Wendouree

An assessment of population growth drivers in Wendouree reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As of Nov 2025, Wendouree's population is estimated at around 10,511, reflecting an increase since the 2021 Census. The suburb had a population of 10,376 in 2021. This growth is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 10,440 residents following examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024 and 75 validated new addresses since the Census date. Wendouree's population density is approximately 1,105 persons per square kilometer, relatively consistent with averages across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed about 75% of recent population gains in the suburb.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024, based on 2022 data. For areas not covered, they use VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using a method of weighted aggregation to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Wendouree is projected to grow significantly in the top quartile of national regional areas, with an increase of 27.3% over 17 years, adding approximately 2,844 persons based on aggregated SA2-level projections.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Wendouree according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Wendouree averaged approximately 32 new dwelling approvals annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 163 homes were approved, with an additional 2 so far in FY-26. This translates to about 1.9 new residents per year arriving per new home over the past five financial years, suggesting a balanced supply and demand dynamic.

The average construction cost of new homes is approximately $385,000, aligning with broader regional development trends. In FY-26, commercial development approvals totaled $45.1 million, indicating robust commercial development momentum. Comparatively, Wendouree has shown significantly reduced construction levels (74.0% below the regional average per person) when measured against Rest of Vic., suggesting potential demand and pricing support for existing dwellings due to constrained new construction. This level is also lower than national averages, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. New developments in Wendouree consist predominantly of standalone homes (73.0%) with townhouses or apartments making up the remainder (27.0%), maintaining the area's traditional suburban character focused on family homes.

With around 567 people per dwelling approval, Wendouree reflects a highly mature market. Looking ahead, AreaSearch estimates indicate Wendouree is projected to grow by approximately 2,874 residents through to 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth dynamics.

Wendouree has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

AreaSearch has identified ten projects that could impact the area significantly due to their influence on local infrastructure. These include Learmonth Road Retail Hub, Wendouree Library and Learning Centre, Ballarat Major Events Precinct Upgrades, and Wendouree Station Precinct Structure Plan and Urban Design Framework. 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.

AreaSearch assessment indicates Wendouree faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Wendouree has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue collar jobs, with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 9.0% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 8.6%.

As of June 2025, 4162 residents are employed, while the unemployment rate is 5.2%, higher than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Wendouree lags at 46.1% compared to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing, with a strong specialization in manufacturing at 1.4 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 1.3%, versus the regional average of 7.5%.

Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 8.6% while labour force grew by 6.6%, reducing the unemployment rate by 1.6 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic. saw a contraction in employment by 0.9%, with a decrease in labour force by 0.4%, and an increase in unemployment by 0.4%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 indicate that national employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Wendouree's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

Wendouree's median income among taxpayers was $41,875 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $51,914 during the same period. This compares to figures for Rest of Vic., which were $48,741 and $60,693 respectively. By September 2025, current estimates project Wendouree's median income to be approximately $46,967 and average income to reach around $58,227, based on a 12.16% growth in wages since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Wendouree fall between the 3rd and 8th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. In Wendouree, 31.5% of individuals earn within the $400 - $799 weekly range, while surrounding regions have a higher proportion, 30.3%, earning between $1,500 - $2,999 weekly. A significant portion of Wendouree's community faces economic challenges, with 40.2% concentrated in sub-$800 weekly brackets. Housing affordability pressures are severe, as only 83.1% of income remains, ranking at the 4th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure in Wendouree, as per the latest Census, consisted of 79.9% houses and 20.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Vic.'s 85.6% houses and 14.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wendouree was at 34.6%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (21.2%) or rented (44.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,166, below Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,499. Median weekly rent in Wendouree was $250, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $300. Nationally, Wendouree's mortgage repayments are lower at $1,166 than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 56.8% of all households, including 15.4% couples with children, 23.3% couples without children, and 16.5% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 43.2%, with lone person households at 39.7% and group households comprising 3.5%. The median household size is 2.1 people, smaller than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 14.2%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 37.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.7%) and certificates (28.9%). Educational participation is high at 28.1%, comprising primary education (9.5%), secondary education (8.5%), and tertiary education (3.8%).

Wendouree has a robust network of nine schools educating approximately 3,241 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 960) and balanced educational opportunities. The schools include four primary, one secondary, and four K-12 institutions. The area serves as an education hub with 30.8 school places per 100 residents, significantly higher than the regional average of 17.9, attracting students from surrounding communities. Note: for schools showing 'n/a' in enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Wendouree has 90 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 17 individual routes that collectively facilitate 2,102 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 193 meters to the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 300 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 23 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Wendouree is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Wendouree faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Approximately 47% (~4,987 people) have private health cover, lower than Rest of Vic.'s 50.9%, and the national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent conditions, impacting 13.1% and 11.2% respectively.

However, 53.6% report no medical ailments, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 62.3%. Wendouree has a higher proportion of seniors, with 22.8% (2,396 people) aged 65 and over, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 17.8%. Health outcomes among seniors are broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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

Wendouree's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 89.9% of its population being citizens born in Australia speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 44.3% of Wendouree's population. While Judaism was equally represented at 0.1%, it was overrepresented compared to the regional average of 0.1%.

In terms of ancestry, Australian (32.1%), English (31.8%), and Irish (9.2%) were the top three groups in Wendouree. Notably, Dutch (1.9% vs 2.1%), Scottish (8.6% vs 9.2%), and Filipino (1.3% vs 0.6%) groups showed significant divergences from regional representation.

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

Wendouree's median age is 41 years, which is lower than the Rest of Vic. average of 43 but higher than the national average of 38. The 25-34 age group comprises 16.3%, compared to Rest of Vic., while the 5-14 cohort represents 9.6%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 25-34 age group grew from 14.1% to 16.3%, and the 15-24 cohort increased from 12.5% to 13.6%. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort declined from 10.7% to 9.6%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Wendouree's age profile will change significantly. The 25-34 cohort is projected to grow by 70%, adding 1,206 residents to reach 2,920. In contrast, the 75-84 cohort shows minimal growth of just 3% (30 people).