Wodonga

Population growth drivers in Wodonga are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of February 2026, the estimated population of Wodonga is around 20,839. This reflects an increase of 580 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 20,259. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 20,315 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 175 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 556 persons per square kilometer. The suburb's 2.9% growth since census positions it within 2.0 percentage points of the SA3 area (4.9%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 54.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as 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 released in 2023, adjusting employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering projected demographic shifts, a significant population increase in the top quartile of non-metropolitan areas nationally is forecast. The suburb is expected to grow by 7,337 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 32.7% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Wodonga when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates that Wodonga averaged approximately 67 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 337 homes. As of FY26, 70 approvals have been recorded. Historically, between FY21 and FY25, there has been an average of 1.9 new residents per year per dwelling constructed in Wodonga. This suggests a balanced supply and demand scenario, with stable market conditions.

The average construction value for new homes is $432,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY26, there have been $4.5 million in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's primarily residential nature. When compared to the Rest of Vic., Wodonga records significantly lower building activity, at 52.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes. However, development activity has increased in recent periods.

Nationally, Wodonga's development activity is also lower, suggesting market maturity and possible development constraints. New development in Wodonga consists of 81.0% detached houses and 19.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. This is reflected by the population density of approximately 225 people per approval. Future projections estimate Wodonga adding 6,813 residents by 2041, based on AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Wodonga 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 has identified 35 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include Mann Central Shopping Complex Stage 2, Junction Place Urban Renewal Precinct, House Creek Precinct Housing, and Oddies Creek Splash Park. The following list details projects of most relevance.

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.

The labour market performance in Wodonga lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Wodonga has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. As of December 2025, the unemployment rate is 7.6%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. In December 2025, there are 9,806 residents employed while the unemployment rate is 3.9% higher than Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%.

Workforce participation in Wodonga is similar to Regional Vic.'s 61.5%. According to Census responses, only 9.2% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing. Manufacturing is particularly specialized with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 1.2%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 3.4% and employment declined by 5.4%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 1.9 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Vic.'s employment fell by 0.6%, labour force contracted by 0.7%, and unemployment fell by 0.1%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Wodonga's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

Wodonga suburb's median income among taxpayers was $50,873 in financial year 2023. Average income stood at $58,033 during the same period. These figures compare to Regional Vic.'s median and average incomes of $50,954 and $62,728 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated median income is approximately $55,070 as of September 2025, with average income at around $62,821 during the same period. According to the 2021 Census, household incomes in Wodonga rank between the 25th and 40th percentiles nationally. Incomes after housing costs rank at the 27th percentile nationally, with 31.9% of individuals earning within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. This mirrors Regional Vic., where 30.3% fall into this income bracket.

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

As of the latest Census, dwelling structures in Wodonga consisted of 86.5% houses and 13.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wodonga stood at 31.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.6% and rented ones at 38.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,387, lower than Regional Vic.'s average of $1,430. Median weekly rent in Wodonga was recorded at $280, compared to Regional Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Wodonga's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 65.4% of all households, including 24.4% couples with children, 25.6% couples without children, and 14.2% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 34.6%, with lone person households at 31.5% and group households comprising 3.0%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.

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

The area has lower university qualification rates than Victoria's average, with 18.6% compared to 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.9%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 41.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.6%) and certificates (30.0%). Educational participation is high, with 29.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes primary education (10.4%), secondary education (7.9%), and tertiary education (3.0%).

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

Wodonga has 96 active public transport stops serving a mix of train and bus services. These are covered by 28 routes offering a total of 715 weekly passenger trips. Residents have good transport accessibility, with an average distance of 238 meters to the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards, with cars being the dominant mode at 95%. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling, below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 9.2% of residents work from home, which may be due to COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 102 trips per day across all routes, equating to about 7 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Wodonga faces significant health challenges, according to AreaSearch's assessment using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence data. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts.

Approximately 50% (~10,384 people) have private health cover, which is lower than the national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 11.4 and 9.4% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 62.3% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.4% across Regional Victoria. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. As of 2016, 18.3% of Wodonga's residents are aged 65 and over (3,813 people), which is lower than the 23.9% figure for Regional Victoria. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings generally in line with the overall population.

Wodonga ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Wodonga had a lower than average cultural diversity, with 89.3% being Australian citizens, 85.4% born in Australia, and 90.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 49.2%. Judaism was slightly overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to Regional Vic's 0.1%.

Top ancestry groups were Australian (29.7%), English (29.0%), and Irish (8.9%). Some ethnicities showed notable differences: German at 5.1% vs regional 3.5%, Croatian at 0.6% vs 0.4%, Serbian at 0.3% vs 0.2%.

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

The median age of Wodonga is 38 years, which is lower than the Regional Victoria figure of 43 but equivalent to the national norm also at 38 years. The age group of 25-34 years has a strong representation in Wodonga at 15.3%, compared to Regional Victoria's figure. However, the 65-74 age cohort is less prevalent in Wodonga at 10.3%. According to the 2021 Census data, the population of 25 to 34 years has increased from 13.8% to 15.3%, while the 35 to 44 age group has risen from 12.5% to 13.7%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age cohort has decreased from 12.9% to 11.3%. Demographic projections indicate significant changes in Wodonga's age profile by the year 2041. The 25 to 34 age group is expected to grow by 59%, adding 1,886 people to reach a total of 5,075 from its current figure of 3,188.