Wangaratta

Population growth drivers in Wangaratta are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Wangaratta's population is 20,114 as of May 2026. This reflects a growth of 232 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 19,882. The increase is inferred from ABS' June 2025 estimated resident population of 20,020 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 349 persons per square kilometer. Wangaratta's growth rate of 1.2% since the 2021 census exceeded its SA3 area's growth rate of 1.1%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 71.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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 utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on latest annual ERP population numbers, Wangaratta is projected to increase by 4,943 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 24.1% over the 16-year period.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Wangaratta when compared nationally

Wangaratta recorded approximately 140 residential properties granted approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 700 homes. In FY26 so far, 97 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.6 new residents per year arrived for each new home constructed between FY21 and FY25. This pace of new construction matches or exceeds demand, providing more options for buyers and potentially driving population growth beyond current expectations.

The average value of new dwellings developed is $308,000. In the current financial year, there have been $100.4 million in commercial approvals, indicating strong local business investment. Compared to the rest of Victoria, Wangaratta has slightly more development, with 13.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years.

This maintains reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. However, building activity has slowed in recent years. Recent construction comprises 76.0% detached houses and 24.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The location has approximately 186 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. Future projections estimate Wangaratta adding 4,848 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Building activity is keeping pace with growth projections, though buyers may face increased competition as the population grows.

Wangaratta 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 13 projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones include Wangaratta Health Precinct Structure Plan, Wangaratta Landmark Retail Development Site, Wangaratta High School Upgrade, and Equine Village Estate. 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 drivers in Wangaratta are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Wangaratta has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors and an unemployment rate of 6.5% as of December 2025. There are 9,255 residents employed, with an unemployment rate 2.8% higher than Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation is lower at 59.0%, compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.0%.

According to Census responses, only 9.1% of residents work from home. Dominant employment sectors are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing. Wangaratta specializes in health care & social assistance with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 2.2%, below Regional Vic.'s 7.5%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data.

Over December 2024 to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 3.4% and employment declined by 5.1%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.6 percentage points. National employment forecasts from May-25 indicate a 6.6% expansion over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Wangaratta's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, although this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

Wangaratta SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $50,427 and an average of $58,471 in financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. These figures were below the national averages of $62,728 (median) and $75,916 (average). By March 2026, estimates based on a 9.62% Wage Price Index growth would be approximately $55,278 (median) and $64,096 (average). The 2021 Census showed Wangaratta's household, family, and personal incomes falling between the 16th and 30th percentiles nationally. Income distribution data indicated that the largest segment comprised 29.3% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (5,893 residents), similar to the surrounding region where 30.3% fell within this range. After housing costs, 86.2% of income remained, ranking at the 19th percentile nationally.

Wangaratta is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Wangaratta's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, comprised 85.8% houses and 14.3% other dwellings. In comparison, Regional Vic. had 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wangaratta was 39.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.7% and rented ones at 29.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, below Regional Vic.'s average of $1,430. Median weekly rent in Wangaratta was $260, compared to Regional Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Wangaratta's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,300 vs Australia's $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Wangaratta features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 63.0% of all households, including 22.9% couples with children, 27.1% couples without children, and 12.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 37.0%, with lone person households at 34.5% and group households comprising 2.5%. The median household size is 2.2 people, smaller than the Regional Vic average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 19.8%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.3%, followed by graduate diplomas at 3.3% and postgraduate qualifications at 3.2%. Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 38.1% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas at 10.9% and certificates at 27.2%. Educational participation is high, with 27.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 9.9% in primary, 8.2% in secondary, and 2.6% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.9% in primary education, 8.2% in secondary education, and 2.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Wangaratta has 122 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These are served by 18 routes providing 918 weekly passenger trips in total. Residents have good access to these stops, with an average distance of 249 meters to the nearest one. Most residents commute outward from Wangaratta, primarily using cars (91%). Walking and cycling account for 5% and 2% respectively. The area has a lower than average vehicle ownership rate of 1.3 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, only 9.1% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. On average, there are 131 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 7 weekly trips per stop. The provided map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

Health performance in Wangaratta is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Wangaratta's health data shows significant challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Notably high are the prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is found to be very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~9,694 people), compared to Regional Vic.'s 50.5% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (10.5%) and mental health issues (10.2%). Conversely, 59.5% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Regional Vic.'s 63.4%. Working-age residents face notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 24.2% of residents aged 65 and over (4,863 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but align broadly with national rankings for the general population.

Wangaratta is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Wangaratta, as per a study, showed low cultural diversity with 90.7% citizens, 89.6% born in Australia, and 93.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, at 52.9%, compared to 47.3% regionally. Top ancestral groups were English (31.5%), Australian (29.1%), and Irish (10.6%).

Italian (5.3%) and Scottish (8.6%) were overrepresented, while Hungarian (0.3%) was slightly higher than the regional average of 0.2%.

Wangaratta hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Wangaratta's median age is 44 years, similar to Regional Vic.'s 43 and above the national average of 38 years. Compared to Regional Vic., Wangaratta has a higher percentage of 25-34 year-olds (12.4%) but fewer 55-64 year-olds (11.8%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the proportion of 25-34 year-olds has increased from 11.5% to 12.4%, while the proportion of 5-14 year-olds has decreased from 12.0% to 10.8%. By 2041, Wangaratta's age composition is expected to change significantly. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 45%, adding 1,133 people and reaching a total of 3,628 from the current 2,494. The 15-24 age group is expected to grow by 1%, with an increase of 30 residents.