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This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
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Myrtleford has an estimated 4,641 residents, down from 4,745 at the 2021 Census — a change of 104 people, or 2.2%. Fewer than ten people live on each square kilometre, across a boundary that takes in surrounding rural land. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
Myrtleford has a population estimated at approximately 4,641 as of May 2026, according to analysis by AreaSearch. Since the 2021 Census, which recorded 4,745 residents, the population has decreased by 104 people, or 2.2%. This calculation is based on the June 2025 ABS estimated resident population of 4,635 combined with 40 validated new addresses registered since the Census. The density of the area stands at 8.4 persons per square kilometer, indicating residents have a significant amount of space. Recent population increases have been almost exclusively due to overseas migration, which served as the primary contributor to growth.
Projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia released in 2024, using 2022 as a base, are utilized by AreaSearch for each SA2. For areas lacking this data, projections are derived from the 2023 VIC State Government Regional/LGA releases, adjusted using a weighted aggregation method from the LGA to the SA2 level. The age group growth rates from these models are applied to all locations for the years 2032 to 2041. Future expectations align with the lower quartile growth seen in non-metropolitan Australia, with the local population projected to increase by 185 people by 2041 relative to the latest annual ERP, representing a total rise of 3.9% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
101 new dwellings have been approved in Myrtleford over the past five years, an average of 20 a year. That is 4.3 approvals per 1,000 residents. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 9, well below that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this SA2 boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Approximately 20 residential building approvals are granted annually in Myrtleford, with a total of 101 homes approved during the last 5 financial years (from FY-21 to FY-25) and 9 in FY-26 so far. Given the recent population decline, the rate of development has remained relatively sufficient, which is advantageous for buyers, with new builds averaging an estimated construction cost of $312,000. Additionally, commercial approvals this financial year stand at $6.3 million, suggesting that commercial construction is not a major focus. Compared to the Rest of Vic., new home approvals per capita in Myrtleford are roughly two-thirds the regional rate, placing it in the 44th percentile nationally, which limits choices for buyers and sustains demand for existing properties.
Detached houses account for 92.0% of new construction activity, while townhouses or apartments make up 8.0%, preserving the low-density character of the neighborhood and catering to buyers seeking space. The ratio of 372 people per residential approval reflects a quiet construction market with low building activity. The population of Myrtleford is projected to grow by 179 residents by 2041 based on the most recent AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Current construction trends suggest the supply of new housing will easily satisfy this demand, maintaining favorable conditions for purchasers and potentially supporting growth beyond current forecasts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Myrtleford
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 110 current infrastructure and development projects close to Myrtleford, worth an estimated $4.29 billion. 26 are already under construction and 33 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities, precincts & urban renewal and sports & recreation. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local infrastructure projects, major works, and planning policies play a major role in regional performance. AreaSearch has identified 1 project expected to influence the local area. Key initiatives include the Porepunkah Roadworks and Rail Trail Reconstruction, the Alpine Shire Land Development Strategy 2024, the North East Rail Line Upgrade, and the Inland Rail Beveridge to Albury project, with the details of the most relevant developments listed below.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
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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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Myrtleford Splash Park
Myrtleford Splash Park is a new community water play and recreation space on Lewis Avenue in Myrtleford. The project delivers a splash pad with interactive water features, toilets and accessible amenities, a pump house, picnic shelters, BBQ areas and landscaped surrounds. Developed by Alpine Shire Council in partnership with the Myrtleford Chamber of Commerce and fully funded through the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants Program, the park supports community wellbeing, outdoor activity and tourism, and is now open daily for public use.
Porepunkah Roadworks and Rail Trail Reconstruction
Local road improvements in Porepunkah (Service Street and Martley Street) addressing drainage with new kerb, channel, and stormwater pits. Also includes reconstruction and widening of the Rail Trail section between Bright and Porepunkah. Part of the State Government-funded Murray to Mountains (M2M) Rail Trail Enhancements Project, aimed at boosting cycle tourism.
Beechworth Railway Precinct Revitalisation (Murray to Mountains Rail Trail Enhancements)
Revitalisation of the historic railway precinct as an inclusive civic space and major visitor amenity, forming part of the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail Enhancements Project. The revitalised precinct features two new pavilions, a BBQ and picnic area, water play, a flying fox, new seating and lighting, and public toilets. The play space, designed by Ben Gilbert of Agency of Sculpture, is nature-based and complements the area's history. The overall project was a collaboration between Indigo Shire Council and Tourism North East.
Beechworth to Yackandandah Rail Trail
A 31km sealed rail trail connecting the historic towns of Beechworth and Yackandandah through scenic rural landscapes, including multiple sections with signage, wayfinding, and traffic management features to promote cycling tourism and community access. Construction was completed in April 2024 and it forms part of the broader Murray to Mountains Rail Trail network.
