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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.
est. as @ -- *
ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
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West Wimmera has an estimated 2,656 residents, down from 2,766 at the 2021 Census — a change of 110 people, or 4.0%. The population has thinned by an average 1.0% a year over five years, slower than 99% 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
According to the analysis by AreaSearch, the population of West Wimmera stands at approximately 2,656 as of May 2026. This represents a contraction of 110 residents (4.0%) from the 2,766 individuals recorded during the 2021 Census. This population shift is calculated using the June 2025 ABS estimated resident population of 2,656 combined with 2 validated new addresses registered after the Census. The region maintains a low population density of 0.50 persons per square kilometer, ensuring substantial space for residents. The 4.0% loss in population since the census aligns closely with the wider SA3 region, which experienced a -1.6% change, showing that demographic contraction is a shared regional difficulty.
Recent population gains were almost exclusively supported by overseas migration. Projections from ABS and Geoscience Australia published in 2024 with a 2022 baseline are utilized by AreaSearch for each SA2 region. For locations lacking this coverage, projections are derived from the 2023 Victorian State Government Regional/LGA data, using weighted aggregation to transition growth estimates from LGA to SA2 scales. These aggregated growth rates by age bracket are projected forward for the years 2032 to 2041. Based on these anticipated demographic trends, the methodology forecasts a downward trajectory in total residency, with the population expected to shrink by 844 individuals by 2041.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
Property development within West Wimmera is minimal, averaging only 2 building approvals annually, which equates to 13 approvals over a five-year timeframe. This quiet building environment is typical for rural locations where housing requirements remain stable and construction is restricted by local demand and infrastructure limits. Because of the small number of approvals, single projects can cause major shifts in annual trend data and comparisons. The volume of building activity in West Wimmera is far lower than the average for the Rest of Vic. and falls well below national benchmarks.
Furthermore, new building projects have consisted entirely of single-family detached homes, reflecting the local preference for rural space and privacy. The presence of 711 residents for each approved dwelling highlights the quiet and low-key nature of local construction activity. Because population forecasts indicate either stable or declining resident numbers, West Wimmera is likely to experience less pressure on housing demand, which should create favorable conditions for prospective property buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around West Wimmera
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 71 current infrastructure and development projects close to West Wimmera, worth an estimated $9.73 billion. 14 are already under construction and 27 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans transport & logistics, communities, precincts & urban renewal and residential development. 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
Regional development and economic performance are closely linked to infrastructure investments, planning updates, and major works. AreaSearch has identified 0 projects expected to influence this locality. The main projects identified as relevant to the region include the Lower Limestone Coast Water Allocation Plan, Limestone Coast Energy Park, Melbourne To Adelaide Freight Rail Improvements, and Victorian Renewable Energy Zones, with details of the most significant developments listed below.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Naracoorte Caves Visitor Precinct Upgrade
Upgrade of visitor infrastructure at the World Heritage listed Naracoorte Caves National Park, including the Roof Top Loop Walk, viewing platforms, lighting, seating, safety fencing, wayfinding and interpretation to improve accessible nature-based tourism experiences around the caves precinct.
Naracoorte Regional Livestock Exchange Sheep eID Infrastructure Upgrade
Upgrade of sheep electronic identification infrastructure at the Naracoorte Regional Livestock Exchange to meet mandatory sheep and goat eID requirements, improve livestock traceability, and support ongoing saleyard operations. Works included eID hardware and software, structural modifications, staff and agent training, and associated sheep yard upgrades, with PIRSA contributing up to 75 percent of eligible essential equipment and modification costs.
Naracoorte Early Learning and Childcare Centre
Originally proposed as a workers' accommodation facility, the 1.68ha former Naracoorte TAFE site was repurposed for a $2 million early learning and childcare centre for 60 children. Announced in May 2024 by developer Jrod Pty Ltd with a $500,000 state government grant, construction was to begin in late 2024. As of early 2026, the project has stalled completely after a private Adelaide-based childcare provider withdrew their partnership, leaving the development in limbo with no construction started.
Moyhall Road Reconstruction
Reconstruction of pavement and shoulders with new drainage and a full-width spray-sealed surface to address pavement failure, reduce maintenance costs, and improve road safety. Jointly funded with Naracoorte Lucindale Council under the Roads to Recovery Program.
North Parklands Development
A withdrawn unsolicited proposal for a $250 million mixed-use masterplanned community on a 197-hectare State Government-owned site north of Naracoorte. Developer Robert Moore of ELM Property envisioned 500 residential allotments around the Naracoorte Golf Course, a convention centre, motel-style serviced suites, aged care facilities, and a retirement village. Following overwhelming community opposition - 64.4% of nearly 400 survey respondents opposed any development - Naracoorte Lucindale Council voted against the proposal in August 2022 and the developer withdrew.As of 2026, the site remains a dedicated nature park and community space. No active development applications exist; Naracoorte Lucindale Council CEO Trevor Smart confirmed in November 2024 that a nearby subdivision approval was entirely separate and did not affect the North Parklands.
