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

The population of the Wodonga statistical area (Lv2) is estimated at around 20,809 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 550 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 20,259. The change is inferred from the resident population of 20,315 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 163 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 555 persons per square kilometer. The Wodonga (SA2) has shown a growth rate of 2.7% since the census, positioning it within 2.1 percentage points of the SA3 area's growth rate of 4.8%. 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 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made 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. Anticipating future population dynamics, the Wodonga (SA2) is forecasted to increase by 7,581 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 35.7% in total over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Wodonga has seen around 67 new homes approved each year. Over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), approximately 338 homes were approved, with an additional 62 approved so far in FY-26. On average, 1.9 people have moved to the area for each dwelling built over these years.

This suggests a balanced supply and demand, creating stable market conditions. The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings is $432,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY-26, $4.5 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, showing limited commercial development focus compared to residential. When measured against Rest of Vic., Wodonga shows substantially reduced construction activity (52.0% below regional average per person), which typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. This scarcity is also below national averages, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints.

Recent construction comprises 81.0% detached houses and 19.0% attached dwellings, preserving Wodonga's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The location has approximately 223 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. Looking ahead, Wodonga is expected to grow by 7,436 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch 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 to affect 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 those most relevant.

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

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

Wodonga has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 7.4%, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data.

There are 9,856 residents in work while the unemployment rate is 3.6% higher than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation is fairly standard at 60.1%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Leading employment industries among residents comprise health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing. Manufacturing stands out with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

In contrast, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 1.2% of local workers, below Rest of Vic.'s 7.5%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census working population to local population count. Over the 12 months to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 1.4% and employment declined by 3.0%, resulting in a rise in unemployment rate by 1.5 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Vic., where employment contracted by 0.7%, the labour force fell by 0.6%, 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%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer further insight into potential future demand within Wodonga. These projections suggest national employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.2% over ten years when applied to Wodonga's employment mix, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released on 1st July 2023 for financial year 2023, the suburb of Wodonga's median income among taxpayers is $50,873, with an average of $58,033. This is below the national average, and compares to Rest of Vic.'s median of $50,954 and average of $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $55,070 (median) and $62,821 (average) as of September 2025. From the Census conducted on 10th August 2021, household incomes rank at the 34th percentile in Wodonga, family incomes at the 39th percentile, and personal incomes at the 27th percentile. Income analysis reveals that the largest segment comprises 31.9% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (6,638 residents), mirroring the surrounding region where 30.3% occupy this bracket. After housing costs, 84.9% of income remains in Wodonga, though this ranks at only the 27th percentile nationally.

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

Wodonga's latest Census data showed 86.5% houses and 13.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Non-Metro Vic., in comparison, had 91.6% houses and 8.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wodonga was 31.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.6% and rented at 38.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,387, below Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,473. Median weekly rent in Wodonga was $280, matching Non-Metro Vic.'s figure but significantly lower than the national average of $375. Nationally, mortgage repayments were higher at $1,863.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute 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 Rest of Vic. average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 18.6%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 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, comprising 10.4% in primary, 7.9% in secondary, and 3.0% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.4% in primary education, 7.9% in secondary education, and 3.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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 offering a mix of train and bus services. These are served by 28 different routes, providing a total of 715 weekly passenger trips. The average distance to the nearest stop for residents is 238 meters, indicating good transport accessibility.

On average, there are 102 trips per day across all routes, equating to around 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

Health data shows significant issues faced by Wodonga, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Approximately 50% (~10,369 people) have private health cover, compared to the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues affect 11.4%, while asthma impacts 9.4% of residents. 62.3% report no medical ailments, compared to 64.1% in Rest of Vic. The area has 18.3% (3,808 people) aged 65 and over, lower than the 20.7% in Rest of Vic.. Seniors' health outcomes present some challenges, broadly aligning with the general population's health profile.

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

Wodonga, surveyed in June 2016, had a cultural diversity index below the national average. Its population was predominantly Australian-born citizens, with 89.3% being citizens and 85.4% born in Australia. English was spoken at home by 90.0% of residents.

Christianity was the dominant religion, practiced by 49.2% of Wodonga's population. While Judaism was proportionally similar to the regional average (0.1%), it showed notable overrepresentation compared to other religions. Ancestry-wise, Australian (29.7%), English (29.0%), and Irish (8.9%) were the most prevalent groups in Wodonga. Among other ethnicities, German was slightly overrepresented at 5.1%, Croatian at 0.6%, and Serbian at 0.3%.

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

Wodonga has a median age of 38, which is lower than Victoria's figure of 43 but matches the national average of 38. The age group of 25-34 years old makes up 15.0% of Wodonga's population, higher than Victoria's figure, while the 65-74 cohort stands at 10.3%, lower than Victoria's figure. According to the 2021 Census, the proportion of people aged 25 to 34 has increased from 13.8% to 15.0%. Conversely, the proportion of those aged 5 to 14 has decreased from 12.9% to 11.8%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Wodonga's age profile will change significantly. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 69%, adding 2,158 people to reach a total of 5,280 from the current figure of 3,121.