Benalla
Statistical Area - sa2

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 August 2025, is approximately 11,302. This figure reflects a growth of 480 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 10,822. The increase is inferred from the estimated resident population of 10,891 in June 2024 and an additional 404 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a population density ratio of 35 persons per square kilometer. Benalla's growth rate of 4.4% since the 2021 census surpassed that of its SA3 area at 3.4%, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 82.7% to the overall population gains recently.

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 weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Future projections indicate an overall population decline in the area between now and 2041. The population is expected to shrink by 625 persons by that year. However, specific age cohorts are anticipated to grow, notably the 35 to 44 age group, which is projected to increase by 250 people.

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

Benalla recorded approximately 87 residential properties granted approval annually. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis, totalling 437 approvals across the past five financial years between FY21 and FY25, with 19 approvals so far in FY26. The average new residents per year per dwelling constructed over these five years was 0.6, indicating that new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, offering ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost value of $377,000, which is under regional levels, suggesting more accessible housing choices for buyers.

There have also been $23.4 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating steady commercial investment activity. Relative to the Rest of Vic., Benalla records somewhat elevated construction activity, with 30.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period, preserving reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. New development consists of 93.0% detached houses and 7.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

The location has approximately 137 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. With population projections showing stability or decline, Benalla should see reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

Benalla has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 45thth percentile nationally

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

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

Employment drivers in Benalla are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Benalla's workforce is balanced across white and blue collar jobs, with key services well represented. Its unemployment rate was 6.8% in June 2025, 3.0% higher than Rest of Vic.'s 3.8%.

Workforce participation was lower at 49.6%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Major employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction is particularly prominent, employing 1.4 times the regional average. Agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 4.8% of local workers, below Rest of Vic.'s 7.5%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work. Over June 2024 to June 2025, labour force levels increased by 1.4%, but employment declined by 0.4%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.7 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Vic. saw an employment decline of 0.9% and a labour force decline of 0.4%. State-level data from Sep-25 shows VIC employment grew by 1.08% year-on-year, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%, slightly higher than the national rate of 4.5%. Jobs and Skills Australia's forecasts from May 2025 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Benalla's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.2%% over five years and 13.1% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch's latest data for postcode level ATO incomes in financial year 2022 shows that Benalla had a median income of $45,789 and an average income of $55,515. This is lower than the national averages of $48,741 (median) and $60,693 (average) for Rest of Vic. Using Wage Price Index growth of 10.11% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of March 2025 would be approximately $50,418 (median) and $61,128 (average) in Benalla. The 2021 Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Benalla fall between the 10th and 19th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows that 28.4% of individuals in Benalla earn between $400 - $799, compared to regional levels where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket is highest at 30.3%. 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 structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 86.4% houses and 13.6% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Vic.'s dwelling structure was 89.9% houses and 10.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Benalla stood at 44.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.3% and rented ones at 27.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Benalla was $1,253, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $1,300. The median weekly rent figure in Benalla was recorded at $250, the same as Non-Metro Vic.'s figure. Nationally, Benalla's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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% consisting of couples with children, 31.6% comprising couples without children, and 11.0% being single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 39.1%, with lone person households at 36.0% and group households accounting for 3.1% of the total. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.3.

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

The area has university qualification rates of 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 prominent, 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 pursuing formal education, including 8.7% in primary, 7.9% in secondary, and 2.1% in tertiary education.

Eleven schools serve a total of 1,846 students. Benalla's school conditions are typical of Australia (ICSEA: 1009) with balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes one primary, three secondary, and seven K-12 schools. Note that for schools showing 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Benalla has 57 active public transport stops, including train and bus services. These stops are served by 29 different routes, offering a total of 698 weekly passenger trips. Residents have good access to transport, with an average distance of 278 meters to the nearest stop.

On average, there are 99 daily trips across all routes, which translates to about 12 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, with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low, at approximately 48% (around 5,379 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 11.8% and 10.1% of residents respectively. However, 55.7% report having no medical ailments, compared to 60.4% in the rest of Victoria. Benalla has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 29.9% (3,378 people), compared to 25.7% in the rest of Victoria. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but perform better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Benalla's population showed low cultural diversity, with 88.7% being Australian citizens and 89.3% born in Australia. Most residents spoke English only at home (95.4%). Christianity was the dominant religion, practised by 50.7%, compared to 52.0% regionally.

The top three ancestry groups were English (32.8%), Australian (30.4%), and Irish (10.8%). Scottish ancestry was notable at 9.8%, matching regional levels. German and Dutch ancestries were also present, at 3.7% each.

Benalla ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Benalla's median age is 50, which is higher than Rest of Vic.'s figure of 43 and also above the national average of 38 years. The 75-84 age group is strongly represented at 10.7%, compared to Rest of Vic., while the 5-14 cohort is less prevalent at 9.6%. Post-2021 Census, the 35-44 age group has increased from 9.1% to 10.9% of Benalla's population. Conversely, the 65-74 age group has decreased from 15.5% to 14.6%. Demographic projections suggest significant changes in Benalla's age profile by 2041. The 35-44 age cohort is expected to grow strongly, adding 158 people (a 13% increase) from 1,237 to 1,396. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 45-54 and 5-14 cohorts.