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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 Surrounds has an estimated 10,092 residents, up from 9,925 at the 2021 Census — a change of 167 people, or 1.7%. Growth has averaged 0.5% a year over five years, slower than 82% of areas nationally. Fewer than ten people live on each square kilometre, across a boundary that takes in surrounding rural land. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
Based on calculations by AreaSearch, the population of Wangaratta Surrounds stands at approximately 10,092 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 167 residents (1.7%) from the 2021 Census, which counted 9,925 individuals. This trend is estimated using the June 2025 ABS estimated resident population of 10,070 alongside 98 validated new addresses registered after the Census. The population density is calculated at 2.8 persons per square kilometer, indicating a low density with significant personal space. With its 1.7% expansion rate post-2021, the district outpaced the broader SA3 region (1.1%), establishing it as a primary growth corridor.
Natural increase was the main driver, delivering roughly 61.5% of the population growth in recent times, though interstate and overseas migration also contributed positively. AreaSearch incorporates projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia published in 2024 using 2022 as the baseline. For locations lacking this coverage, projections rely on the 2023 VIC State Government Regional/LGA dataset, adapted using a weighted aggregation method to translate LGA-level growth down to SA2 zones. Age bracket growth trends derived from these models are extended to all areas for the period spanning 2032 to 2041. Anticipated demographic changes suggest substantial population gains in the upper quartile of regional Australia, with the district projected to expand by 2,181 residents by 2041 relative to the most recent annual ERP, translating to a total growth of 21.4% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
173 new dwellings have been approved in Wangaratta Surrounds over the past five years, an average of 34 a year. That is 3.5 approvals per 1,000 residents. Of the 26 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 100% were detached houses and the rest townhouses or apartments. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 28, broadly in line with that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this SA2 boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Approximately 34 residential building approvals are granted in Wangaratta Surrounds each year, cumulative to 173 dwellings over the preceding 5 financial years. In the current FY-26 period, 26 approvals have been logged. With an average of 1.6 additional residents per constructed home recorded between FY-21 and FY-25, demand matches supply closely, ensuring stable conditions, though this has shifted to 0.7 residents per home over the last 2 financial years as supply improved. Approved building projects hold an average estimated construction cost of $398,000, which is higher than the regional average and points to premium builds.
Non-residential approvals stand at $4.7 million for this financial year, confirming the district is predominantly residential. Wangaratta Surrounds generates approximately 56% of the per capita building approvals compared to Rest of Vic. and places in the 47th percentile nationally, meaning home buyers face relatively few new builds, which sustains demand for established properties. This rate is also below the national standard, indicating a mature market or potential planning restrictions. All recent residential construction has consisted of single-family detached houses, keeping the area low-density and suited to families wanting space. The ratio of 351 residents per approved dwelling highlight the quiet pace of local property development. Forecasts show that Wangaratta Surrounds is set to add 2,159 people by 2041 based on recent quarterly figures from AreaSearch. If building activity remains at its current pace, the rate of home construction could fall behind population growth, potentially heightening competition for housing and driving up prices.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Wangaratta Surrounds
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 3 current infrastructure and development projects inside Wangaratta Surrounds, worth an estimated $170 million. A further 58 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $4.84 billion. 19 are already under construction and 27 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, energy and communities, precincts & urban renewal. 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 infrastructure projects and planning changes significantly impact regional growth. AreaSearch has tracked 30 projects relevant to the region, including the Moyhu Township Development Plan, South Wangaratta Residential Growth Area, Mason Street Residential Development, and the Wangaratta Landmark Retail Development Site, with key details provided 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
Moyhu Township Development Plan
15-30 year township development plan for Moyhu providing framework for future land use, growth and built form. Adopted by Council in 2024. Identifies commercial core and residential development opportunities in King Valley.
Winton Solar Farm
150MW solar farm completed by ENGIE. One of Victoria's significant renewable energy projects supporting 150 construction jobs during development. Powers approximately 65,000 homes annually.
Wangaratta Industrial Land Use Strategy
Council-adopted strategic planning framework for Wangaratta's industrial land, focused on the South Wangaratta and North Wangaratta industrial areas. The strategy guides planning scheme changes, rezoning, buffers, road and service planning, land supply, built form and investment attraction to support long-term industrial growth, employment and business development.
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.
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.
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.
