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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.
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ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
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Wangaratta has an estimated 20,154 residents, up from 19,882 at the 2021 Census — a change of 272 people, or 1.4%. 616 new addresses have been validated here since Census night. That puts 350 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to research conducted by AreaSearch, the resident count in Wangaratta stands at approximately 20,154 as of Aug 2026. Relative to the 19,882 people recorded during the 2021 Census, this represents an addition of 272 people (1.4%). This demographic shift is derived from the ABS estimated resident population figure of 20,020 as of June 2025 alongside 616 validated new addresses registered following the Census date. With a resultant density of 350 persons per square kilometer, the locality offers ample space per resident and capacity for ongoing expansion. Across the broader region, Wangaratta's 1.4% increase since the 2021 census outpaced the SA3 area figure of 1.2%, establishing it as a primary regional growth driver.
Overall gains were predominantly underpinned by overseas migration, which represented around 71.0% of recent population additions. AreaSearch implements ABS/Geoscience Australia SA2-level demographic projections published in 2024 utilizing 2022 as a base year. Where SA2 coverage is absent, AreaSearch draws on 2023 VIC State Government Regional/LGA projections, applying a weighted aggregation methodology to translate LGA trends down to the SA2 level. Age-cohort expansion rates calculated through these aggregations are further extended across all territories for the 2032 to 2041 period. Looking ahead, demographic forecasts place the locality in the top quartile of non-metropolitan regions across the country, with projections indicating an influx of 4,832 persons through to 2041 relative to the most recent annual ERP statistics, equating to an overall expansion of 23.3% across the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
660 new dwellings have been approved in Wangaratta over the past five years, an average of 132 a year. That places the area in the 64th percentile for residential development activity nationally, about 7 approvals per 1,000 residents a year. Of the 132 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 76% were detached houses and the rest townhouses or apartments. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this SA2 boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Residential planning activity across Wangaratta has yielded roughly 132 dwellings receiving approval annually, culminating in 660 homes approved throughout the preceding 5 financial years (between FY-22 and FY-26). Because the area averaged only 0.5 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-22 and FY-26), ongoing construction has kept pace with or exceeded local demand, widening options for purchasers and facilitating expansion beyond baseline projections. Newly approved residential dwellings carry an estimated average construction value of $420,000. In addition, $100.4 million in commercial development approvals was recorded in the current financial year, highlighting solid non-residential construction activity.
On a per-capita basis, development activity in Wangaratta aligns closely with Rest of Vic., preserving a steady balance across the surrounding market. Detached houses account for 76.0% of recent residential builds, while attached dwellings make up 24.0%, sustaining the established low-density setting suited to buyers seeking spacious family accommodation. The locality records approximately 173 people per dwelling approval, underscoring its low-density nature. Demographic projections indicate that Wangaratta will expand by 4,697 residents up to 2041 (benchmarked against the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). While residential building volumes are progressing at a sustainable rate relative to anticipated growth, incoming buyers may experience heightened competition as the population broadens.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Wangaratta
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 12 current infrastructure and development projects inside Wangaratta, worth an estimated $504 million. A further 59 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $4.48 billion. 21 are already under construction and 30 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, energy and transport & logistics. 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 economic momentum and regional performance are strongly shaped by planning decisions, civic initiatives, and major capital works. AreaSearch has pinpointed 13 key developments expected to influence the surrounding area. Prominent undertakings include the Wangaratta Health Precinct Structure Plan, Wangaratta Landmark Retail Development Site, Wangaratta High School Upgrade, and Equine Village Estate, with principal projects detailed below.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Wangaratta Woolstores Development Site
A 5.77 hectare landmark retail development site known as Wangaratta Woolstores. It is a master planned precinct anchored by Harvey Norman featuring flexible showroom tenancies from 600sqm to 4,000sqm and a 270sqm QSR pad site. The council-endorsed site offers 388 metres of triple street frontage, over 390 proposed parking spaces, and is poised to serve a trade area population of over 70,000.
Wangaratta High School Upgrade
Upgrade and modernisation of Wangaratta High School including refurbishment of senior and middle school buildings, new classroom pods, study booths, improved learning spaces, upgraded heating and cooling, acoustic improvements, performing arts building maintenance and VCAL kitchen upgrade. Construction is underway with forecast completion in Q1 2027. Total project funding is $11.7 million, with an additional Minor Capital Works allocation for the VCAL kitchen.
Wangaratta Health Precinct Structure Plan
The Wangaratta Health Precinct Structure Plan is a statutory urban planning framework adopted by the Rural City of Wangaratta Council. Focused around Northeast Health Wangaratta between Swan Street and Rowan Street, the plan coordinates health and allied services expansion, traffic management, and active transport links. It serves as an incorporated planning scheme document guiding medical and community care growth across the Hume region.