Naracoorte High School Major Upgrades
Major facility upgrade including refurbishment of art and design building with 3 general learning areas, 2 outdoor learning areas, amenities, and ancillary spaces; construction of new sports change rooms, amenities, agriculture learning space, and change block; refurbishment of home economics facility; and demolition of ageing infrastructure.
Riddoch Highway Overtaking Lane
Planning is underway for the construction of a new southbound overtaking lane on the Riddoch Highway between Padthaway and Naracoorte to enhance road safety, improve efficiency for freight vehicles, reduce driver fatigue, and ensure consistent journey times. Key features include increased lane widths with a 1.4m wide centreline treatment, new pavement construction and surfacing, a new Weigh In Motion system, audio tactile line marking, and roadside hazard protection. This project is part of the South Australian Rural Roads Safety Package.
Wimmera Intermodal Freight Terminal Precinct Stage 1
$2.5 million project to develop 20 new industrial lots at the Wimmera Intermodal Freight Terminal site at Dooen, including street lighting, bitumen road access, and water resources to attract agribusinesses and food processors. Operated by SCT Logistics since 2013.
1,380 residents of West Wimmera are employed, from a labour force of 1,403. Unemployment sits at 1.6%, with participation at 63.2%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 4.7% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The local labor market in West Wimmera is characterized by a diverse mix of blue-collar and white-collar roles, with a very low unemployment rate of 1.6%. In March 2026, employed residents numbered 1,380, and the unemployment rate sat 2.0% lower than the Regional Vic. rate of 3.7%. Participation in the labor force is typical for the region, sitting at 63.2% compared to 61.1% across Regional Vic. Census data indicated that 24.2% of the working population operated from home, though this figure may have been influenced by pandemic-related lockdown measures. The primary sectors employing local residents are agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training.
The region exhibits a strong concentration in agriculture, forestry & fishing, employing residents at a rate 6.4 times higher than the regional average. Conversely, the construction sector is underrepresented, employing only 4.1% of the workforce compared to 10.4% in Regional Vic. Although local jobs are available, the relationship between the Census working population and local employment positions suggests a significant portion of the workforce travels outside the area for employment. AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS statistics shows that over the 12-month period, the total labor force shrank by 3.3% while overall employment fell by 1.8%, leading to a 1.5 percentage point drop in unemployment. In comparison, Regional Vic. saw employment decrease by 0.1%, the labor force contract by 0.3%, and unemployment dip by 0.2 percentage points. National employment trends published by Jobs and Skills Australia in May-25 offer context for potential future employment demand in West Wimmera. These five-year and ten-year national growth projections have been applied to the local workforce structure to model potential employment paths. While nationwide employment is predicted to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, trends vary by industry. Applying these sectoral growth rates to the local industry mix suggests West Wimmera employment could rise by 4.7% over five years and 11.0% over ten years, though this simple weighted model does not account for specific local population projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in West Wimmera is $1,176 a week (about $61,000 a year), with median personal income at $698 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $45,518 a year against an average of $54,695. 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
According to the 2023 financial year ATO records compiled by AreaSearch, tax returns show that income levels in the West Wimmera SA2 run below the national average. Taxpayers in the West Wimmera SA2 recorded a median income of $45,518 and an average income of $54,695, compared to Regional Vic. benchmarks of $50,954 and $62,728. Accounting for a 9.62% increase in the Wage Price Index since the 2023 financial year, estimated figures for March 2026 would be around $49,897 for the median and $59,957 for the average. Census data places individual median weekly income at the 27th percentile ($698), with household income at the 11th percentile.
