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 May 2026, stands at around 14,673 people. This figure represents a decrease of 409 individuals from the 2021 Census total of 15,082 people, marking a 2.7% reduction since that date. The estimated resident population of 14,645 as of June 2025, along with an additional 112 validated new addresses post-Census, supports this population estimate. This results in a density ratio of 484 persons per square kilometer, indicating ample space per person and potential for further development. Overseas migration primarily drove recent population growth, contributing approximately 58.6% of overall gains.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch employs 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. Based on these projections, a significant increase in the top quartile of national regional areas is forecasted, with Wodonga expected to expand its population by 3,598 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 24.3% over the 16-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, totalling 191 homes. As of FY26, 49 approvals have been recorded. The area has experienced population decline, suggesting that supply has kept pace with demand, providing good options for buyers. New properties are constructed at an average value of $441,000, indicating a focus on premium segment upmarket properties.

In FY26, $4.5 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to Rest of Vic., Wodonga has significantly less development activity, 63.0% below the regional average per person, which typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. This activity is also lower than nationally, indicating market maturity and possible development constraints. New building activity comprises 62.0% detached dwellings and 38.0% townhouses or apartments, expanding medium-density options and creating a mix of opportunities across price brackets. This shows a considerable change from the current housing mix, which is currently 83.0% houses, reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. The estimated count of 607 people per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Wodonga is expected to grow by 3,569 residents through to 2041. 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 40thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 26 projects that may affect this 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, well-represented essential services sectors, and an unemployment rate of 9.7% as of December 2025. There are 6,728 residents employed, with the unemployment rate being 6.0% higher than Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation is on par with Regional Vic.'s 61.0%.

According to Census responses, only 8.4% of residents work from home. Leading industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing, with manufacturing showing particularly strong specialization. However, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 1.2% compared to Regional Vic.'s 7.5%. The worker-to-resident ratio is 0.8, indicating above-average local employment opportunities.

Between December 2024 and December 2025, the labour force decreased by 3.5%, employment declined by 6.1%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 2.5 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Vic.'s employment declined by 0.6% with a labour force decline of 0.7%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Wodonga's employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Wodonga SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $53,999 and an average of $60,341. This is lower than the national average. Regional Vic.'s median was $50,954 with an average of $62,728. By March 2026, current estimates suggest the median income will be approximately $59,194 and the average $66,146, based on a 9.62% growth since financial year 2023. Census data indicates personal income ranks at the 31st percentile ($717 weekly) and household income at the 14th percentile. The $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 28.9% of Wodonga's community (4,240 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

As of the latest Census evaluation in Wodonga, dwelling structures comprised 82.9% houses and 17.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wodonga was at 31.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.0% and rented ones at 41.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, below Regional Vic.'s average of $1,430. Median weekly rent in Wodonga was $260, compared to Regional Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Wodonga's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were 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 account for 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 make up 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, 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'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+, 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 has 89 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 30 individual routes that facilitate 858 weekly passenger trips in total. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 196 meters to the nearest stop. In this primarily residential area, most commuters travel outward, predominantly by car (94%). The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.2, below the regional norm. According to the 2021 Census, only 8.4% of residents work from home, a figure that may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 122 trips per day, equating to around nine weekly trips per 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 (~7,219 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 12.2% and 9.8% of residents respectively. However, 59.3% of residents declare themselves 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. As of March 2021, the area has 21.4% of residents aged 65 and over (3,135 people), which is lower than the 23.9% in Regional Vic.. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank 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's cultural diversity was below average, with 88.6% citizens, 86.3% born in Australia, and 91.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity dominated, comprising 48.6%. Hinduism, at 1.5%, was overrepresented compared to Regional Vic.'s 0.7%.

Ancestry wise, Australian (30.1%), English (29.5%), and Irish (8.9%) were the top groups. Notably, German (5.3% vs regional 3.5%), Serbian (0.4% vs 0.2%), and Croatian (0.6% vs 0.4%) were overrepresented.

Wodonga's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Wodonga is 40 years, which is slightly below Regional Victoria's average of 43 but above the Australian median of 38. In comparison with Regional Victoria's average, the 25-34 age cohort is notably higher at 14.8% locally, while the 65-74 age group is under-represented at 11.1%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 13.5% to 14.8%, and the 15 to 24 cohort has risen from 11.5% to 12.8%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group has decreased from 11.9% to 10.4%, and the 55 to 64 age group has dropped from 12.6% to 11.4%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Wodonga, with the 25 to 34 age cohort projected to grow by 1,146 people (53%), increasing from 2,171 to 3,318. The 15 to 24 age group is expected to grow modestly at 2%, adding only 31 residents.