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 per AreaSearch's analysis, stands at 15,098 as of February 2026. This figure represents an increase of 16 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 15,082 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 14,881 in June 2024 and the addition of 96 validated new addresses post-Census date. This results in a density ratio of 498 persons per square kilometer, offering substantial space per capita and potential for further development. Overseas migration primarily drove recent population growth, contributing approximately 58.3% of overall gains.

AreaSearch employs 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 uses the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, the area is projected to increase by 3,720 persons, reflecting a total increase of 23.2% over the 17-year period.

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, from FY21 to FY25191 homes were approved, with an additional 35 approved in FY26 so far. The population has been declining recently, suggesting that new supply has likely kept pace with demand, providing good options for buyers.

The average construction value of new homes is $441,000, indicating a focus on the premium market by developers. This financial year, $4.5 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting the area's residential character. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Wodonga shows significantly reduced construction activity, with 64.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. Nationally, this activity is also below average, suggesting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent construction comprises 62.0% detached houses and 38.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a shift from the current housing pattern of 83.0% houses.

This change may indicate diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. The area has an estimated 607 people per dwelling approval, reflecting its quiet development environment. By 2041, Wodonga is projected to grow by 3,503 residents. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep up 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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 26 projects that could impact the region. Notable projects 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 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 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. Essential services sectors are well represented. The unemployment rate is 9.4%.

As of September 2025, there are 6,770 residents employed while the unemployment rate is 5.6% higher than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation is similar to Rest of Vic.'s 61.4%. Census data shows that only 8.4% of residents work from home. The dominant employment sectors are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing.

Manufacturing has a higher representation with an employment share of 1.5 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 1.2%. There is one worker for every resident, indicating ample local employment opportunities. Between June 2024 and May 2025, labour force decreased by 1.6% while employment declined by 3.7%, leading to a 1.9 percentage point increase in unemployment. In contrast, Rest of Vic. had an employment decline of 0.7%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, issued May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% 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.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The Wodonga SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $53,999 and an average of $60,341 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This was lower than the national average, with Rest of Vic.'s median income being $50,954 and average income being $62,728. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $58,454 (median) and $65,319 (average), based on an 8.25% growth in wages since financial year 2023. In the 2021 Census, personal income ranked at the 31st percentile ($717 weekly), while household income was at the 14th percentile. The largest income segment comprised 28.9% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (4,363 residents). Housing affordability pressures were 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 dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 82.9% houses and 17.1% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Vic.'s dwelling structures were 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wodonga was at 31.6%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (27.0%) or rented (41.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Wodonga was $1,300, below Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,430 and Australia's national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure in Wodonga was $260, substantially lower than Non-Metro Vic.'s $285 and 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 account for the remaining 39.5%, with lone person households at 36.3% and group households comprising 3.2%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is 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 prevalent, with 41.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.2%) and certificates (30.7%). Educational participation is high, with 28.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 9.9% in primary, 7.5% in secondary, and 2.8% in tertiary education.

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 shows 89 active transport stops operating within Wodonga, comprising a mix of train and bus services. 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. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 94%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 8.4% of residents work from home, which 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. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across all age groups but more so among older cohorts.

Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49% of the total population (around 7,428 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues and arthritis, affecting 12.2 and 9.8% of residents respectively. About 59.3% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 63.4% in the rest of Victoria. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. As of 2021, approximately 20.2% of Wodonga's residents are aged 65 and over (around 3,057 people), lower than the 23.9% in the rest of Victoria. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally compared to 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's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 88.6% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia (86.3%), and speaking English only at home (91.4%). Christianity is the predominant religion in Wodonga, comprising 48.6% of the population. Hinduism, however, is overrepresented compared to the rest of Victoria, making up 1.5% versus 0.7%.

The top three ancestry groups are Australian (30.1%), English (29.5%), and Irish (8.9%). Notably, German ancestry is overrepresented at 5.3% in Wodonga compared to 3.5% regionally, Serbian at 0.4% versus 0.2%, and Croatian at 0.6% versus 0.4%.

Wodonga's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Wodonga is 40 years, which is slightly below the Rest of Vic.'s average of 43 but above Australia's median of 38. Compared to the Rest of Vic., the 25-34 cohort is notably higher at 16.1% locally, while the 65-74 age group is under-represented at 11.0%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 13.5% to 16.1%, the 5 to 14 cohort has decreased from 11.9% to 10.2%, and the 45 to 54 group has dropped from 11.9% to 10.7%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Wodonga. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to grow by 1,236 people (51%), from 2,438 to 3,675. The 15 to 24 group is expected to show modest growth of 0%, adding only 6 residents.