% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's 6.9%. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 57.99999999999999% of overall population gains.

AreaSearch uses 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 released in 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation method from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population dynamics anticipate significant increase in top quartile of Australian non-metropolitan areas. Traralgon (SA2) is expected to grow by 6,883 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 15.9% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Traralgon among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Traralgon recorded approximately 160 residential properties granted approval annually, with 801 homes approved between FY21 and FY25, and 89 in FY26. This results in an average of 1.4 people moving to the area per dwelling built over these years. The average construction cost value for new homes is $447,000, indicating focus on premium market developments.

Commercial approvals totaled $14.8 million in FY26. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Traralgon has 10.0% more development per person over the past five years. New building activity consists of 95.0% detached houses and 5.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining low-density housing.

With around 214 people per dwelling approval, Traralgon exhibits a developing market. Population forecasts estimate an increase of 4,726 residents by 2041, aligning with current development trends.

Traralgon has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 17 projects that could impact the region. Notable projects include Silverwood Estate, Traralgon Youth Prevention and Recovery Care Centre, Cross's Road Development Plan, and Stockdale Fields Estate. The following list details those likely most relevant.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

The employment landscape in Traralgon shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Traralgon's workforce is skilled with well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 4.4% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 4.6%.

As of September 2025, 13,995 residents were employed, while the unemployment rate was 0.7% higher than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation was 59.6%, close to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Dominant employment sectors included health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. The area had a strong specialization in electricity, gas, water & waste services, with an employment share four times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing employed only 1.6% of local workers, below Rest of Vic.'s 7.5%.

Employment opportunities appeared limited locally based on Census data comparison. In the past year, employment increased by 4.6%, and the labour force grew by 4.0%, reducing unemployment by 0.6 percentage points. This contrasted with Rest of Vic., where employment contracted by 0.7%, and unemployment rose marginally. State-level data to November 25 showed VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 projected a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years for Traralgon, based on its local employment mix.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that income in Traralgon is in line with national averages. The median income is $53,276 and the average income is $67,282. This contrasts with Rest of Vic.'s figures where the median income is $50,954 and the average income is $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Traralgon would be approximately $57,671 (median) and $72,833 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household incomes rank modestly in Traralgon at the 34th percentile, family incomes at the 39th percentile, and personal incomes at the 42nd percentile. The earnings profile shows that 31.7% of locals (9,422 people) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income category. This is similar to metropolitan regions where 30.3% occupy this range. Housing costs are manageable with 87.3% retained. However, disposable income ranks below average at the 39th percentile and Traralgon's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

Traralgon is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Traralgon's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 85.6% houses and 14.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Vic.'s dwelling structures comprised 88.1% houses and 11.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Traralgon was at 35.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 38.0% and rented ones at 26.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,300, while the median weekly rent figure was $275. Nationally, Traralgon's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Traralgon features high concentrations of lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 65.8% of all households, including 25.9% couples with children, 26.3% couples without children, and 12.7% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 34.2%, with lone person households at 31.3% and group households comprising 2.9%. The median household size is 2.3 people, aligning with the average in Rest of Vic.

Traralgon shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

The area's university qualification rate is 19.5%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.5%) and certificates (29.5%). Educational participation is high, with 28.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 10.5% in primary education, 7.9% in secondary education, and 3.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis indicates 128 active transport stops operating within Traralgon, consisting of a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 40 individual routes, collectively facilitating 2,048 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located approximately 225 meters from the nearest transport stop.

Service frequency averages 292 trips per day across all routes, equating to roughly 16 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Traralgon is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data shows significant issues affecting Traralgon, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups. The rate of private health cover is higher than average at approximately 53% (~15,880 people), compared to 50.9% across the rest of Victoria.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common conditions, affecting 9.8% and 9.7% of residents respectively. About 62.7% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 60.1% in the rest of Victoria. The area has 19.9% of residents aged 65 and over (5,914 people), which is lower than the 21.2% in the rest of Victoria. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, generally aligned with the overall population's health profile.

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

Traralgon, as per the census conducted on 27 June 2016, showed lower-than-average cultural diversity. The population was predominantly Australian-born with English-speaking background: 88.4% were citizens, 86.2% were born in Australia, and 92.2% spoke only English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 45.3% of the population.

Judaism, however, was slightly overrepresented compared to regional averages, with 0.1% of Traralgon's population identifying as such. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (30.3%), Australian (29.4%), and Scottish (8.7%). Notable differences in representation existed for certain ethnic groups: Dutch (2.8% vs regional 2.9%), Maltese (1.1% vs 1.6%), and Italian (3.6% vs 3.4%) were somewhat overrepresented in Traralgon compared to regional averages.

Traralgon's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Traralgon is 39 years, which is significantly lower than Rest of Vic.'s average of 43 but essentially aligned with Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Vic., Traralgon has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (15.2%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (10.6%). According to the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group increased from 14.1% to 15.2% of Traralgon's population. Conversely, the 55 to 64 age group decreased from 12.4% to 11.4%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Traralgon's age structure. The 25 to 34 age group is projected to grow by 43%, increasing from 4,517 people to 6,474. Conversely, the 55 to 64 age group is projected to decline by 168 people.