Kerang

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

Kerang's population, as of February 2026, is approximately 3836 people. This figure represents a decrease of 124 individuals, equating to a 3.1% drop since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 3960. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 3832 as of June 2024 and an additional 5 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 26 persons per square kilometer. Population growth in the area has been primarily driven by balanced factors across natural increase and migration patterns.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. According to these projections, the area's population is expected to decline by 1071 persons by the year 2041.

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 terms of commercial development, $4.4 million in approvals have been recorded this financial year, 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. This level is lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. New development consists of 86.0% detached dwellings and 14.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

The estimated population per dwelling approval is 549 people, indicating a quiet, low activity development environment. Population projections suggest stability or decline, which should reduce housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified seven projects that could affect this region. Notable ones are Victoria to NSW Interconnector West (VNI West), Kerang Solar & BESS Hybrid, Koorangie Energy Storage System (KESS), and Kerang District Health Facility Upgrade (CSSD, PACU, and Operating Theatre Equipment). The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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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 equal representation of white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well-represented, and the unemployment rate is 2.9%. As of September 2025, 1,601 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.9% lower than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation in Kerang is at 51.2%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 61.4%. According to Census responses, only 8.6% of residents work from home. The dominant employment sectors are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing. Public administration & safety has a strong presence with an employment share of 1.6 times the regional level, while accommodation & food services have limited representation at 5.1%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Kerang's labour force decreased by 4.3%, 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%, labour force contracted by 0.6%, and unemployment rose marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia projects national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Kerang's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.5% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

Kerang SA2's median income among taxpayers was $44,224 in financial year 2023. The average income was $54,392. This is lower than the national average. Rest of Vic.'s median income was $50,954 and average income was $62,728 during the same period. By September 2025, estimates suggest Kerang's median income would be approximately $47,872 and average income around $58,879, based on an 8.25% growth in wages since financial year 2023. Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Kerang fall between the 3rd and 8th percentiles nationally. Income distribution reveals that 32.5% of residents earn between $400 - $799 per week (1,246 people). This differs from broader area patterns where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket dominates with 30.3%. A significant proportion of Kerang's residents have lower incomes, with 40.1% earning less than $800 per week, indicating constrained household budgets across much of the area. Despite modest housing costs, allowing for 89.0% income retention, 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

In Kerang, as per the latest Census evaluation, 89.6% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 10.5% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. In comparison, Non-Metro Vic. had 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kerang stood at 48.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.5% and rented ones at 23.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,000, lower than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,430. The median weekly rent in Kerang was $200, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Kerang's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and 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 constitute 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 comprise the remaining 41.3%, with lone person households at 38.7% and group households making up 2.8% of the total. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.4.

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 - advanced diplomas account for 9.5% and certificates for 29.1%. Educational participation is high at 25.3%, including 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

Public transport analysis shows two active transport stops operating within Kerang. These stops offer a mix of train services and are collectively served by five individual routes, providing 64 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 902 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most residents commute outward. The dominant mode of transport remains car at 90%, with 8% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 8.6% of residents work from home, potentially reflecting COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages nine 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

Kerang faces significant health challenges, according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notably high across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low, with approximately 47% of Kerang's total population (~1,795 people) having it, compared to 50.5% in the rest of Victoria (Rest of Vic.) and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (impacting 13.0% of residents) and asthma (9.9%), while 56.6% claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.4% in Rest of Vic. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Kerang has a higher proportion of seniors, with 30.4% of residents aged 65 and over (1,165 people), compared to 23.9% in Rest of Vic. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly aligning with national rankings for 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's population was found to be predominantly culturally homogeneous, with 91.2% being Australian citizens, 93.9% born in Australia, and 97.4% speaking English as their primary language at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Kerang, accounting for 55.6% of its population, compared to 47.3% across the rest of Victoria. The top three ancestry groups in Kerang are English (35.2%), Australian (33.5%), and Scottish (9.2%).

Notably, certain ethnic groups have different representations: Australian Aboriginal is overrepresented at 2.6%, compared to 1.4% regionally; Irish at 8.3%, compared to 9.7%; and German at 3.3%, compared to 3.5%.

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 and considerably older than the Australian median of 38. The 65-74 cohort is notably over-represented in Kerang at 16.1%, compared to the Rest of Vic average, while the 15-24 age group is under-represented at 8.7%. This concentration of the 65-74 cohort is well above the national average of 9.5%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 9.6% to 10.8%, while 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. The 85+ group will grow by -3 people (-3%), reaching 173 from 178. Population declines are projected for the 85+ and 45-54 cohorts.