Chart Color Schemes
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
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
Find a Recent Sale
Sales Detail
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 analysis from AreaSearch, the population of West Wimmera stands at approximately 2,656 as of Aug 2026. This marks a reduction of 110 people (4.0%) compared to the 2021 Census count of 2,766 people. This updated figure is derived from the ABS estimated resident population of 2,656 recorded as of June 2025 alongside an added 5 validated new addresses documented since the Census date. With this resident count, the density ratio sits at 0.50 persons per square kilometer, providing considerable space for residents. The area's post-census downturn of -4.0% remains within 2.4 percentage points of the broader SA3 area (-1.6%), illustrating broader regional trends.
Inward overseas migration served as the primary contributor to local numbers, acting practically as the sole driver of population growth across recent intervals. AreaSearch incorporates ABS/Geoscience Australia projections across each SA2 area, published in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. In locations where this dataset is unavailable, AreaSearch applies the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, utilizing a weighted aggregation approach to adapt population growth figures from LGA down to SA2 divisions. Age cohort growth rates obtained through these aggregations are likewise applied to all localities for the years 2032 to 2041. Factoring in these projected demographic changes, current modeling points to a downward population trajectory over this timeframe, with resident numbers in the area expected to contract by 858 persons by 2041.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
Residential development in West Wimmera remains quite minimal, with an average of 2 approvals recorded per year, representing 12 approvals over five years. This restrained level of building activity is typical of rural environments where housing requirements are modest and construction volumes are constrained by local demand and infrastructure capacity. It should be noted that because of the small sample size, individual development projects can have a noticeable effect on annual growth rates and comparative metrics. Building activity in West Wimmera is considerably lower than in Rest of Vic., tracking well below national benchmarks as well.
Furthermore, recent residential building consists entirely of detached houses, matching regional preferences for spacious, private living environments. Indicating this quiet, low-scale building market, the locality records roughly 1111 people per dwelling approval. Because the local population is projected to remain stable or decline, West Wimmera will likely experience lower housing demand, which may present favorable purchasing conditions for 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
Infrastructure planning, major regional projects, and strategic initiatives exert a substantial influence on local growth and performance. In total, no major projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are anticipated to directly impact the local area. Relevant broader initiatives in the region include Lower Limestone Coast Water Allocation Plan, Limestone Coast Energy Park, Melbourne To Adelaide Freight Rail Improvements, and Victorian Renewable Energy Zones, with the detailed list highlighting those holding the highest relevance.
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 63.6%. 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 evenly divided between white and blue collar occupations across multiple industry sectors, maintaining a low unemployment rate of 1.6%. As of March 2026, employed residents total 1,380, with the unemployment rate tracking 2.0% lower than the 3.7% seen in Regional Vic., while labor force participation is typical at 63.6% compared to 61.1% in Regional Vic.. According to Census returns, a moderate share of 24.2% of workers operated from home, though broader Covid-19 restrictions during that period should be kept in mind. The primary employment sectors for the area's residents comprise agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, alongside education & training.
The district demonstrates notable economic concentration in agriculture, forestry & fishing, where its employment proportion is 6.4 times higher than the regional benchmark. Conversely, construction represents a smaller share with 4.1% of employment relative to 10.4% regionally. While local jobs are present, comparisons between Census resident workforce figures and local employment indicate that numerous residents travel outside the area for work. SALM and ABS records evaluated by AreaSearch show that over the year to March 2026, the local workforce contracted by 3.3% while employment slipped by 1.8%, resulting in a 1.5 percentage point drop in the unemployment rate. Over the same timeframe, Regional Vic. recorded an employment reduction of 0.1% and a labor supply contraction of 0.3%, yielding a 0.2 percentage point decline. Additional perspective on future labor requirements in West Wimmera is provided by Jobs and Skills Australia national forecasts from Mar-26. These five and ten-year forecasts have been applied against the local occupational profile to model future demand. Across Australia, employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though expansion rates vary substantially among sectors. Applying these industry projections to the local employment mix suggests West Wimmera could see employment rise by 4.7% over five years and 11.0% over ten years (note that this is an illustrative weighting model and does not factor in localized demographic changes).
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
Taxpayer income within the West Wimmera SA2 sits below national benchmarks based on ATO statistics compiled by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. Median taxpayer income in the West Wimmera SA2 is $45,518 while the average stands at $54,695, compared against figures of $50,954 and $62,728 across Regional Vic.. Accounting for a 9.62% increase in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023, updated estimates reach approximately $49,897 for median income and $59,957 for average income as of March 2026. The 2021 Census placed weekly individual income at the 27th percentile ($698 weekly), with household income at the 11th percentile.
