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, reflecting an increase of 694 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 6.7% rise from the previous count of 10,376 residents. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of Wendouree's resident population at 10,526 in June 2024, based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS and validation of an additional 75 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,164 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages seen across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Wendouree's growth rate of 6.7% since the census places it within 1.4 percentage points of the Rest of Vic., indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 75.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth in the suburb. 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 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. Looking ahead, significant population increases in the top quartile of regional areas nationally are forecasted, with Wendouree expected to expand by 2,843 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 20.8% 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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers for Wendouree shows approximately 33 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 169 homes. As of FY-26, three approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.8 people moved to the area per dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating a balanced supply and demand market with stable conditions. The average construction value for new dwellings was $385,000, slightly above the regional average, suggesting quality developments.

This financial year has seen $71.4 million in commercial approvals, reflecting strong commercial development momentum. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Wendouree has substantially reduced construction levels, 73.0% below the regional average per person, which typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. This level is also lower than nationally, suggesting market maturity and possible development constraints. New developments consist of 68.0% standalone homes and 32.0% townhouses or apartments, offering options across different price points. With around 477 people per dwelling approval, Wendouree shows a developed market.

According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Wendouree is expected to grow by 2,299 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.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified ten projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones are 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's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs. Key sectors are well-represented, with an unemployment rate of 8.5% as of December 2025. This rate is 4.8% higher than Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%.

Workforce participation in Wendouree is lower at 51.6%, compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.5%. According to Census data, only 9.7% of residents work from home. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing. Manufacturing stands out with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 1.3%. Over a 12-month period ending December 2025, Wendouree's employment increased by 0.1% while labour force decreased by 0.9%, leading to a 1.0 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. In comparison, Regional Vic. saw employment decline of 0.6%, labour force decline of 0.7%, and a slight fall in unemployment of 0.1 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released 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

Wendouree's income level is lower than average nationally according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. Wendouree's median income among taxpayers is $41,873 and the average income stands at $51,911. Regional Vic.'s figures are $50,954 (median) and $62,728 (average). Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Wendouree would be approximately $45,328 (median) and $56,194 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Wendouree fall between the 3rd and 8th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that 31.5% of individuals earn $400 - 799 weekly, unlike surrounding regions where 30.3% earn $1,500 - 2,999 weekly. A significant portion of Wendouree's community faces economic challenges with 40.2% in sub-$800 weekly brackets. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.1% of income remaining, ranking at the 4th percentile.

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 per the latest Census data, consisted of 79.9% houses and 20.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wendouree stood at 34.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 21.2% and rented ones at 44.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,166, below Regional Vic.'s average of $1,430. Median weekly rent in Wendouree was $250, compared to Regional Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Wendouree's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 Regional 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%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 37.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (8.7%) and certificates (28.9%).

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 operational public transport stops offering a mix of train services. These are served by 8 distinct routes, facilitating 1653 weekly passenger trips in total. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average proximity of 193 meters to the nearest stop. Primarily residential, Wendouree sees most residents commuting outward. Cars remain the prevalent mode of transport at 92%. Vehicle ownership stands at 1.0 per dwelling, below the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, only 9.7% of residents work from home, which might be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. On average, services run 236 times daily across all routes, translating 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 assessed by AreaSearch through mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Multiple 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 Regional Vic.'s 50.5% and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, impacting 13.1 and 11.2% of residents respectively. However, 53.6% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to Regional Vic.'s 63.4%. Working-age population health challenges include elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 22.3% of residents aged 65 and over (2,468 people), lower than Regional Vic.'s 23.9%. 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, comprising 44.3% of Wendouree's population. Notably, Judaism was slightly overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to Regional Vic.'s 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups in Wendouree were Australian (32.1%), English (31.8%), and Irish (9.2%). Some ethnic groups showed notable divergences: Dutch were overrepresented at 1.9% (vs regional 1.7%), Scottish at 8.6% (vs 8.8%), and Filipino at 1.3% (vs 0.6%).

Wendouree's median age exceeds the national pattern

Wendouree's median age is 41 years, which is lower than Regional Victoria's average of 43 but higher than the national average of 38. The 25-34 age group makes up 17.2% of Wendouree's population, compared to Regional Victoria's percentage. However, the 5-14 age group comprises only 9.3%. According to data from the 2021 Census, the 25-34 age group has increased from 14.1% to 17.2%, while the 5-14 cohort has decreased from 10.7% to 9.3%. The 45-54 age group has also dropped from 11.2% to 10.0%. By 2041, Wendouree's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 25-34 cohort is expected to grow by 53%, adding 1,002 residents to reach a total of 2,907. Conversely, the number of residents in the 55-64 age range is anticipated to decrease by 5%.