Warrnambool - North

Population growth drivers in Warrnambool - North are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Warrnambool - North's population is approximately 24,502 as of February 2026. This figure represents an increase of 2,097 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 22,405. The growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 22,917 in June 2024 and an additional 802 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 392 persons per square kilometer. Warrnambool - North's population grew by 9.4% between the 2021 Census and February 2026, exceeding the SA4 region's growth rate of 4.5%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 76.5% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections adjusted using weighted aggregation for areas not covered by this data. Based on these projections, Warrnambool - North is forecast to grow by 7,554 persons by 2041, reflecting a total gain of 24.4% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Warrnambool - North among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Warrnambool - North has seen approximately 185 new homes approved annually. Between FY21 and FY25929 homes were approved, with a further 128 approved in FY26 to date. On average, 0.8 new residents have arrived per new home over the past five financial years.

This suggests that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and allowing for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction value of these homes is $261,000. In FY26, $21.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating moderate levels of commercial development.

Compared to the rest of Victoria, Warrnambool - North has seen slightly more development, with 29.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. This preserves reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. Recent construction comprises 88.0% detached dwellings and 12.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers with its emphasis on detached housing. With around 139 people per dwelling approval, Warrnambool - North exhibits characteristics of a growth area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, the area is forecasted to gain 5,968 residents by 2041. Construction is maintaining a reasonable pace with projected growth, although buyers may face increasing competition as population increases.

Warrnambool - North has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 30thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 17 projects that may impact this area. Notable ones include Wollaston Way Estate, AquaZone Redevelopment, Fairy Street Mixed-Use Development, and Riverland Estate. The following details those 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.

Employment conditions in Warrnambool - North demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Warrnambool - North has a skilled workforce with prominent essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.0% as of September 2025, which is 1.7% lower than the Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation stands at 63.7%, slightly higher than the Rest of Vic.'s 61.4%.

According to Census responses, 9.8% of residents work from home. Key industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Retail trade is particularly strong with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 2.9%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 7.5%.

Employment opportunities may be limited locally, as indicated by the working population count versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.9% alongside a 3.1% employment decline, resulting in an unemployment rate rise of 0.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project growth rates varying between sectors. Applying these projections to Warrnambool - North's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.5% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that income in Warrnambool - North SA2 is lower than average nationally. The median income is $52,068 and the average is $62,778. This contrasts with Rest of Vic.'s median income of $50,954 and average income of $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Warrnambool - North are approximately $56,364 (median) and $67,957 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals that incomes in Warrnambool - North rank modestly, between the 32nd and 40th percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. The data shows that 32.2% of the population (7,889 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, similar to metropolitan regions where 30.3% occupy this range. After housing costs, 86.3% of income remains for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

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

In Warrnambool - North, as per the latest Census evaluation, 88.5% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 11.5% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to Non-Metro Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Warrnambool - North stood at 37.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 34.8% and rented ones at 27.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,451, exceeding Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,430. The median weekly rent in the area was $300, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Warrnambool - North's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,451 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially lower at $300 compared to the national figure of $375.

Warrnambool - North has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 69.4% of all households, including 28.1% couples with children, 27.7% couples without children, and 12.5% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 30.6%, with lone person households at 27.8% and group households comprising 2.8%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which aligns with the Rest of Vic. average.

Educational attainment in Warrnambool - North aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 20.7%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 14.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.3%) and graduate diplomas (3.1%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 37.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.4%) and certificates (27.2%). Educational participation is high, with 29.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 10.3% in primary, 8.9% in secondary, and 2.8% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.3% in primary education, 8.9% in secondary education, and 2.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Warrnambool - North has 99 active public transport stops served by 7 routes, offering 873 weekly passenger trips. Residents are typically 414 meters from the nearest stop, with accessibility rated moderate. Most residents commute outward, primarily by car (95%). Average vehicle ownership is 1.4 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 9.8% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 124 trips daily across all routes, equating to about 8 weekly trips per stop.

Service frequency averages 124 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 8 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Warrnambool - North faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is relatively low, approximately 50% of the total population (around 12,349 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues impact 9.2% of residents, while asthma affects 9.0%. Approximately 65.5% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.4% across Rest of Vic.. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 19.5% of residents aged 65 and over (around 4,787 people), which is lower than the 23.9% in Rest of Vic.. National rankings are broadly in line with the general population.

Warrnambool - North is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Warrnambool-North was found to have a cultural diversity below average, with 90.4% of its population being citizens, 90.7% born in Australia, and 94.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the main religion in Warrnambool-North, comprising 52.7% of people, compared to 47.3% across Rest of Vic. The top three ancestry groups are English (31.1%), Australian (30.2%), and Irish (13.9%).

Notably, Scottish representation is higher at 9.3%, Dutch is lower at 1.4%, and Maori is slightly higher at 0.4%.

Warrnambool - North's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Warrnambool - North is 40 years, which is slightly below Rest of Vic.'s average of 43 but above Australia's median of 38. The 25-34 age group comprises 13.9% of the population in Warrnambool - North, a notable increase from 12.7% in the 2021 Census. Conversely, the 5-14 age group has decreased from 13.3% to 11.8%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant changes. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to grow by 1,312 people (39%), reaching 4,721, while the 15-24 cohort is expected to decline by 72 people.