Wangaratta Surrounds

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Wangaratta Surrounds's population is around 10,300 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 375 people (3.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,925 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 10,100 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 92 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 2.9 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Wangaratta Surrounds's 3.8% growth since the census positions it within 2.1 percentage points of the SA3 area (5.9%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 41.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including interstate and overseas migration, were positive factors.

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. Anticipating future population dynamics, a significant population increase in the top quartile of Australian non-metropolitan areas is forecast, with the area expected to increase by 2,309 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 20.5% in total 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 has recorded around 34 residential properties granted approval annually, totalling 173 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 21 approvals have been recorded. At an average of 1.6 new residents per year arriving per new home over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply and demand seem well-matched, fostering stable market dynamics, while new dwellings are developed at an average value of $398,000—somewhat higher than regional norms—reflecting quality-focused development. Additionally, $4.7 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature.

When measured against the Rest of Vic., Wangaratta Surrounds records about 56% of the building activity per person while it places among the 47th percentile of areas assessed nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing homes. This level is likewise lower than the national average, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. Meanwhile, new construction has been completely comprised of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated count of 351 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Population forecasts indicate Wangaratta Surrounds will gain 2,109 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Wangaratta Surrounds has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 29 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Moyhu Township Development Plan, South Wangaratta Residential Growth Area, Mason Street Residential Development, and Wangaratta Landmark Retail Development Site, 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.

AreaSearch assessment positions Wangaratta Surrounds ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Wangaratta Surrounds features a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of just 2.7%. As of December 2025, 5,461 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.0% below Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (67.8% compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.5%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 21.4% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and manufacturing. The area shows particularly strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share of 2.3 times the regional level. Meanwhile, retail trade has limited presence with 7.6% employment compared to 9.9% regionally. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 3.5% combined with employment decreasing by 4.3%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.8 percentage points. By comparison, Regional Vic. recorded employment decline of 0.6%, labour force decline of 0.7%, with unemployment falling 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Wangaratta Surrounds. 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 Surrounds's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.5% over five years and 12.2% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The Wangaratta Surrounds SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $47,781 and an average of $60,280 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is lower than average on a national basis, 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 $51,723 (median) and $65,253 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Wangaratta Surrounds, between the 35th and 41st percentiles. Income brackets indicate 32.5% of the population (3,347 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, reflecting patterns seen in the surrounding region where 30.3% similarly occupy this range. Housing costs are manageable with 89.6% retained, though disposable income sits below average at the 41st percentile and 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

Dwelling structure within Wangaratta Surrounds, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 98.9% houses and 1.2% 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 Surrounds was well beyond that of Regional Vic., at 51.7%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (37.6%) or rented (10.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Regional Vic. average at $1,500, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $250, compared to Regional Vic.'s $1,430 and $285. Nationally, Wangaratta Surrounds's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 75.4% of all households, comprising 30.4% couples with children, 37.2% couples without children, and 6.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 24.6%, with lone person households at 22.8% and group households comprising 1.9% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 people is larger than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.

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 (21.8%) substantially below the VIC average of 33.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 14.8%, followed by graduate diplomas (3.7%) and postgraduate qualifications (3.3%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 42.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (13.0%) and certificates (29.4%).

Educational participation is notably 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.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 21 active transport stops operating within Wangaratta Surrounds, comprising a mix of train. These stops are serviced by 7 individual routes, collectively providing 96 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 2910 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 92%, with 6% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 2.2 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. Some 21.4% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 13 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 4 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Wangaratta Surrounds is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Wangaratta Surrounds demonstrates above-average health outcomes, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts see a low prevalence of common health conditions, though the rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 49% of the total population (~5,036 people). The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 10.4% and 8.6% of residents, respectively, while 65.6% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.4% across Regional Vic. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 23.7% of residents aged 65 and over (2,445 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 91.1% of its population being citizens, 91.9% born in Australia, and 96.2% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Wangaratta Surrounds is Christianity, which makes up 51.3% 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 Surrounds are English, comprising 31.6% of the population, Australian, comprising 31.0% of the population, and Irish, comprising 10.7% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Scottish is notably overrepresented at 9.7% of Wangaratta Surrounds (vs 8.8% regionally), Italian at 4.7% (vs 2.9%) and Dutch at 1.4% (vs 1.7%).

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

At 47 years, Wangaratta Surrounds's median age is significantly above the Regional Vic. average of 43 as well as substantially exceeding the 38-year national average. The age profile shows 55 - 64 year-olds are particularly prominent (15.3%), while the 25 - 34 group is comparatively smaller (7.9%) than in Regional Vic.. In the period since 2021, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 9.1% to 10.6% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 10.8% to 12.2%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 14.8% to 12.4% and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 16.7% to 15.3%. By 2041, Wangaratta Surrounds is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the 35 to 44 group will grow by 35% (441 people), reaching 1,698 from 1,256. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 cohort is projected to decline by 3 people.