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 May 2021. By May 2026, it decreased to around 4,641, a drop of 104 people (2.2%). This decrease is inferred from the ABS estimated resident population of 4,635 in June 2025 and an additional 40 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio was 8.4 persons per square kilometer by May 2026. Overseas migration primarily drove recent population growth.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For uncovered areas, it 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 years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the area is projected to expand by 185 persons, reflecting a total growth of 3.9% over the 16-year period from May 2021 to May 2041.

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 annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, a total of 101 homes were approved, with an additional seven approved so far in FY-26. Despite recent population decline, development activity has been adequate relative to other areas, which is beneficial for buyers.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $312,000. In the current 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 housing choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes.

New building activity consists of 92% detached houses and 8% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated population density is 373 people per dwelling approval, reflecting its quiet development environment. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Myrtleford is expected to grow by 179 residents through to 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth beyond current projections.

Myrtleford has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 31stth percentile nationally

"Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. A single project has been identified by AreaSearch that is likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Porepunkah Roadworks and Rail Trail Reconstruction, Alpine Shire Land Development Strategy 2024, North East Rail Line Upgrade, and Inland Rail Beveridge to Albury.".

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

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

Myrtleford has a skilled workforce with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, an unemployment rate of 4.2% as of December 2025. The unemployment rate is 0.5% higher than Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%, while workforce participation is similar at 61.0%. According to Census responses, 14.7% of residents work from home.

Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and agriculture, forestry & fishing. Manufacturing has a particularly high employment share, at 1.7 times the regional level. Education & training has limited presence with 6.3% employment compared to 9.1% regionally. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census working population data.

In the 12-month period ending May-25, labour force decreased by 3.5%, employment declined by 4.8%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project growth of 6.6% over five years and 12.3% over ten years for Myrtleford, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

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 Regional Vic.'s figures of a median income of $50,954 and an average income of $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Myrtleford are approximately $51,856 (median) and $61,202 (average) as of March 2026. Census data reveals that household, family and personal incomes in Myrtleford 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 (1,341 individuals), which aligns with the metropolitan region where this cohort also represents 30.3%. Housing costs are modest, with 88.2% of income retained, but 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, and 'other' dwellings. This is compared to Regional Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. 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, below Regional Vic.'s average of $1,430. Median weekly rent in Myrtleford was $250, compared to Regional Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Myrtleford's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian 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 account for 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 constitute the remaining 31.7%, with lone person households at 29.7% and group households comprising 2.0%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Regional 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+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.7%) and certificates (28.4%). Currently, 24.9% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, with 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

Myrtleford has four operational public transport stops. These are served by two distinct routes, offering a total of 22 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is considered limited, with residents situated an average of 956 meters from the nearest stop. In this predominantly residential area, outward commuting is prevalent. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation, used by 90% of residents, while walking accounts for 7%. On average, there are 1.7 vehicles per dwelling, exceeding the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, 14.7% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages three trips daily, resulting in 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 higher than average among both younger and older age cohorts, with common health conditions slightly more prevalent. Private health cover is very low at approximately 47% of the total population (~2,199 people), compared to 50.5% in Regional Vic.

and a national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (impacting 10.3%) and mental health issues (8.7%), with 63.3% of residents declaring themselves completely clear of medical ailments, similar to the 63.4% in Regional Vic. Working-age residents have an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 28.5% (1,323 people), compared to 23.9% in Regional Vic., 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 had a cultural diversity level below average, with 84.8% of its population born in Australia, 90.5% being citizens, and 89.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Myrtleford, accounting for 58.6%, compared to 47.3% across Regional Vic.. The top three ancestry groups were English (27.6%), Australian (27.2%), and Italian (13.7%), significantly higher than the regional average of 2.9%.

Dutch representation was notably higher at 1.6% in Myrtleford compared to 1.7% regionally, Scottish at 8.0% versus 8.8%, and Irish at 8.7% versus 9.7%.

Myrtleford ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Myrtleford's median age is 49, surpassing Regional Vic.'s figure of 43 and Australia's 38 years. Compared to Regional Vic., Myrtleford has a notably higher proportion of the 65-74 age group (16.1% locally vs. average) and a lower proportion of 5-14 year-olds (9.7%). The 65-74 concentration is significantly above the national average of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, Myrtleford's population has seen growth in the 25 to 34 age group (from 8.8% to 11.2%) and the 65 to 74 cohort (from 14.7% to 16.1%). Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort declined from 16.7% to 14.0%, and the 45 to 54 group decreased from 12.6% to 11.4%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant changes in Myrtleford's age structure. The 45 to 54 age cohort is projected to grow by 128 people (24%), increasing from 530 to 659. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 15 to 24 and 65 to 74 cohorts.