Kerang

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

Kerang's population, as of November 2025, is approximately 3,841, showing a decrease of 119 people since the 2021 Census which recorded 3,960 residents. This decline, representing a 3.0% drop, was inferred from ABS estimates showing an estimated resident population of 3,833 in June 2024 and the validation of five new addresses post-Census. The population density is around 26 persons per square kilometer. Kerang's population decrease since the Census (-3.0%) aligns closely with that of its SA3 area (-0.3%), indicating similar regional trends. Population growth was driven by balanced natural increase and migration factors. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered, it 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. By 2041, the population is projected to decline by 1,071 persons according to these methodologies.

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

Kerang has recorded approximately 12 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling 62 homes. As of FY-26, 3 approvals have been recorded so far. The population has fallen during this period, suggesting that new supply has likely kept pace with demand, providing good choice for buyers. The average construction cost value of new homes is $256,000, which aligns with regional trends.

In FY-26, $4.4 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating limited focus on commercial development. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Kerang shows comparable construction activity per person, maintaining market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas. However, this level is lower than the national average, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. New development consists of 86.0% detached dwellings and 14.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving Kerang's low-density nature with a focus on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers.

The estimated population per dwelling approval is 549 people, reflecting the area's quiet, low-activity development environment. With population projections showing stability or decline, Kerang should see reduced housing demand pressures in the future, benefiting potential buyers.

Kerang has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 44thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified seven projects potentially affecting this region. Notable ones are Victoria to NSW Interconnector West (VNI West), Kerang Solar & BESS Hybrid, Kerang District Health Facility Upgrade (CSSD, PACU, and Operating Theatre Equipment), and Koorangie Energy Storage System (KESS). 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.

Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 2.9%, Kerang has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Kerang has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well represented, and the unemployment rate is 2.9%.

As of September 2025, 1601 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.9% lower than Rest of Vic.'s 3.8%. Workforce participation in Kerang is at 46.9%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing. Public administration & safety shows strong specialization, with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level.

Accommodation & food services have a limited presence at 5.1%, compared to the regional average of 6.9%. Many Kerang residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, the labour force decreased by 4.3% while employment fell by 2.0%, causing unemployment to drop by 2.3 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic.'s employment fell by 0.7%, with a slight rise in unemployment. State-wide, VIC's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year as of 25-Nov, adding 41,950 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. 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 Kerang's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.5% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

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 2022 shows Kerang SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $42,504 and an average of $50,020. This is lower than the national average. Rest of Vic., meanwhile, had a median income of $48,741 and an average of $60,693. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022, current estimates for Kerang would be approximately $47,672 (median) and $56,102 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Kerang fall between the 3rd and 8th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows that 32.5% of residents earn between $400 - $799 per week, differing from broader area patterns where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket dominates at 30.3%. This indicates constrained household budgets across much of the area despite modest housing costs with 89.0% of income retained. However, 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

Kerang's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 89.6% houses and 10.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Vic.'s dwelling structures were 90.7% houses and 9.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kerang was at 48.9%, with the rest being mortgaged (27.5%) or rented (23.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Kerang was $1,000, lower than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,083. The median weekly rent figure in Kerang was $200, the same as Non-Metro Vic.'s figure. Nationally, Kerang's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were 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 comprise 58.7% of all households, including 19.1% couples with children, 28.2% couples without children, and 10.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 41.3%, with lone person households at 38.7% and group households comprising 2.8%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.3.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 11.8%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 38.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.5%) and certificates (29.1%). Educational participation is high at 25.3%, comprising 10.6% in primary education, 7.9% in secondary education, and 1.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Kerang has two operational public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 14 different routes, collectively offering 108 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is limited with residents typically located 902 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 15 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 54 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Kerang is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Critical health challenges are evident across Kerang. A range of health conditions impact both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~1,774 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 13.0% and 9.9% of residents respectively. Conversely, 56.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 64.1% across Rest of Vic.. The area has 30.4% of residents aged 65 and over (1,168 people), which is higher than the 24.0% in Rest of Vic.. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, performing even better than the general population in health metrics.

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's population shows low cultural diversity, with 91.2% being citizens, 93.9% born in Australia, and 97.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the dominant religion in Kerang, accounting for 55.6%, compared to 53.2% across Rest of Vic.. The top three ancestry groups are English (35.2%), Australian (33.5%), and Scottish (9.2%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation is higher at 2.6% in Kerang versus the regional average of 2.5%. Irish and German representations are also slightly higher than regional averages at 8.3% and 3.3%, respectively.

Kerang ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Kerang's median age is 51 years, which is significantly higher than the Rest of Vic average of 43 years and considerably older than the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of Vic average, the 65-74 cohort is notably over-represented in Kerang at 15.9%, while the 45-54 year-olds are under-represented at 9.4%. This concentration of the 65-74 age group is well above the national average of 9.4%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 9.6% to 10.7%, while the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 10.9% to 9.4%. By 2041, Kerang is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. The 85+ group will grow by -7 people (-7%), reaching 173 from 185. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 85+ and 45-54 cohorts.