Alma Place Sustainable Subdivision
A seven-lot environmentally sustainable subdivision at 24 Alma Road, Beechworth, and Indigo Shire's first project developed under the Sustainable Subdivisions Framework (SSF). Development Plan was approved in December 2022 and the subdivision permit granted in March 2023. The 1.13 hectare site features lots optimised for solar orientation, retention of 30-40% of existing native vegetation, a community park with communal wicking beds within the cul-de-sac, and an integrated stormwater management system including rain gardens, swale drainage and a retarding basin.Design Guidelines registered on title mandate solar PV, battery storage, EV charging capacity and 10,000 litre water tanks. The existing dwelling on site is retained as one of the seven lots. Titling is complete and lots (945m2 to 1,103m2) have been progressively sold since 2023, with several still on the market as of early 2026.
Alpine Shire Land Development Strategy 2024
A crucial plan adopted by the Alpine Shire Council outlining the shire's growth and development until 2041 and beyond. It aims to accommodate a projected population increase of approximately 2,734 people and the need for 2,167 new homes across the Shire. Growth will be concentrated in Bright, Mount Beauty-Tawonga South, Myrtleford, and Porepunkah, with a focus on environmental considerations. The strategy will be reviewed every five years.
Beechworth Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade
Upgrade of the existing lagoon-based system to a new mechanical biological nutrient removal wastewater treatment plant. Features include new concrete bioreactors, inlet works, UV disinfection, aerobic digestion, and residuals management systems. Designed to ensure environmental compliance and provide capacity for Beechworth's ongoing residential and industrial growth.
McFeeters Road Bridge Renewal
Replacement of the old, load-limited vehicle bridge over Spring Creek, approximately 5km north of Beechworth, with a new, compliant single-lane structure (4.5m trafficable width) to remove the 16-tonne load restriction, improve safety, and enhance access for rural properties and fire response into the Chiltern-Mt Pilot National Park. The project is dependent on receiving Federal Government funding.
2,336 residents of Myrtleford are employed, from a labour force of 2,423. Unemployment sits at 3.6%, with participation at 60.8%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 5.6% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The local workforce is highly skilled, with notable concentrations in industrial and manufacturing roles, and an unemployment rate of only 3.6%. A total of 2,336 residents are employed as of March 2026, which matches the Regional Vic. unemployment rate of 3.7%, while the rate of participation in the labor force aligns with the Regional Vic. level of 61.1%. According to the Census, a moderate 14.7% of the workforce operated from home, though this figure may have been influenced by COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. Most employed residents work in healthcare & social assistance, manufacturing, or agriculture, forestry & fishing.
Manufacturing is a major local specialty, with its share of employment reaching 1.7 times the regional average. Conversely, education & training is less represented, accounting for 6.3% of local employment compared to 9.1% across the region. Based on the ratio of the Census working population to the resident population, local jobs exist but a significant portion of the workforce travels to other areas for employment. AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data shows that over the 12-month period, the labor force shrank by 2.2% and total employment fell by 2.0%, leading to a 0.2 percentage point drop in the unemployment rate. In comparison, Regional Vic. saw employment decline by 0.1%, the labor force contract by 0.3%, and the unemployment rate fall by 0.2 percentage points. Forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia starting in May-25 offer additional perspectives on future hiring needs in Myrtleford. These projections, spanning five and ten years, are applied to the local workforce structure to model future growth. While national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, trends vary widely by sector. Applying these national sector rates to the local employment mix suggests Myrtleford's employment could rise by 5.6% over five years and 12.3% over ten years, though this is a basic weighted extrapolation for illustration and does not incorporate local population projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Myrtleford is $1,226 a week (about $64,000 a year), with median personal income at $683 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $47,305 a year against an average of $55,831. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
The median income in the Myrtleford SA2 is $47,305 and the average income is $55,831, according to the latest ATO postcode data for the financial year 2023, placing the area below the national average. This compares to a median of $50,954 and an average of $62,728 in Regional Vic. Adjusted for a Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since the financial year 2023, current estimates for March 2026 are approximately $51,856 for the median and $61,202 for the average. Census data places personal, family, and household incomes in the area between the 15th and 25th percentiles nationally.