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 Health Precinct Structure Plan
A long-term land use and built form framework guiding the future of the Wangaratta Hospital and Health Precinct, a regional healthcare hub serving Wangaratta and the wider Hume region. The plan promotes co-location of health and allied health services, supported by pedestrian friendly streets and landscaped public spaces. Adopted following Planning Scheme Amendment C79wang Part 1 (gazetted 2023), the plan is now in implementation. Active precinct projects include the Northeast Health Wangaratta key worker accommodation development on Dixon Street, delivering nine new dwellings (sixteen beds) for healthcare staff, which reached lock-up stage in late January 2026 ahead of schedule and is targeting completion by 30 June 2026.Northeast Health Wangaratta has also committed close to 300,000 dollars in 2025-26 to upgrade biomedical equipment across key clinical departments, and is consulting on a planned new Womens Health Clinic for Wangaratta.
5,528 residents of Wangaratta Surrounds are employed, from a labour force of 5,662. Unemployment sits at 2.4%, with participation at 68.4%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 5.5% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 8,612, about 85% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Wangaratta Surrounds has a high ratio of skilled workers, particularly in key service industries, and boasts a low unemployment rate of 2.4%. Working residents numbered 5,528 as of March 2026, with an unemployment rate 1.3% lower than the Regional Vic. average of 3.7%, and a workforce participation rate of 68.4% that sits well above the regional benchmark of 61.1%. Census data indicates that 21.4% of local workers operated from home, though this figure reflects historical pandemic-related lockdowns. The main industries employing local residents are agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and manufacturing.
The local economy shows a distinct concentration in agriculture, forestry & fishing, employing workers at 2.3 times the rate seen across the wider region. Conversely, retail trade accounts for a smaller share at 7.6% compared to 9.9% regionally. The balance between local jobs and resident workers suggests that many residents commute outside the immediate area for employment. An analysis by AreaSearch of SALM and ABS data shows that during the 12 months ending March 2026, the local workforce shrank by 2.2% while total employment also fell by 2.2%, keeping the unemployment rate steady. During the same timeframe, Regional Vic. saw employment drop by 0.1%, the labor force decrease by 0.3%, and the unemployment rate fall by 0.2 percentage points. National employment projections from Jobs and Skills Australia dated May-25 offer perspective on future labor requirements. These five and ten-year projections have been applied to local data to estimate future occupational trends. Nationally, employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with performance varying by sector. Weighting these projections against the industry mix of Wangaratta Surrounds indicates local employment could rise by 5.5% over five years and 12.2% over ten years, assuming local trends mirror national industry forecasts without adjusting for local population growth.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Wangaratta Surrounds is $1,501 a week (about $78,000 a year), with median personal income at $763 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $47,781 a year against an average of $60,280. 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
Taxpayer data from the ATO aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023 indicates a median income of $47,781 and an average income of $60,280 in the Wangaratta Surrounds SA2. These figures are below national benchmarks and sit lower than the Regional Vic. median of $50,954 and average of $62,728. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be roughly $52,378 for the median and $66,079 for the average. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and individual incomes are moderate, placing in the 35th to 41st percentiles.
