Mildura Surrounds
Statistical Area - sa2

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 was approximately 3,817 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 91 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,726. The growth is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 3,801 in June 2024 and the addition of 11 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a population density of 0.20 persons per square kilometer. Mildura Surrounds' growth rate of 2.4% since the 2021 Census exceeded that of its SA4 region (1.0%). Overseas migration was the primary driver for this growth.

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, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Future projections indicate above-median population growth for national non-metropolitan areas. Mildura Surrounds is expected to increase by 615 persons by 2041, representing a total gain of 15.7% over the 17-year period.

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 around 6 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, with 31 homes approved between FY21 and FY25, and 1 so far in FY26. Each dwelling brought an average of 2.4 new residents per year during this period, indicating healthy demand for housing. The average construction cost value of new dwellings was $411,000, suggesting developers focused on the premium market with high-end developments.

This financial year has seen $88.9 million in commercial approvals, reflecting significant local commercial activity. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Mildura Surrounds had 68.0% fewer construction approvals per person between FY21 and FY25, which typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes due to constrained new construction. This is also lower than the national average, potentially indicating market maturity or development constraints. All new constructions were standalone homes, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes. The estimated population per dwelling approval was 1420 people.

Population forecasts project Mildura Surrounds will gain 599 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Mildura Surrounds has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 42ndth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 41 projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones include Victorian Murray Floodplain Restoration Project, Nowingi Solar Power Station, Red Cliffs Solar Farm, and Sunraysia Water Efficiency Project. 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 performance in Mildura Surrounds exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Mildura Surrounds has a balanced workforce with representation from both white and blue collar jobs across various sectors. As of June 2025, the unemployment rate is 2.1%.

In this month, 1,971 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.7% lower than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. The workforce participation rate is similar to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Employment is concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Agriculture, forestry & fishing shows strong specialization with an employment share 5.6 times the regional level.

Conversely, construction has lower representation at 4.3% compared to the regional average of 10.4%. Many residents may commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the 12 months to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 4.3% and employment declined by 3.9%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic. experienced an employment decline of 0.9% and labour force decline of 0.4%, with a rise in unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest potential future demand within Mildura Surrounds. These projections estimate national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Mildura Surrounds' employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 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 2022 shows Mildura Surrounds' median income among taxpayers is $45,046, with an average of $52,319. This is below the national average and compares to Rest of Vic.'s median of $48,741 and average of $60,693. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $50,524 (median) and $58,681 (average) as of September 2025. The 2021 Census shows household, family, and personal incomes in Mildura Surrounds fall between the 16th and 28th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile indicates that 30.0% of locals (1,145 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999, similar to metropolitan regions where 30.3% occupy this range. Housing costs are modest, with 93.3% of income retained, but the total disposable income ranks at just the 27th percentile nationally.

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

In Mildura Surrounds, as per the latest Census evaluation, 92.4% of dwellings were houses, with 7.5% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. In comparison, Non-Metro Vic. had 85.6% houses and 14.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mildura Surrounds was 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 $1,283. The median weekly rent in Mildura Surrounds was $150, significantly less than Non-Metro Vic.'s $265 and the national average of $375. Nationally, mortgage repayments were substantially lower at $900 compared to Australia's average of $1,863.

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 make up the remaining 35.5%, consisting of 32.7% lone person households and 2.9% group households. 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 has university qualification rates of 13.2%, significantly lower than the VIC average of 33.4%. This presents both challenges and opportunities for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 10.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 37.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (8.1%) and certificates (29.2%).

Educational participation is high at 28.8%, including primary education (11.5%), secondary education (9.6%), and tertiary education (2.0%). Six schools operate within Mildura Surrounds, educating approximately 407 students. The area has varied educational conditions with a mix of 3 primary and 3 K-12 schools. School places per 100 residents are lower than the regional average at 10.7, indicating some students may attend schools in adjacent areas.

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

The analysis shows that there are currently 15 active public transport stops in operation within the Mildura Surrounds area. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 10 individual routes providing service to these locations. The combined weekly passenger trips across all routes amount to 67.

Residents' accessibility to public transport is rated as limited, with an average distance of 3747 meters to the nearest stop. On average, there are 9 trips per day across all routes, which translates to roughly 4 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Mildura Surrounds is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Mildura Surrounds faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~1,763 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, impacting 8.4% and 8.3% of residents respectively. 66.9% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 65.1% across Rest of Vic.. The area has 24.1% of residents aged 65 and over (919 people), higher than the 19.2% in Rest of Vic.. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

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 had a cultural diversity index below the average, with 84.9% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia (91.3%), speaking English only at home (94.4%). Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 48.8%. The most significant overrepresentation was in the 'Other' category, at 1.4%, compared to 1.0% across Rest of Vic.

In terms of ancestry, Australian was the largest group (33.9%), followed by English (31.6%) and Scottish (8.2%). Notably, Samoan, German, and Croatian groups showed higher representation than regional averages: Samoan at 1.1%, German at 5.5%, and Croatian at 0.4%.

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. This figure is also considerably older than the national norm of 38 years. Comparing with the Rest of Vic. average, Mildura Surrounds has a notably over-represented 25-34 age cohort (13.6%) and an under-represented 15-24 age group (10.2%). Between 2021 and now, the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 10.6% to 13.6%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has decreased from 16.5% to 12.6%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Mildura Surrounds' age profile. The 25 to 34 age group is projected to grow by 211 people (41%), reaching 731 from the current 519. Conversely, population declines are expected for the 65 to 74 and 55 to 64 cohorts.