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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Myrtleford's population is around 4,675 as of Feb 2026. This reflects a decrease of 70 people (1.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,745 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,639 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 29 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 8.4 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. 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 utilizing 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. As we examine future population trends, lower quartile growth of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is anticipated, with the area expected to expand by 218 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 3.9% in total over the 17 years.

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 around 20 residential properties granted approval per year, with 101 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 5 so far in FY-26. With population declining over recent years, development activity has been adequate in relative terms, which is a positive for buyers, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $312,000. Additionally, $6.3 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating a limited commercial development focus.

Relative to the Rest of Vic., Myrtleford has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks in the 44th percentile of areas assessed nationally, meaning more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes. New building activity consists of 92.0% detached houses and 8.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low-density nature with an emphasis on detached housing that attracts space-seeking buyers. The estimated count of 373 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low-activity development environment.

Looking ahead, Myrtleford is expected to grow by 182 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). 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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 1 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, 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.

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, and an unemployment rate of 4.2%. As of December 2025, 2,301 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 0.5% above Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Regional Vic.'s 61.5%. Based on Census responses, a moderate 14.7% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and agriculture, forestry & fishing. The area has a particular employment specialization in manufacturing, with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level. Meanwhile, education & training has a limited presence with 6.3% employment compared to 9.1% regionally. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of the Census working population relative to the local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw the labour force decrease by 3.5% while employment declined by 4.8%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.3 percentage points. This compares to Regional Vic., where employment fell by 0.6%, the labour force contracted by 0.7%, and unemployment fell 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Myrtleford. 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 Myrtleford's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.6% over five years and 12.3% 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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Myrtleford SA2 is below the national average, with the median assessed at $47,305 while the average income stands at $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 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $51,208 (median) and $60,437 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Myrtleford all fall between the 15th and 25th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 28.9% of the community (1,351 individuals), aligning with the metropolitan region where this cohort likewise represents 30.3%. While housing costs are modest with 88.2% of income retained, 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

Dwelling structure within Myrtleford, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 93.9% houses and 6.0% 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 Myrtleford was well beyond that of Regional Vic., at 50.5%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (28.8%) or rented (20.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Regional Vic. average at $1,400, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $250, compared to Regional Vic.'s $1,430 and $285. Nationally, Myrtleford's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 68.3% of all households, comprising 22.8% couples with children, 35.4% couples without children, and 9.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 31.7%, with lone person households at 29.7% and group households comprising 2.0% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (18.5%) substantially below the VIC average of 33.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 12.8%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.9%) and postgraduate qualifications (2.8%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 39.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.7%) and certificates (28.4%).

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 reveals 4 active transport stops operating within Myrtleford. These stops are serviced by 2 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; the car remains the dominant mode at 90%, with 7% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.7 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. Some 14.7% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 3 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 5 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

Health indicators suggest below-average outcomes in Myrtleford, 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 (~2,215 people). This compares to 50.5% across Regional Vic. and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 10.3% and 8.7% of residents, respectively, while 63.3% 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 27.6% of residents aged 65 and over (1,288 people), which is higher than the 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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 84.8% of its population born in Australia, 90.5% being citizens, and 89.2% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Myrtleford is Christianity, which makes up 58.6% of people in Myrtleford, compared to 47.3% across Regional Vic..

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Myrtleford are English, comprising 27.6% of the population, Australian, comprising 27.2% of the population, and Italian, comprising 13.7% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 2.9%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Dutch is represented at 1.6% of Myrtleford (vs 1.7% regionally), Scottish at 8.0% (vs 8.8%) and Irish at 8.7% (vs 9.7%).

Myrtleford ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

With a median age of 49, Myrtleford is notably exceeding the Regional Vic. figure of 43 and is well above Australia's 38 years. Compared to the Regional Vic. average, the 65 - 74 cohort is notably over-represented (15.7% locally), while 5 - 14 year-olds are under-represented (9.7%). This 65 - 74 concentration is well above the national 9.5%. In the period since 2021, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 8.8% to 11.7% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 10.0% to 11.3%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 16.7% to 13.6% and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 10.9% to 9.7%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Myrtleford's age structure. The 45 to 54 age cohort is projected to experience strong growth, expanding by 128 people (24%) from 538 to 667. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 15 to 24 and 65 to 74 cohorts.