Income distribution shows 32.5% of the population (3,279 people) earning in the $1,500 - 2,999 range, close to the regional rate of 30.3%. Residents retain 89.6% of their income after housing costs, but disposable income ranks in the 41st percentile and the SEIFA income index places the area in the 5th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Wangaratta Surrounds had 3,703 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 99% detached houses and 0% apartments. 38% are owned with a mortgage, 11% rented and 52% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $250 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,500 a month. Rent absorbs 16.7% of household income here and mortgage repayments 23.1%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Residential architecture in Wangaratta Surrounds at the time of the latest Census consisted of 98.9% detached houses and 1.2% alternative housing types, such as apartments and townhouses, compared to Regional Vic. where houses made up 90.1% and other structures 9.9%. Home ownership is high, with 51.7% of residents owning their homes outright, while 37.6% have mortgages and 10.7% rent. The median monthly mortgage cost was $1,500, higher than the Regional Vic. average of $1,430, while weekly rent was lower at $250 compared to $285 regionally. By comparison, local mortgages are below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are lower than the national median of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Wangaratta Surrounds counted 3,703 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.5 people each. 30% are couples with children, against 37% couples without children. 23% of households are people living alone, and families average 2.0 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families comprise 75.4% of all households, consisting of couples with children (30.4%), couples without children (37.2%), and single parents (6.9%). Non-family households account for 24.6% of the total, with lone person households representing 22.8% and group living situations at 1.9%. The median household size of 2.5 residents is slightly larger than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
21.8% of adults in Wangaratta Surrounds hold a university qualification, including 14.8% with a bachelor degree and 3.3% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 29.4% hold a vocational qualification. 13 schools serve the area, with 435 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,009 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
Higher education completion is relatively low, with 21.8% of the population holding a university qualification compared to the VIC average of 33.4%. Among these graduates, 14.8% hold a bachelor degree, 3.7% have a graduate diploma, and 3.3% possess postgraduate qualifications. Vocational and technical training is common, with 42.4% of residents aged 15+ holding a qualification, consisting of 13.0% with advanced diplomas and 29.4% with certificates. School and tertiary enrollment rates are strong, with 27.0% of the population engaged in formal studies. This cohort is divided into 10.3% attending primary school, 8.8% in high school, and 2.1% in higher education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Wangaratta Surrounds means driving: households keep an average of 2.2 vehicles, and scheduled services reach only a handful of stops. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
There are 21 active train stops in Wangaratta Surrounds. These stops are served by 7 distinct routes, offering a combined 96 weekly passenger trips. Access to public transit is low, with residents living an average of 2910 meters from the nearest stop. The community is largely residential and relies on external commuting, with cars being the primary mode of transport for 92% of workers, while 6% walk. Average car ownership is 2.2 vehicles per household, which exceeds the regional average. Census data from 2021 shows that 21.4% of residents worked from home, which may reflect pandemic-era conditions.
Transit services average 13 trips daily across all routes, which averages out to approximately 4 weekly departures per stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
65.6% of residents in Wangaratta Surrounds report no long-term health condition. 4.8% need daily assistance with core activities, and 48.9% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 3.9 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health indicators in Wangaratta Surrounds are favorable, with AreaSearch identifying lower rates of common illnesses and mortality across both younger and older cohorts. Private health insurance coverage is low, held by approximately 49% of the population (~4,934 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. Arthritis and asthma are the most prevalent diagnosed conditions, affecting 10.4% and 8.6% of residents, respectively, while 65.6% of the population reported no chronic conditions, higher than the Regional Vic. average of 63.4%. Chronic illness rates are elevated among working-age residents. Seniors aged 65 and older make up 24.6% of the community (2,485 people), and this demographic shows strong health outcomes that exceed national averages.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Wangaratta Surrounds is largely Australian-born, at 91.9% of residents, with 3.8% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (31.6%) and Australian (31.0%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity in Wangaratta Surrounds is lower than average, with citizens representing 91.1% of the population, 91.9% born in Australia, and 96.2% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 51.3% of residents, which is higher than the Regional Vic. figure of 47.3%. The primary ancestries reported by residents are English (31.6%), Australian (31.0%), and Irish (10.7%). Other ancestries showing higher local concentration compared to regional averages include Scottish at 9.7% (compared to 8.8% regionally) and Italian at 4.7% (compared to 2.9%), while Dutch ancestry is slightly lower at 1.4% (compared to 1.7% regionally).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Wangaratta Surrounds is 47, older than 86% of areas nationally. That is 1 year younger than at the 2021 Census. 17.6% 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 median age of 47 years in Wangaratta Surrounds is higher than the Regional Vic. average of 43 and the national average of 38. The 55 - 64 age bracket is the most populous at 15.5%, whereas the 25 - 34 bracket is relatively small at 7.3% compared to Regional Vic. Since 2021, the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 grew from 6.7% to 8.3%, and those aged 15 to 24 rose from 9.1% to 10.2%. During this time, the 45 to 54 cohort fell from 14.8% to 12.6% and the 55 to 64 group decreased from 16.7% to 15.5%.
Projections to 2041 indicate that the 35 to 44 age group will grow by 36% (433 people), rising from 1,194 to 1,628, while the 15 to 24 group will show flat growth, adding 4 residents.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Wangaratta Surrounds
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 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) | May 2026 3 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 May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this 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 Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Aug 2026 this month all 3 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 5 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) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 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 — 98 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (9,925 at the 2021 Census → 10,092 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 May 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 (204021067). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.