Kerang

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

Kerang's population, as of May 2026, is approximately 3786. This figure represents a decrease of 174 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 3960. The decline is inferred from ABS data: an estimated resident population of 3784 in June 2025 and five additional validated addresses post-Census. This results in a density ratio of 25 persons per square kilometer. Kerang's population decline since the Census (-4.4%) aligns closely with its SA3 area (-2.8%). Population growth was primarily driven by balanced factors across natural increase and migration patterns.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, 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. Projecting forward, the area's population is expected to decline by 1052 persons by 2041 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 granted approximately 12 residential property approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling 62 homes. As of FY-26, 5 approvals have been recorded. The population decline during this period suggests that new supply has likely kept pace with demand, providing good options for buyers. The average construction cost value of new homes is $256,000, aligning with regional trends.

In terms of commercial development, Kerang has seen $4.4 million in approvals this financial year, indicating limited focus on such developments compared to residential ones. When considering the Rest of Vic., Kerang's construction activity per person is comparable, maintaining market equilibrium similar to surrounding areas. However, it remains lower than national levels, reflecting a mature market and possible development constraints. The new development composition in Kerang consists of 86.0% detached dwellings and 14.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

With an estimated 549 people per dwelling approval, it reflects a quiet, low-activity development environment. Given population projections indicating stability or decline, Kerang is expected to experience reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers in the future.

Kerang has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 31stth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified seven projects likely to affect the region. Notable projects include 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 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.

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

Kerang has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue-collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well-represented with an unemployment rate of 2.3% as of December 2025. The area experienced 1.4% employment growth in the past year.

In comparison to Regional Vic., Kerang's unemployment rate is lower by 1.4%, at 1.4%. Workforce participation in Kerang lags behind Regional Vic., at 52.1% compared to 61.0%. According to Census responses, only 8.6% of residents work from home. The dominant employment sectors among Kerang's residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing.

There is particularly strong specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level. However, accommodation & food services have limited presence at 5.1%, compared to 6.9% regionally. Many Kerang residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data comparing working population to local population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels in Kerang increased by 1.4%, while the labour force decreased by 2.1%. This resulted in a fall of 3.4 percentage points in the unemployment rate. In contrast, Regional Vic.'s employment fell by 0.6%, labour force contracted by 0.7%, and unemployment fell by 0.1 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia for 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, assuming constant population ratios.

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 Kerang SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $44,224 and an average of $54,392. Nationally, these figures are lower than the average. Regional Vic., in comparison, had a median income of $50,954 and an average of $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Kerang would be approximately $48,478 (median) and $59,625 (average) as of March 2026. Census data reveals that household, family, and personal incomes in Kerang all fall between the 3rd and 8th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows that 32.5% of residents earn between $400 and $799 per week (1,230 people), differing from broader area patterns where the $1,500 to $2,999 bracket 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, 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

The dwelling structure in Kerang, as per the latest Census, consisted of 89.6% houses and 10.5% 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 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, below Regional Vic.'s average of $1,430, while the median weekly rent was $200, compared to Regional 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 account for 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 constitute 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 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's university qualification rate is 11.8%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 8.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Vocational credentials are common, with 38.6% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (9.5%) and certificates (29.1%). Educational participation is high, with 25.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes primary education (10.6%), secondary education (7.9%), and tertiary education (1.6%).

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 stops operating within Kerang, offering a mix of train services. These stops are served by five individual routes, collectively providing 64 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 902 meters from the nearest stop. As primarily residential, most residents commute outward; car remains dominant at 90%, with 8% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 8.6% of residents work from home, which may reflect 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, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both younger and older age groups exhibit high prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover is low, with approximately 47% (1,771 people) having it, compared to Regional Vic.'s 50.5%, and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 13.0% of residents) and asthma (9.9%), while 56.6% claim to have no medical ailments, compared to Regional Vic.'s 63.4%. Working-age population health is notably challenging due to high chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 31.0% (1,175 people), than Regional Vic.'s 23.9%. Senior health outcomes present some challenges, generally aligning with national rankings.

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 showed low cultural diversity, with 91.2% being Australian citizens, 93.9% born in Australia, and 97.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 55.6%, compared to 47.3% regionally. In terms of ancestry, the top groups were English (35.2%), Australian (33.5%), and Scottish (9.2%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal (2.6%) and Irish (8.3%) groups were overrepresented in Kerang compared to regional averages of 1.4% and 9.7%, respectively.

Kerang ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Kerang's median age is 51 years, which is significantly higher than Regional Vic.'s average of 43 years and considerably older than Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Regional Vic., Kerang has a notably over-represented 65-74 cohort (16.5%) and under-represented 15-24 year-olds (8.9%). This concentration in the 65-74 age group is well above the national average of 9.4%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 65 to 74 age group grew from 15.4% to 16.5%, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 9.6% to 10.7%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort declined from 10.9% to 9.4%. By 2041, Kerang is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition, with the 85+ group growing by -3% (-5 people) to reach 180 from 185, and population declines projected for both the 85+ and 45 to 54 cohorts.