The $1,500 - 2,999 earnings bracket is the most prevalent, accounting for 25.7% of residents (682 people), consistent with the wider region where 30.3% fall into this band. Even though 94.4% of earnings are retained after housing expenses, total disposable earnings place at the 22nd percentile across Australia, and the SEIFA index ranks the district 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
The local housing stock in West Wimmera recorded at the latest Census was composed of 96.4% houses and 3.7% other dwellings (apartments, semi-detached properties, and 'other' dwellings), compared with 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings throughout Regional Vic.. The rate of outright home ownership was notably high at 60.1%, outstripping Regional Vic., while 23.7% of dwellings were under a mortgage and 16.2% were rented. Housing costs remain modest, with median monthly mortgage repayments recorded at $758 versus $1,430 in Regional Vic., and median weekly rent sitting at $150 compared to $285 regionally.
Across Australia, local mortgage payments track well under the national average of $1,863, with weekly rent also considerably lower than the national figure 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 constitute the majority of domestic living arrangements at 60.8%, consisting of couples without children (32.9%), couples with children (20.7%), and single parent families (6.7%). Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 39.2%, largely made up of lone person households at 36.4% and group households at 2.8%. The median household size is 2.1 people, tracking 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 outcomes present areas for growth, as the share of residents with university qualifications (16.3%) falls substantially below the VIC benchmark of 33.4%, highlighting opportunities for targeted academic programs. Bachelor degrees form the largest group at 11.8%, followed by graduate diplomas at 2.4% and postgraduate qualifications at 2.1%. In contrast, vocational and technical credentials are widespread, with 38.0% of residents aged 15+ holding trade qualifications, comprising advanced diplomas (11.1%) and certificates (26.9%). Participation in formal learning is strong, with 25.6% of the local population actively enrolled in education. This proportion includes 11.4% in primary education, 6.5% in secondary education, and 1.5% undertaking 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 transportation within West Wimmera comprises 4 active transport stops that are serviced by 1 individual routes, providing a combined 10 weekly passenger trips. Public transport access is limited, with local residents living an average of 3367 meters from the closest stop. Outward commuting is prevalent, with private vehicles serving as the main travel method at 83%, alongside 12% walking. Vehicle availability averages 1.9 per dwelling, higher than the regional average. Census figures from 2021 showed 24.2% of residents working from home, which may reflect COVID-19 settings. Transit services average 1 trips per day across all routes combined, which represents approximately 2 weekly trips per transport 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
Health assessments compiled by AreaSearch indicate notable health challenges for West Wimmera, reflecting elevated rates of mortality and chronic conditions across both younger and older cohorts. Meanwhile, private health coverage is low, held by approximately 47% of the total population (~1,243 people), compared to 50.5% in Regional Vic. and a national average of 55.7%. Arthritis and mental health issues represent the most prevalent diagnosed conditions locally, affecting 12.4 and 7.7% of residents, respectively, while 64.4% reported no chronic medical conditions, close to the 63.4% recorded in Regional Vic.. Chronic conditions present challenges for the working-age demographic.
Residents aged 65 and over make up 30.3% of the community (804 people), exceeding the 24.0% share across Regional Vic., with senior health metrics ranking above national benchmarks.
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
Cultural diversity measures in West Wimmera place below wider averages, with 87.6% of residents holding Australian citizenship, 92.1% born in Australia, and 97.2% speaking exclusively English at home. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 57.7% of the local population, compared to 47.3% across Regional Vic.. In terms of parental country of birth, the three most common ancestries in West Wimmera are English (32.3%), Australian (32.2%), and Irish (9.6%). Other ancestral lineages display unique regional differences: German heritage represents 6.9% in West Wimmera (compared with 3.5% regionally), Scottish heritage accounts for 9.4% (against 8.8%), and Samoan ancestry comprises 0.2% (versus 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. 16.7% 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 demographic profile of West Wimmera is weighted toward older age brackets when compared to Regional Vic.. AreaSearch figures for August 2026 show that 30.3% of the population belongs to retiree and elderly cohorts (65+) compared to 24.0% across Regional Vic., while young to middle aged adults (25 - 44) account for 17.4% locally against 23.1% regionally. The estimated median age is 51 as at August 2026, dropping slightly from 52 at the 2021 Census, yet sitting 8 years above the Regional Vic. median of 43 and above the national median of 38 at that Census.
The most noticeable cohort shift since the Census occurred among middle aged and young retiree cohorts (45 - 64), falling from 30.8% to an estimated 26.0%. Projections to 2041 indicate no broad age bracket will experience meaningful expansion, with retiree and elderly cohorts as well as middle aged and young retiree cohorts expected to decline.
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 Sep 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) | Aug 2026 last month 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 Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Sep 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 Sep 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 4 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 6 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 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 2 months ago 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 — 5 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 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 Aug 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.