Wandong

Wandong lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of November 2025, the estimated population of Wandong is around 1,642. This reflects an increase of 165 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,477. The change was inferred from the resident population of 1,497, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 33 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 48 persons per square kilometer. Wandong's growth rate of 11.2% since the 2021 census exceeded both the national average (8.9%) and the state average, marking it as 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, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, making adjustments using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. According to demographic trends, exceptional growth is predicted over the period with the area expected to expand by 3,406 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 220.5% in total over the 17 years.

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

Wandong has received approximately 7 dwelling approvals annually over the past 5 financial years from FY21 to FY25. This totals an estimated 38 homes. In FY26 so far, there have been 2 recorded approvals.

On average, around 13.9 people move to Wandong annually for each new dwelling built during this period. This demand significantly outpaces supply, which typically influences prices upwards and intensifies competition among buyers. The average construction cost of new dwellings is $361,000, reflecting more affordable housing options compared to regional norms. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Wandong has notably less development activity, with 67.0% fewer approvals per person on average.

This constrained building activity often reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes, though there has been an acceleration in recent years. The area's new building activity consists of approximately 90.0% detached dwellings and 10.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving Wandong's traditional low-density character focused on family homes. With around 149 people moving to Wandong for each dwelling approval, the area exhibits characteristics of a growth region. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Wandong is projected to grow by approximately 3,621 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Wandong has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project expected to affect this region. Notable projects include the Wallan East Precinct Structure Plan (Part 1), Kilmore-Wallan Bypass, Beveridge North West Precinct Structure Plan, and Inland Rail from 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 exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Wandong has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. The construction sector is prominent, with an unemployment rate of 3.2% and estimated employment growth of 1.6% in the past year (AreaSearch data).

As of June 2025988 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.4%, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.6%. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Melbourne at 64.1%. Key industries include construction, health care & social assistance, and manufacturing. Construction stands out with a share of employment 2.2 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services are under-represented at 3.1%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. Local employment opportunities appear limited based on Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, Wandong's employment levels increased by 1.6% and labour force by 1.2%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment growth of 3.5% and labour force growth of 4.0%, with a slight rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within Wandong. Over five years, national employment is projected to expand by 6.6%, and over ten years by 13.7%. Applying these projections to Wandong's industry mix indicates local employment growth 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 2022 on Wandong's median taxpayer income of $48,975 and average income of $56,621. Nationally, incomes were higher with a median of $55,380 and an average of $77,550. In Greater Melbourne, the median was $54,892 and the average was $73,761. As of September 2025, estimated median income is approximately $54,930 and average income is $63,506 based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16%. Wandong's household income ranks at the 71st percentile with a weekly income of $2,083, while personal income ranks at the 42nd percentile. The $1,500 - $2,999 earnings band captures 38.2% of residents (627 individuals), similar to the broader area where this cohort represents 32.8%. After housing costs, residents retain 87.1% of 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

Wandong's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, were 98.9% houses and 1.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 87.2% houses and 12.8% 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, below Melbourne metro's average of $1,900. The median weekly rent figure in Wandong was $305, compared to Melbourne metro's $371. Nationally, Wandong's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 constitute 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 comprise the remaining 17.0%, with lone person households at 14.0% and group households making up 2.5%. The median household size is 3.0 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.9.

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%, substantially below Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 7.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 50.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 12.2% and certificates at 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. Wandong Primary School serves the area, enrolling 493 students as of its latest report. The school has an ICSEA score of 1009, indicating typical Australian school conditions with balanced educational opportunities. It focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available nearby. The area functions as an education hub, offering 30.0 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 13.0, and attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Transport analysis indicates four active stops in Wandong: two train stations (Wandong Station and Wandong North) and two bus stops. These stops are served by seven routes combined: trains on the Northern Line and buses numbered 532534536537538, and 539. Altogether, they facilitate 337 weekly passenger trips.

Residents' access to public transport is limited, with an average distance of 828 meters to the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 48 daily trips across all routes, translating to around 84 weekly trips per individual stop.

Wandong's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Wandong residents have a relatively low prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 49% (~809 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (8.7%) and arthritis (7.3%). About 70.5% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 74.0% in Greater Melbourne. Wandong has 14.8% (243 people) of residents aged 65 and over, higher than the 13.2% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, generally aligning with the overall population's health profile.

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, 90.5% born in Australia, and 93.9% speaking English only at home. The dominant religion in Wandong is Christianity, comprising 51.3% of the population, compared to 49.8% across Greater Melbourne. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups represented in Wandong are Australian (29.8%, substantially higher than the regional average of 17.3%), English (27.2%, substantially higher than the regional average of 15.5%), and Irish (10.2%, substantially higher than the regional average of 4.3%).

Notably, Maltese are overrepresented at 2.2% in Wandong compared to 1.5% regionally, Macedonian at 1.5% versus 4.6%, and Italian at 6.3% versus 9.6%.

Wandong's median age exceeds the national pattern

Wandong has a median age of 40, which is slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and Australia's figure of 38 years. The 55-64 age cohort is notably over-represented in Wandong at 15.6%, compared to the Greater Melbourne average, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 9.0%. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group has increased from 12.5% to 14.4% of the population. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 16.0% to 14.3%, and the 15-24 age group has dropped from 13.0% to 11.6%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Wandong's age profile will significantly change, with the 45-54 age cohort projected to increase dramatically by 658 people (280%), from 234 to 893.