Warracknabeal

Warracknabeal has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

As of February 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Warracknabeal is around 2,327 people. This reflects a decrease from the 2021 Census figure of 2,359 people, indicating a decline of 32 individuals or approximately 1.4%. The current resident population estimate of 2,267 was derived by AreaSearch through examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and subsequent address validation since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 8.0 persons per square kilometer. While Warracknabeal experienced a decline since the census, the SA3 area as a whole saw growth of approximately 1%. The primary driver of population change was overseas migration 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 the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using 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. According to these projections, the suburb's population is expected to decrease by 676 persons by the year 2041.

The level of residential development activity in Warracknabeal is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Warracknabeal recorded approximately six residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years ending June 2021. This totals an estimated thirty homes. As of July 2022, no approvals have been recorded in FY-26. The average construction value for new properties is $390,000, slightly above the regional average.

In this financial year, there have been $5.0 million in commercial approvals. Relative to the Rest of Vic., Warracknabeal shows approximately 75% of the construction activity per person and places among the 33rd percentile nationally, indicating limited buyer choices and supporting demand for existing homes. Recent construction comprises 75.0% detached dwellings and 25.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. This shows a change from the current housing mix of 94.0% houses, reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. The estimated count of 509 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

With population expected to remain stable or decline, Warracknabeal should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

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

No changes can significantly affect a region's performance like modifications to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. Zero projects have been identified by AreaSearch that could potentially impact this area. Notable projects include Warracknabeal Energy Park, Melbourne To Adelaide Freight Rail Improvements, Regional Housing Fund (Victoria), and EnergyConnect, with the following list outlining 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 conditions in Warracknabeal demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Warracknabeal has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. The unemployment rate was 2.1% as of December 2025. Employment grew by 1.0% in the past year.

The area's unemployment rate is lower than Regional Vic.'s, at 1.6%. Workforce participation is lower too, at 56.0%. Just 7.4% of residents work from home. Key industries include health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and retail trade.

Health care & social assistance employs 1.7 times the regional level. Construction employs fewer locals than regionally, at 7.0%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 1.0% while labour force decreased by 2.0%, reducing unemployment by 2.8 percentage points. Regional Vic. saw a 0.6% employment decline and a 0.7% labour force decrease with a 0.1 percentage point drop in unemployment. National employment forecasts from May-25 project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Warracknabeal's industry mix suggests local employment could increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.6% over ten years.

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

The suburb of Warracknabeal had a median taxpayer income of $48,107 and an average income of $65,689 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is slightly below the national average, compared to Regional Vic.'s median income of $50,954 and average income of $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $52,076 (median) and $71,108 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Warracknabeal fall between the 6th and 17th percentiles nationally. The predominant income bracket spans 30.4% of locals (707 people) earning $400 - 799 per week, differing from metropolitan regions where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 30.3%. Housing costs are modest, with 92.3% of income retained, but total disposable income ranks at just the 13th percentile nationally.

Warracknabeal is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Warracknabeal, as per the latest Census, 94.2% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 5.8% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to Regional Vic.'s figures of 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Warracknabeal stood at 52.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 26.4% and rented ones at 21.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $737, lower than Regional Vic.'s average of $1,430. The median weekly rent in Warracknabeal was $180, compared to Regional Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Warracknabeal's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 57.8% of all households, including 17.1% couples with children, 29.4% couples without children, and 10.1% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 42.2%, with lone person households at 40.1% and group households comprising 2.2%. The median household size is 2.0 people, which is smaller than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.

Warracknabeal faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 13.6%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.9%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.2%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.5%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.6%) and certificates (30.9%). Educational participation is high, with 27.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 10.0% in primary, 9.0% in secondary, and 2.3% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.0% in primary education, 9.0% in secondary education, and 2.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Warracknabeal has two active public transport stops. Two routes service these stops, offering a total of 17 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is limited, with residents living an average of 656 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily. Car use dominates at 86%, while 11% walk. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, only 7.4% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Each route has an average service frequency of two trips per day, resulting in approximately eight weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Warracknabeal faces substantial health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch on April 14th, 2022. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 53% of the total population (~1,228 people), leading that of the average SA2 area but slightly lower than Regional Vic's 50.5%. Common medical conditions include arthritis (impacting 14.7% of residents) and mental health issues (10.3%). Conversely, 53.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.4% across Regional Vic. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Warracknabeal has 31.5% of residents aged 65 and over (733 people), higher than Regional Vic's 23.9%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

The latest Census data sees Warracknabeal placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Warracknabeal had a lower cultural diversity, with 88.5% of its population being citizens, 92.8% born in Australia, and 97.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 56.2%, compared to 47.3% regionally. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (34.8%), English (32.0%), and Scottish (8.2%).

Notably, German ancestry was higher at 7.5% compared to 3.5% regionally, while Maltese and Serbian remained similar or slightly lower than regional averages.

Warracknabeal ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Warracknabeal's median age is 50, which exceeds Regional Vic.'s figure of 43 and is well above the national average of 38 years. The 65-74 age group constitutes 17.3% of Warracknabeal's population, higher than Regional Vic., and significantly more than the national figure of 9.5%. According to the 2021 Census, this group has grown from 15.1% to 17.3% since the previous census. The 35-44 cohort has also increased from 8.5% to 10.1%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has declined from 11.1% to 9.0%, and the 5-14 group has dropped from 10.6% to 8.8%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Warracknabeal's age profile. The 85+ cohort is projected to grow by -21 people (-22%), expanding from 97 to 76. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 85+ and 0-4 cohorts.