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

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch's validation of new addresses, the population of the suburb of Wonthaggi was estimated at around 6,213 as of Feb 2026. This reflected an increase of 998 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,215 people. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 5,627 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 290 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 116 persons per square kilometer. Wonthaggi's growth rate of 19.1% since the 2021 census exceeded both the Rest of Vic. (8.1%) and the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 88.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises 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 are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends predict exceptional growth, placing the suburb of Wonthaggi in the top 10 percent of national non-metropolitan areas, with an expected growth of 2,669 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 33.8% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Wonthaggi recorded around 102 residential properties granted approval each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 511 homes. So far in FY-26, 31 approvals have been recorded. An average of 1.6 new residents per year per dwelling constructed was noted between FY-21 and FY-25. New properties are constructed at an average value of $570,000.

In FY-26, $31.1 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Wonthaggi shows 73.0% higher new home approvals per person. Construction activity has eased recently. New development consists of 96.0% detached houses and 4.0% townhouses or apartments. Around 84 people per dwelling approval were recorded in Wonthaggi, indicating growth area characteristics.

Population forecasts suggest Wonthaggi will gain 2,100 residents through to 2041. Current development rates should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population 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. Notable 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.

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.

Wonthaggi has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Wonthaggi has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar employment well represented. Essential services sectors are prominent. The unemployment rate was 4.7% in September 2025, which is 0.9% higher than the Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.7%. Only 48.6% of residents participate in the workforce, significantly lower than the Rest of Vic.'s 61.4%. Census responses showed that only 11.5% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries among residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

Retail trade is particularly strong, with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 3.1% of local workers, below Rest of Vic.'s 7.5%. Employment opportunities in Wonthaggi appear limited locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over a 12-month period, employment increased by 4.7%, while labour force increased by 4.2%, leading to a fall in unemployment by 0.5 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Vic. recorded an employment decline of 0.7% and a labour force decline of 0.6%, with unemployment rising marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Wonthaggi. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. 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.

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

The median taxpayer income in Wonthaggi is $36,271 and the average is $46,561 based on postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is lower than national averages, with Rest of Vic.'s median income at $50,954 and average income at $62,728. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $39,263 (median) and $50,402 (average), accounting for an 8.25% increase since financial year 2023 as per the Wage Price Index growth. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Wonthaggi fall within the 0th to 4th percentiles nationally. The income distribution shows that 37.4% of residents (2,323 people) earn between $400 and $799 weekly, contrasting with the broader area where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket is dominant at 30.3%. Economic conditions indicate widespread financial pressure, with 47.8% of households having modest 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 above-average rates of outright home ownership

Wonthaggi's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, was 85.9% houses and 14.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Vic.'s dwelling structure was 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wonthaggi stood at 47.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 22.2% and rented ones at 30.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,198, lower than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,430. The median weekly rent figure in Wonthaggi was $270, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Wonthaggi's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian 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 comprise 55.5% of all households, including 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%. The median household size is 2.0 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.4.

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 engaged in formal education, comprising 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 serviced by 7 routes offering 167 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy good accessibility with an average distance of 324 meters to the nearest stop. In this residential area, most commute outward using cars (89%), while 8% walk. Vehicle ownership averages 1.0 per dwelling, below the regional norm. According to the 2021 Census, only 11.5% work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. On average, there are 23 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 5 weekly trips per stop.

Service frequency averages 23 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 5 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Wonthaggi faces substantial health challenges, according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, impacting both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is low at approximately 45% of the total population (around 2,818 people), compared to 50.5% in Rest of Vic., and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 13.6% and 10.8% of residents respectively. Only 53.5% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 63.4% in Rest of Vic. Working-age population health is notably challenging due to high chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 34.5% (2,143 people), compared to 23.9% in Rest of Vic. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but are broadly in line with national rankings for 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 had a cultural diversity index below the average, with 88.8% of its population being Australian citizens, 84.2% born in Australia, and 94.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 47.6% of Wonthaggi's population. The 'Other' category showed an overrepresentation compared to the rest of Victoria, with 0.8% of Wonthaggi's population.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (32.6%), Australian (29.7%), and Scottish (9.7%). Notably, Dutch (1.8%) was slightly overrepresented in Wonthaggi compared to regional averages, as were Italian (5.3%) and Welsh (0.6%).

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 17.4%, while those aged 5-14 are smaller at 8.3% compared to the Rest of Vic. This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is well above the national average of 9.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 9.2% to 10.1%, while the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 10.8% to 9.9%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Wonthaggi's age structure, with the 25 to 34 age cohort projected to rise substantially by 379 people (63%), from 602 to 982.