Gannawarra

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

Gannawarra's population, as of May 2026, is approximately 6,524 people. This figure represents a decrease of 195 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 6,719. The decline is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 6,522 in June 2025 and the addition of 74 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a population density of 1.8 persons per square kilometer. Gannawarra's population change since the Census (-2.9%) is similar to that of its SA3 area (-2.8%). Overseas migration was the primary driver of recent population growth in the region.

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 methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. According to these projections, Gannawarra's population is expected to decline by 1,615 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are anticipated to grow, notably the 85 and over group, which is projected to increase by 2 people.

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 averaged approximately 26 new dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25134 homes were approved, with a further 5 approved in FY-26 as of now. The population has been declining recently, suggesting that the new supply has likely kept pace with demand, providing good choice for buyers.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost value of $320,000. In FY-26, $13.7 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating balanced commercial development activity. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Gannawarra shows moderately higher new home approvals, with 25.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period.

This balances buyer choice while supporting current property values. However, building activity has slowed in recent years. All new construction in the area has been comprised of detached houses, preserving its low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 383 people, reflecting 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 in the future.

Gannawarra has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 24thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified ten projects expected to affect the region. Notable ones are 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). The following list 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.

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

Gannawarra has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, an unemployment rate of 1.3% as of December 2025, and stable employment over the past year. This is lower than Regional Vic.'s 3.7% unemployment rate. Workforce participation in Gannawarra is 57.9%, compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.0%.

According to Census responses, 15.7% of residents work from home. The dominant employment sectors are agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has a strong presence with an employment share 4.2 times the regional level, while health care & social assistance has limited presence at 11.6%. The area may have limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparison of working population vs resident population.

Over the past year, labour force decreased by 2.1% and employment decreased by 0.3%, leading to a fall in unemployment by 1.8 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Vic.'s employment fell by 0.6%, labour force contracted by 0.7%, and unemployment fell by 0.1%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Gannawarra's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.0% over five years and 11.3% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Gannawarra SA2's median income among taxpayers is $44,896, with an average of $53,820. This is below the national average. Regional Vic.'s median income is $50,954 and average is $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Gannawarra's median and average incomes are approximately $49,215 and $58,997 respectively as of March 2026. Census data indicates household, family and personal incomes in Gannawarra fall between the 8th and 11th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows 28.3% of individuals earn between $800 - 1,499, contrasting with the broader area where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 30.3%. Housing costs are modest, with 92.0% of income retained. However, 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

Gannawarra's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 96.8% houses and 3.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This is compared to Regional Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Gannawarra was at 57.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 25.9% and rented ones at 16.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $997, lower than Regional Vic.'s average of $1,430. Median weekly rent in Gannawarra was recorded at $180, compared to Regional Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Gannawarra's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were 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 constitute 67.8% of all households, including 23.1% couples with children, 36.6% couples without children, and 7.5% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 32.2%, with lone person households at 30.0% and group households comprising 2.0%. The median household size is 2.2 people, 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's university qualification rate is 11.9%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.7%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.8%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.4%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 37.9% of residents aged 15 and above holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.4%) and certificates (29.5%). A total of 24.6% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, with 10.5% in primary, 8.0% in secondary, and 1.5% in tertiary education.

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 shows 18 active transport stops operating within Gannawarra. These are served by a mix of buses along seven individual routes, collectively providing 66 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 961 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most commuting is outward-bound. Car remains the dominant mode at 88%, with 8% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.8 per dwelling, above the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 15.7% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages nine trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately three 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, as assessed by AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 47% of the total population (~3,040 people), compared to 50.5% in Regional Vic., and 55.7% nationally.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (12.1%) and asthma (9.0%). 60.8% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.4% in Regional Vic.. Working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. As of 2021, the area has 31.8% of residents aged 65 and over (2,074 people), higher than the 23.9% in Regional Vic., and national rankings are even higher for this age group.

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's cultural diversity was below average, with 89.5% citizens, 94.0% born in Australia, and 97.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 52.8%, compared to 47.3% regionally. Top ancestry groups were Australian (36.1%), English (33.7%), and Irish (9.3%).

Scottish representation was notably higher at 8.7%. Dutch and Maltese showed slight underrepresentation at 1.3% and 0.4%, respectively, compared to regional averages of 1.7% and 0.5%.

Gannawarra ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Gannawarra is 52 years, significantly higher than Regional Vic.'s average of 43 years and well above the national norm of 38 years. The 65-74 age cohort is notably over-represented in Gannawarra at 17.3%, compared to Regional Vic.'s average, while the 25-34 year-olds are under-represented at 7.5%. This 65-74 concentration is well above the national figure of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 10.0% to 11.2% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 12.7% to 11.6%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Gannawarra. The 85+ age group is projected to grow at a rate of -1%, adding approximately -2 residents, reaching a total of 209. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 85+ and 0 to 4 age cohorts.