Wangaratta Surrounds
Statistical Area - sa2

Wangaratta Surrounds has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Wangaratta Surrounds' population was 10,212 as of November 2025. This figure reflects a growth of 287 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,925. The increase is inferred from ABS data: an estimated resident population of 10,100 in June 2024 and 82 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 2.8 persons per square kilometer. Wangaratta Surrounds' growth rate of 2.9% since the census is within 1.1 percentage points of its SA3 area's growth rate of 4.0%. Natural growth contributed approximately 41.0% to overall population gains, with other factors such as interstate and overseas migration also positive.

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, VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 are used, adjusted employing weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied across all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Future population dynamics anticipate above median growth for Australia's non-metropolitan areas. Wangaratta Surrounds is projected to increase by 2,309 persons to 2041, with an overall increase of 21.5% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Wangaratta Surrounds recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Wangaratta Surrounds granted approval for approximately 34 residential properties annually over the past five financial years, totalling 173 homes. In FY26 so far, 11 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.6 new residents arrived per new home each year between FY21 and FY25. The average construction value of new dwellings was $398,000.

This financial year, $4.7 million in commercial development approvals were recorded. Compared to Rest of Vic., Wangaratta Surrounds records around 56% of building activity per person, placing it at the 48th percentile nationally. The area has seen completely detached houses constructed, maintaining its low-density character with an estimated 351 people per dwelling approval. Population forecasts indicate a gain of 2,197 residents by 2041.

If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

Wangaratta Surrounds has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 25thth percentile nationally

Area infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. AreaSearch identified 29 potential impact projects. Notable ones include Moyhu Township Development Plan, South Wangaratta Residential Growth Area, Mason Street Residential Development, and Wangaratta Landmark Retail Development Site. The following list details those likely 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.

AreaSearch analysis places Wangaratta Surrounds well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Wangaratta Surrounds has a skilled workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 2.5%, and there was an estimated employment growth of 0.7% over the past year as of June 2025.

There are 5,534 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.3% below Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation is high at 64.0%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Key industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and manufacturing. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has a notable concentration with employment levels at 2.3 times the regional average.

Retail trade has limited presence, with 7.6% employment compared to 9.9% regionally. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data analysis. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 0.7%, while labour force increased by 1.5%, causing unemployment rate to rise by 0.7 percentage points. Rest of Vic., however, recorded an employment decline of 0.9% and a labour force decline of 0.4%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia in May 2025 project national growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Wangaratta Surrounds' employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.5%% over five years and 12.2% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Wangaratta Surrounds' median income among taxpayers was $47,345 and average income stood at $60,289 in financial year 2022. These figures are below the national averages of $48,741 and $60,693 respectively for Rest of Vic. By September 2025, estimated median and average incomes would be approximately $53,102 and $67,620 based on a 12.16% increase since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Wangaratta Surrounds rank modestly between the 36th and 41st percentiles. Income distribution shows that 32.5% of individuals earn between $1,500 - 2,999, similar to the metropolitan region at 30.3%. Housing costs are manageable with 89.6% retained income, but disposable income ranks below average at the 42nd percentile. Wangaratta Surrounds' SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Wangaratta Surrounds is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Wangaratta Surrounds, as per the latest Census, 98.9% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 1.2% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to Non-Metro Vic.'s 89.9% houses and 10.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wangaratta Surrounds stood at 51.7%, with mortgaged properties at 37.6% and rented ones at 10.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,500, exceeding Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,300. Median weekly rent in the area was $250, matching Non-Metro Vic.'s figure. Nationally, Wangaratta Surrounds's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,500 compared to Australia's average of $1,863, while rents were also lower at $250 versus the national figure of $375.

Wangaratta Surrounds has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 75.4% of all households, including 30.4% couples with children, 37.2% couples without children, and 6.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 24.6%, with lone person households at 22.8% and group households comprising 1.9%. The median household size is 2.5 people, larger than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.3.

Educational attainment in Wangaratta Surrounds aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 21.8%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 14.8%, followed by graduate diplomas (3.7%) and postgraduate qualifications (3.3%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 42.4% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 13.0% and certificates at 29.4%. Educational participation is high, with 27.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 10.3% in primary, 8.8% in secondary, and 2.1% in tertiary education.

The area has 13 schools serving 435 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1009) and balanced educational opportunities. This includes 12 primary and 1 K-12 school. School capacity is limited at 4.3 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 14.9, leading many families to travel for schooling. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Wangaratta Surrounds has 22 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 13 individual routes, collectively providing 146 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is limited with residents typically located 2910 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 20 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 6 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Wangaratta Surrounds is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Wangaratta Surrounds faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~5,106 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, impacting 10.4 and 8.6% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 65.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 60.4% across Rest of Vic.. The area has 23.9% of residents aged 65 and over (2,436 people), which is lower than the 25.7% in Rest of Vic.. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

The latest Census data sees Wangaratta Surrounds placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Wangaratta Surrounds had a cultural diversity index below the average, with 91.1% of its population being citizens, 91.9% born in Australia, and 96.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 51.3% of people in Wangaratta Surrounds, compared to 52.0% across Rest of Vic.. The top three ancestry groups were English (31.6%), Australian (31.0%), and Irish (10.7%).

Notably, Scottish was overrepresented at 9.7%, Italian at 4.7%, and Dutch at 1.4%, compared to regional averages of 9.3%, 3.9%, and 1.3% respectively.

Wangaratta Surrounds hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Wangaratta Surrounds has a median age of 47 years, which is significantly higher than the Rest of Vic average of 43 and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 55-64 are particularly prominent at 15.4%, while the 25-34 age group is smaller at 7.5% compared to the Rest of Vic. Between 2021 and the present, the 15-24 age group has increased from 9.1% to 10.5% of the population, and the 35-44 cohort has risen from 10.8% to 11.8%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has declined from 14.8% to 12.9%, and the 55-64 group has dropped from 16.7% to 15.4%. By 2041, Wangaratta Surrounds is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. The 35-44 age group will grow by 41%, adding 490 people to reach 1,698 from the current 1,207. The 15-24 age group will display more modest growth at 1%, adding only 10 residents.