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 May 2026, is approximately 10,864 people. This figure represents an increase of 42 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 10,822. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 10,862 in June 2025 and an additional 457 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 34 persons per square kilometer. Benalla's growth rate of 0.4% since the census places it within 0.7 percentage points of the SA3 area (1.1%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Interstate migration contributed approximately 84.4% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary population growth in the area.

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 employs VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using 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 trends indicate an overall population decline over this period, with the area's population expected to decrease by 667 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are projected to grow, notably the 35 to 44 age group, which is anticipated to increase by 193 people.

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. In FY-26 so far, 100 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.6 people per year have moved to the area for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25. This indicates that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more buying options and potentially driving population growth beyond current projections.

The average expected construction cost value of new homes is $282,000. Commercial approvals this financial year total $23.4 million, suggesting steady commercial investment activity. Compared to the rest of Victoria, Benalla shows moderately higher new home approvals, with 30.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period.

This maintains good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. The building activity comprises 93.0% detached dwellings and 7.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's traditional low-density character and appealing to those seeking family homes with space. With approximately 137 people per dwelling approval, Benalla exhibits characteristics of a low-density area. Given population projections indicating stability or decline, housing demand pressures are expected to remain relatively low, benefiting potential buyers in the area.

Benalla has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 34thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight projects likely impacting this region. Notable projects are Benalla Art Gallery Redevelopment, Benalla West - Stage One, Park Lane Estate, and Livingston Benalla. 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.

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

Benalla has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, with essential services well represented. The unemployment rate in December 2025 was 7.4%. There were 4,638 residents employed at this time, which is 3.7% higher than the Regional Vic.

rate of 3.7%, indicating room for improvement. Workforce participation was lower at 53.7% compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.0%. According to Census responses, only 12.0% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The key industries of employment were health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Construction was particularly prominent with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing employed only 4.8% of local workers, below Regional Vic.'s 7.5%. Many residents appeared to commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between December 2024 and December 2025, the labour force decreased by 3.5%, while employment declined by 5.6%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 2.1 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Vic. had an employment decline of 0.6% and a labour force decline of 0.7%, with unemployment falling by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Benalla's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

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 shows that median income in Benalla SA2 is $46,559, with average income at $55,711. This is lower than the national averages of $50,954 (median) and $62,728 (average) for Regional Vic. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% from July 2023 to March 2026, estimated median income in Benalla would be approximately $51,038, with average income at around $61,070. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Benalla fall between the 9th and 18th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows that 28.4% of locals (3,085 people) earn between $400 and $799 per week, contrasting with the broader area where 30.3% earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 86.9% income retention, total disposable income ranks at just 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, comprised 86.4% houses and 13.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Benalla stood at 44.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.3% and rented dwellings at 27.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,253, below Regional Vic.'s average of $1,430. Median weekly rent in Benalla was $250, compared to Regional Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Benalla's mortgage repayments were 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 account for 60.9% of all households, including 17.6% that are couples with children, 31.6% that are couples without children, and 11.0% that are single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 39.1%, with lone person households at 36.0% and group households comprising 3.1% of the total. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Regional 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 (11.8%) and certificates (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

Benalla has 59 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These are covered by 15 routes, collectively providing 593 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good with residents typically located 278 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward, with car being the dominant mode at 92%, followed by walking at 5%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 12% 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 a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Benalla faces significant health challenges, as identified by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Several health conditions affect both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 47% of the total population (~5,149 people), compared to 50.5% in Regional Victoria and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 11.8% of residents) and mental health issues (impacting 10.1%). Conversely, 55.7% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 63.4% in Regional Victoria. Working-age individuals face notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Benalla has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over (30.4%, or 3,299 people), compared to Regional Victoria's 23.9%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings generally aligning with the overall 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, making up 50.7% of Benalla's population compared to 47.3% across Regional Vic.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (32.8%), Australian (30.4%), and Irish (10.8%). Notably, Scottish ancestry was overrepresented in Benalla at 9.8%, compared to 8.8% regionally. Similarly, German ancestry stood at 3.7% versus 3.5% regionally, and Dutch ancestry was present at 1.3% compared to 1.7%.

Benalla ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Benalla has a median age of 50, which is higher than Regional Vic's figure of 43 and significantly above the national average of 38. The age group of 75-84 years shows strong representation in Benalla at 11.2%, compared to Regional Vic., while the 5-14 cohort is less prevalent at 9.4%. This concentration of the 75-84 age group is notably higher than the national figure of 6.1%. According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 35 to 44 has grown from 9.1% to 11.0%, while the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 11.2% to 10.1%. Demographic modeling indicates that Benalla's age profile will significantly change by 2041. The 35 to 44 age group is projected to grow strongly, increasing by 126 people (11%) from 1,195 to 1,322. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 5-14 and 75-84 age cohorts.