Wangaratta CBD Urban Design Framework
The Wangaratta Central Activity Area (CAA) Urban Design Framework is a long-term strategic plan guiding city center development over a 15-20 year horizon. Formally implemented via Planning Scheme Amendment C80wang in late 2023, the framework identifies seven precincts for growth. 2025-2026 active works include the Rowan Street pedestrian bridge widening, Reid Street signalised crossing, and Creative Precinct developments at 31 Ford Street to enhance accessibility and safety.
Equine Village Estate
A 43.05-hectare thoroughbred trainers village development with approved plans for 29 lifestyle allotments ranging from 2 to 6.5 acres each. Located adjacent to Wangaratta Turf Club with dedicated bridle trail access linking directly to racing facilities. Designed specifically for high-performance horse trainers and equestrian enthusiasts seeking premium lifestyle acreage.
North West Wangaratta Residential Growth Area
Large residential growth area of 215 hectares set to deliver approximately 1670 lots and accommodate 5000 residents. The adopted structure plan includes a neighbourhood activity centre, commercial spaces, and infrastructure upgrades to support population growth.
Mason Street Residential Development
A 2.43 hectare prime residential development opportunity in central Wangaratta, currently home to the well-established Moore Than Swimming education centre which has served the community for over 25 years. The site presents exceptional potential for residential subdivision in a highly accessible location.
South Wangaratta Residential Growth Area
Southern residential growth area rezoned to General Residential, with the South Growth Area spanning 71.5 hectares and expected to yield approximately 615 lots accommodating 1,880 residents. Construction of sewer pipelines by North East Water is continuing to support this development.
9,424 residents of Wangaratta are employed, from a labour force of 9,986. Unemployment sits at 5.6%, with participation at 59.3%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.5% 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
A capable local labor market supports Wangaratta, characterized by strong representation across essential services and an unemployment rate of 5.6%. In March 2026, employed residents numbered 9,424. The local jobless rate sits 1.9% higher than the 3.7% recorded across Regional Vic., whereas workforce participation aligns closely with the regional benchmark of 61.1%. According to Census findings, 9.1% of workers carried out their duties from home, though this figure reflects conditions during Covid-19 restrictions. Local employment is predominantly clustered within health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing. Notably, health care & social assistance exhibits significant strength, with local job concentration reaching 1.3 times the wider regional benchmark.
Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing accounts for a smaller footprint, engaging 2.2% of Wangaratta workers compared to 7.5% across Regional Vic.. A comparison of local resident workers against the Census working population suggests a considerable proportion of the workforce commutes outside the area for employment. Analysis by AreaSearch using ABS and SALM metrics indicates that across the 12 months to March 2026, the local workforce contracted by 2.1% while overall employment declined by 1.9%, yielding a 0.2 percentage points reduction in the unemployment rate. By comparison, Regional Vic. saw employment decrease by 0.1%, the broader labor force drop by 0.3%, and unemployment decline by 0.2 percentage points. Broader national projections from Jobs and Skills Australia as of Mar-26 provide context regarding prospective employment demand. When these five-year and ten-year sectoral outlooks are mapped against local industry composition, national growth expectations of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years translate to an estimated local employment increase of 6.5% over five years and 13.8% over ten years (calculated via simple weighting for illustrative purposes, without incorporating local population projections).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Wangaratta is $1,242 a week (about $65,000 a year), with median personal income at $708 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $50,427 a year against an average of $58,471. 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
Taxation metrics compiled by AreaSearch from the ATO for financial year 2023 place Wangaratta SA2 earnings below national benchmarks. Taxpayers within the Wangaratta SA2 recorded a median income of $50,427 and an average income of $58,471, whereas Regional Vic. benchmarks stood at $50,954 and $62,728 respectively. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023 yields updated estimates of approximately $55,278 for median earnings and $64,096 for average income as of March 2026. Across personal, household, and family measures in the Census, local earnings sit between the 16th and 30th percentiles nationwide.
