Gannawarra

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

Gannawarra's population was approximately 6,788 as of February 2026. This figure represents an increase of 69 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 6,719. The change is inferred from ABS estimated resident population data of 6,567 in June 2024 and an additional 74 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1.9 persons per square kilometer. Gannawarra's growth rate of 1.0% between the 2021 Census and February 2026 exceeded that of its SA3 area (0.2%). Overseas migration was the primary driver of population increase during this period.

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 years 2032 to 2041. According to these projections, Gannawarra's population is expected to decline by 1,622 persons by 2041. However, the 85 and over age group is projected to increase by 4 people during this period.

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. Between financial years FY-21 and FY-25134 homes were approved, with a further 5 approved in FY-26 to date. The average construction cost value of these dwellings was $320,000.

In FY-26, there have been $13.7 million in commercial development approvals. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Gannawarra has shown moderately higher new home approvals, with 25.0% more per person over the past five years. The area's population decline has likely been matched by new supply, offering buyers good choice while maintaining current property values.

All approved constructions have been detached houses, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. As of FY-26, there are estimated to be 383 people per dwelling approval in Gannawarra. With population expected to remain stable or decline, housing pressure is likely to remain reduced, potentially creating buying opportunities.

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

Area infrastructure changes significantly impact performance. AreaSearch identified 10 projects potentially affecting the area. Major initiatives 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, Operating Theatre Equipment).

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 Gannawarra demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Gannawarra has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs, diverse sector representation, and an unemployment rate of 1.5% as of September 2025. The area has 3,141 residents in work, with an unemployment rate 2.2% lower than Rest of Vic.'s 3.8%. Workforce participation is at 57.3%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 61.4%.

A moderate 15.7% of residents work from home. 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. Health care & social assistance has limited presence at 11.6% compared to the regional 16.8%.

The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the working population vs resident population count. Between September 2024 and August 2025, labour force decreased by 4.2%, employment by 2.8%, causing unemployment to fall by 1.4 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Vic. saw employment fall by 0.7% and labour force contract by 0.6%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Gannawarra's employment mix, local employment is estimated to increase by 5.0% over five years and 11.3% over ten years.

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 had a median income among taxpayers of $44,896 and an average of $53,820. This is below the national average. Rest of Vic., meanwhile, had a median income of $50,954 and an average of $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Gannawarra's median income would be approximately $48,600 and the average around $58,260 as of September 2025. Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Gannawarra all fall between the 8th and 11th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows that 28.3% of individuals (1,921 people) earn between $800 and $1,499, contrasting with the broader area where the $1,500 to $2,999 bracket leads at 30.3%. Housing costs are modest, allowing for retention of 92.0% of income. 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

In Gannawarra, as per the latest Census, 96.8% of dwellings were houses, with 3.1% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to Non-Metro Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Gannawarra stood at 57.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 25.9% and rented ones at 16.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $997, lower than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,430. Median weekly rent in Gannawarra was $180, significantly lower than Non-Metro Vic.'s $285 and the national average of $375. Nationally, Gannawarra's mortgage repayments were substantially below the Australian average of $1,863.

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 comprise the remaining 32.2%, with lone person households at 30.0% and group households making up 2.0%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of 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+ 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

Gannawarra has 18 active public transport stops operating within it. These stops are served by a mix of buses along 7 individual routes, providing a total of 66 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is limited, with residents typically located 961 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most commuting is outward-bound. Car is the dominant transport mode at 88%, with 8% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.8 per dwelling, higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 15.7% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 9 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 3 weekly trips per 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. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is extremely low at approximately 47% of the total population (~3,163 people), compared to 50.5% in Rest of Vic.

and the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (12.1%) and asthma (9.0%), while 60.8% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.4% in Rest of Vic.. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. As of 2021, the area has 30.5% of residents aged 65 and over (2,070 people), which is higher than the 23.9% in Rest of Vic., and national rankings are 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, as per the data, showed lower cultural diversity with 89.5% of its population being citizens, 94.0% born in Australia, and 97.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 52.8%, compared to 47.3% across Rest of Vic.. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (36.1%), English (33.7%), and Irish (9.3%).

Notably, Scottish ancestry was slightly higher in Gannawarra at 8.7% than regionally at 8.8%. Dutch ancestry was lower at 1.3%, compared to the regional average of 1.7%, and Maltese ancestry was also lower at 0.4% versus 0.5% regionally.

Gannawarra ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Gannawarra is 52 years, which is significantly higher than Rest of Vic.'s average of 43 years and also above the national norm of 38 years. The 65-74 age cohort is notably over-represented in Gannawarra at 17.1%, compared to the Rest of Vic. average, while the 35-44 age group is under-represented at 9.2%. This concentration of the 65-74 cohort is well above the national average of 9.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 0 to 4 age group has increased from 4.3% to 5.2% of the population, while the 5 to 14 age group has decreased from 10.9% to 10.0%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Gannawarra. The 85+ cohort shows the strongest projected growth at -4%, adding approximately -9 residents to reach around 200. Conversely, population declines are projected for both the 85+ and 0 to 4 age cohorts.