Mildura Surrounds

Mildura Surrounds is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Mildura Surrounds' population, as of Feb 2026, is approximately 3,821. This figure represents a growth of 95 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,726. The increase was inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 3,801 in June 2024 and nine new addresses validated after the Census date. This results in a population density of 0.20 persons per square kilometer. Mildura Surrounds' growth rate of 2.5% since the 2021 census surpassed the SA4 region's 1.5%, indicating it as a leading growth area within its region. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth in recent periods.

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 VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusting using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends anticipate an above-median growth for non-metropolitan areas, with Mildura Surrounds projected to increase by 615 persons to 2041, reflecting a total gain of 15.6% over these 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Mildura Surrounds, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Mildura Surrounds averaged approximately six new dwelling approvals annually. Between FY21-FY25, 31 homes were approved, with two more in FY26 so far. Each dwelling brought an average of 2.4 new residents annually over the past five financial years.

The average construction value of these dwellings was $411,000. In FY26, there have been $88.9 million in commercial approvals. Compared to Rest of Vic., Mildura Surrounds had 68.0% fewer construction approvals per person between FY21-FY25. New constructions were exclusively standalone homes, maintaining the area's low-density character. As of FY26, there are an estimated 1420 people per dwelling approval in the area.

By 2041, Mildura Surrounds is forecasted to gain 595 residents.

Mildura Surrounds has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 35thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 41 projects that may impact this region. Notable initiatives include Victorian Murray Floodplain Restoration Project, Nowingi Solar Power Station, Red Cliffs Solar Farm, and Sunraysia Water Efficiency Project. The following list details those considered most relevant.

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

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Mildura Surrounds ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Mildura Surrounds has a balanced workforce with diverse sector representation. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 1.4%. There are 2,018 residents in work, with an unemployment rate 2.4% below Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation at 63.8%.

A moderate 16.6% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing (5.6 times the regional level), health care & social assistance, and education & training. Construction employment is lower than average at 4.3%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work.

Over the year to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 4.1% and employment declined by 2.6%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate of 1.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia projects national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Mildura Surrounds' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.8% over five years and 11.0% over ten years.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Mildura Surrounds SA2 had a median income of $48,220 and an average of $54,365 among taxpayers. This is below the national average. Rest of Vic.'s median was $50,954 with an average of $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimates for September 2025 would be approximately $52,198 (median) and $58,850 (average). The 2021 Census indicates household, family, and personal incomes in Mildura Surrounds fall between the 16th and 28th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows 30.0% of locals earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually, which is similar to metropolitan regions at 30.3%. Housing costs are modest with 93.3% of income retained, but total disposable income ranks at the 26th percentile nationally.

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

In Mildura Surrounds, as recorded in the latest Census, 92.4% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 7.5% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to Non-Metro Vic., where 90.1% were houses and 9.9% were other dwellings. Home ownership in Mildura Surrounds stood at 54.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 25.0% and rented ones at 20.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $900, lower than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,430. The median weekly rent in Mildura Surrounds was $150, compared to $285 in Non-Metro Vic. Nationally, mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,863 and rents substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 64.5% of all households, including 23.9% couples with children, 32.7% couples without children, and 6.9% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 35.5%, with lone person households at 32.7% and group households comprising 2.9% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 13.2%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 37.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.1%) and certificates (29.2%). Educational participation is high at 28.8%, with 11.5% in primary education, 9.6% in secondary education, and 2.0% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.5% in primary education, 9.6% in secondary education, and 2.0% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is very low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Mildura Surrounds has 15 active public transport stops. These are served by four routes offering a total of 43 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is limited, with residents typically living 3018 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily. Car remains the dominant travel mode at 86%, while 10% walk. Vehicle ownership averages 1.8 per dwelling, higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 16.6% of residents work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages six trips per day across all routes, resulting in about two weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Mildura Surrounds are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Health indicators suggest below-average outcomes in Mildura Surrounds based on AreaSearch's assessment completed on 17/03/2021. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were found to be slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover was very low at approximately 47% of the total population, which is around 1,788 people, compared to 50.5% in Rest of Vic.

and a national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions were arthritis (8.4%) and asthma (8.3%). A total of 66.9% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.4% in Rest of Vic.. Working-age residents showed an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. As of 17/03/2021, the area had 24.0% of residents aged 65 and over, which is around 916 people. Health outcomes among seniors were particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

Mildura Surrounds is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Mildura Surrounds, surveyed in 2016, had a population with 84.9% being citizens, 91.3% born in Australia, and 94.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 48.8%. The 'Other' category was overrepresented at 1.4%, compared to 0.8% regionally.

In terms of ancestry, Australian (33.9%), English (31.6%), and Scottish (8.2%) were the top groups. Notably, Samoan (1.1% vs 0.1%), German (5.5% vs 3.5%), and Croatian (0.4% vs 0.4%) groups showed higher representation compared to regional averages.

Mildura Surrounds hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Mildura Surrounds has a median age of 45 years, which is slightly higher than Rest of Vic.'s 43 years and considerably older than the national average of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of Vic. average, Mildura Surrounds has an over-representation of the 25-34 cohort (14.1% locally) and an under-representation of the 55-64 age group (11.8%). Between 2021 and present, the median age has decreased by 1 year to 45 due to shifts in the population structure. Specifically, the 25-34 age group has increased from 10.6% to 14.1%, while the 15-24 cohort has risen from 9.2% to 10.4%. Conversely, the 55-64 age group has decreased from 16.5% to 11.8%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Mildura Surrounds. The 25-34 cohort is projected to grow by 36%, adding 193 residents to reach a total of 731. In contrast, population declines are expected for the 15-24 and 55-64 age groups.