Myrtleford

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

Myrtleford's population was 4,745 as of Feb 2021. As of Feb 2026, it is around 4,675, a decrease of 70 people (1.5%). This change is inferred from ABS estimated resident population of 4,639 in June 2024 and additional 29 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is 8.4 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration was the primary driver of recent population 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, it utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation method from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends anticipate lower quartile growth for non-metropolitan Australia. Myrtleford is expected to expand by 218 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 3.9% over the 17 years based on latest annual ERP population numbers.

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

Myrtleford has recorded approximately 20 residential properties granted approval per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, a total of 101 homes were approved. In FY-26, up until now, there have been 5 approvals.

The population decline in recent years has resulted in adequate development activity relative to other areas, which is beneficial for buyers. New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $312,000. This financial year, $6.3 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating limited focus on commercial development.

Compared to the rest of Victoria, Myrtleford has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 44th percentile nationally, offering more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes. The building activity shows that 92% are detached houses and 8% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated population density is around 373 people per dwelling approval. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Myrtleford is expected to grow by 182 residents through to 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Myrtleford has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 32ndth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified one major project expected to affect this region: Porepunkah Roadworks and Rail Trail Reconstruction. Other key projects include Alpine Shire Land Development Strategy 2024, North East Rail Line Upgrade, and Inland Rail Beveridge to Albury. The following 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.

Myrtleford shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Myrtleford's workforce is skilled with manufacturing and industrial sectors prominently represented. The unemployment rate in September 2025 was 4.2%. There were 2,308 residents employed while the unemployment rate was 0.4% higher than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation was similar to Rest of Vic.'s 61.4%. According to Census responses, 14.7% of residents worked from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and agriculture, forestry & fishing. Manufacturing has a significant presence with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level.

Education & training has limited presence at 6.3%, compared to the regional rate of 9.1%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, labour force decreased by 1.8% while employment declined by 3.1%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May-25) project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Myrtleford's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.6% over five years and 12.3% 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 that Myrtleford SA2 has an income below the national average. The median income is $47,305 and the average income is $55,831. This contrasts with Rest of Vic., which has a median income of $50,954 and an average income of $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Myrtleford SA2 would be approximately $51,208 (median) and $60,437 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals that household, family, and personal incomes in Myrtleford SA2 all fall between the 15th and 25th percentiles nationally. Income analysis shows that the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 28.9% of the community (1,351 individuals), which aligns with the metropolitan region where this cohort also represents 30.3%. Housing costs are modest in Myrtleford SA2, with 88.2% of income retained. However, the total disposable income ranks at just the 20th percentile nationally.

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

In Myrtleford, as per the latest Census evaluation, 93.9% of dwellings were houses, with 6.0% being other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, or 'other' dwellings. This compares to Non-Metro Vic., where 90.1% of dwellings were houses and 9.9% were other types. Home ownership in Myrtleford stood at 50.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.8% and rented ones at 20.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,400, lower than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,430. The median weekly rent in Myrtleford was $250, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Myrtleford's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,400 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Myrtleford has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 68.3% of all households, including 22.8% couples with children, 35.4% couples without children, and 9.2% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 31.7%, with lone person households at 29.7% and group households making up 2.0%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.4.

Myrtleford shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

The area's university qualification rate is 18.5%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.8%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.9%) and postgraduate qualifications (2.8%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.1% of residents aged 15 and above holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.7%) and certificates (28.4%). A total of 24.9% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, comprising 8.9% in primary, 8.2% in secondary, and 2.7% in tertiary education.

A substantial 24.9% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 8.9% in primary education, 8.2% in secondary education, and 2.7% 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 shows four active transport stops operating within Myrtleford. These stops are serviced by two individual routes, collectively providing 22 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 956 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 90%, with 7% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.7 per dwelling, above the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, some 14.7% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages three trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately five weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Myrtleford's health indicators show below-average outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is very low at approximately 47% of the total population (~2,215 people), compared to 50.5% in Rest of Vic.

and the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (impacting 10.3% of residents) and mental health issues (8.7%), while 63.3% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, similar to Rest of Vic.'s 63.4%. Working-age residents show above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 27.6% of residents aged 65 and over (1,288 people), higher than Rest of Vic.'s 23.9%, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Myrtleford ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Myrtleford's cultural diversity was found to be below average. It had 84.8% of its population born in Australia, with 90.5% being citizens and 89.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 58.6% of people, compared to 47.3% across Rest of Vic..

The top three ancestry groups were English (27.6%), Australian (27.2%), and Italian (13.7%), which is significantly higher than the regional average of 2.9%. Notably, Dutch representation was overrepresented at 1.6%, compared to 1.7% regionally. Scottish representation was also high at 8.0%, versus 8.8% regionally, and Irish representation stood at 8.7%, compared to 9.7% regionally.

Myrtleford ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Myrtleford's median age is 49, surpassing Rest of Vic.'s figure of 43 and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Vic., the 65-74 cohort is notably higher at 15.7% locally compared to its average, while the 5-14 year-olds are under-represented at 9.7%. This concentration in the 65-74 age group is well above Australia's national figure of 9.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 25-34 age group has grown from 8.8% to 11.7%, while the 35-44 cohort increased from 10.0% to 11.3%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort declined from 16.7% to 13.6% and the 5-14 group dropped from 10.9% to 9.7%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Myrtleford's age structure. The 45-54 cohort is projected to grow by 128 people (24%), increasing from 538 to 667. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 15-24 and 65-74 cohorts.