Wodonga

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Wodonga's population is around 15,098 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 16 people (0.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 15,082 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 14,881 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 96 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 498 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 58.3% 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 utilising 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, a significant population increase in the top quartile of national non-metropolitan areas is forecast, with the area expected to expand by 3,720 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 23.2% in total 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 has averaged around 38 new dwelling approvals per year, with 191 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 38 so far in FY-26. With population declining over recent years, new supply has likely been keeping up with demand, offering good choice to buyers, while new homes are being built at an average value of $441,000, showing that developers are focusing on the premium market with high-end developments. Additionally, $4.5 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, suggesting the area's residential character.

Compared to the rest of Victoria, Wodonga shows substantially reduced construction (64.0% below regional average per person). This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. This activity is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. Recent construction comprises 62.0% detached houses and 38.0% townhouses or apartments, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments providing options across different price points, from family homes to more affordable compact living. This marks a significant departure from existing housing patterns (currently 83.0% houses), suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. The estimated count of 607 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Looking ahead, Wodonga is expected to grow by 3,503 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Wodonga has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 40thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 26 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Mann Central Shopping Complex Stage 2, Junction Place Urban Renewal Precinct, House Creek Precinct Housing, and Oddies Creek Splash Park, 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.

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

Wodonga features a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of 9.7%. As of December 2025, 6,728 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 6.0% above Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Regional Vic.'s 61.5%. Based on Census responses, a low 8.4% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care and social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing. The area has a particular employment specialization in manufacturing, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry and fishing shows lower representation at 1.2% versus the regional average of 7.5%. The ratio of 0.8 workers for each resident, as at the Census, indicates a level of local employment opportunities above the norm.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw the labour force decrease by 3.5% while employment declined by 6.1%, causing unemployment to rise by 2.5 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Vic. experienced an employment decline of 0.6% and a labour force decline of 0.7%, with a 0.1 percentage point drop. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within 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 Wodonga's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 13.1% 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

The Wodonga SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $53,999 and an average of $60,341 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is lower than average on a national basis, contrasting with Regional Vic.'s median income of $50,954 and average income of $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $58,454 (median) and $65,319 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, personal income ranks at the 31st percentile ($717 weekly), while household income sits at the 14th percentile. Looking at income distribution, the largest segment comprises 28.9% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (4,363 residents), aligning with the region where this cohort likewise 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

Dwelling structure within Wodonga, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 82.9% houses and 17.1% 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 Wodonga lagged that of Regional Vic. at 31.6%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (27.0%) or rented (41.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Regional Vic. average at $1,300, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $260, compared to Regional Vic.'s $1,430 and $285. Nationally, Wodonga's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are 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 dominate at 60.5% of all households, comprising 20.0% couples with children, 24.6% couples without children, and 14.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 39.5%, with lone person households at 36.3% and group households comprising 3.2% of the total. The median household size of 2.2 people is smaller than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (16.9%) substantially below the VIC average of 33.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 11.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 41.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.2%) and certificates (30.7%).

Educational participation is notably 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

Public transport analysis reveals 89 active transport stops operating within Wodonga, comprising a mix of trains and buses. These stops are serviced by 30 individual routes, collectively providing 858 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 196 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 94%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 8.4% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 122 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 9 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Wodonga is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a slightly higher degree among older age cohorts

Wodonga faces significant health challenges, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a slightly higher degree among older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49% of the total population (~7,428 people). The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 12.2% and 9.8% of residents, respectively, while 59.3% 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 20.2% of residents aged 65 and over (3,057 people), which is lower than the 23.9% in Regional Vic. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, though ranking lower nationally than the broader population.

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

Wodonga was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 88.6% of its population being citizens, 86.3% born in Australia, and 91.4% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Wodonga is Christianity, which makes up 48.6% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Hinduism, which comprises 1.5% of the population, compared to 0.7% across Regional Vic..

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Wodonga are Australian, comprising 30.1% of the population, English, comprising 29.5% of the population, and Irish, comprising 8.9% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: German is notably overrepresented at 5.3% of Wodonga (vs 3.5% regionally), 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 40-year median age in Wodonga is modestly under Regional Vic.'s average of 43 though slightly above the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Regional Vic. average, the 25 - 34 cohort is notably over-represented (16.1% locally), while 65 - 74 year-olds are under-represented (11.0%). Since the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 13.5% to 16.1% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 11.9% to 10.2% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 11.9% to 10.7%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Wodonga. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to grow significantly, expanding by 1,236 people (51%) from 2,438 to 3,675. The 15 to 24 group displays more modest growth at 0%, adding only 6 residents.