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 around 11,402 as of February 2026. This reflects an increase from 10,822 people recorded in the 2021 Census, a growth of 580 people (5.4%). The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 10,890 in June 2024 and an additional 449 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 5.4% since the census is within 0.5 percentage points of the SA3 area's growth rate of 5.9%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Interstate migration contributed approximately 82.7% 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 released in 2023, adjusting using weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Projections indicate a decline in overall population over this period, with Benalla's population expected to contract by 625 persons by 2041. However, growth is anticipated within specific age cohorts, notably the 35 to 44 age group projected to expand by 250 people.

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

Benalla has seen approximately 87 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling 437 homes. As of FY26, 54 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling constructed between FY21 and FY25 has accommodated around 0.6 new residents per year. This indicates that supply is meeting or exceeding demand, offering greater buyer choice while supporting potential population growth.

The average construction value of these properties is $282,000. In terms of commercial development, Benalla has registered approximately $23.4 million in approvals this financial year. Compared to the rest of Victoria, Benalla records a somewhat elevated level of construction, with 30.0% more activity per person over the past five years.

This maintains good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. The new building activity consists mainly of standalone homes (93.0%) and a smaller proportion of medium and high-density housing (7.0%), preserving the area's traditional low density character that appeals to those seeking space, particularly families. With around 137 people per dwelling approval, Benalla exhibits characteristics of a low-density area. Given stable or declining population projections, Benalla is expected to experience reduced housing demand pressures, potentially benefiting 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 likely to impact the area. Major initiatives include Benalla Art Gallery Redevelopment, Benalla West - Stage One, Park Lane Estate, and Livingston Benalla. The following list details these key projects in order of relevance.

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 a notable presence in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate stands at 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%.

Workforce participation lags behind the regional average at 53.8%. According to Census data, only 12.0% of residents work from home. Key industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction stands out with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 4.8%, below Rest of Vic.'s 7.5%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Benalla's labour force decreased by 1.6% and employment fell by 3.2%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 1.6 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Benalla's employment mix suggests local employment could increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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 2023 shows Benalla SA2 had a median income of $46,559 and an average of $55,711. This is below the national average. Rest of Vic.'s median was $50,954 with an average of $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimates for September 2025 are approximately $50,400 (median) and $60,307 (average). The 2021 Census data shows household, family and personal incomes in Benalla fall between the 9th and 18th percentiles nationally. Income distribution indicates that 28.4% of individuals earn between $400 - $799 annually, differing from broader areas where earnings predominantly range from $1,500 to $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 structure, 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 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 $1,430. 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%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. 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 and above holding them.

Advanced diplomas account for 11.8% and certificates for 28.8%. A substantial 24.6% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 8.7% in primary education, 7.9% in secondary education, and 2.1% in 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 that facilitate 593 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically living 278 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Benalla's residential nature. Car remains the dominant transport mode at 92%, with 5% walking. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, only 12.0% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 84 trips per day across all routes, resulting in 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 (~5,404 people), compared to 50.5% in Rest of Vic., and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common conditions are arthritis (11.8%) and mental health issues (10.1%). Conversely, 55.7% of residents report no medical ailments, lower than Rest of Vic.'s 63.4%. Working-age population health is notably challenged by high chronic condition rates. Benalla has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 29.4%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 23.9%. Senior health outcomes present challenges, with rankings generally in line with the national average.

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%), predominantly speaking English at home (95.4%). Christianity is the primary religion in Benalla, comprising 50.7%, compared to 47.3% across Rest of Vic. The top three ancestral groups are English (32.8%), Australian (30.4%), and Irish (10.8%).

Notably, Scottish ancestry is overrepresented at 9.8% in Benalla versus 8.8% regionally, as are German (3.7% vs 3.5%) and Dutch (1.3% vs 1.7%).

Benalla ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Benalla's median age of 50 is higher than Rest of Vic.'s figure of 43 and the national average of 38. The 75-84 age group comprises 10.7% of Benalla's population, compared to Rest of Vic., while the 5-14 cohort makes up 9.5%. Post-2021 Census, the 35-44 age group grew from 9.1% to 11.6%, the 65-74 group declined from 15.5% to 14.2%, and the 45-54 group decreased from 11.2% to 10.0%. By 2041, Benalla's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 35-44 cohort is expected to grow by 75 people (6%), from 1,320 to 1,396. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 5-14 and 75-84 cohorts.