West Wodonga

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, West Wodonga's population is around 15,697 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 301 people (2.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 15,396 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 15,650 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 101 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 102 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. West Wodonga's 2.0% growth since the census positions it within 2.9 percentage points of the SA3 area (4.9%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 54.6% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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 utilizing 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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, an above-median population growth for locations outside of capital cities is projected, with the area expected to expand by 3,318 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 20.8% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees West Wodonga recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

West Wodonga has averaged around 72 new dwelling approvals annually, with 364 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 33 so far in FY-26. At an average of just 0.9 new residents per year arriving per new home over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, offering ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts, while new homes are being built at an average value of $304,000. There have also been $12.9 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating steady commercial investment activity.

Relative to the Rest of Vic., West Wodonga shows approximately 68% of the construction activity per person and ranks in the 47th percentile of areas assessed nationally, meaning somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established homes. New building activity consists of 91.0% detached houses and 9.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated count of 350 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Population forecasts indicate West Wodonga will gain 3,271 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.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 21 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Wodonga Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion, Mars Wodonga Solar Thermal Plant, Belvoir Village Motel Expansion - Additional 20 Motel Units, and Hydrogen Park Murray Valley (HyP Murray Valley), 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.

The labour market performance in West Wodonga lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

West Wodonga features a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of 6.4%. As of December 2025, 7,550 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.7% above Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Regional Vic.'s 61.5%. Based on Census responses, a low 10.0% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise health care and social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing. The area has a particular employment specialization in manufacturing, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry and fishing shows lower representation at 1.3% versus the regional average of 7.5%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, the labour force decreased by 3.4% while employment declined by 5.9%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 2.5 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional Vic., where employment contracted by 0.6%, the labour force fell by 0.7%, and unemployment fell 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within West Wodonga. 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 West Wodonga's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 13.0% 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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the West Wodonga SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $54,212 with the average level standing at $60,630. This is lower than average on a national basis and compares to levels of $50,954 and $62,728 across Regional Vic. respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $58,684 (median) and $65,632 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in West Wodonga, between the 34th and 41st percentiles. Income analysis reveals the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 34.2% of the community (5,368 individuals), mirroring the broader area where 30.3% occupy this bracket. After housing, 85.6% of income remains for other expenses.

West Wodonga is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure within West Wodonga, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 88.7% houses and 11.3% 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 West Wodonga lagged that of Regional Vic. at 30.5%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (36.3%) or rented (33.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Regional Vic. average at $1,387, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $290, compared to Regional Vic.'s $1,430 and $285. Nationally, West Wodonga's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

West Wodonga has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households dominate at 69.2% of all households, comprising 27.3% couples with children, 27.1% couples without children, and 13.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 30.8%, with lone person households at 28.4% and group households comprising 2.4% of the total. The median household size of 2.4 people matches the Regional Vic. average.

West Wodonga shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (15.9%) substantially below the VIC average of 33.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 11.0%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.7%) and postgraduate qualifications (2.2%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 41.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.3%) and certificates (30.3%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.8% in primary education, 8.8% in secondary education, and 2.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 59 active transport stops operating within West Wodonga, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 20 individual routes, collectively providing 382 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 226 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 96%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling. A relatively low 10.0% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 54 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 6 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in West Wodonga is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing West Wodonga, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49% of the total population (~7,722 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 11.4 and 9.9% of residents, respectively, while 61.4% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.4% across Regional Vic.. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 19.1% of residents aged 65 and over (2,999 people), which is lower than the 23.9% in Regional Vic.. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

West Wodonga was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 91.3% of its population being citizens, 89.8% born in Australia, and 94.7% speaking English only at home. The main religion in West Wodonga is Christianity, which makes up 50.1% of the people. This compares to 47.3% across Regional Vic..

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in West Wodonga are Australian, comprising 31.6% of the population, English, comprising 30.3% of the population, and Irish, comprising 8.4% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: German is notably overrepresented at 5.3% of West Wodonga (vs 3.5% regionally), Dutch at 1.5% (vs 1.7%) and Hungarian at 0.3% (vs 0.2%).

West Wodonga's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The 39-year median age in West Wodonga is significantly below Regional Vic.'s average of 43 while essentially aligned with Australia's 38 years. Relative to Regional Vic., West Wodonga has a higher concentration of 15 - 24 residents (13.6%) but fewer 75 - 84 year-olds (6.1%). Following the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 12.5% to 13.6% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 12.0% to 13.1%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 13.9% to 11.9% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 12.8% to 11.4%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in West Wodonga's age structure. Leading the demographic shift, the 25 to 34 group will grow by 52% (1,020 people), reaching 2,990 from 1,969. Conversely, the 15 to 24 and 55 to 64 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.