West Wodonga
Statistical Area - sa2

An assessment of population growth drivers in West Wodonga reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

West Wodonga's population is approximately 15,782 as of November 2025. This represents an increase of 386 people, a 2.5% rise from the 2021 Census figure of 15,396. The growth is inferred from ABS estimates: 15,650 in June 2024 and an additional 100 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density of 102 persons per square kilometer. West Wodonga's growth rate since the census, at 2.5%, is within 1.7 percentage points of the SA3 area's 4.2%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 54.6% 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. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch employs the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusting using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Nationally, non-metropolitan areas are projected to have above median population growth. West Wodonga is expected to grow by 3,318 persons to 2041 based on the latest numbers, indicating a total gain of 20.2% over the 17-year period.

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 received approximately 72 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling 364 homes from FY-18 to FY-22. As of FY-26, there have been 24 recorded approvals. The average increase in residents per year per dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25 was 0.9. This suggests that supply is meeting or exceeding demand, offering more buyer choices while supporting potential population growth above projections.

The average construction cost of new dwellings is $304,000. In FY-26, there have been $12.9 million in commercial approvals, indicating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the Rest of Vic., West Wodonga shows around 68% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 48th percentile nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing dwellings.

New developments consist of 91.0% standalone homes and 9.0% medium to high-density housing, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 350 people, reflecting its quiet development environment. Future projections indicate West Wodonga adding 3,186 residents by 2041. If current construction levels continue, housing supply may lag behind population growth, intensifying buyer competition and potentially driving price growth.

West Wodonga has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 17thth percentile nationally

The performance of an area can significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 21 such projects that could impact the area. Notable 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). The following list provides details on those most likely to be 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 drivers in West Wodonga are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

West Wodonga has a balanced labour force with both white and blue collar jobs, prominent essential services sectors, and an unemployment rate of 5.6% as of June 2025. The area employs 7,689 residents with an unemployment rate at 1.8% above the Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation is similar to the regional average at 60.9%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing. Manufacturing shows strong specialization with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 1.3% compared to the regional average of 7.5%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data analysis.

In the 12-month period ending June 2025, labour force increased by 1.4%, but employment declined by 0.5%, raising unemployment rate by 1.9 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Vic., where employment contracted by 0.9%, labour force fell by 0.4%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but industry-specific projections suggest West Wodonga may grow at approximately 6.1%% over five years and 13.0% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

West Wodonga's median income among taxpayers was $51,396 in financial year 2022, according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. The average income stood at $58,580 during this period. In comparison, Rest of Vic.'s median and average incomes were $48,741 and $60,693 respectively in financial year 2022. Based on a Wage Price Index growth rate of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates for West Wodonga's median income would be approximately $57,646 by September 2025, with the average income projected to reach around $65,703 during the same period. Census data indicates that household, family and personal incomes in West Wodonga rank modestly, between the 34th and 41st percentiles. Income distribution data shows that 34.2% of individuals in West Wodonga earn within the $1,500 - 2,999 range, which is consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region where 30.3% fall into this category. After accounting for housing expenses, 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

West Wodonga's dwelling structures in 2016 comprised 88.7% houses and 11.3% other dwellings. In contrast, Non-Metro Vic.'s dwelling structures were 91.6% houses and 8.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in West Wodonga was at 30.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 36.3% and rented ones at 33.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,387, lower than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,473. The median weekly rent in West Wodonga was $290, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $280. Nationally, West Wodonga's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,387 than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 69.2% of all households, including 27.3% couples with children, 27.1% couples without children, and 13.9% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 30.8%, with lone person households at 28.4% and group households at 2.4%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which aligns with the average for the Rest of Vic.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 15.9%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 11.0%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.7%) and postgraduate qualifications (2.2%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 41.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.3%) and certificates (30.3%). Educational participation is high at 29.7%, comprising 10.8% in primary education, 8.8% in secondary education, and 2.7% pursuing tertiary education.

West Wodonga has a network of 7 schools educating approximately 2,614 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 983) and balanced educational opportunities. The schools include 1 primary, 2 secondary, and 4 K-12 institutions. Note: for schools with 'n/a' enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

The analysis of public transport in West Wodonga indicates that there are 68 active transport stops currently operating, all of which serve buses. These stops are served by a total of 20 individual bus routes, collectively facilitating 396 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transports is rated as good, with residents generally located an average of 226 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 56 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately five 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

West Wodonga faces significant health challenges, as indicated by its health data. Both younger and older age groups have notable prevalence of common health conditions.

Approximately 49% (~7,748 people) of West Wodonga's total population has private health cover, which is lower than the national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions in the area, affecting 11.4% and 9.9% of residents respectively. Around 61.4% of West Wodonga's residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 64.1% across the rest of Victoria. The area has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 19.1% (3,008 people), than the rest of Victoria, which stands at 20.7%. Health outcomes among seniors in West Wodonga present some challenges, largely mirroring those of the general population's health profile.

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's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 91.3% of its population being citizens born in Australia who speak English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 50.1% of West Wodonga's population compared to 48.2% across Rest of Vic. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (31.6%), English (30.3%), and Irish (8.4%).

Notably, German ancestry is overrepresented at 5.3% in West Wodonga versus 4.8% regionally, Dutch at 1.5% versus 1.6%, and Hungarian at 0.3% versus 0.2%.

West Wodonga's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in West Wodonga is 39 years, which is significantly lower than Rest of Vic.'s average of 43 but closely aligned with Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Vic., West Wodonga has a higher proportion of residents aged 15-24 (13.5%) but fewer residents aged 75-84 (6.1%). According to the 2021 Census, the percentage of the population aged 15-24 increased from 12.5% to 13.5%, while the percentage of those aged 5-14 decreased from 13.9% to 12.3%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in West Wodonga's age structure. Notably, the 25-34 age group is expected to grow by 58%, reaching 2,990 people from its current figure of 1,890. Conversely, the 15-24 and 55-64 age groups are projected to experience population declines.