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, as of August 2025, is approximately 10,167. This figure represents a growth of 242 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,925. The increase is inferred from an estimated resident population of 10,100 in June 2024 and the addition of 64 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2.8 persons per square kilometer. Wangaratta Surrounds' growth rate of 2.4% since the census is comparable to its SA3 area's growth rate of 3.4%, indicating strong growth fundamentals. Natural growth contributed approximately 41.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all migration drivers also being positive factors.

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 employs the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on these projections, Wangaratta Surrounds is expected to experience above median population growth nationally, with an increase of 2,309 persons by 2041, representing a total gain of 22.1% over the 17-year period.

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 has granted approximately 34 residential property approvals annually. The Australian Bureau of Statistics produces development approval data on a financial year basis. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 173 dwellings were approved. In FY26, about four have been recorded so far.

On average, 1.6 new residents per year per dwelling constructed moved in over these five financial years, indicating a balanced supply and demand market with stable conditions. The average construction value of new properties is $598,000, slightly higher than regional norms due to quality-focused development. This financial year has seen approximately $4.7 million in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's residential character. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Wangaratta Surrounds shows about 56% of construction activity per person and ranks among the 48th percentile nationally, suggesting limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing dwellings.

This lower activity is consistent with market maturity and potential development constraints, as all new construction consists of standalone homes preserving low density nature. There are approximately 351 people in the area per dwelling approval, reflecting its quiet development environment. Future projections estimate Wangaratta Surrounds will add around 2,242 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to meet population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 30 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include Moyhu Township Development Plan, South Wangaratta Residential Growth Area, Mason Street Residential Development, and Wangaratta Landmark Retail Development Site. Below is a list of projects most relevant to the area.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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

Wangaratta Surrounds has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 2.5% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 0.7%.

As of June 2025, 5,534 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate was 1.3% lower than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation was 64.0%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Key industries of employment among residents are agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and manufacturing. The area has a particular employment specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 2.3 times the regional level.

Retail trade is under-represented, with only 7.6% of Wangaratta Surrounds's workforce compared to 9.9% in Rest of Vic. In the year to June 2025, employment levels increased by 0.7%, and labour force increased by 1.5%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.7 percentage points. By comparison, Rest of Vic. recorded an employment decline of 0.9% and a labour force decline of 0.4%, with unemployment rising by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data to Sep-25 shows VIC employment grew by 1.08% year-on-year (adding 39,880 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%, compared to the national rate of 4.5%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 estimate national employment 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, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2022 shows median income in Wangaratta Surrounds was $47,345 and average income was $60,289. In comparison, Rest of Vic.'s median income was $48,741 and average income was $60,693. By March 2025, considering a 10.11% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022, estimated incomes would be approximately $52,132 (median) and $66,384 (average). Wangaratta Surrounds' income ranks modestly according to the 2021 Census, between the 36th and 41st percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. The predominant income cohort in Wangaratta Surrounds is 32.5% of locals (3,304 people) earning $1,500 - 2,999, similar to the broader area at 30.3%. Housing costs are manageable with 89.6% retained, but disposable income ranks below average at the 42nd percentile. The area's 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 evaluation, 98.9% of dwellings were houses with 1.2% being other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, or 'other' dwellings. This is compared 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, higher than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,300. The median weekly rent in the area was recorded as $250, matching Non-Metro Vic.'s figure but significantly lower than the national average of $375. Nationally, Wangaratta Surrounds' mortgage repayments were notably lower at $1,863.

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

Family households constitute 75.4% of all households, consisting of 30.4% couples with children, 37.2% couples without children, and 6.9% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 24.6%, with lone person households at 22.8% and group households making up 1.9% of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 21.8%, significantly lower than the Victorian average of 33.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 14.8%, followed by graduate diplomas (3.7%) and postgraduate qualifications (3.3%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 42.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas at 13.0% and certificates at 29.4%.

Educational participation is high, with 27.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.3% in primary education, 8.8% in secondary education, and 2.1% pursuing tertiary education. Thirteen schools serve 435 students while Wangaratta Surrounds demonstrates typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1009) with balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes twelve primary schools and one K-12 school. Limited local school capacity (4.3 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 14.9) means many families travel to nearby areas 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 that collectively provide 146 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility is rated as limited with residents typically located 2910 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 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. Approximately 50% of its total population (~5,083 people) has private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (10.4%) and asthma (8.6%). Around 65.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 60.4% in Rest of Vic.. The area has 23.9% of residents aged 65 and over (2,425 people), 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, surveyed in 2016, showed low cultural diversity with 91.1% citizens, 91.9% Australian-born, and 96.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion (51.3%), slightly below the regional average of 52.0%. Top ancestral groups were English (31.6%), Australian (31.0%), and Irish (10.7%).

Scottish ancestry was notably higher at 9.7% compared to 9.3%, Italian at 4.7% versus 3.9%, and Dutch at 1.4% against 1.3%.

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 substantially exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 55-64 are particularly prominent, comprising 15.4% of the population, while the 25-34 age group is comparatively smaller at 7.5%. Between 2021 and the present, the 15-24 age group has increased from 9.1% to 10.5%, and the 35-44 cohort has risen from 10.8% to 11.8%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has decreased from 14.8% to 12.9%, and the 55-64 group has fallen from 16.7% to 15.4%. By 2041, Wangaratta Surrounds is expected to experience notable shifts in its age composition. The 35-44 age group is projected to grow by 41%, adding 496 people and reaching a total of 1,698 from the current 1,201. The 15-24 age group is expected to grow more modestly, with an increase of just 1% and the addition of only 15 residents.