Gannawarra

Gannawarra has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Gannawarra's population is around 6,788 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 69 people (1.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,719 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,567 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 74 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1.9 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Gannawarra's 1.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (0.2%), though growth remains modest. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking at population projections moving forward, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to decline by 1,622 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 85 and over age group, which is projected to increase by 4 people. See the age section for more details.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Gannawarra, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Gannawarra has averaged around 26 new dwelling approvals annually, with 134 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 5 so far in FY-26. With population declining over recent years, new supply has likely been keeping up with demand, offering good choice to buyers, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $320,000. Additionally, $13.7 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, suggesting balanced commercial development activity.

Compared to the rest of Victoria, Gannawarra shows moderately higher new home approvals (25.0% above regional average per person over the 5 year period), balancing buyer choice with support for current property values, though building activity has slowed in recent years. Meanwhile, new construction has consisted entirely of detached houses, preserving the area's low density nature, with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated count of 383 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

With the population expected to remain stable or decline, Gannawarra should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Gannawarra has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 25thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 10 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Kerang Solar & BESS Hybrid, Victoria to NSW Interconnector West (VNI West), Koorangie Energy Storage System (KESS), and Kerang District Health Facility Upgrade (CSSD, PACU, and Operating Theatre Equipment), with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

Gannawarra ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Gannawarra possesses a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with diverse sector representation, an unemployment rate of just 1.3%, and relative employment stability over the past year. As of December 2025, 3,160 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.4% below Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (57.5% compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.5%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 15.7% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. The area shows particularly strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share of 4.2 times the regional level. Meanwhile, health care & social assistance has a limited presence with 11.6% employment compared to 16.8% regionally. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw the labour force decrease by 2.1% combined with employment decreasing by 0.3%, causing unemployment to fall by 1.8 percentage points. This compares to Regional Vic., where employment fell by 0.6%, the labour force contracted by 0.7%, and unemployment fell 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Gannawarra. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Gannawarra's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.0% over five years and 11.3% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Gannawarra SA2's median income among taxpayers is $44,896, with an average of $53,820. This is below the national average, and compares to Regional Vic.'s median of $50,954 and average of $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $48,600 (median) and $58,260 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Gannawarra all fall between the 8th and 11th percentiles nationally. Looking at income distribution, the $800 - 1,499 earnings band captures 28.3% of the community (1,921 individuals), contrasting with the broader area where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 30.3%. While housing costs are modest with 92.0% of income retained, the total disposable income ranks at just the 15th percentile nationally.

Gannawarra is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within Gannawarra, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 96.8% houses and 3.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Gannawarra was well beyond that of Regional Vic., at 57.9%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (25.9%) or rented (16.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional Vic. average at $997, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $180, compared to Regional Vic.'s $1,430 and $285. Nationally, Gannawarra's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Gannawarra features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 67.8% of all households, comprising 23.1% couples with children, 36.6% couples without children, and 7.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 32.2%, with lone person households at 30.0% and group households comprising 2.0% of the total. The median household size of 2.2 people is smaller than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.

Gannawarra faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (11.9%) substantially below the VIC average of 33.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 8.7%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.8%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.4%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 37.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (8.4%) and certificates (29.5%).

A substantial 24.6% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 10.5% in primary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 1.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 18 active transport stops operating within Gannawarra comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 7 individual routes, collectively providing 66 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 961 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 88%, with 8% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.8 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. Some 15.7% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 9 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 3 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Gannawarra is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Gannawarra faces significant health challenges, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 47% of the total population (~3,163 people). This compares to 50.5% across Regional Vic. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 12.1 and 9.0% of residents, respectively, while 60.8% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.4% across Regional Vic. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 30.5% of residents aged 65 and over (2,070 people), which is higher than the 23.9% in Regional Vic., with national rankings even higher than the general population.

The latest Census data sees Gannawarra placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Gannawarra was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 89.5% of its population being citizens, 94.0% born in Australia, and 97.4% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Gannawarra is Christianity, which makes up 52.8% of the population, compared to 47.3% across Regional Vic..

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Gannawarra are Australian, comprising 36.1% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 29.6%, English, comprising 33.7% of the population, and Irish, comprising 9.3% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of other ethnic groups: Scottish is represented at 8.7% of Gannawarra (vs 8.8% regionally), Dutch at 1.3% (vs 1.7%) and Maltese at 0.4% (vs 0.5%).

Gannawarra ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The 52-year median age in Gannawarra is significantly above Regional Vic.'s average of 43 and similarly well above the national norm of 38. Compared to the Regional Vic. average, the 65 - 74 cohort is notably over-represented (17.1% locally), while 35 - 44 year-olds are under-represented (9.2%). This 65 - 74 concentration is well above the national 9.5%. In the period since 2021, the 0 to 4 age group has grown from 4.3% to 5.2% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 10.9% to 10.0%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Gannawarra. The 85+ cohort shows the strongest projected growth at -4%, adding -9 residents to reach 200. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 85+ and 0 to 4 cohorts.