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 Feb 2026, Wendouree's population is estimated at around 11,070. This reflects an increase of 694 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,376. The change is inferred from AreaSearch estimates based on ERP data released by the ABS in June 2024 and 75 validated new addresses since the Census date. Wendouree's population density is approximately 1,164 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Wendouree's growth rate of 6.7% since the census is within 1.4 percentage points of Rest of Vic's 8.1%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 75.0% of overall population gains during recent periods in Wendouree. AreaSearch projections for Wendouree are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 adjusted using weighted aggregation methods for areas not covered by ABS data.

By 2041, Wendouree is forecast to grow by 2,839 persons based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 20.9% over the 17-year period.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Wendouree averaged around 33 new dwelling approvals annually. Between financial years FY21 to FY25, an estimated 169 homes were approved, with another 3 approved so far in FY26. Over the past five financial years, an average of 1.7 new residents arrived per new home built.

This suggests supply and demand are well-matched, maintaining stable market dynamics. The average construction cost value for new homes was $385,000, higher than regional norms, indicating quality-focused development. In FY26 alone, $71.4 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, showing strong commercial development momentum. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Wendouree has significantly reduced construction levels, at 73.0% below the regional average per person. This typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings.

Nationally, Wendouree's construction level is also lower, suggesting market maturity and possible development constraints. New developments in Wendouree consist of 68.0% standalone homes and 32.0% townhouses or apartments, with a growing mix providing options across different price points. With around 477 people per dwelling approval, Wendouree indicates a developed market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Wendouree is projected to grow by 2,308 residents by 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.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified ten projects potentially impacting the region. Notable initiatives 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 relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment conditions in Wendouree face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Wendouree has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue collar jobs, with essential services well represented. The unemployment rate was 9.2% in the past year, showing an employment growth of 3.1%. As of September 2025, 4,149 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 5.5%, which is higher than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%.

The workforce participation rate is lower at 51.1% compared to Rest of Vic.'s 61.4%. According to Census responses, only 9.7% of residents work from home. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing. Manufacturing has a strong representation with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing is lower at 1.3%.

The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the working population count versus resident population. In the 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 3.1% and labour force increased by 1.3%, leading to a decrease in unemployment rate of 1.5 percentage points. By comparison, Rest of Vic. saw an employment decline of 0.7% and labour force decline of 0.6%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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.

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

The suburb of Wendouree had a lower than average national income level according to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for the financial year ending June 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Wendouree was $41,873 with an average income of $51,911. These figures compared to Rest of Vic.'s median and average incomes of $50,954 and $62,728 respectively. Based on a 8.25% growth in wages since the financial year ending June 2023, estimated current incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $45,328 (median) and $56,194 (average). The 2021 Census data showed that household, family, and personal incomes in Wendouree fell between the 3rd and 8th percentiles nationally. In Wendouree, 31.5% of individuals earned between $400 - $799 weekly, unlike surrounding regions where 30.3% earned between $1,500 - $2,999 weekly. A significant portion of the community faced economic challenges with 40.2% in sub-$800 weekly brackets. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 83.1% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 4th percentile nationally.

Wendouree is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure in Wendouree, as evaluated at the Census 2016, comprised 79.9% houses and 20.1% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Vic.'s dwelling structure was 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wendouree was 34.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 21.2% and rented dwellings at 44.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Wendouree was $1,166, lower than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,430. The median weekly rent figure for Wendouree was $250, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Wendouree's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were 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, which is 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, with 28.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 9.5% in primary, 8.5% in secondary, and 3.8% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.5% in primary education, 8.5% in secondary education, and 3.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Wendouree has 91 active public transport stops, offering a mix of train services. These are covered by eight different routes, collectively serving 1,653 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 193 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Wendouree's primarily residential nature. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 92%. Vehicle ownership averages one per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 9.7% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 236 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 18 weekly trips per individual 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, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A range of health conditions affect both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 47% of the total population (~5,251 people), compared to 50.5% in Rest of Vic and 55.7% nationally.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, affecting 13.1% and 11.2% of residents respectively. However, 53.6% of residents claim to be completely free from medical ailments, compared to 63.4% in Rest of Vic. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Wendouree has 22.2% of its residents aged 65 and over (2,457 people), lower than the 23.9% in Rest of Vic. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, aligning with national rankings for the general population.

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 Australian citizens, born in Australia (90.1%), and speaking English only at home (94.1%). Christianity was the predominant religion in Wendouree, comprising 44.3% of its population. However, Judaism was notably overrepresented, making up 0.1% compared to the regional average of 0.1%.

The top three ancestral groups were Australian (32.1%), English (31.8%), and Irish (9.2%). Notably, Dutch ancestry was overrepresented at 1.9%, compared to 1.7% regionally, Scottish at 8.6% versus 8.8%, and Filipino at 1.3% against the regional average of 0.6%.

Wendouree's median age exceeds the national pattern

Wendouree's median age is 41 years, which is lower than the Rest of Vic average of 43 but exceeds the national average of 38 years. The 25-34 age group makes up 17.3% of Wendouree's population compared to Rest of Vic., while the 5-14 cohort constitutes 9.3%. Post-2021 Census data shows a decrease in median age by 1 year to 41 years, with notable shifts including an increase from 14.1% to 17.3% for the 25-34 group and decreases from 10.7% to 9.3% for the 5-14 cohort and from 11.2% to 10.0% for the 45-54 group. Population forecasts for Wendouree in 2041 indicate significant demographic changes, with the 25-34 age group projected to grow by 53%, adding 1,010 residents to reach a total of 2,926. The 55-64 group is expected to show modest growth of 0%, adding only 2 residents.