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 15,509 as of May 2026. This figure represents an increase of 113 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 15,396. The growth is inferred from ABS estimates: West Wodonga had an estimated resident population of 15,497 in June 2025 and has gained 95 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 100 persons per square kilometer. The area's 0.7% growth since census is comparable to its SA3 area's growth rate of 2.4%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 61.8% of West Wodonga's recent population gains.

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 a weighted aggregation method from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on these projections, West Wodonga is expected to experience above median population growth among Australia's non-metropolitan areas. By 2041, the area's population is projected to increase by 3,167 persons, reflecting a total growth of 20.3% over the 16-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 per year over the past five financial years, totalling 364 homes. As of FY-26, 44 approvals have been recorded. The average increase in residents per year per dwelling constructed over the past five financial years (FY-21 to FY-25) is around 0.9. This suggests that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more options for buyers and enabling population growth.

The average value of new homes being built is $304,000. In this financial year, $12.9 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating balanced commercial development activity. Compared to the rest of Victoria, West Wodonga shows approximately 69% of the construction activity per person, placing it among the 47th percentile of areas assessed nationally.

This suggests somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established dwellings. New building activity in West Wodonga is dominated by detached dwellings, with 91.0% and only 9.0% medium to high-density housing. This preserves the area's low-density nature and attracts space-seeking buyers. The estimated population per dwelling approval is around 350 people, reflecting its quiet development environment. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, West Wodonga is projected to grow by approximately 3,153 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

West Wodonga has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 45thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 21 projects that could affect the region. 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 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.

Employment drivers in West Wodonga are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

West Wodonga has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, well-represented essential services sectors, and an unemployment rate of 6.4% as of December 2025. The area has 7,550 residents in work, with an unemployment rate of 9.1% compared to Regional Vic.'s 3.7%. Workforce participation is 63.5%, slightly higher than Regional Vic.'s 61.0%.

According to Census responses, only 10.0% of residents work from home. Key industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing. Manufacturing stands out with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing is lower at 1.3%. The area may have limited local employment opportunities, as shown by a decrease in labour force (-3.4%) and employment (-5.9%) over a 12-month period, leading to an unemployment rate increase of 2.5 percentage points.

Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest West Wodonga's employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The West Wodonga SA2 had a lower than average income level nationally based on latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. Its median income among taxpayers was $54,212 and the average income stood at $60,630. These figures compare to Regional Vic.'s median of $50,954 and average of $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $59,427 (median) and $66,463 (average). Census data shows household, family and personal incomes in West Wodonga rank modestly, between the 34th and 41st percentiles. Distribution data indicates that 34.2% of the community (5,304 individuals) earn within the $1,500 - 2,999 band, consistent with surrounding region trends at 30.3%. After 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 structure, as per the latest Census, comprised 88.7% houses and 11.3% other dwellings. In comparison, Regional Vic. had 90.1% houses and 9.9% 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, below Regional Vic.'s average of $1,430. The median weekly rent in West Wodonga was $290, compared to Regional Vic.'s $285. Nationally, West Wodonga's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and 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 account for 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 make up 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 Regional 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 held by 41.6% of residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 11.3% and certificates at 30.3%. Educational participation is high, with 29.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 10.8% in primary, 8.8% in secondary, and 2.7% in 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 accessibility of these stops is rated as good, with residents typically living 226 meters from the nearest stop. In this predominantly residential area, most people commute outwards, primarily using cars (96%). On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, only 10% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 54 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately six 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 of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both younger and older age groups have notable prevalence of common health conditions.

Only approximately 49% of the total population (~7,630 people) has private health cover, compared to the national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 11.4 and 9.9% of residents respectively. However, 61.4% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, slightly lower than the Regional Vic. average of 63.4%. The working-age population in West Wodonga faces significant health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 19.5% (3,018 people), compared to Regional Vic.'s 23.9%. 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's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 91.3% of its population being Australian citizens, 89.8% born in Australia, and 94.7% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion in West Wodonga is Christianity, accounting for 50.1% of the population, compared to 47.3% across Regional Vic. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (31.6%), English (30.3%), and Irish (8.4%).

Notably, German ancestry is overrepresented in West Wodonga at 5.3%, compared to 3.5% regionally, while Dutch ancestry is slightly underrepresented at 1.5% versus 1.7%. Hungarian ancestry is also underrepresented at 0.3% compared to the regional average 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 Regional Victoria's average of 43 years but closely aligns with Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Regional Victoria, West Wodonga has a higher proportion of residents aged 15-24 (13.7%) and fewer residents aged 75-84 (6.5%). According to the 2021 Census, the percentage of residents aged 75-84 increased from 5.2% to 6.5%, while those aged 15-24 rose from 12.5% to 13.7%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 5-14 decreased from 13.9% to 12.2%, and those aged 45-54 fell from 12.8% to 11.8%. Looking towards 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in West Wodonga's age structure, with the 25-34 age group expected to grow by 51% (985 people) to reach 2,910 from its current total of 1,924. Meanwhile, the 15-24 and 55-64 age cohorts are projected to experience population declines.