Wangaratta (Vic.)

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

As of Nov 2025, Wangaratta's population is estimated at around 19,923 people. This reflects an increase of 709 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 19,214. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of resident population at 19,309 following examination of ABS ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 394 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 408 persons per square kilometer. Wangaratta has demonstrated resilient growth patterns over the past decade with a compound annual growth rate of 0.9%, outpacing its SA3 area. 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 a base year of 2022. 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 from these aggregations are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is expected to grow by 5,067 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 22.8% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Wangaratta recorded around 126 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years ending FY-25. This totals an estimated 633 homes. As of FY-26, 42 approvals have been recorded. The average number of people moving to the area for each dwelling built is 0.7 per year over these five years.

New supply keeps pace with or exceeds demand, offering ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction value of new homes is $456,000. In FY-26, $87.6 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating high levels of local commercial activity.

Compared to the Rest of Vic., Wangaratta maintains similar construction rates per person, preserving market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas, although development activity has moderated recently. New building activity comprises 76.0% standalone homes and 24.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes. With around 205 people per approval, Wangaratta reflects a low density area. Looking ahead, AreaSearch estimates Wangaratta will grow by 4,548 residents through to 2041. Building activity is keeping pace with growth projections, though buyers may experience heightened competition as the population grows.

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

AreaSearch has identified 13 projects that could impact the area significantly due to their influence on local infrastructure. Notable projects include the Wangaratta Health Precinct Structure Plan, Wangaratta Landmark Retail Development Site, Wangaratta CBD Urban Design Framework, and Wangaratta High School Upgrade. The following list 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.

Employment drivers in Wangaratta are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Wangaratta has a skilled workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 6.3% as of an unspecified past year.

As of June 2025, 8,976 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 6.3%, which is 2.5% higher than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Wangaratta is similar to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing. Health care & social assistance shows notable concentration with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 2.3% compared to the regional average of 7.5%.

Many Wangaratta residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census working population data. Over the 12 months to June 2025, labour force levels increased by 1.4%, but employment declined by 0.3%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 1.6 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Vic. saw an employment decline of 0.9% and a labour force decline of 0.4%, with unemployment rising by 0.4 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Wangaratta's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, although this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only and does not consider localised population projections.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

Wangaratta's median income among taxpayers in financial year 2022 was $47,259. The average income stood at $56,184 during the same period. Both figures were below the national averages of $53,006 (median) and $63,016 (average), as estimated for September 2025 based on a 12.16% growth since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, Wangaratta's household, family, and personal incomes fell between the 14th and 28th percentiles nationally. Income distribution showed that 29.1% of Wangaratta's population (5,797 individuals) earned within the $1,500 - $2,999 range. After housing costs, 85.8% of income remained, 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 dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 85.3% houses and 14.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s 85.9% houses and 14.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wangaratta was at 38.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.5% and rented ones at 30.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, aligning with Non-Metro Vic.'s average, while the median weekly rent was $260, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $250. Nationally, Wangaratta's mortgage repayments were lower 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 constitute 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 account for the remaining 37.8%, with lone person households at 35.2% and group households comprising 2.6%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.3.

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 prominent, with 38.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.9%) and certificates (27.3%). Educational participation is high at 27.0%, with 9.9% in primary, 8.0% in secondary, and 2.6% in tertiary education.

The area has 13 schools serving 4,486 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 990) and balanced educational opportunities. There are 7 primary, 3 secondary, and 3 K-12 schools. As an education hub, it offers 22.5 school places per 100 residents, above the regional average of 14.8, attracting students from surrounding communities. Note: for schools with 'n/a' enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Wangaratta has 120 active public transport stops, serving a mix of train and bus services. These are covered by 36 different routes, offering 1,164 weekly passenger trips in total. Residents have good access to these services, with an average distance of 225 meters to the nearest stop.

The service frequency is 166 trips per day across all routes, which equates to about 9 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Wangaratta faces significant health challenges, as indicated by data from 2020-21. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age groups.

Approximately 49% of Wangaratta's total population (~9,784 people) has private health cover, which is lower than the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions in Wangaratta are arthritis (10.6%) and mental health issues (10.3%). Meanwhile, 59.1% of residents claim to be completely free from medical ailments, compared to 60.4% across the rest of Victoria. As of 2020-21, 24.3% of Wangaratta's residents are aged 65 and over (4,841 people), which is lower than the 25.7% figure for the rest of Victoria. Health outcomes among seniors in Wangaratta present some challenges, broadly aligning with the general population's health profile.

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

Wangaratta was found to have a cultural diversity below average, with 90.5% of its population being citizens, 89.6% born in Australia, and 93.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Wangaratta, comprising 52.6% of the population. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented in Wangaratta compared to the rest of Victoria, with 0.1% of its population identifying as such.

The top three ancestry groups are English (31.6%), Australian (29.1%), and Irish (10.5%). There are also notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Italian is overrepresented at 5.1%, Hungarian at 0.3%, and Scottish at 8.5%.

Wangaratta hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Wangaratta's median age is 44 years, similar to Rest of Vic.'s 43 and above the national average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Vic., Wangaratta has a higher percentage of 25-34 year-olds (12.8%) but fewer 55-64 year-olds (11.7%). From the 2021 Census, the proportion of 25-34 year-olds increased from 11.6% to 12.8%, while the percentage of 5-14 year-olds decreased from 12.0% to 10.9%. By 2041, Wangaratta's age composition is expected to change significantly. The number of 25-34 year-olds will grow by 48% (1,235 people), reaching 3,786 from 2,550. The 15-24 year-old group will show modest growth, adding only 3 residents.