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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
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Wangaratta (Vic.) has an estimated 19,156 residents, down from 19,214 at the 2021 Census. 439 new addresses have been validated here since Census night. That puts 393 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to AreaSearch evaluations combining broader ABS demographic updates with post-Census validated address counts, the suburb of Wangaratta (Vic.) has an estimated population of approximately 19,156 as of Aug 2026. Compared to the 19,214 residents recorded in the 2021 Census, this indicates a reduction of 58 people (0.3%). This net adjustment stems from an ERP figure of 19,028 established from the ABS release in June 2025 alongside 439 validated new addresses confirmed after the Census. The suburb's density currently stands at 392 persons per square kilometer, leaving substantial physical space per resident and scope for new development.
In contrast to the 0.3% contraction within the suburb of Wangaratta (Vic.), the broader SA3 territory grew by 1.2%, demonstrating different demographic trajectories. Net population additions locally were overwhelmingly driven by overseas arrivals, accounting for roughly 92.0% of recent gains. Projections for each SA2 region rely on 2024 ABS/Geoscience Australia figures pegged to 2022 as the base year, with missing SA2s supplemented via 2023 VIC State Government Regional/LGA releases through weighted population growth aggregation from LGA to SA2 divisions. These aggregations also establish age-group growth rates applied to all districts between 2032 and 2041. On the basis of these expected demographic transitions, the suburb of Wangaratta (Vic.) is positioned in the upper quartile of regional locations nationwide, projected via aggregated SA2 models to gain 4,584 persons by 2041, representing a 23.3% cumulative rise over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
640 new dwellings have been approved in Wangaratta (Vic.) over the past five years, an average of 128 a year. That places the area in the 55th percentile for residential development activity nationally, about 7 approvals per 1,000 residents a year. Of the 118 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 75% were detached houses and the rest townhouses or apartments. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 113, broadly in line with that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Dwelling approval figures from the ABS compiled by AreaSearch indicate an annual average of about 128 residential approvals over the previous 5 financial years, equating to roughly 640 dwellings overall. For FY-25 to date, records show 113 approvals. Residential construction has outpaced or matched local demand, considering an average of only 0.1 new residents per year per dwelling built across the past 5 financial years (from FY-21 to FY-25), providing ample options for purchasers and headroom for growth exceeding projections, with new homes registering an average expected construction cost of $415,000.
Additionally, commercial development demonstrates substantial activity with $94.2 million in commercial approvals registered during this financial year. Per-capita building rates align closely with Rest of Vic., contributing to market consistency across the broader region. The mix of new construction includes 75.0% separate houses and 25.0% attached dwellings or units, reinforcing the low-density urban fabric and catering to purchasers seeking detached layouts. With roughly 207 people per approval, the district maintains a low-density character. Projections extending from the latest quarterly AreaSearch calculation anticipate an increase of 4,456 persons by 2041. While ongoing residential supply is progressing at a sensible rate relative to this incoming expansion, prospective purchasers could see heightened competition as the local population increases.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Wangaratta (Vic.)
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 12 current infrastructure and development projects inside Wangaratta (Vic.), worth an estimated $504 million. A further 42 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $2.83 billion. 15 are already under construction and 21 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, energy and sports & recreation. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local infrastructure schemes, major developments, and urban planning decisions carry substantial influence over regional outcomes. AreaSearch has pinpointed 13 local initiatives expected to shape the district. Prominent developments include the Wangaratta Health Precinct Structure Plan, the Wangaratta Landmark Retail Development Site, the Wangaratta High School Upgrade, and the Equine Village Estate.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Wangaratta Woolstores Development Site
A 5.77 hectare landmark retail development site known as Wangaratta Woolstores. It is a master planned precinct anchored by Harvey Norman featuring flexible showroom tenancies from 600sqm to 4,000sqm and a 270sqm QSR pad site. The council-endorsed site offers 388 metres of triple street frontage, over 390 proposed parking spaces, and is poised to serve a trade area population of over 70,000.
Wangaratta High School Upgrade
Upgrade and modernisation of Wangaratta High School including refurbishment of senior and middle school buildings, new classroom pods, study booths, improved learning spaces, upgraded heating and cooling, acoustic improvements, performing arts building maintenance and VCAL kitchen upgrade. Construction is underway with forecast completion in Q1 2027. Total project funding is $11.7 million, with an additional Minor Capital Works allocation for the VCAL kitchen.
Wangaratta Health Precinct Structure Plan
The Wangaratta Health Precinct Structure Plan is a statutory urban planning framework adopted by the Rural City of Wangaratta Council. Focused around Northeast Health Wangaratta between Swan Street and Rowan Street, the plan coordinates health and allied services expansion, traffic management, and active transport links. It serves as an incorporated planning scheme document guiding medical and community care growth across the Hume region.