Income distribution details show that 25.7% of residents (682 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999, which is close to the wider regional rate of 30.3% in this range. Residents retain 94.4% of their income due to low housing expenses, yet overall disposable income sits at the 22nd percentile nationally, and the SEIFA index for income places the area in the 4th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
West Wimmera had 1,134 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 96% detached houses and 2% apartments. 24% are owned with a mortgage, 16% rented and 60% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $150 a week and the median mortgage repayment $758 a month. Rent absorbs 12.8% of household income here and mortgage repayments 14.9%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Census records indicate that the housing stock in West Wimmera is dominated by separate houses at 96.4%, with semi-detached homes, apartments, and alternative dwellings making up the remaining 3.7%, compared to 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings in Regional Vic. Home ownership rates are high, with 60.1% of residents owning their properties outright, while 23.7% have mortgages and 16.2% rent. The median monthly mortgage payment was $758, and the median weekly rent was $150, which are both lower than the respective Regional Vic. averages of $1,430 and $285. On a national level, housing costs in West Wimmera are lower than the Australian median mortgage payment of $1,863 and the median weekly rent of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
West Wimmera counted 1,134 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.1 people each. 21% are couples with children, fewer than in 85% of areas nationally, against 33% couples without children. 36% of households are people living alone, and families average 2.2 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up the majority of local households at 60.8%, consisting of couples without children at 32.9%, couples with children at 20.7%, and single parents at 6.7%. Non-family households account for 39.2% of the total, with lone person households representing 36.4% and group living situations at 2.8%. The average household size of 2.1 persons is slightly below the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
16.3% of adults in West Wimmera hold a university qualification, including 11.8% with a bachelor degree and 2.1% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 26.9% hold a vocational qualification. 4 schools serve the area, with 281 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 980 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
Educational statistics show room for growth in tertiary attainment, as the portion of residents with a university qualification is 16.3%, which is lower than the Victorian average of 33.4%. Among these qualifications, bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.8%, followed by graduate diplomas at 2.4% and postgraduate degrees at 2.1%. Vocational education is common, with 38.0% of residents aged 15 and over holding qualification credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas at 11.1% and certificates at 26.9%. A significant proportion of the population is engaged in learning, with 25.6% of residents enrolled in study.
This group includes 11.4% in primary schools, 6.5% in secondary education, and 1.5% in tertiary studies.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around West Wimmera means driving: households keep an average of 1.9 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
Public transport services in West Wimmera consist of 4 active stops. These transit points are serviced by 1 distinct routes, which combine to offer 10 passenger trips weekly. Transport connectivity is low, with residents living an average of 3367 meters from their nearest transit stop. Given the residential nature of the area, most workers commute out of the district, with private cars being the primary mode of travel at 83% and walking accounting for 12%. Household vehicle ownership averages 1.9 cars, which is higher than the regional average. Additionally, 24.2% of the workforce worked from home according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-era conditions.
Transit service frequency averages 1 trips per day across all routes, which translates to approximately 2 weekly trips at each active stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
64.4% of residents in West Wimmera report no long-term health condition. 6.3% need daily assistance with core activities, and 46.8% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.9 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Analysis of mortality rates and the prevalence of chronic illnesses indicates that West Wimmera faces notable public health challenges. Chronic health conditions affect both youth and older residents, and the rate of private health insurance coverage is low at 47% of the population (approximately 1,243 individuals). This is lower than the Regional Vic. rate of 50.5% and the national benchmark of 55.7%. Arthritis and mental health challenges represent the most prevalent medical issues, affecting 12.4% and 7.7% of the population, respectively. Meanwhile, 64.4% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 63.4% in Regional Vic.
The working-age cohort shows elevated rates of chronic health issues. Residents aged 65 and over make up 30.1% of the local population (799 individuals), which is higher than the 23.9% average for Regional Vic. Senior health outcomes are positive, with national comparisons showing better health metrics for this demographic than for the general population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
West Wimmera is largely Australian-born, at 92.1% of residents, with 2.8% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (32.3%) and Australian (32.2%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Demographic data shows lower levels of cultural diversity in West Wimmera compared to wider areas, with citizens making up 87.6% of the population, Australian-born individuals representing 92.1%, and English-only speakers at home accounting for 97.2%. Christianity is the primary religious affiliation, representing 57.7% of the population, which is higher than the 47.3% average recorded across Regional Vic. Looking at ancestral backgrounds, the three most common heritages in West Wimmera are English at 32.3%, Australian at 32.2%, and Irish at 9.6%. Some demographic variations exist when compared to the broader region, with German ancestry overrepresented at 6.9% of the population (compared to 3.5% regionally), Scottish heritage at 9.4% (compared to 8.8%), and Samoan ancestry at 0.2% (compared to 0.1%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of West Wimmera is 51, older than 94% of areas nationally. That is 1 year younger than at the 2021 Census. 17.3% 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 in West Wimmera is 51 years, which is older than the Regional Vic. median of 43 and the Australian median of 38. The 65 - 74 age bracket is overrepresented locally at 16.8% compared to the regional average, whereas the 15 - 24 age bracket is underrepresented at 7.8%. The local concentration of residents aged 65 - 74 is higher than the national average of 9.4%. Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 85+ grew from 3.5% to 4.8%, and the 65 - 74 group rose from 15.5% to 16.8%.
Conversely, the 45 - 54 age bracket shrank from 12.9% to 10.3%, and the 55 - 64 cohort fell from 17.9% to 15.5%. Demographic projections for 2041 suggest further shifts in age distribution. The population of individuals aged 85+ is expected to decrease by -16% (-20 people), dropping from 127 to 107. Contractions are also forecast for the 85+ and 0 to 4 age groups.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for West Wimmera
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, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 2 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 May 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 — 2 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (2,766 at the 2021 Census → 2,656 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 (215011393). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.