Benalla

Benalla is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Benalla's population, as of November 2025, is approximately 11,335 people. This figure reflects a growth of 513 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,822. The increase is inferred from ABS estimates; Benalla's population was 10,890 in June 2024, with an additional 421 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 35 persons per square kilometer. Benalla's growth rate of 4.7% since the census is close to the SA3 area's growth rate of 5.6%, indicating competitive fundamentals. Interstate migration contributed approximately 82.7% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. According to these projections, Benalla's population is expected to decrease by 625 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts like the 35 to 44-year-olds are projected to grow, with an increase of 250 people anticipated in this age group over this period.

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

Benalla has recorded approximately 87 residential properties granted approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling 437 homes. As of FY26, 54 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.6 people per year moved to the area for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25. This suggests that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more options for buyers and supporting population growth.

The average expected construction cost value of new homes was $282,000. In FY26, there have been $23.4 million in commercial approvals, indicating steady commercial investment activity in the area. Compared to the rest of Victoria, Benalla shows moderately higher new home approvals, with 30.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years.

This maintains good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. The majority of new building activity consists of detached dwellings (93.0%), with attached dwellings making up the remaining 7.0%. This maintains Benalla's traditional low-density character, focusing on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 137 people per dwelling approval, Benalla shows characteristics of a low-density area. Population projections indicate stability or decline in Benalla, which should reduce housing demand pressures and benefit potential buyers.

Benalla has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 37thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight projects that could impact this region. Notable projects are Benalla Art Gallery Redevelopment, Benalla West - Stage One, Park Lane Estate, and Livingston Benalla. The following details projects likely to be most relevant.

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

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

Benalla's workforce is balanced across white and blue collar jobs, with prominent essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 7.1% in an unspecified past period. As of September 2025, employment stood at 4,665 residents with an unemployment rate of 3.3%, higher than Rest of Vic.'s 3.8%.

Workforce participation was lower at 53.7%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 61.4%. A low 12.0% of residents worked from home, possibly influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction employment is particularly high, at 1.4 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 4.8% of local workers, below Rest of Vic.'s 7.5%. Many residents may commute elsewhere for work, suggesting local job opportunities exist but are not fully utilized. Between September 2024 and 2025, labour force decreased by 1.6%, employment declined by 3.2%, leading to a 1.6 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. By comparison, Rest of Vic.'s employment decline was 0.7% with a marginal unemployment increase. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% growth over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Benalla's industry mix suggests local employment could grow by 6.2% in five years and 13.1% in ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 indicates that median income in Benalla SA2 is $46,559 and average income is $55,711. This is lower than national averages of median $50,954 and average $62,728 for Rest of Vic. Using Wage Price Index growth rate of 8.25% from financial year ending June 2023 to September 2025, estimated median income for Benalla is approximately $50,400 and average income is around $60,307. According to the Census conducted in August 2021, incomes in Benalla fall between the 9th and 18th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows that 28.4% of locals (3,219 people) earn between $400 - $799 annually, contrasting with broader area where 30.3% earn between $1,500 - $2,999. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 86.9% income retention, total disposable income ranks at the 13th percentile nationally.

Benalla is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Benalla's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 86.4% houses and 13.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Benalla stood at 44.5%, with the rest either mortgaged (28.3%) or rented (27.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,253, below Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,430. The median weekly rent in Benalla was $250, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Benalla's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 60.9% of all households, including 17.6% couples with children, 31.6% couples without children, and 11.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 39.1%, with lone person households at 36.0% and group households comprising 3.1%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.4.

Educational attainment in Benalla aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 16.8%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 11.8% and certificates at 28.8%. A total of 24.6% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, including 8.7% in primary, 7.9% in secondary, and 2.1% in tertiary education.

A substantial 24.6% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 8.7% in primary education, 7.9% in secondary education, and 2.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis shows 59 active stops operating within Benalla, consisting of a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 15 individual routes, collectively offering 593 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 278 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 92%, with 5% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 12.0% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 84 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 10 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Benalla faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is low at approximately 47% of the total population (~5,372 people), compared to 50.5% in Rest of Vic., and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.8%) and mental health issues (10.1%), while 55.7% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.4% in Rest of Vic.. Working-age population health challenges include elevated chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors, with 29.9% aged 65 and over (3,388 people), compared to 23.5% in Rest of Vic.. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, aligning broadly with national rankings for the general population.

Benalla is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Benalla's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 88.7% of its population being Australian citizens and 89.3% born in Australia. The majority, 95.4%, spoke English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 50.7% of Benalla's population compared to 47.3% across the rest of Victoria.

The top three ancestry groups were English (32.8%), Australian (30.4%), and Irish (10.8%). Notably, Scottish ancestry was overrepresented at 9.8% in Benalla versus 8.8% regionally, as was German ancestry at 3.7% compared to 3.5%. Dutch ancestry, however, was underrepresented at 1.3% versus 1.7%.

Benalla ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Benalla's median age is 50, higher than Rest of Vic.'s figure of 43 and above Australia's national average of 38. The 75-84 age group comprises 10.7% of Benalla's population, compared to Rest of Vic.'s figure. The 5-14 cohort is less prevalent at 9.6%. Post the 2021 Census, the 35-44 age group grew from 9.1% to 10.9%, while the 65-74 cohort declined from 15.5% to 14.6%. By 2041, Benalla's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 35-44 age group is expected to grow by 154 people (12%), from 1,241 to 1,396. Conversely, population declines are forecast for the 45-54 and 5-14 cohorts.