Wangaratta CBD Urban Design Framework
The Wangaratta Central Activity Area (CAA) Urban Design Framework is a long-term strategic plan guiding city center development over a 15-20 year horizon. Formally implemented via Planning Scheme Amendment C80wang in late 2023, the framework identifies seven precincts for growth. 2025-2026 active works include the Rowan Street pedestrian bridge widening, Reid Street signalised crossing, and Creative Precinct developments at 31 Ford Street to enhance accessibility and safety.
Equine Village Estate
A 43.05-hectare thoroughbred trainers village development with approved plans for 29 lifestyle allotments ranging from 2 to 6.5 acres each. Located adjacent to Wangaratta Turf Club with dedicated bridle trail access linking directly to racing facilities. Designed specifically for high-performance horse trainers and equestrian enthusiasts seeking premium lifestyle acreage.
Mason Street Residential Development
A 2.43 hectare prime residential development opportunity in central Wangaratta, currently home to the well-established Moore Than Swimming education centre which has served the community for over 25 years. The site presents exceptional potential for residential subdivision in a highly accessible location.
South Wangaratta Residential Growth Area
Southern residential growth area rezoned to General Residential, with the South Growth Area spanning 71.5 hectares and expected to yield approximately 615 lots accommodating 1,880 residents. Construction of sewer pipelines by North East Water is continuing to support this development.
North West Wangaratta Residential Growth Area
Large residential growth area of 215 hectares set to deliver approximately 1670 lots and accommodate 5000 residents. The adopted structure plan includes a neighbourhood activity centre, commercial spaces, and infrastructure upgrades to support population growth.
8,842 residents of Wangaratta (Vic.) are employed, from a labour force of 9,389. Unemployment sits at 5.8%, with participation at 58.6%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.5% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
With key essential service sectors prominently established, the local workforce displays solid expertise and an unemployment rate of 5.8%, based on AreaSearch statistical aggregations. Employed residents numbered 8,842 as of March 2026, while the jobless rate sits 2.1% above the 3.7% recorded for Regional Vic., and labour participation reaches 58.6% compared with 61.1% in Regional Vic.. A modest 9.1% of workers reported working from home during the Census, a figure potentially influenced by Covid-19 restrictions. The primary employment sectors among local workers are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing.
Notably, health care & social assistance has a concentration 1.3 times the regional benchmark. In contrast, agriculture, forestry & fishing accounts for only 2.3% of the resident workforce compared to 7.5% across the region. A comparison between the count of local residents and the Census working population suggests a significant proportion of residents travel outside the area for employment. AreaSearch evaluations of ABS and SALM metrics indicate that over the 12-month period, the local labour force shrank by 2.6% and total employment fell by 2.4%, leading to a 0.2 percentage points decrease in the unemployment rate. Over the identical timeframe, Regional Vic. saw employment contract by 0.1%, the labour force decrease by 0.3%, and unemployment drop by 0.2 percentage points. Future industry requirements can be gauged from Jobs and Skills Australia's national projections from Mar-26 mapped onto local workforce patterns. Against economy-wide forecasts of 6.6% growth over five years and 13.7% over ten years, applying these sector-by-sector rates to local industry weights yields an estimated employment increase of 6.5% over five years and 13.8% over ten years (representing an illustrative weighted calculation that excludes localised population projections).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Wangaratta (Vic.) is $1,218 a week (about $63,000 a year), with median personal income at $700 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $47,260 a year against an average of $56,184. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
Taxpayer income metrics compiled by AreaSearch from 2023 financial year ATO records place the area below national standards. The median taxable income stands at $47,260 and the average reaches $56,184, trailing the respective Regional Vic. benchmarks of $50,954 and $62,728. Factoring in Wage Price Index increases of 9.62% since financial year 2023, updated estimates reach roughly $51,806 (median) and $61,589 (average) as of March 2026. Across personal, family, and household levels, Census earnings sit between the 14th and 28th percentiles across Australia. Among local residents, 29.1% (5,574 individuals) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings bracket, closely tracking the 30.3% observed regionally.
Residual income following housing costs stands at 85.8%, placing the suburb at the 17th percentile nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Wangaratta (Vic.) had 7,914 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 85% detached houses and 0% apartments. 32% are owned with a mortgage, 30% rented and 39% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $260 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,300 a month. Rent absorbs 21.3% of household income here and mortgage repayments 24.6%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Census data reveals that standalone houses represent 85.3% of local housing stock, with semi-detached properties, units, and other configurations making up 14.7%, compared against 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings across Regional Vic.. Full home ownership accounts for 38.5% of homes, trailing regional averages, while mortgaged properties comprise 31.5% and rental accommodations represent 30.0%. Typical housing expenses remain comparatively affordable: median monthly mortgage payments sit at $1,300 versus $1,430 across Regional Vic., and median weekly rent is $260 compared to $285 regionally. Relative to national figures of $1,863 for mortgages and $375 for rents, local housing costs are notably lower.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Wangaratta (Vic.) counted 7,914 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.2 people each. 22% are couples with children, fewer than in 79% of areas nationally, against 27% couples without children. 35% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.9 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families constitute 62.2% of local residences, comprising couples without children (26.5%), couples with children (22.3%), and single parent arrangements (12.6%). Non-family setups make up the remaining 37.8%, consisting mostly of single-person households (35.2%) along with group living situations (2.6%). Typical household occupancy is 2.2 people, slightly below the 2.4 person average found in Regional Vic..
