Wangaratta (Vic.)

Population growth drivers in Wangaratta are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Wangaratta's population, as of November 2025, is estimated at around 20,540. This figure shows an increase of 1,326 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 19,214. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population being 19,352 in June 2024, and an additional 394 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 420 persons per square kilometer. Wangaratta's growth rate of 6.9% since the 2021 census exceeds that of its SA3 area (5.6%) and SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 92.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is using 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 uses VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted 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. By 2041, the Wangaratta (Vic.) statistical area is forecasted to grow by 5,060 persons, reflecting an increase of 19.1% in total over the 17-year period.

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

Wangaratta recorded approximately 125 residential properties approved annually between FY-21 and FY-25, totalling an estimated 628 homes. As of FY-26, 55 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.7 people moved to the area per dwelling built over these years. This indicates that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choices and allowing for population growth beyond current forecasts.

The average construction cost value of new homes was $456,000, suggesting developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. Additionally, $94.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to Rest of Vic., Wangaratta maintains similar construction rates per person, preserving market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas.

However, development activity has moderated recently. New building activity shows 76.0% standalone homes and 24.0% townhouses or apartments, reflecting the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes. With around 193 people per approval, Wangaratta reflects a developing area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Wangaratta is expected to grow by 3,924 residents through to 2041. Building activity is keeping pace with growth projections, but buyers may face increased competition as the population grows.

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

AreaSearch has identified 13 projects that could potentially impact the local area. These include the Wangaratta Health Precinct Structure Plan, Wangaratta Landmark Retail Development Site, Wangaratta High School Upgrade, and Equine Village Estate. The following list details those projects likely to be most 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 conditions in Wangaratta face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Wangaratta has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 6.5%, as per AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation in September 2025.

There are 8,918 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.7% higher than Rest of Vic.'s 3.8%. Workforce participation is similar to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Key industries for Wangaratta 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.

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 working population counts. Over the 12 months to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 1.6%, with a 3.0% employment decline, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 1.4 percentage points. Rest of Vic. recorded an employment decline of 0.7% and a labour force decline of 0.6%, with marginal unemployment increase. State-level data as of 25-Nov shows VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia indicate a national expansion 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, based on simple weighting 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 for financial year 2023 shows Wangaratta had a median taxpayer income of $47,260 and an average income of $56,184. These figures are below the national averages of $50,954 and $62,728 respectively in Rest of Vic. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $51,159 (median) and $60,819 (average). According to the 2021 Census, Wangaratta's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 14th and 28th percentiles nationally. Income distribution data shows 29.1% of Wangaratta's population (5,977 individuals) earn within the $1,500 - $2,999 range, similar to regional levels where 30.3% fall in this category. 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 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 89.9% houses and 10.1% 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 significantly 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 comprise the remaining 37.8%, with lone person households at 35.2% and group households making up 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 was 19.5%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees were the most common at 13.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.2%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Vocational credentials were prevalent, with 38.2% of residents aged 15 and above holding them. Advanced diplomas accounted for 10.9% and certificates for 27.3%.

Educational participation was high, with 27.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This included 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 stops are served by 18 routes, collectively providing 918 weekly passenger trips. Residents have good accessibility to transport with an average distance of 225 meters to the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 131 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 7 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 its health data. Both younger and older age groups have a notable prevalence of common health conditions.

Approximately 49% (~10,087 people) of Wangaratta's total population has private health cover, which is lower than the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are arthritis (affecting 10.6% of residents) and mental health issues (impacting 10.3%). Conversely, 59.1% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 60.4% across Rest of Vic.. Wangaratta has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 24.3% (4,991 people), compared to the 25.7% in Rest of Vic.. The health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, largely mirroring those of 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, as of a certain date, had low cultural diversity with 90.5% citizens, 89.6% born in Australia, and 93.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion at 52.6%. Judaism, at 0.1%, was slightly overrepresented compared to the regional average of 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (31.6%), Australian (29.1%), and Irish (10.5%). Italian (5.1%) was notably higher than the regional average of 3.9%, while Hungarian (0.3%) and Scottish (8.5%) also showed variations compared to regional figures.

Wangaratta hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Wangaratta's median age of 44 years is similar to Rest of Vic.'s 43 and well above the national average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Vic., Wangaratta has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (12.8%) but fewer residents aged 55-64 (11.7%). Between the 2016 Census and the 2021 Census, the proportion of Wangaratta's population aged 25 to 34 grew from 11.6% to 12.8%, while the proportion of residents aged 5 to 14 declined from 12.0% to 10.9%. By 2041, Wangaratta is projected to experience significant shifts in its age composition, with the 25 to 34 age group expected to grow by 44%, reaching 3,786 people from 2,629. Conversely, the 15 to 24 cohort is projected to decline by 68 people.