Wangaratta (Vic.)

Population growth drivers in Wangaratta are above average 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 Wangaratta (Vic.) has an estimated population of around 20,552 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,338 people (7.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 19,214 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 19,352, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 422 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 421 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Wangaratta's growth since the 2021 census exceeded that of its SA3 area (5.9%) and SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 92.0% 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 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 are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is expected to grow by 5,054 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 19.0% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Wangaratta when compared nationally

Wangaratta recorded around 125 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 628 homes from FY-21 to FY-25. As of FY-26, 55 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.7 people moved to the area for each dwelling built during this period. New supply has kept pace with or exceeded demand, offering ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts.

The average construction value of new homes is $456,000, indicating developers are targeting the premium market segment. In FY-26, $94.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity. Wangaratta maintains similar construction rates per person compared to the Rest of Vic., preserving market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas.

However, development activity has moderated in recent periods. New building activity shows 76.0% standalone homes and 24.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes. Wangaratta reflects a developing area with around 193 people per approval. Looking ahead, Wangaratta is expected to grow by 3,910 residents through to 2041 according to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. Building activity is keeping pace with growth projections, though buyers may experience heightened competition as the population grows.

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

Area infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. AreaSearch identified 13 projects potentially impacting the area. Key projects include Wangaratta Health Precinct Structure Plan, Wangaratta Landmark Retail Development Site, Wangaratta High School Upgrade, and Equine Village Estate. The following list details those likely most relevant.

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

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Employment conditions in Wangaratta face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Wangaratta has a skilled labor force with prominent essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 6.5%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, there are 8,917 employed residents, with an unemployment rate at 2.7% above Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation stands at 59.0%, below Rest of Vic.'s 61.4%. Census data shows that only 9.1% work from home, considering Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Key industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing. Health care & social assistance is notably concentrated with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 2.3% compared to the regional average of 7.5%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the year to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 1.6%, employment declined by 3.0%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 1.4 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Wangaratta's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released in financial year 2023 indicates Wangaratta had a median taxpayer income of $47,260 and an average income of $56,184. Both figures are below the national averages of $50,954 and $62,728 respectively for Rest of Vic. With an 8.25% increase since financial year 2023 based on Wage Price Index growth, estimated median income in Wangaratta as of September 2025 is approximately $51,159, while the average is $60,819. According to 2021 Census figures, incomes in Wangaratta fall between the 14th and 28th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. Income distribution data shows 29.1% of Wangaratta's population (5,980 individuals) earn within the $1,500 - 2,999 range, similar to regional levels at 30.3%. After housing costs, 85.8% of income remains, ranking at the 17th percentile nationally.

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

Wangaratta's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 85.3% houses and 14.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Vic. had 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wangaratta stood at 38.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.5% and rented ones at 30.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, lower than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,430. Wangaratta's median weekly rent figure was $260, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Wangaratta's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,300 than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Wangaratta features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 62.2% of all households, including 22.3% couples with children, 26.5% couples without children, and 12.6% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 37.8%, with lone person households at 35.2% and group households comprising 2.6% of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.4.

Wangaratta 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 13.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.2%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 38.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.9%) and certificates (27.3%). Educational participation is high, with 27.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 9.9% in primary, 8.0% in secondary, and 2.6% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.9% in primary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 2.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Wangaratta has 122 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These are covered by 18 routes, providing 918 weekly passenger trips in total. Residents have good accessibility to these stops, with an average distance of 225 meters to the nearest one. In this primarily residential area, most commutes are outward-bound. The dominant mode of transport is car, used by 91% of residents, while 5% walk and 2% cycle. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 9.1% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency across all routes is 131 trips per day on average, equating to about 7 weekly trips per stop. The map accompanying this data shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

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

Wangaratta's health data shows significant issues, as assessed by AreaSearch using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Notably, common health conditions are prevalent across both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49% of the total population (~10,093 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (10.6%) and mental health issues (10.3%). Conversely, 59.1% of residents report being free from medical ailments, compared to 63.4% in the rest of Victoria. Working-age residents face significant health challenges due to high chronic condition rates. The area has 23.8% of residents aged 65 and over (4,891 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, aligning with national rankings for the general population.

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

Wangaratta, as of a specific data point, had 90.5% citizens, 89.6% born in Australia, and 93.6% speaking English only at home, indicating below average cultural diversity. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 52.6%. Judaism, however, was overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to 0.1% across Rest of Vic..

The top three ancestral groups were English (31.6%), Australian (29.1%), and Irish (10.5%). Notably, Italian (5.1%) and Hungarian (0.3%) were overrepresented, while Scottish was slightly underrepresented at 8.5%.

Wangaratta hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Wangaratta's median age of 44 years is comparable to Rest of Vic.'s 43 and significantly higher than the national average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Vic., Wangaratta has a larger proportion of residents aged 25-34 (13.2%) but fewer individuals aged 65-74 (11.5%). Between the 2021 Census and present, the percentage of residents aged 25-34 has increased from 11.6% to 13.2%. Conversely, the proportion of those aged 5-14 has decreased from 12.0% to 10.7%. By 2041, Wangaratta's age distribution is projected to change significantly. Notably, the 25-34 age group is expected to grow by 39%, adding 1,069 people and reaching a total of 3,782 from the current 2,712. Meanwhile, the 15-24 cohort is projected to decrease by 69 people.