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
19.5% of adults in Wangaratta (Vic.) hold a university qualification, including 13.1% with a bachelor degree and 3.2% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 27.3% hold a vocational qualification. 13 schools serve the area, with 4,486 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 990 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Attainment of higher education qualifications stands at 19.5%, trailing the VIC statewide benchmark of 33.4% and presenting a focal area for educational support. Higher education credentials consist predominantly of bachelor degrees at 13.1%, with postgraduate degrees and graduate diplomas each accounting for 3.2%. Vocational and technical qualifications are well established, held by 38.2% of individuals aged 15+, consisting of certificates (27.3%) and advanced diplomas (10.9%). Formal study engagement is substantial, with 27.0% of the community participating in education. This proportion comprises 9.9% in primary schooling, 8.0% attending secondary schools, and 2.6% enrolled in tertiary institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Wangaratta (Vic.) reaches 122 stops on 22 routes, timetabled for about 1,300 services a week. The typical home sits about 230 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.3 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transit infrastructure encompasses 122 functional stops across Wangaratta, integrating bus and train options. These facilities support 22 routes providing a collective 1,308 passenger trips weekly. Accessibility is favorable, with average walking distance to the nearest boarding point sitting at 225 meters. Outward commuting characterizes the area, with private vehicles accounting for 91% of trips, walking representing 5%, and cycling comprising 2%. Household motor vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, trailing regional figures. In the 2021 Census, a modest 9.1% worked from home, which may reflect pandemic-era conditions. Across all transit lines, scheduled service averages 186 trips per day, translating to roughly 10 trips per stop each week.
The associated mapping illustrates the 100 closest stops relative to the central reference point.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
59.1% of residents in Wangaratta (Vic.) report no long-term health condition, a less healthy profile than 83% of areas nationally. 8.9% need daily assistance with core activities, and 49.1% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 6.4 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Analysis of mortality statistics and chronic health incidence by AreaSearch indicates noticeable health challenges, with recurring conditions prevalent across both younger and older cohorts. Private health insurance uptake is comparatively constrained, covering roughly 49% of residents (~9,407 people), below the national proportion of 55.7%. Arthritis and mental health conditions are the most prevalent ailments, affecting 10.6 and 10.3% of the community respectively, while 59.1% of residents reported no long-term medical conditions, compared with 63.4% in Regional Vic.. Elevated rates of chronic illness affect the working-age population. Older residents aged 65 and over total 4,923 people (25.7% of the populace), exceeding the 24.0% regional proportion, with older cohort health metrics aligning broadly with national distributions.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Wangaratta (Vic.) is largely Australian-born, at 89.6% of residents, with 6.4% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (31.6%) and Australian (29.1%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Measures of cultural diversity remain below wider benchmarks, with Australian citizens making up 90.5% of the population, 89.6% born in Australia, and 93.6% communicating exclusively in English at home. Christianity represents the predominant faith, comprising 52.6% of residents. The most noticeable relative overrepresentation occurs in Judaism at 0.1% of the population, matching the 0.1% level in Regional Vic.. Regarding ancestral backgrounds based on parents' birthplaces, English ancestry ranks highest at 31.6%, followed by Australian at 29.1% and Irish at 10.5%. Other cultural lineages show specific divergences from regional patterns, including Italian background at 5.1% (compared to 2.9% across the region), Hungarian at 0.3% (versus 0.2%), and Scottish at 8.5% (compared to 8.8% regionally).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Wangaratta (Vic.) is 44, older than 76% of areas nationally. 23.4% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
Age distributions track regional averages closely, showing a maximum divergence of 1.7 percentage points from Regional Vic.. AreaSearch calculates the median age at 44 as at August 2026, identical to the 2021 Census result, 1 year above the Regional Vic. Census benchmark of 43, and older than the national Census figure of 38. The 45 - 64 demographic cohort decreased from 24.3% at the Census to an estimated 23.2%. Looking ahead to 2041, the 25 - 44 age bracket is projected to experience the strongest numerical expansion, increasing by 1,948 residents (44%) to reach 6,392.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Wangaratta (Vic.)
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Oct 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Oct 2026 this month headline measures · Sep 2026 baseline |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Oct 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Aug 2026 2 months ago all 12 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Aug 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 7 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Sep 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Sep 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 439 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (19,214 at the 2021 Census → 19,156 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL22680). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.