Kerang
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Kerang's population, as of November 2025, is approximately 3,841 people. This figure represents a decrease of 119 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 3,960 people. The decline was inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,833 as of June 2024 and the addition of 5 validated new addresses after the Census date. This results in a population density of 26 persons per square kilometer. Kerang's population decrease of 3.0% since the census is similar to that of its SA3 area (-0.3%), suggesting comparable regional population challenges. The population growth was 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 by this data, AreaSearch employs the 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, Kerang's population is expected to decrease by 1,071 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 up with demand, providing good choice for buyers. New homes are being built at an average construction cost value of $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. When 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. With population projections showing stability or decline, Kerang should see reduced housing demand pressures in the future, benefiting potential buyers.

Kerang has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 23rdth percentile nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 7 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable among these are the Kerang District Health Facility Upgrade (CSSD, PACU, Operating Theatre Equipment), Victoria to NSW Interconnector West (VNI West), Koorangie Energy Storage System (KESS), and Kerang Solar & BESS Hybrid. The following list provides details on those projects likely to be most 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 3.9%, 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, and its essential services sectors are well represented. The unemployment rate in Kerang is 3.9%.

As of June 2025, there are 1,593 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 4.0%, compared to the Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Kerang stands at 46.9%, lower than the Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing. Notably, public administration & safety has a strong presence with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level.

Conversely, accommodation & food services have limited presence at 5.1%, compared to the regional average of 6.9%. Many Kerang residents commute elsewhere for work, as indicated by the difference between Census working population and local population counts. Between June 2024 and June 2025, Kerang's labour force decreased by 4.2% and employment fell by 3.6%, leading to a 0.5 percentage point decrease in unemployment. In contrast, Rest of Vic.'s employment fell by 0.9%, labour force contracted by 0.4%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest that while overall employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Kerang's current employment mix indicates potential local growth of approximately 5.7% over five years and 12.5% 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 2022 shows Kerang's median income among taxpayers is $42,504. The average income in Kerang during this period was $50,020. This is lower than the national average. Comparing with Rest of Vic., Kerang's median income is $48,741 and average income is $60,693. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Kerang would be approximately $47,672 (median) and $56,102 (average) as of September 2025. Census data indicates household, family, and personal incomes in Kerang fall between the 4th and 9th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows that 32.5% of residents earn between $400 and $799 per week (1,248 people). This differs 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) suggests constrained household budgets across much of the area. Housing costs are modest 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

In Kerang, evaluated at the latest Census, 89.6% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 10.5% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This is comparable to Non-Metro Vic., where 90.7% of dwellings are houses and 9.2% are other types. 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 Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,083. The median weekly rent in Kerang was $200, matching Non-Metro Vic.'s figure but significantly lower than the national average of $375 for mortgage repayments and $1,863 for rents.

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 making up 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 most common at 8.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 38.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas (9.5%) and certificates (29.1%). Educational participation is high at 25.3%, including primary education (10.6%), secondary education (7.9%), and tertiary education (1.6%).

Kerang's five schools have a combined enrollment of 686 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 959) and balanced educational opportunities. The schools include three primary, one secondary, and one K-12 school. School capacity exceeds residential needs (17.9 places per 100 residents vs regional average of 14.7), indicating the area serves as an educational center for the broader region.

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. These offer a combination of train and bus services. A total of 14 routes service these stops, resulting in 108 weekly passenger trips.

Residents have limited access to transport, with an average distance of 902 meters to the nearest stop. Across all routes, service frequency averages 15 trips per day, equating to around 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

Kerang faces significant health challenges with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Approximately 46% (~1,774 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 13.0% of residents) and asthma (9.9%), while 56.6% report no medical ailments, compared to 64.1% in Rest of Vic.. Residents aged 65 and over make up 30.4% (1,168 people), higher than the 24.0% in Rest of Vic.. Health outcomes among seniors are challenging but better than those 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 showed low cultural diversity, with 91.2% being citizens born in Australia speaking English only at home by the year 2016. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 55.6%, slightly higher than the regional average of 53.2%. In terms of ancestry, the top groups were English (35.2%), Australian (33.5%), and Scottish (9.2%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation was higher at 2.6% compared to the regional average of 2.5%, while Irish and German representations were lower 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 and considerably older than the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Kerang has a notably over-represented 65-74 cohort at 15.9% locally, while the 45-54 age group is under-represented at 9.4%. This concentration in the 65-74 cohort 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, with the 85+ group growing by -7% (-12 people) to reach 173 from 185. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 85+ and 45 to 54 cohorts.