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 is approximately 11,339 as of November 2025. This figure reflects a growth of 517 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,822. The increase is inferred from the estimated resident population of 10,892 in June 2024 and an additional 421 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 36 persons per square kilometer. Benalla's growth rate of 4.8% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area average of 4.0%, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. 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 2022 as the base year. 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, with the area's population expected to decrease by 625 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are projected to grow, notably the 35 to 44 age group, which is anticipated to increase by 250 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 FY26 so far, 51 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.6 people have moved to the area each year for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25. This indicates that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing buyers with more options and supporting population growth.

The average expected construction cost value of new homes is $282,000. Commercial approvals this financial year have totalled $23.4 million, indicating 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, maintaining good buyer choice while supporting existing property values.

New building activity consists of 93.0% detached dwellings and 7.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes. With around 137 people per dwelling approval, Benalla shows characteristics of a low-density area. Given population projections indicating stability or decline, Benalla is expected to experience reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

Benalla has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight projects that may impact this region. Major initiatives include Benalla Art Gallery Redevelopment, Benalla West - Stage One, Park Lane Estate, and Livingston Benalla. The following details those considered 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 is 7.1%.

As of September 2025, 4665 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 3.3% higher than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%, indicating room for improvement. Workforce participation is lower at 49.6%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction is particularly prominent, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

However, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 4.8% of local workers, below Rest of Vic.'s 7.5%. Many residents may commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. In the 12 months prior, labour force decreased by 1.6% and employment declined by 3.2%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 1.6 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov shows VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. National employment forecasts suggest growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.1% over ten years for Benalla's employment mix.

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 2022 shows median income in Benalla SA2 is $45,789 and average income is $55,515. This is lower than national averages of $48,741 median and $60,693 average for Rest of Vic. By September 2025, adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 12.16%, estimated incomes are approximately $51,357 median and $62,266 average in Benalla SA2. The 2021 Census shows household, family, and personal incomes in Benalla fall between the 9th and 18th percentiles nationally. Income distribution indicates that 28.4% of locals (3,220 people) earn $400 - $799 annually, contrasting with broader area's leading bracket of $1,500 - $2,999 at 30.3%. Housing costs are modest, with 86.9% of income retained, but 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. This compares to Non-Metro Vic.'s 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 was $1,253, below Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,300. Median weekly rent in Benalla was $250, matching Non-Metro Vic.'s figure but significantly lower than the national average of $375. Nationally, Benalla's mortgage repayments were substantially lower at $1,863.

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 2.3.

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, including advanced diplomas (11.8%) and certificates (28.8%). A total of 24.6% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, with 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 57 active public transport stops, consisting of both train and bus services. These stops are served by 29 different routes, offering a total of 698 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport in Benalla is rated as good, with residents typically located 278 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 99 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 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 residents. Approximately 48% (~5,397 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.8%) and mental health issues (10.1%). Conversely, 55.7% report being free from medical ailments compared to 60.4% in Rest of Vic.. Residents aged 65 and over comprise 29.9% (3,389 people), higher than the 25.7% in Rest of Vic.. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are challenging 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 cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 88.7% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia (89.3%), and speaking English only at home (95.4%). Christianity was the predominant religion in Benalla, accounting for 50.7% of residents, compared to 52.0% 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 slightly overrepresented in Benalla at 9.8%, matching regional levels for German (3.7%) and Dutch (1.3%) ancestry.

Benalla ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Benalla's median age is 50, which exceeds Rest of Vic.'s figure of 43 and is well above the national average of 38 years. The 75-84 age group constitutes 10.7% of Benalla's population, higher than Rest of Vic., while the 5-14 cohort makes up 9.6%. According to the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 9.1% to 10.9% of the population. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has decreased from 15.5% to 14.6%. Demographic modeling indicates Benalla's age profile will significantly change by 2041. The 35 to 44 age group is projected to grow strongly, increasing by 154 people (12%) from 1,241 to 1,396. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 45 to 54 and 5 to 14 cohorts.