West Wimmera

West Wimmera has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

West Wimmera's population is approximately 2,736 as of February 2026. This figure represents a decrease of 30 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 2,766. The change is inferred from an estimated resident population of 2,680 in June 2024 and one validated new address since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 0.50 persons per square kilometer. While West Wimmera experienced a 1.1% decline since the Census, the SA3 area showed 1.0% growth. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, they utilise 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. According to these projections, West Wimmera's population is expected to decrease by 856 persons by 2041.

The level of residential development activity in West Wimmera is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

West Wimmera had minimal construction activity from 2016 to 2020 with two new dwellings approved annually on average. This totals thirteen dwellings over the five-year period. The low development levels reflect the rural nature of the area, where housing needs drive development rather than broad market demand.

Note that yearly growth figures and relativities can vary considerably due to the low approval numbers. West Wimmera has much lower development activity compared to Rest of Vic., and this level is also below national patterns. Recent development comprised entirely detached houses, reflecting the rural character of the area where larger properties are typical. The estimated population per dwelling approval was 718 people in West Wimmera during this period.

With a stable or declining population expected, housing pressure should remain low, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

West Wimmera has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 46thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified a total of 0 projects expected to impact the area. Notable projects include the Lower Limestone Coast Water Allocation Plan, Limestone Coast Energy Park, Melbourne To Adelaide Freight Rail Improvements, and Victorian Renewable Energy Zones. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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Employment conditions in West Wimmera demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

West Wimmera has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, diverse sector representation, and an unemployment rate of 1.6% as of September 2025. The area's unemployment rate is 2.2% lower than the Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%, while workforce participation is similar at 61.4%. According to Census responses, 24.2% of residents work from home, with Covid-19 lockdown impacts considered.

Key industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has a strong presence, with an employment share 6.4 times the regional level. Conversely, construction has lower representation at 4.1% compared to the regional average of 10.4%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data.

In the 12 months prior, labour force decreased by 4.7%, with employment declining by 3.0%, leading to a 1.7 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. By comparison, Rest of Vic.'s employment and labour force declined by 0.7% and 0.6% respectively, with marginal unemployment increase. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% expansion over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to West Wimmera's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.7% over five years and 11.0% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

West Wimmera SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $45,518 and an average of $54,695 in financial year 2023. This was lower than the national average, with Rest of Vic.'s median income being $50,954 and average income being $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimates for September 2025 would be approximately $49,273 (median) and $59,207 (average). According to Census 2021 income data, personal income ranked at the 27th percentile ($698 weekly), while household income sat at the 11th percentile. The $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket dominated with 25.7% of residents (703 people). Housing costs were modest, with 94.4% of income retained. However, total disposable income ranked at just the 22nd percentile nationally, and the area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 4th decile.

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

West Wimmera's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, comprised 96.4% houses and 3.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in West Wimmera stood at 60.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 23.7% and rented ones at 16.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $758, lower than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,430. The median weekly rent figure in West Wimmera was recorded at $150, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $285. Nationally, West Wimmera's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

West Wimmera features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 60.8% of all households, including 20.7% couples with children, 32.9% couples without children, and 6.7% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 39.2%, with lone person households at 36.4% and group households comprising 2.8%. The median household size is 2.1 people, smaller than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.4.

Educational outcomes in West Wimmera fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 16.3%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.8%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.4%) and postgraduate qualifications (2.1%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 38.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.1%) and certificates (26.9%). Educational participation is high, with 25.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 11.4% in primary, 6.5% in secondary, and 1.5% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 25.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.4% in primary education, 6.5% in secondary education, and 1.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

West Wimmera has four operational public transport stops. One route serves these stops, offering ten weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is limited, with residents living an average of 3367 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards daily, primarily by car (83%), with walking accounting for 12%. On average, there are 1.9 vehicles per dwelling, higher than the regional norm. According to the 2021 Census, 24.2% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages one trip per day across all routes, translating to approximately two weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in West Wimmera are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

West Wimmera's health indicators show below-average outcomes. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are higher than average, affecting younger and older age cohorts alike. Private health cover is very low at 47% of the total population (~1,280 people), compared to Rest of Vic.'s 50.5% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (12.4%) and mental health issues (7.7%), with 64.4% claiming no medical ailments, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 63.4%. Working-age residents face significant health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors at 29.5%, or 806 people, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 23.9%. Health outcomes among seniors are above average and rank even higher than the general population nationally.

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

West Wimmera had a cultural diversity index below the average, with 87.6% of its population being citizens, 92.1% born in Australia, and 97.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, practiced by 57.7% of West Wimmera's population, compared to 47.3% across Rest of Vic.. The top three ancestry groups were English (32.3%), Australian (32.2%), and Irish (9.6%).

Notably, German ancestry was overrepresented at 6.9%, compared to the regional average of 3.5%. Similarly, Scottish ancestry was higher than average at 9.4% versus 8.8%, while Samoan ancestry was slightly above the regional average at 0.2%.

West Wimmera ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

West Wimmera's median age is 51 years, significantly higher than the Rest of Vic.'s average of 43 and Australia's median of 38. The 65-74 cohort is notably over-represented at 17.0%, compared to the Rest of Vic.'s average, while those aged 15-24 are under-represented at 7.8%. This concentration in the 65-74 age group is well above the national average of 9.5%. Post-Census data shows that by 2021, the 25 to 34 age group grew from 8.7% to 10.5%, and the 65 to 74 cohort increased from 15.5% to 17.0%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort declined from 12.9% to 10.4%, and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 17.9% to 15.5%. By 2041, West Wimmera's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 85+ group is projected to grow by -18 people (-18%), reaching 101 from 123. Population declines are projected for the 85+ and 0 to 4 cohorts.