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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Wandong's population is estimated at around 1,659 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 182 people (12.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,477 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,518 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS 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 the national average (9.9%) since the 2021 census, making it a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 71.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year, and utilising 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 for areas not covered by ABS data. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is expected to expand by 1,614 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 88.8% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Wandong has received around 8 dwelling approvals annually over the past 5 financial years from FY21 to FY25, totalling an estimated 41 homes. So far in FY26, 5 approvals have been recorded. This results in approximately 12.8 people moving to the area per year for each dwelling built.

Wandong has significantly less development activity compared to Greater Melbourne, with 62.0% fewer approvals per person. Recent building activity consists entirely of detached houses, maintaining the area's low density character and appealing to those seeking family homes with space. Wandong is classified as a growth area with around 149 people per dwelling approval. Population forecasts indicate Wandong will gain 1,473 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. New dwellings are developed at an average construction cost value of $361,000.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project expected to impact this 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 details those most likely to be 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.

Wandong has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Wandong has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. The construction sector is prominent, with an unemployment rate of 4.2% and stable employment over the past year, according to AreaSearch data aggregation from statistical areas. As of December 2025, there are 1,028 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, which is 0.6% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

Workforce participation in Wandong is high at 88.4%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%. According to Census responses, 17.7% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Major employment industries include construction, health care & social assistance, and manufacturing. Wandong has a strong specialization in construction, with an employment share 2.2 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services are under-represented at 3.1%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population numbers. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 0.2% and labour force grew by 1.0%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 0.9 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 2.4% and labour force growth of 2.8%, with an unemployment rate increase of 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that over five years, total employment could expand by 6.6% and by 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Wandong's employment mix indicates potential local employment increases of 5.9% over five years and 12.2% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch released postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 on an unspecified date. Wandong's median income among taxpayers was $48,975 with an average of $56,621. Nationally, the median income is higher. Greater Melbourne had a median income of $57,688 and an average of $75,164 in 2023. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $53,015 (median) and $61,292 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25%. Census data shows Wandong's household income ranks at the 71st percentile ($2,083 weekly) and personal income at the 42nd percentile. Income distribution indicates that 38.2% of residents earn between $1,500 - 2,999 (633 individuals), similar to the broader area where this cohort represents 32.8%. After housing costs, residents retain 87.1% of their income. Wandong'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

At Wandong's latest Census evaluation, dwelling structures comprised 98.9% houses and 1.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Compared to Melbourne metro's structure of 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings, Wandong had a higher proportion of houses. 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. Weekly rent median was recorded at $305, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Wandong's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households compose 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 make up 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% currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 13.5% in primary, 11.1% in secondary, and 3.3% in tertiary education.

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

Wandong has four active public transport stops operating, offering a mix of train services. These stops are served by four different routes combined providing 201 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is limited with residents typically located 910 meters from the nearest stop. Predominantly residential, most Wandong residents commute outward using cars at 91%, while only 6% use trains. On average, there are 2.4 vehicles per dwelling, higher than the regional norm. According to the 2021 Census, 17.7% of residents work from home, a figure possibly influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 28 trips daily across all routes, equating to roughly 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's health data shows positive results, matching national benchmarks for mortality rates and health conditions. Common health issues are seen across all ages. Private health cover is lower than Melbourne's average at 49% (~817 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 56.7%.

Nationally, it's 55.7%. The most prevalent conditions are asthma (8.7%) and arthritis (7.3%), with 70.5% reporting no medical ailments, slightly lower than Greater Melbourne's 72.6%. Working-age health outcomes are typical. Seniors make up 16.4% of Wandong's population (272 people), higher than Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. Senior health outcomes rank above average 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 population, found to be culturally less diverse than average, comprises 87.6% citizens, 90.5% born in Australia, and 93.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Wandong, with 51.3%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 43.0%. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (29.8%), English (27.2%), and Irish (10.2%).

Notably, Maltese representation is higher at 2.2% than the regional average of 1.1%, Macedonian at 1.5% versus 0.7%, and Italian at 6.3% compared to 5.2%.

Wandong's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Wandong has a median age of 40, which is slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and Australia's median age of 38. Comparing Wandong's demographics with Greater Melbourne's average, the 55-64 cohort stands out at 14.6%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 8.6%. Between 2021 and present, the population of those aged 35 to 44 has grown from 12.5% to 15.5%, and the 85+ cohort has increased from 0.9% to 2.5%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has declined from 16.0% to 13.9%, and the 15-24 group has dropped from 13.0% to 11.1%. By 2041, Wandong's age profile is projected to change significantly, with the 45-54 cohort expected to grow by 248 people (108%), from 230 to 479.