Wonthaggi

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

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population for the Wonthaggi statistical area (Lv2) is around 6,188 people. This figure represents an increase of 973 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 5,215 people in the area. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 5,627 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), along with an additional 247 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio for Wonthaggi (SA2) is 115 persons per square kilometer as of Nov 2025. This level of population indicates significant space per person and potential room for further development in the area. Wonthaggi's population growth rate of 18.7% since the 2021 Census exceeded both the non-metro area average (7.9%) and the national average, positioning it as a growth leader among regional areas during this period.

Interstate migration contributed approximately 88.0% of overall population gains in Wonthaggi (SA2) during recent periods. AreaSearch's projections for Wonthaggi (SA2) are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilizes the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted using a method of weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Future population trends indicate exceptional growth for Wonthaggi (SA2), placing it in the top 10 percent of national non-metropolitan areas. According to aggregated SA2-level projections, the area is expected to grow by 2,662 persons between 2025 and 2041, reflecting a total gain of 34.2% over this 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Wonthaggi among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Wonthaggi recorded around 102 residential properties granted approval each year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 511 homes. In FY-26 so far, 31 approvals have been recorded. An average of 1.6 new residents per year per dwelling constructed was observed between FY-21 and FY-25.

Supply and demand appear well-matched, indicating stable market dynamics. New properties are constructed at an average value of $570,000, suggesting developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments. This financial year has seen $31.1 million in commercial development approvals recorded, reflecting strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Rest of Vic., Wonthaggi shows 73.0% higher new home approvals per person. Construction activity has eased recently despite ample choice for buyers due to the high level of approvals.

This level is well above average nationally, indicating strong developer confidence in the area. New development consists of 96.0% detached houses and 4.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving Wonthaggi's low density nature with a focus on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 84 people per dwelling approval, Wonthaggi exhibits characteristics of a growth area. AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate forecasts Wonthaggi will gain 2,115 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

Wonthaggi has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 20 projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include Wonthaggi Hospital Stage 2 Redevelopment, Bass Coast Health Staff Accommodation Facility, Summerfields Estate, and Wonthaggi North East Precinct Structure Plan. 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 performance in Wonthaggi has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Wonthaggi's workforce is balanced across white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well represented with an unemployment rate of 4.7%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.7%. As of September 2025, 2,285 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.0% higher than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Wonthaggi lags significantly at 41.5%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

Retail trade is particularly strong with an employment share of 1.6 times the regional level. Agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 3.1% of local workers, below Rest of Vic.'s 7.5%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 4.7% alongside labour force increasing by 4.2%, resulting in unemployment falling by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic. recorded employment decline of 0.7%, labour force decline of 0.6%, with unemployment rising marginally. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 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 suggest national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Wonthaggi's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, assuming no change in population projections.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

The suburb of Wonthaggi had a median taxpayer income of $36,271 and an average of $46,561 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This is lower than national averages, with Rest of Vic.'s median being $50,954 and average income at $62,728. Based on an 8.25% increase since financial year 2023, current estimates for Wonthaggi are approximately $39,263 (median) and $50,402 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Wonthaggi fall within the 0th to 4th percentiles nationally. The income distribution shows that the $400 - 799 bracket dominates with 37.4% of residents (2,314 people), contrasting with broader areas where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 30.3%. Economic circumstances indicate widespread financial pressure, with 47.8% of households having weekly budgets below $800. Housing affordability is severe, with only 83.2% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 3rd percentile nationally.

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

In Wonthaggi, as per the latest Census evaluation, 85.9% of dwellings were houses while 14.1% consisted of other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This contrasts with Non-Metro Vic.'s figures of 93.3% houses and 6.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wonthaggi stood at 47.4%, similar to Non-Metro Vic., with mortgaged properties at 22.2% and rented ones at 30.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,198, lower than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,450. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent in Wonthaggi was $270 compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $295. Nationally, Wonthaggi's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,198 against Australia's average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 55.5% of all households, consisting of 15.1% couples with children, 27.3% couples without children, and 12.4% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 44.5%, with lone person households at 41.8% and group households comprising 2.7% of the total. The median household size is 2.0 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.3.

Educational outcomes in Wonthaggi fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 15.1%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.4%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.4%) and postgraduate qualifications (2.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 38.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.0%) and certificates (28.1%). A total of 23.5% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, with 9.0% in primary, 7.0% in secondary, and 2.3% in tertiary education.

A substantial 23.5% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 9.0% in primary education, 7.0% in secondary education, and 2.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Wonthaggi has 30 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by seven different routes that together offer 167 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of the transport system is considered good, with residents on average located 324 meters from their nearest stop.

The service frequency across all routes averages 23 trips per day, which equates to roughly five weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Wonthaggi is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Wonthaggi faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 45% (around 2,806 people), compared to 47.7% across the rest of Victoria and a national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (13.6%) and mental health issues (10.8%), while 53.5% report having no medical ailments, compared to 61.6% in the rest of Victoria.

The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 34.6% (2,141 people), compared to 28.6% in the rest of Victoria. Health outcomes among seniors are broadly similar to those of the general population.

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

Wonthaggi's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 88.8% of its population being citizens, 84.2% born in Australia, and 94.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the main religion in Wonthaggi, comprising 47.6% of people. The most notable overrepresentation was in Other religions, which comprises 0.8% of the population compared to 0.5% across Rest of Vic.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English at 32.6%, Australian at 29.7%, and Scottish at 9.7%. Notably, Dutch (1.8%) is overrepresented in Wonthaggi compared to regionally (2.5%), as are Italian (5.3% vs 3.4%) and Welsh (0.6% vs 0.5%).

Wonthaggi ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Wonthaggi's median age is 55 years, which is higher than the Rest of Vic average of 43 and older than the national norm of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 are prominent at 17.3%, while those aged 5-14 are smaller at 8.5% compared to Rest of Vic. This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is well above the national average of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group has grown from 9.2% to 9.8%, while the 45-54 cohort has declined from 10.8% to 10.1%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate that the 25-34 age cohort is expected to rise substantially, increasing by 397 people (69%) from 575 to 973.