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

According to ABS demographic updates and fresh residential addresses verified by AreaSearch since the Census, the suburb of Wodonga has a resident count of approximately 19,841 in May 2026. This represents a decline of 418 people (2.1%) from the 2021 Census, when the population was recorded at 20,259 people. The drop is calculated from an estimated local population of 19,797, which AreaSearch determined by analyzing the ABS June 2025 ERP release, combined with an extra 246 validated new addresses since the Census. This population level yields a density of 529 persons per square kilometer, indicating low density and capacity for subsequent growth. Overseas migration was the primary driver of demographic expansion, accounting for around 54.0% of recent population increases.

AreaSearch incorporates SA2 level projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia published in 2024, utilizing 2022 as the baseline. For locations lacking this data, projections are derived from the 2023 Victorian State Government Regional/LGA projections, adjusting them via a weighted aggregation of expansion rates from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates across specific age cohorts from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for the period 2032 to 2041. Based on expected demographic shifts, substantial expansion is projected, placing the suburb of Wodonga in the top quartile of non-metropolitan areas nationally, with projections pointing to an increase of 6,754 persons by 2041 and a total growth rate of 33.8% over the 16 years.

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

Based on analysis of ABS building approvals mapped to the local area, Wodonga averages about 56 new residential approvals annually, with 282 homes approved during the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 106 so far in FY-26. Amidst recent population declines, this volume of construction has been relatively sufficient, which is beneficial for prospective buyers, while new homes average a construction value of $433,000, indicating a focus by builders on high-end, premium properties. Additionally, commercial approvals have reached $4.5 million this financial year, highlighting that the area is predominantly residential.

Wodonga displays significantly lower building activity than the Rest of Vic. average, trailing it by 59.0% on a per capita basis. This low level of new building supply typically supports demand and values for existing properties. The volume also falls below the national average, highlighting the mature nature of the local market and possible planning restrictions. Detached houses account for 76.0% of new construction, while medium and high-density options make up the remaining 24.0%, preserving the conventional low-density suburban aesthetic geared toward families. Furthermore, the ratio of 366 people per single dwelling approval highlights the quiet pace of local building activity.

Demographic forecasts suggest Wodonga will add 6,710 residents by 2041, according to the latest quarterly estimates from AreaSearch. If current building rates do not increase, housing supply may fail to keep pace with demand, which could intensify competition among buyers and support price appreciation.

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

Local planning decisions, infrastructure investments, and major construction projects represent key drivers of property market performance. AreaSearch has tracked a total of 35 projects expected to influence the local area. Key developments include Mann Central Shopping Complex Stage 2, Junction Place Urban Renewal Precinct, House Creek Precinct Housing, and Oddies Creek Splash Park, with the most significant projects listed below.

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.

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

Wodonga has a skilled labor force with strong representation in core service sectors, alongside an unemployment rate of 6.9% based on aggregated local statistics. As of March 2026, there are 9,418 employed residents, representing an unemployment rate that is 3.2% higher than the Regional Vic. average of 3.7%, while labor force participation is close to the Regional Vic. mark of 61.1%. According to Census records, a low proportion of 9.2% of workers operated from home, though this figure may have been influenced by COVID-19 restrictions.

The dominant employment sectors for local residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing. The manufacturing sector shows a high concentration of workers, employing residents at 1.4 times the average rate for Regional Vic. Conversely, agricultural, forestry and fishing enterprises employ only 1.2% of the workforce, which is lower than the 7.5% average across Regional Vic. Although jobs are available locally, a comparison of the Census working population against the resident population suggests a high proportion of people travel outside the area for work.

Analysis of SALM and ABS figures for the year ending March 2026 shows that the local labor force contracted by 3.2% while employment fell by 3.1%, leading to a decrease in the unemployment rate of 0.1 percentage points. In comparison, Regional Vic. experienced a 0.1% decline in employment, a 0.3% drop in the labor force, and a 0.2 percentage point fall in unemployment. Long-term national employment projections from Jobs and Skills Australia released in May-25 offer additional context on future demand patterns in Wodonga. These five and ten-year projections have been applied to the local workforce structure to model potential changes. While total national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, trends vary widely by sector. Applying these specific industry projections to the local workforce mix suggests Wodonga's employment could rise by 6.2% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, representing a simple weighted extrapolation that does not account for local population changes.

