Kerang

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Kerang's population is around 3,836 as of Feb 2026. This reflects a decrease of 124 people (3.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,960 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,832 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 5 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 26 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by balanced factors across natural increase and migration patterns.

AreaSearch adopts 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 utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, with adjustments made using 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 1,071 persons by 2041 according to this methodology.

The level of residential development activity in Kerang is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Kerang has recorded around 12 residential properties granted approval per year, totalling 62 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 3 approvals have been recorded. Given population has fallen over the past period, new supply has likely been keeping up with demand, offering good choice to buyers, while new homes are being built at an average value of $256,000, in line with regional trends. Additionally, $4.4 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, indicating limited commercial development focus.

When measured against the Rest of Vic., Kerang shows comparable construction activity (per person), preserving market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas. This level is likewise lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. New development consists of 86.0% detached dwellings and 14.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated count of 549 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

With population projections showing stability or decline, Kerang should see reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

Kerang has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 30thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 7 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Victoria to NSW Interconnector West (VNI West), Kerang Solar & BESS Hybrid, Koorangie Energy Storage System (KESS), and the 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.

Employment conditions in Kerang demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Kerang features a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of just 2.3%, and 1.4% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 1,616 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.4% below Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%, and workforce participation lags significantly (51.3% compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.5%). Based on Census responses, a low 8.6% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing. The area shows particularly strong specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share of 1.6 times the regional level. Meanwhile, accommodation & food has limited presence with 5.1% employment compared to 6.9% regionally. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 1.4% and labour force decreased by 2.1%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 3.4 percentage points. This compares to Regional Vic., where employment fell by 0.6%, 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 Kerang. 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 Kerang's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.5% 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 Kerang SA2's median income among taxpayers is $44,224, with an average of $54,392. This is lower than average on a national basis, 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 $47,872 (median) and $58,879 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Kerang all fall between the 3rd and 8th percentiles nationally. Looking at income distribution, the $400 - 799 bracket dominates with 32.5% of residents (1,246 people), differing from patterns across the broader area where $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 30.3%. The prevalence of lower-income residents (40.1% under $800/week) indicates constrained household budgets across much of the area. While housing costs are modest with 89.0% of income retained, the total disposable income ranks at just the 7th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure within Kerang, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 89.6% houses and 10.5% 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 Kerang was well beyond that of Regional Vic., at 48.9%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (27.5%) or rented (23.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional Vic. average at $1,000, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $200, compared to Regional Vic.'s $1,430 and $285. Nationally, Kerang's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 58.7% of all households, comprising 19.1% couples with children, 28.2% couples without children, and 10.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 41.3%, with lone person households at 38.7% and group households comprising 2.8% of the total. The median household size of 2.1 people is smaller than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.

Kerang 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 (11.8%) substantially below the VIC average of 33.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 8.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 38.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (9.5%) and certificates (29.1%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 25.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.6% in primary education, 7.9% in secondary education, and 1.6% 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 2 active transport stops operating within Kerang, comprising a mix of train services. These stops are serviced by 5 individual routes, collectively providing 64 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 902 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 90%, with 8% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 8.6% 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 32 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Kerang is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Kerang, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 47% of the total population (~1,795 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 13.0 and 9.9% of residents, respectively, while 56.6% 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 30.4% of residents aged 65 and over (1,165 people), which is higher than the 23.9% in Regional Vic. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Kerang was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 91.2% of its population being citizens, 93.9% born in Australia, and 97.4% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Kerang is Christianity, which makes up 55.6% of people in Kerang, compared to 47.3% across Regional Vic..

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Kerang are English, comprising 35.2% of the population, Australian, comprising 33.5% of the population, and Scottish, comprising 9.2% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal is notably overrepresented at 2.6% of Kerang (vs 1.4% regionally), Irish at 8.3% (vs 9.7%) and German at 3.3% (vs 3.5%).

Kerang ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

At 51 years, Kerang's median age is significantly above the Regional Vic. average of 43 and considerably older than the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Regional Vic. average, the 65 - 74 cohort is notably over-represented (16.1% locally), while 15 - 24 year-olds are under-represented (8.7%). This 65 - 74 concentration is well above the national 9.5%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 9.6% to 10.8% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 10.9% to 9.2%. By 2041, Kerang is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the 85+ group will grow by -3% (-5 people), reaching 173 from 178. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 85+ and 45 to 54 cohorts.