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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Mildura Surrounds's population is around 3,821 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 95 people (2.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,726 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,801 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 9 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 0.20 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Mildura Surrounds's 2.5% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (1.5%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Anticipating future population dynamics, an above-median population growth for national non-metropolitan areas is projected, with the area expected to increase by 615 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, recording a gain of 15.6% in total over the 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 has averaged around 6 new dwelling approvals annually, with 31 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 2 so far in FY-26. With an average of 2.4 new residents per year for each dwelling over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), indicating healthy demand that should support property values, new homes are being built at an average value of $411,000, showing that developers are focusing on the premium market with high-end developments. There have also been $88.9 million in commercial approvals this financial year, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity.

Relative to the Rest of Vic., Mildura Surrounds shows substantially reduced construction (68.0% below regional average per person). This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. This is likewise lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. Meanwhile, new construction has been completely comprised of standalone homes, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated count of 1420 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Population forecasts indicate Mildura Surrounds will gain 595 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 41 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Victorian Murray Floodplain Restoration Project, Nowingi Solar Power Station, Red Cliffs Solar Farm, and the Sunraysia Water Efficiency Project, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Mildura Surrounds performing better than 85% of local markets assessed across Australia

Mildura Surrounds features a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with diverse sector representation, an unemployment rate of just 1.1%, and relative employment stability over the past year. As of December 2025, 2,033 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.6% below Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%, and workforce participation is fairly standard (64.1% compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.5%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 16.6% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area shows particularly strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share of 5.6 times the regional level. Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 4.3% versus the regional average of 10.4%. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.0% while employment declined by 0.0%, resulting in the unemployment rate falling by 2.0 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Vic. experienced an employment decline of 0.6% and labour force decline of 0.7%, with a 0.1 percentage point drop. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Mildura Surrounds. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Mildura Surrounds's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.8% over five years and 11.0% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Mildura Surrounds SA2's median income among taxpayers is $48,220, with an average of $54,365. This is below the national average, and compares to Regional Vic.'s median of $50,954 and average of $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $52,198 (median) and $58,850 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Mildura Surrounds all fall between the 16th and 28th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows the predominant cohort spans 30.0% of locals (1,146 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, reflecting patterns seen in the metropolitan region where 30.3% similarly occupy this range. While housing costs are modest with 93.3% of income retained, the total disposable income ranks at just the 26th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure within Mildura Surrounds, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 92.4% houses and 7.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Mildura Surrounds was well beyond that of Regional Vic., at 54.5%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (25.0%) or rented (20.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional Vic. average at $900, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $150, compared to Regional Vic.'s $1,430 and $285. Nationally, Mildura Surrounds's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are 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 dominate at 64.5% of all households, comprising 23.9% couples with children, 32.7% couples without children, and 6.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 35.5%, with lone person households at 32.7% and group households comprising 2.9% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people is smaller than the Regional 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (13.2%) substantially below the VIC average of 33.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 10.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 37.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (8.1%) and certificates (29.2%).

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

Public transport analysis reveals 15 active transport stops operating within Mildura Surrounds. These stops are serviced by 4 individual routes, collectively providing 43 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 3018 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 86%, with 10% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.8 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. Some 16.6% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 6 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 2 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 of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 47% of the total population (~1,788 people). This compares to 50.5% across Regional Vic. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 8.4% and 8.3% of residents, respectively, while 66.9% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.4% across Regional Vic. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 24.0% of residents aged 65 and over (916 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than those of 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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 84.9% of its population being citizens, 91.3% born in Australia, and 94.4% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Mildura Surrounds is Christianity, which makes up 48.8% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Other, which comprises 1.4% of the population, compared to 0.8% across Regional Vic..

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Mildura Surrounds are Australian, comprising 33.9% of the population, English, comprising 31.6% of the population, and Scottish, comprising 8.2% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Samoan is notably overrepresented at 1.1% of Mildura Surrounds (vs 0.1% regionally), German at 5.5% (vs 3.5%) and Croatian at 0.4% (vs 0.4%).

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

Mildura Surrounds's median age of 45 years modestly exceeds Regional Vic.'s 43 and is considerably older than the national norm of 38. Compared to the Regional Vic. average, the 25 - 34 cohort is notably over-represented (14.1% locally), while 55 - 64 year-olds are under-represented (11.8%). Since 2021, younger residents have shifted the median age down by 1.0 years to 45. In particular, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 10.6% to 14.1% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 9.2% to 10.4%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 16.5% to 11.8%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Mildura Surrounds. The 25 to 34 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 36%, adding 193 residents to reach 731. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 15 to 24 and 55 to 64 cohorts.