Wandong

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

The population of the suburb of Wandong is estimated at around 1,659 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase from the 2021 Census figure of 1,477 people, a growth of 182 individuals (12.3%). The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 1,518 following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 35 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 49 persons per square kilometer. Wandong's growth rate exceeded both national (9.9%) and state averages, marking it as a regional growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 71.0% 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, they utilise VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted using a method of weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is predicted to experience exceptional growth, placing it in the top 10 percent of Australian statistical areas, with an expected expansion of 3,377 persons by 2041, reflecting a gain of 215.2% over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Wandong has received around 8 dwelling approvals annually on average over the past 5 financial years, totalling an estimated 40 homes. In FY-26 so far, 3 approvals have been recorded. This results in approximately 149 people per dwelling approval.

Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 13.2 people moved to the area annually for each dwelling built. New dwellings are developed at an average construction cost of $361,000. Wandong has significantly less development activity compared to Greater Melbourne, with 65.0% fewer approvals per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties.

Recent building activity consists entirely of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes. AreaSearch forecasts indicate Wandong will gain 3,571 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Wandong has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure can significantly impact an area's performance. One major project has been identified by AreaSearch as potentially affecting the region. Notable projects include Wallan East Precinct Structure Plan (Part 1), Kilmore-Wallan Bypass, Beveridge North West Precinct Structure Plan, and Inland Rail Beveridge to Albury. 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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Employment performance in Wandong has been broadly consistent with national averages

Wandong has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. The construction sector is notably prominent. In the past year, ending September 2025, unemployment was 3.5%, with an estimated employment growth of 1%.

This rate is lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.7%. As of September 2025, 1,029 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.2% below the regional average. Workforce participation in Wandong is high at 88.1%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. According to Census data, 17.7% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries are construction, health care & social assistance, and manufacturing. Wandong specializes in construction, with an employment share 2.2 times the regional level. However, professional & technical jobs are under-represented at 3.1%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. Local employment opportunities appear limited, as indicated by the working population count versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 1.0% and labour force grew by 0.9%, keeping unemployment relatively stable at 3.5%. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with a slight rise in unemployment to 5.0%. 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. Applying these projections to Wandong's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.2% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Wandong's median income among taxpayers is $48,975. The average income in the suburb is $56,621. Both figures are lower than national averages. Greater Melbourne's median income is $57,688 with an average of $75,164. By September 2025, estimated median and average incomes in Wandong would be approximately $53,015 and $61,292 respectively, based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25%. Census data indicates household income ranks at the 71st percentile ($2,083 weekly) and personal income at the 42nd percentile. Income distribution shows 38.2% (633 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band, similar to the broader area where this cohort represents 32.8%. After housing costs, residents retain 87.1% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

In Wandong, as per the latest Census evaluation, 98.9% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 1.1% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This is in contrast to Melbourne metro's figures of 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wandong stood at 34.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 57.6% and rented ones at 8.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,842, lower than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent in Wandong was $305, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Wandong's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially lower than the national figure of $375.

Wandong features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 83.0% of all households, including 43.9% couples with children, 30.6% couples without children, and 8.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 17.0%, with lone person households at 14.0% and group households comprising 2.5%. The median household size is 3.0 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 14.0%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 7.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 50.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (12.2%) and certificates (38.1%). Educational participation is high, with 35.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 13.5% in primary, 11.1% in secondary, and 3.3% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 35.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.5% in primary education, 11.1% in secondary education, and 3.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Wandong has four operational public transport stops offering a mix of train services. These are served by four distinct routes, collectively facilitating 201 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is limited in Wandong, with residents typically situated 910 meters from the nearest stop. The area is predominantly residential, and most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 91%, while trains account for 6%. On average, there are 2.4 vehicles per dwelling, exceeding the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, 17.7% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency across all routes averages 28 trips per day, equating to approximately 50 weekly trips per individual stop.

Wandong's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Wandong residents show positive health outcomes, according to AreaSearch's analysis. Mortality rates and health conditions align with national benchmarks. Common health conditions appear standard across age groups.

Private health cover is relatively low at 49% (817 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 56.7%. Nationally, it's 55.7%. Asthma and arthritis are most common, affecting 8.7% and 7.3%, respectively. 70.5% report no medical ailments, versus Greater Melbourne's 72.6%. Working-age health outcomes are typical. Seniors comprise 15.2% (252 people). Senior health outcomes rank above average, matching general population levels nationally.

Wandong is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Wandong's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 87.6% of its population being citizens and 90.5% born in Australia. English was spoken exclusively at home by 93.9%. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 51.3%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 43.0%.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (29.8%), English (27.2%), and Irish (10.2%). Notably, Maltese (2.2%) and Macedonian (1.5%) were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 1.1% and 0.7%, respectively, while Italian was also relatively high at 6.3%.

Wandong's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Wandong has a median age of 40, which is higher than the Greater Melbourne figure of 37 and marginally higher than Australia's 38 years. Compared to the Greater Melbourne average, the 55-64 cohort is notably over-represented in Wandong at 15.4%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 8.3%. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group has grown from 12.5% to 14.8% of Wandong's population. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has declined from 16.0% to 14.3%, and the 15-24 age group has dropped from 13.0% to 11.7%. Demographic modeling suggests that Wandong's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041, with the 45-54 age cohort projected to surge dramatically, expanding by 653 people (276%) from 237 to 891.