West Wodonga

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

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population of West Wodonga statistical area (Lv2) is around 15,054. This figure reflects an increase of 260 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 14,794. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 15,009 in Jun 2024, based on ABS ERP data release and an additional 69 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 341 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration contributed approximately 55% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch's projections for West Wodonga (SA2) are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024, with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 are used with adjustments made via weighted aggregation to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, West Wodonga (SA2) is projected to increase by 3,204 persons, reflecting a total increase of 21.2% over the 17-year period.

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

West Wodonga recorded approximately 55 residential properties granted approval each year based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Around 278 homes were approved over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, with an additional 23 approved in FY-26 so far. On average, 1.2 people moved to the area for each dwelling built annually during these years, indicating a balanced supply and demand market with stable conditions.

The average construction value of new homes was $398,000, reflecting quality-focused development. In FY-26, there have been $12.9 million in commercial approvals, suggesting balanced commercial development activity. Comparatively, West Wodonga has approximately half the rate of new dwelling approvals per person when measured against the Rest of Vic., and ranks among the 41st percentile nationally for buyer options, potentially limiting choices while strengthening demand for established homes.

Recent construction comprises 92.0% detached dwellings and 8.0% medium to high-density housing, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 395 people. Population forecasts indicate West Wodonga will gain approximately 3,192 residents by 2041, potentially outpacing current development rates and heightening buyer competition while supporting price increases.

West Wodonga has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Ten projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area, significantly influencing its performance. These include Wodonga Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion, Mars Wodonga Solar Thermal Plant, Belvoir Village Motel Expansion - Additional 20 Motel Units, and Hydrogen Park Murray Valley (HyP Murray Valley). The following list details those projects likely to be most relevant.

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Employment drivers in West Wodonga are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

West Wodonga has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, with essential services well represented. The unemployment rate is 6.2%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, there are 7,259 residents employed, while the unemployment rate is 2.5% higher than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation is at 60.5%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing. Manufacturing stands out with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 0.9% of West Wodonga's workforce compared to 7.5% in Rest of Vic.. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, as shown by the difference between Census working population and resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 1.7%, while employment declined by 3.8%, causing unemployment to rise by 2.0 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Vic., where employment contracted by 0.7% and unemployment rose marginally. State-level data to 25-Nov shows VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that while national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to West Wodonga's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 13.0% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, West Wodonga had a median income among taxpayers of $50,991. The average income stood at $58,119 in this period. This is lower than the national average and compares to levels of $50,954 and $62,728 across Rest of Vic. respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $55,198 (median) and $62,914 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household incomes rank modestly in West Wodonga, between the 32nd and 40th percentiles. Family incomes also rank similarly, with personal incomes ranking slightly lower at around the 38th percentile. Income analysis reveals that 34.2% of locals (5,148 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income category, mirroring the surrounding region where 30.3% occupy this bracket. After housing expenses, 85.4% of income remains for other expenses.

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

The latest Census evaluation showed that West Wodonga had 88.4% houses and 11.6% other dwellings, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s 91.6% houses and 8.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in West Wodonga was at 30.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.9% and rented ones at 34.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,365, lower than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,473. The median weekly rent in West Wodonga was $290, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $280. Nationally, West Wodonga's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,365 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

West Wodonga has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 68.4% of all households, including 26.7% couples with children, 26.8% couples without children, and 14.2% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 31.6%, with lone person households at 29.1% and group households comprising 2.4%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which aligns with the Rest of Vic. average.

West Wodonga shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

The area's university qualification rate is 15.6%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.8%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.7%) and postgraduate qualifications (2.1%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 41.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.2%) and certificates (30.4%). Educational participation is high at 29.5%, with 10.6% in primary education, 8.7% in secondary education, and 2.7% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.6% in primary education, 8.7% in secondary education, and 2.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in West Wodonga shows that there are 59 active transport stops currently operating. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 20 individual routes providing service. Together, these routes facilitate 382 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport in the area is rated as good, with residents typically located an average of 226 meters from the nearest transport stop. On average, there are 54 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 6 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

West Wodonga faces significant health challenges, as indicated by its health data. Both younger and older age groups show high prevalence rates for common health conditions.

Approximately half (50%) of West Wodonga's total population (~7,505 people) has private health cover, compared to the national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues affect 11.5% of residents, while asthma impacts 9.9%. Conversely, 61.1% report having no medical ailments, slightly lower than the Rest of Vic.'s 64.1%. The area has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over (19.3%, or 2,905 people) compared to Rest of Vic. (20.7%). Health outcomes among seniors in West Wodonga are generally aligned with the overall population's health profile.

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

West Wodonga had a lower-than-average cultural diversity, with 89.6% of its population born in Australia, 91.3% being citizens, and 94.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, making up 49.6% of West Wodonga's population. Notably, Judaism was present at 0.1%, similar to the Rest of Vic figure.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (31.7%), English (30.2%), and Irish (8.3%). There were variations in other ethnic groups: German was overrepresented at 5.3% compared to the regional average of 4.8%, Hungarian at 0.3% versus 0.2%, and Dutch at 1.5% versus 1.6%.

West Wodonga's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in West Wodonga is 39 years, which is significantly lower than Rest of Vic.'s average of 43 but essentially aligned with Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Vic., West Wodonga has a higher percentage of residents aged 15-24 (13.6%) but fewer residents aged 75-84 (6.1%). According to the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group increased from 12.6% to 13.6% of West Wodonga's population, while the 5 to 14 cohort decreased from 13.6% to 12.0%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in West Wodonga's age structure. The 25 to 34 group is expected to grow by 60%, reaching 2,931 people from the current 1,836. Conversely, the 15 to 24 and 55 to 64 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.