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, as of February 2026, is approximately 21,311. This figure represents a growth of 1,429 people, an increase of 7.2% since the 2021 Census when the population was recorded at 19,882. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 20,071 in June 2024 and an additional 553 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 370 persons per square kilometer. Wangaratta's growth rate exceeded that of its SA3 area (5.9%) and SA4 region, making it a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 92.3% 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 the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Projected demographic shifts indicate a significant population increase in the top quartile of Australia's regional areas, with Wangaratta expected to expand by 5,225 persons by 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 18.7% over the 17-year period.

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

Wangaratta has granted approximately 140 residential property approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 700 homes. As of FY26, 66 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.6 new residents per year have arrived for each new home constructed between FY21 and FY25. This indicates that new construction is keeping pace with demand, providing more options for buyers and facilitating population growth that may exceed current projections.

The average value of new dwellings developed is $308,000. In the current financial year, there have been $100.4 million in commercial approvals, suggesting strong local business investment. Compared to the rest of Victoria, Wangaratta has slightly more development activity, with 12.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years.

This preserves 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 to high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes that appeal to those seeking space. The location has approximately 186 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Wangaratta is projected to add around 3,983 residents by 2041. Current construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

Wangaratta has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 35thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 13 projects likely impacting the region. Notable initiatives include the 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 essential services well represented. Its unemployment rate is 6.4%. As of September 2025, 9,292 residents are employed, an unemployment rate of 2.6% higher than the Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%, and participation rate at 59.2%, lower than the regional average of 61.4%.

A low 9.1% work from home, potentially impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns. Dominant sectors are health care & social assistance, retail trade, manufacturing. The area specializes in health care & social assistance with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 2.2%, lower than Rest of Vic.'s 7.5%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data.

Over September 2024 to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 1.6% and employment declined by 3.0%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.4 percentage points, contrasting with Rest of Vic.'s marginal employment decline of 0.7%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May-25) project national growth at 6.6% 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, though 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 according to latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This was below the national average, contrasting with Rest of Vic.'s median income of $50,954 and average income of $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $54,587 (median) and $63,295 (average). According to 2021 Census figures, Wangaratta's household, family, and personal incomes all fell between the 16th and 30th percentiles nationally. Income distribution showed that the largest segment comprised 29.3% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (6,244 residents), reflecting patterns seen in the surrounding region where 30.3% similarly occupied 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, consisted of 85.8% houses and 14.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wangaratta was at 39.1%, similar to Non-Metro Vic., with the rest being mortgaged (31.7%) or rented (29.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, below Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,430 and Australia's national average of $1,863. Median weekly rent in Wangaratta was $260, lower than Non-Metro Vic.'s $285 and the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 account for the remaining 37.0%, with lone person households at 34.5% and group households comprising 2.5% of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of 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 (3.3%) and postgraduate qualifications (3.2%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 38.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.9%) and certificates (27.2%). Educational participation is high, with 27.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 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. Residents enjoy good transport accessibility, with an average distance of 249 meters to the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily. Car remains the primary mode at 91%, followed by walking (5%) and cycling (2%). Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, lower than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 9.1% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 131 trips per day across all routes, equating to around 7 weekly trips per stop. The map accompanying this data highlights 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 faces substantial health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment conducted on 19th June 2023. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were found to be notable across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover was found to be very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~10,271 people), compared to 50.5% across Rest of Vic., and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions were arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 10.5% and 10.2% of residents respectively, while 59.5% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.4% across Rest of Vic.. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. As of June 2023, the area has 23.7% of residents aged 65 and over (5,048 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with 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 was found to have a cultural diversity below average, with 90.7% of its population being citizens, 89.6% born in Australia, and 93.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the main religion in Wangaratta, comprising 52.9% of people, compared to 47.3% across Rest of Vic.. The top three ancestry groups are English (31.5%), Australian (29.1%), and Irish (10.6%).

Notably, Italian representation is higher at 5.3% in Wangaratta than regionally at 2.9%, Scottish is slightly overrepresented at 8.6% compared to 8.8%, and Hungarian is also slightly overrepresented at 0.3% compared to 0.2%.

Wangaratta hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Wangaratta's median age of 44 years closely matches Rest of Vic.'s 43 and exceeds the national average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Vic., Wangaratta has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (13.1%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (11.6%). Between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, the percentage of Wangaratta's population aged 25 to 34 increased from 11.5% to 13.1%, while the percentage of those aged 5 to 14 decreased from 12.0% to 10.8%. By 2041, Wangaratta is projected to experience significant changes in its age distribution, with the 25 to 34 group expected to grow by 39%, reaching 3,864 people from 2,781. Conversely, the 15 to 24 cohort is projected to decrease by 80 people.