West Wodonga

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

West Wodonga's population is approximately 15,697 as of February 2026. This figure reflects a growth of 301 people, representing a 2.0% increase since the 2021 Census which recorded a population of 15,396. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 15,650 in June 2024 and an additional 101 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 102 persons per square kilometer. West Wodonga's growth rate of 2.0% since the census is within 2.9 percentage points of the SA3 area's growth rate of 4.9%. The population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing 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 utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. According to these projections, West Wodonga is expected to have an above median population growth and expand by 3,318 persons to the year 2041, reflecting a total increase of 20.8% 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 averaged approximately 72 new dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, a total of 364 homes were approved, with an additional 26 approved so far in FY-26. The average number of new residents arriving per new home over these years is around 0.9 annually.

This indicates that the new supply of dwellings is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction value of these new homes is $304,000. In FY-26, there have been $12.9 million in commercial approvals, suggesting steady commercial investment activity.

Compared to the rest of Victoria, West Wodonga shows approximately 68% of the construction activity per person. Nationally, it ranks among the 47th percentile of areas assessed, indicating somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established homes. The new building activity in West Wodonga 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 population per dwelling approval is around 350 people. Population forecasts indicate that West Wodonga will gain approximately 3,271 residents through to 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. If current construction levels persist, housing supply could potentially lag behind population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth in the area.

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

Twenty-one infrastructure projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting 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). The following list details 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.

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

West Wodonga has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, prominent essential services sectors, and an unemployment rate of 6.1% as of September 2025. The area employs 7,596 residents at this time, with an unemployment rate 2.3% higher than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation is similar to the regional average at 61.4%.

Only 10.0% of residents work from home, but Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Key employment industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing. Manufacturing is particularly prominent 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, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population.

Between September 2024 and September 2025, West Wodonga's labour force decreased by 1.6%, while employment declined by 3.7%, leading to a 2.0 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. This contrasts with Rest of Vic., where employment contracted by 0.7% and unemployment rose marginally. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May-25, suggest national employment will grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to West Wodonga's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released in financial year 2023, West Wodonga SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $54,212 and an average income of $60,630. This is lower than the national average. In comparison, Rest of Vic had median and average incomes of $50,954 and $62,728 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates for West Wodonga SA2 would be approximately $58,684 (median) and $65,632 (average) as of September 2025. Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in West Wodonga rank modestly, between the 34th and 41st percentiles. Income analysis reveals that 34.2% of individuals in West Wodonga earn between $1,500 - 2,999, mirroring the broader area where 30.3% occupy this income bracket. After housing costs, 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 structure, as per the latest Census, had 88.7% houses and 11.3% 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 Wodonga stood at 30.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 36.3% and rented ones at 33.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,387, below Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,430. Median weekly rent in West Wodonga was $290, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $285. Nationally, mortgage repayments were significantly lower 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 comprise 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 account for the remaining 30.8%, with lone person households at 28.4% and group households comprising 2.4%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which matches the Rest of Vic. average.

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 the 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%, with 10.8% in primary education, 8.8% in secondary education, and 2.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

West Wodonga has 59 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 20 different routes that together offer 382 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically living 226 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 96%, with an average vehicle ownership of 1.5 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, only 10% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by 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

West Wodonga faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial, affecting both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49% of the total population (~7,722 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 11.4 and 9.9% of residents respectively. However, 61.4% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.4% across Rest of Vic. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. As of the latest data (2021), 19.1% of residents are aged 65 and over (2,999 people), which is lower than the 23.9% in Rest of 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 have low cultural diversity, with 91.3% of its population being Australian citizens, 89.8% born in Australia, and 94.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 50.1% of West Wodonga's population, compared to 47.3% across Victoria. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (31.6%), English (30.3%), and Irish (8.4%).

Notably, German ancestry is overrepresented at 5.3%, compared to the regional average of 3.5%. Similarly, Dutch ancestry is slightly underrepresented at 1.5% versus 1.7%, while Hungarian ancestry is also underrepresented at 0.3% compared to the regional figure of 0.2%.

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

The median age in West Wodonga is 39 years, which is significantly lower than Rest of Vic.'s average of 43 but essentially 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 (13.6%) but fewer residents aged 75-84 (6.1%). According to the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group increased from 12.5% to 13.6%, while the 35 to 44 cohort rose from 12.0% to 13.1%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group decreased from 13.9% to 11.9%, and the 45 to 54 age group dropped from 12.8% to 11.4%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in West Wodonga's age structure, with the 25 to 34 age group expected to grow by 52%, reaching 2,990 people from 1,969. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 and 55 to 64 age groups are projected to experience population declines.