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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Wangaratta's population is around 21,311 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,429 people (7.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 19,882 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 20,071 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 553 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 370 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Wangaratta's 7.2% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (5.9%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 92.3% of overall 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 utilising 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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a significant population increase in the top quartile of Australia's regional areas is forecast, with the area expected to expand by 5,225 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 18.7% in total over the 17 years.

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

Wangaratta has recorded around 140 residential properties granted approval annually, totalling 700 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 90 approvals have been recorded. At an average of just 0.6 new residents per year arriving per new home over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), new construction is matching or outpacing demand, offering buyers more options and enabling population growth that could exceed current expectations, while new dwellings are developed at an average value of $308,000. There have also been $100.4 million in commercial approvals this financial year, suggesting robust local business investment.

Relative to the Rest of Vic., Wangaratta has slightly more development (12.0% above regional average per person over the 5 year period), preserving reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand, though building activity has slowed in recent years. Recent construction comprises 76.0% detached houses and 24.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining 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 an expanding market.

Future projections show Wangaratta adding 3,983 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Present 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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 13 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Wangaratta Health Precinct Structure Plan, Wangaratta Landmark Retail Development Site, Wangaratta High School Upgrade, and Equine Village Estate, 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.

Employment drivers in Wangaratta are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Wangaratta features a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of 6.5%. As of December 2025, 9,255 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 2.8% above Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (59.0% compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.5%). Based on Census responses, a low 9.1% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing. The area has a particular employment specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level. In contrast, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 2.2% of local workers, below Regional Vic.'s 7.5%. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 3.4% while employment declined by 5.1%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.6 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Vic. experienced an employment decline of 0.6% and a labour force decline of 0.7%, with a 0.1 percentage point drop. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Wangaratta. 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 Wangaratta's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.8% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Wangaratta SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $50,427 and an average of $58,471 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is below the national average, contrasting with Regional Vic.'s median income of $50,954 and average income of $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $54,587 (median) and $63,295 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Wangaratta all fall between the 16th and 30th percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows the largest segment comprises 29.3% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (6,244 residents), reflecting patterns seen in the surrounding region where 30.3% similarly occupy this range. After housing, 86.2% of income remains, though this ranks at only the 19th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure within Wangaratta, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 85.8% houses and 14.3% 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 Wangaratta was in line with that of Regional Vic., at 39.1%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (31.7%) or rented (29.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Regional Vic. average at $1,300, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $260, compared to Regional Vic.'s $1,430 and $285. Nationally, Wangaratta's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are 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 dominate at 63.0% of all households, comprising 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% of the total. The median household size of 2.2 people is 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (19.8%) substantially below the VIC average of 33.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 13.3%, followed by graduate diplomas (3.3%) and postgraduate qualifications (3.2%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 38.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.9%) and certificates (27.2%).

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

Public transport analysis reveals 122 active transport stops operating within Wangaratta, comprising a mix of trains and buses. These stops are serviced by 18 individual routes, collectively providing 918 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 249 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 91%, with 5% walking and 2% cycling. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 9.1% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 131 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 7 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

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

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Wangaratta, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~10,271 people). This compares to 50.5% across Regional Vic. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 10.5% and 10.2% of residents, respectively, while 59.5% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.4% across Regional Vic. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. 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 be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 90.7% of its population being citizens, 89.6% born in Australia, and 93.6% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Wangaratta is Christianity, which makes up 52.9% of the population. This compares to 47.3% across Regional Vic..

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Wangaratta are English, comprising 31.5% of the population, Australian, comprising 29.1% of the population, and Irish, comprising 10.6% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Italian is notably overrepresented at 5.3% of Wangaratta (vs 2.9% regionally), Scottish at 8.6% (vs 8.8%) and Hungarian at 0.3% (vs 0.2%).

Wangaratta hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Wangaratta's median age of 44 years is similar to Regional Vic.'s 43 and well above the 38-year national average. Relative to Regional Vic., Wangaratta has a higher concentration of 25 - 34 residents (13.1%) but fewer 65 - 74 year-olds (11.6%). Since the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 11.5% to 13.1% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 12.0% to 10.8%. By 2041, Wangaratta is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the 25 to 34 group will grow by 39% (1,082 people), reaching 3,864 from 2,781. On the other hand, the 15 to 24 cohort is projected to decline by 80 people.