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

Analysis of postcode-level ATO tax statistics for the financial year 2023 indicates that the median tax-paying resident in the suburb of Wodonga earned $50,873, while the average income was $58,033. These figures are below the national benchmarks and compare to median and average incomes of $50,954 and $62,728 across Regional Vic. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, updated estimates suggest figures of approximately $55,767 (median) and $63,616 (average) by March 2026. The 2021 Census reveals that household, family, and individual incomes in Wodonga sit in a modest bracket between the 25th and 40th percentiles nationally. Income distribution is concentrated in the $1,500 - 2,999 range, which accounts for 31.9% of residents (6,329 people), matching the broader regional pattern where 30.3% fall within this bracket. Residents retain 84.9% of their income after meeting housing costs, placing the area in the 27th percentile nationally.

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

At the time of the latest Census, the housing mix in Wodonga consisted of 86.5% separate houses and 13.5% alternative dwellings, such as semi-detached homes and apartments, compared to 90.1% separate houses and 9.9% alternative dwellings across Regional Vic. The home ownership rate stood at 31.0%, lower than the regional average, with the remaining properties being mortgaged (30.6%) or rented (38.4%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,387 was lower than the Regional Vic. average of $1,430, while the median weekly rent was $280 compared to the regional figure of $285. In comparison to national benchmarks, Wodonga's mortgage repayments are much lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are well below the national median of $375.

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

Families make up the majority of local households at 65.4%, consisting of couples with children (24.4%), couples without children (25.6%), and single-parent households (14.2%). Non-family households account for the remaining 34.6%, with single-person households representing 31.5% and group households making up 3.0% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 individuals, slightly below the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.

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

Educational attainment levels present developmental opportunities, with university qualification rates at 18.6%, which is lower than the VIC average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common tertiary qualification at 12.2%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 3.5% and graduate diplomas at 2.9%. Vocational and technical qualifications are highly prevalent, with 41.6% of residents aged 15+ holding a trade credential, split between advanced diplomas (11.6%) and certificate-level qualifications (30.0%).

A high proportion of residents are active students, with 29.5% of the population enrolled in an educational program. This includes 10.4% in primary schools, 7.9% in secondary schools, and 3.0% attending tertiary institutions.

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

Analysis of the local transit network shows Wodonga contains 96 passenger stops, offering a combination of train and bus services. These stops are connected to 28 distinct routes, which provide a total of 715 weekly passenger trips. Access to transit is rated favorably, with residents living an average of 238 meters from the nearest stop. The suburb is primarily residential, and most workers commute out of the area, with private vehicles remaining the primary transport mode for 95% of workers. Vehicle ownership stands at an average of 1.3 cars per home, which is below the regional average. A relatively low proportion of 9.2% of residents work from home, based on 2021 Census records, which may have been influenced by pandemic restrictions.

Transit service frequency averages 102 daily trips across all routes, which translates to roughly 7 weekly services for each transit stop.

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

Health indicators point to notable challenges within Wodonga, based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and the prevalence of chronic health issues across different age groups, while the rate of private health insurance is relatively low at approximately 50% of the population (~9,886 people) compared to the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health conditions and asthma are the most common ailments, affecting 11.4 and 9.4% of residents respectively, while 62.3% of the population reported no long-term medical conditions, compared to 63.4% across Regional Vic. Chronic disease rates are elevated among working-age residents. Seniors aged 65 and over make up 19.4% of the population (3,849 people), which is lower than the Regional Vic. figure of 23.9%. Health outcomes for older residents align closely with broader national health trends.

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

The local population displays below-average cultural diversity, with citizens making up 89.3% of the population, 85.4% of residents born in Australia, and 90.0% of households speaking only English at home. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 49.2% of residents. The most distinct statistical overrepresentation is observed in Judaism, which accounts for 0.1% of the population, identical to the 0.1% average across Regional Vic.

In terms of parent country of birth, the three most common backgrounds are Australian at 29.7% of the population, English at 29.0%, and Irish at 8.9%. Significant variations are present in other backgrounds, with German ancestry overrepresented at 5.1% of the population (compared to 3.5% across the region), Croatian at 0.6% (compared to 0.4%), and Serbian at 0.3% (compared to 0.2%).

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

The median age of Wodonga residents is 39, which is younger than the Regional Vic. average of 43 but close to the national average of 38. Compared to the wider region, Wodonga has a higher proportion of young adults aged 25 - 34 (14.1%) but fewer older residents aged 65 - 74 (10.5%). Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of youth aged 15 to 24 grew from 11.7% to 13.1%. In contrast, children aged 5 to 14 fell from 12.9% to 11.5% and adults aged 55 to 64 declined from 11.9% to 10.8%. Looking forward to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in the age profile, led by a 60% expansion in the 25 to 34 age bracket (an increase of 1,688 people), rising from 2,797 to 4,486.