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 November 2025, is approximately 11,339 people. This figure represents an increase of 517 individuals, a rise of 4.8%, since the 2021 Census which recorded a population of 10,822 people. The change 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% exceeds that of its SA3 area (4.0%), indicating it as a region leader in terms of population growth. Interstate migration contributed approximately 82.7% to the 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 employs VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusting using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends indicate a decline of 625 persons by 2041, according to these projections. However, specific age cohorts like those aged 35 to 44 are expected to grow, with an increase of 250 people projected in this group.

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, 38 approvals have been recorded. On average, around 0.6 people per year moved to the area for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25. This indicates that new construction has matched or outpaced demand, providing buyers with more options and enabling population growth.

The average expected construction cost value of new homes is $282,000. In terms of commercial investment activity, there have been $23.4 million in approvals this financial year. 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 majority of new building activity consists of detached dwellings (93.0%), maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes. With around 137 people per dwelling approval, Benalla exhibits 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 45thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight projects likely impacting 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.

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 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 notable representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 6.8% as of June 2021.

Employment stability has been relative over the past year. As of June 2025, 4,708 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 9.8%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 3.8%. Workforce participation is lower at 49.6% versus Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Construction employs 1.4 times the regional average, while agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 4.8%, below Rest of Vic.'s 7.5%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over a 12-month period ending June 2025, Benalla's labour force increased by 1.4% but employment declined by 0.4%, raising the unemployment rate by 1.7 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May 2025) project growth of approximately 6.2%% over five years and 13.1% over ten years in Benalla, based on industry-specific projections applied to its current 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 indicates that income in Benalla is lower than average on a national basis. The median assessed income is $45,789 and the average income stands at $55,515. This contrasts with Rest of Vic.'s figures where the median income is $48,741 and the average income is $60,693. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $51,357 (median) and $62,266 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Benalla all fall between the 10th and 19th percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows that the predominant cohort spans 28.4% of locals (3,220 people) with incomes in the $400 - $799 category, contrasting with the broader area where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket leads at 30.3%. While housing costs are modest with 86.9% of income retained, the 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 (semi-detached, apartments, '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 dwellings at 27.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Benalla was $1,253, lower than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,300. The median weekly rent figure in Benalla was $250, aligning with Non-Metro Vic.'s figure of $250. 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 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 comprise the remaining 39.1%, with lone person households at 36.0% and group households making up 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 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 1,846 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1009) offering 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

Transport analysis indicates 57 active transport stops in Benalla, including a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 29 individual routes, offering a total of 698 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 278 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 99 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 12 weekly trips per 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. 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%), while 55.7% report no 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.. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges despite performing 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, 89.3% born in Australia, and 95.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 50.7% of Benalla's population, compared to 52.0% across Victoria. The top three ancestry groups were English (32.8%), Australian (30.4%), and Irish (10.8%).

Notably, Scottish ancestry was slightly higher in Benalla at 9.8%, matching the regional rate of 9.3%. German and Dutch ancestries also had similar representation to the region: 3.7% for both groups.

Benalla ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

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