The income band of $1,500 - 2,999 contains 28.9% of the population (1,341 individuals), which is close to the metropolitan figure of 30.3%. Although housing costs are low, leaving residents with 88.2% of their income, total disposable income sits in the 20th percentile nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Myrtleford had 1,938 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 94% detached houses and 0% apartments. 29% are owned with a mortgage, 21% rented and 51% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $250 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,400 a month. Rent absorbs 20.4% of household income here and mortgage repayments 26.4%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
At the time of the latest Census, the housing stock in Myrtleford consisted of 93.9% houses and 6.0% alternative dwellings like apartments, townhouses, and other formats, compared to 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings in Regional Vic. Home ownership is high, with 50.5% of households owning their home outright, while 28.8% have a mortgage and 20.7% rent. The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,400 is below the Regional Vic. average of $1,430, and the median weekly rent is $250 compared to the regional figure of $285. In comparison to national averages, Myrtleford's median mortgage payment is lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are below the national average of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Myrtleford counted 1,938 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.3 people each. 23% are couples with children, fewer than in 78% of areas nationally, against 35% couples without children. 30% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.9 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up 68.3% of all households, with couples without children representing 35.4%, couples with children at 22.8%, and single parents at 9.2%. The remaining 31.7% are non-family households, which consist of lone persons at 29.7% and group housing at 2.0%. The median household size of 2.3 people is slightly below the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
18.5% of adults in Myrtleford hold a university qualification, including 12.8% with a bachelor degree and 2.8% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 28.4% hold a vocational qualification. 3 schools serve the area, with 668 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,016 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Educational attainment levels in the area present challenges, with the university qualification rate of 18.5% falling short of the VIC state average of 33.4%, indicating an area where targeted educational programs could be beneficial. Bachelor degrees are the most common tertiary credential at 12.8%, followed by graduate diplomas at 2.9% and postgraduate degrees at 2.8%. Vocational and technical qualifications are common, with 39.1% of residents aged 15+ holding a vocational qualification, including 10.7% with advanced diplomas and 28.4% with certificates. A total of 24.9% of the local population is enrolled in formal education, which includes 8.9% attending primary school, 8.2% in secondary school, and 2.7% enrolled in tertiary institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Myrtleford means driving: households keep an average of 1.7 vehicles, and scheduled services reach only a handful of stops. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Analysis of transit options shows 4 active public transport stops in Myrtleford, serviced by 2 routes that provide a combined total of 22 weekly passenger trips. Public transport access is limited, with residents living an average of 956 meters from the nearest stop. The neighborhood is mostly residential, meaning most residents travel outside the area for work, with 90% commuting by car and 7% walking. The average number of vehicles per dwelling is 1.7, which is higher than the regional average. In the 2021 Census, 14.7% of residents worked from home, which may reflect pandemic-era conditions.
Across all transit lines, the average service frequency is 3 trips per day, which translates to approximately 5 weekly trips for each transport stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
63.3% of residents in Myrtleford report no long-term health condition. 7.5% need daily assistance with core activities, and 47.4% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.4 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Analysis of mortality data and the prevalence of chronic illnesses by AreaSearch suggests below-average health outcomes for Myrtleford, with common health conditions slightly more elevated across both younger and older demographics. The rate of private health insurance is low, with approximately 47% of residents (~2,199 people) covered, compared to 50.5% in Regional Vic. and a national average of 55.7%. Arthritis and mental health conditions are the most prevalent issues locally, affecting 10.3% and 8.7% of residents, respectively, while 63.3% of the population reported no chronic conditions, compared to 63.4% across Regional Vic.
Working-age individuals experience chronic illnesses at rates above the national average. Seniors aged 65 and over constitute 28.5% of the population (1,323 people), which is higher than the Regional Vic. average of 23.9%, though national rankings remain consistent with the broader population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Myrtleford is largely Australian-born, at 84.8% of residents, with 10.8% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (27.6%) and Australian (27.2%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Myrtleford exhibits lower cultural diversity than average, with 84.8% of the population born in Australia, 90.5% holding citizenship, and 89.2% using only English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, representing 58.6% of the population, compared to 47.3% across Regional Vic. The primary ancestries reported are English at 27.6%, Australian at 27.2%, and Italian at 13.7%, with the Italian cohort significantly higher than the regional average of 2.9%. Other ancestries show varying levels of representation, with Dutch at 1.6% (compared to 1.7% in the region), Scottish at 8.0% (compared to 8.8%), and Irish at 8.7% (compared to 9.7%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Myrtleford is 49, older than 91% of areas nationally. That is 1 year younger than at the 2021 Census. 21.3% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age in Myrtleford is 49 years, which is higher than the Regional Vic. median of 43 and the national average of 38. The 65 - 74 age group is highly represented at 16.1% compared to Regional Vic., while children aged 5 - 14 are under-represented at 9.7%. This 65 - 74 cohort is also well above the national share of 9.4%. Since 2021, the 25 to 34 group increased from 8.8% to 11.2% and the 65 to 74 cohort rose from 14.7% to 16.1%, while the 55 to 64 group fell from 16.7% to 14.0% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 12.6% to 11.4%.
By 2041, the age structure is projected to shift, with the 45 to 54 cohort expected to grow by 128 people (24%) from 530 to 659, while the 15 to 24 and 65 to 74 cohorts are projected to decline.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Myrtleford
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the SA2 boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 40 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (4,745 at the 2021 Census → 4,641 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (204031071). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.