Wodonga

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

Wodonga's population, as of November 2025, is approximately 15,015. This figure represents a decrease from the 2021 Census count of 15,082 people, marking a reduction of 67 individuals, or about 0.4%. The change was inferred using the estimated resident population of 14,897 as of June 2024 and an additional 84 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 495 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration accounted for approximately 58.3% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with the base year as 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch employs VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. By 2041, based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, Wodonga is projected to experience significant demographic shifts. The area is expected to expand by approximately 3,720 persons over this period, reflecting an increase of around 23.9% in total population over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Wodonga, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Wodonga averaged approximately 38 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 191 homes. As of FY26, 32 approvals have been recorded. The population decline in the area suggests that new supply has likely met demand, providing good buyer choice. New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $441,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

This financial year, $4.5 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting Wodonga's primarily residential nature. Compared to Rest of Vic., Wodonga has significantly less development activity, 64.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Nationally, development activity is also lower, suggesting market maturity and possible development constraints. New building activity comprises 62.0% detached dwellings and 38.0% townhouses or apartments, offering a mix of medium-density options across price brackets. This shift from the current housing mix (83.0% houses) reflects reduced availability of development sites and addresses shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements.

The estimated population per dwelling approval is 607 people, indicating a quiet, low activity development environment. By 2041, Wodonga is expected to grow by 3,586 residents. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Wodonga has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 44thth percentile nationally

The performance of a region is significantly impacted by changes in local infrastructure. AreaSearch has identified 26 projects likely to influence this area. Notable initiatives include Mann Central Shopping Complex Stage 2, Junction Place Urban Renewal Precinct, House Creek Precinct Housing, and Oddies Creek Splash Park. The following list details those projected to have the most relevance.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment conditions in Wodonga face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Wodonga has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, well-represented essential services sectors, and an unemployment rate of 9.4% as of September 2025. There are 6,770 residents employed, with the unemployment rate being 5.6% higher than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation is equal to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. The leading employment industries among residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing. Manufacturing is particularly strong, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 1.2% compared to Rest of Vic.'s 7.5%.

The ratio of 0.8 workers per resident indicates a higher-than-average level of local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, the labour force decreased by 1.6%, with a corresponding 3.7% decline in employment, leading to a 1.9 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. In comparison, Rest of Vic. saw an employment decline of 0.7% and labour force decline of 0.6%. As of 25-Nov-25, state-level data shows VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Wodonga's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Wodonga SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $51,163 and an average of $58,293. This is lower than the national average. Rest of Vic.'s median was $48,741 with an average of $60,693. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, estimates for September 2025 would be approximately $57,384 (median) and $65,381 (average). Census data shows personal income ranks at the 31st percentile with weekly earnings of $717. Household income is at the 14th percentile. The $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 28.9% of Wodonga SA2's community (4,339 individuals), similar to the broader area where this cohort represents 30.3%. Housing affordability pressures are severe with only 84.5% of income remaining, ranking at the 15th percentile.

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

Wodonga's dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 82.9% houses and 17.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Vic.'s 91.6% houses and 8.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wodonga stood at 31.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.0% and rented ones at 41.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, below Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,473. Median weekly rent in Wodonga was $260, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $280. Nationally, Wodonga's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents substantially below the national figure of $375.

Wodonga features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 60.5% of all households, including 20.0% couples with children, 24.6% couples without children, and 14.6% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 39.5%, with lone person households at 36.3% and group households making up 3.2%. The median household size is 2.2 people, smaller than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.4.

Educational outcomes in Wodonga fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 16.9%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational credentials are held by 41.9% of residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 11.2% and certificates at 30.7%. Educational participation is high, with 28.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 9.9% in primary education, 7.5% in secondary education, and 2.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Wodonga's public transport analysis shows 123 active transport stops operating within the city. These stops offer a mix of train and bus services, with 46 individual routes collectively providing 1,022 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 195 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 146 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately eight weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Wodonga is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Wodonga faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is relatively low, at approximately 49% of the total population (~7,342 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

Mental health issues are the most common condition, impacting 12.2% of residents, followed by arthritis affecting 9.8%. Conversely, 59.3% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, lower than the Rest of Vic's figure of 64.1%. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 20.7% (3,103 people). Health outcomes among seniors present similar challenges to those seen in the general population.

Wodonga ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Wodonga's cultural diversity was found to be below average. As of the 2016 Census, 88.6% of its population were Australian citizens, with 86.3% born in Australia and 91.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 48.6% of Wodonga's population.

Hinduism, however, was overrepresented at 1.5%, compared to 0.8% across the rest of Victoria. The top three ancestry groups in Wodonga were Australian (30.1%), English (29.5%), and Irish (8.9%). Notably, German ethnicity was overrepresented at 5.3% (vs regional 4.8%), Serbian at 0.4% (vs 0.2%), and Croatian at 0.6% (vs 0.4%).

Wodonga's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Wodonga is 40 years, which is slightly lower than the Rest of Vic.'s average of 43 but higher than Australia's median of 38. The 25-34 age cohort in Wodonga is notably higher at 15.5% compared to the Rest of Vic.'s average, while the 65-74 age group is under-represented at 11.1%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 25-34 age group has increased from 13.5% to 15.5%, while the 5-14 cohort has decreased from 11.9% to 10.6%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant growth in Wodonga's 25-34 age group, projected to expand by 1,350 people (58%) from 2,324 to 3,675. The 15-24 age group is expected to grow more modestly, adding only 27 residents.