The largest single earning category is the $1,500 - 2,999 tier, containing 29.3% of residents (5,905 people), closely tracking the 30.3% observed across the metropolitan region. Residual income following housing costs stands at 86.2%, placing the district at the 19th percentile nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Wangaratta had 8,146 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 86% detached houses and 0% apartments. 32% are owned with a mortgage, 29% rented and 39% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $260 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,300 a month. Rent absorbs 20.9% of household income here and mortgage repayments 24.2%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Residential stock in Wangaratta at the time of the latest Census consisted of 85.8% standalone houses and 14.3% other dwellings (including semi-detached units, apartments, and alternative structures), compared with 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings across Regional Vic.. Full home ownership mirrored the wider regional level, recording 39.1%, while mortgaged properties accounted for 31.7% and rental accommodation comprised 29.2%. Monthly mortgage payments in the locality registered a median of $1,300, and weekly median rent was $260, coming in below the corresponding Regional Vic. figures of $1,430 and $285. Nationally, local mortgage commitments sit well below the Australian average of $1,863, with rental costs remaining significantly lower than the national benchmark of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Wangaratta counted 8,146 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.2 people each. 23% are couples with children, fewer than in 78% of areas nationally, against 27% couples without children. 35% 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 constitute the majority of domestic arrangements at 63.0%, comprising couples without children (27.1%), couples with children (22.9%), and single parent households (12.3%). The remaining 37.0% comprises non-family arrangements, dominated by lone person dwellings at 34.5% alongside group households at 2.5%. The typical household size is 2.2 people, tracking slightly lower than the Regional Vic. median of 2.4.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
19.8% of adults in Wangaratta hold a university qualification, including 13.3% with a bachelor degree and 3.2% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 27.2% hold a vocational qualification. 13 schools serve the area, with 4,486 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 990 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 present opportunities for targeted development, with 19.8% of residents holding a tertiary qualification compared to the VIC benchmark of 33.4%. Among higher education credentials, bachelor degrees represent 13.3%, graduate diplomas make up 3.3%, and postgraduate degrees account for 3.2%. Technical and vocational credentials are widely held, with 38.1% of the population aged 15+ holding qualifications comprising certificates (27.2%) and advanced diplomas (10.9%). Formal study engagement is substantial across the community, with 27.0% of residents actively undertaking education. This cohort comprises 9.9% enrolled in primary school, 8.2% attending secondary school, and 2.6% participating in tertiary studies.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Wangaratta reaches 122 stops on 22 routes, timetabled for about 1,300 services a week. The typical home sits about 250 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.3 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
An assessment of passenger transit infrastructure shows 122 operational stops across Wangaratta, spanning both bus and rail services. This network is navigated by 22 designated routes that generate a combined 1,308 weekly passenger trips. Access to transit is favorable, with the typical resident residing 249 meters from their closest boarding point. Commuter activity is heavily oriented outward, with private vehicles accounting for 91% of travel, while walking represents 5% and cycling comprises 2%. Average motor vehicle ownership sits at 1.3 per dwelling, below the broader regional standard. Census findings from 2021 indicated that 9.1% of workers worked from home, a metric that may reflect prevailing COVID-19 settings.
Public transit services deliver an average of 186 daily trips across all operational corridors, providing approximately 10 weekly trips for each individual stop. The accompanying mapping displays the 100 closest stops relative to the central reference point.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
59.5% of residents in Wangaratta report no long-term health condition, a less healthy profile than 84% of areas nationally. 8.7% need daily assistance with core activities, and 48.2% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 6.5 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health assessments compiled by AreaSearch indicate notable community challenges, characterized by mortality rates and chronic disease indicators that show elevated prevalence across younger and older age brackets alike. Private health insurance uptake is subdued, covering roughly 48% of residents (~9,714 people), below the Regional Vic. rate of 50.5% and the national figure of 55.7%. Prevalent chronic conditions across the locality include arthritis, diagnosed in 10.5% of the population, and mental health challenges, affecting 10.2%, while 59.5% of residents reported no medical conditions compared to 63.4% across Regional Vic.. Health difficulties are prominent among working-age individuals due to chronic disease rates.
Residents aged 65 and over make up 25.1% of the community (5,064 people), tracking above the 24.0% regional level, with senior health indicators generally matching broader national population patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Wangaratta is largely Australian-born, at 89.6% of residents, with 6.4% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (31.5%) and Australian (29.1%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity metrics show Wangaratta tracking below broader averages, with Australian citizens making up 90.7% of the populace, Australian-born individuals representing 89.6%, and 93.6% speaking solely English in the home. Christianity represents the primary religious affiliation, accounting for 52.9% of residents, compared to 47.3% throughout Regional Vic.. Looking at parental country of birth, the primary ancestries reported across Wangaratta include English (31.5%), Australian (29.1%), and Irish (10.6%). Notable variations appear across other backgrounds, with Italian ancestry comprising 5.3% of the community compared to 2.9% across the wider region, Scottish ancestry at 8.6% versus 8.8% regionally, and Hungarian heritage at 0.3% compared to 0.2%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Wangaratta is 44. 23.5% 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 age distribution in Wangaratta aligns closely with Regional Vic. benchmarks, displaying a maximum divergence of 1.1 percentage points. AreaSearch calculates a median age of 44 as at August 2026, holding steady from the 2021 Census and exceeding the Regional Vic. Census benchmark of 43 by 1 year, while Australia recorded a national Census median of 38. Long-term projections indicate that individuals aged 25 - 44 will account for the bulk of demographic expansion by 2041, increasing by 2,011 residents (43%) to reach an aggregate of 6,665.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Wangaratta
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Sep 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) | Aug 2026 2 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 Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Sep 2026 last 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 Sep 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Aug 2026 2 months ago all 12 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 Aug 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 7 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) | Sep 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Sep 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 — 616 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (19,882 at the 2021 Census → 20,154 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 Aug 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 (204021066). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.