North Wonthaggi (Vic.)

Detail

Based on studies of ABS population updates for the wider region, alongside new addresses validated by Districts since the Census, the suburb of North Wonthaggi has an estimated population of about 3,722 as of May 2026. This represents a gain of 247 individuals (7.1%) relative to the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 3,475 people. This shift is calculated from a resident population of 3,702, which Districts estimated after analyzing the latest ERP data release from the ABS (June 2025) and incorporating an additional 165 validated new addresses since the Census date. Such a population count corresponds to a density ratio of 366 persons per square kilometer, offering substantial space per individual and capacity for subsequent growth. The 7.1% rate of expansion in the suburb of North Wonthaggi since the 2021 census was higher than the Rest of Vic. (4.3%), as well as the SA4 region, establishing it as a regional growth leader. Population expansion in the locality was mostly driven by interstate migration, which accounted for approximately 88.0% of the total population gains over recent periods.

Detail

The local labor force is balanced between white and blue collar jobs, with essential services sectors well represented, a jobless rate of just 3.4%, and an estimated 3.0% growth in employment over the past year, according to Districts' aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 1,643 residents are employed, which is an unemployment rate 0.3% lower than Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%, though participation in the workforce is notably lower (55.9% compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.1%). Census responses show a low 8.8% of residents worked from home, though the influence of Covid-19 lockdowns must be kept in mind.

Detail

The most recent postcode level ATO data from Districts for financial year 2023 indicates that incomes in this locality are below the national average, showing a median of $41,131 and an average of $52,800. This is lower than the figures for Regional Vic., where the median income is $50,954 and the average is $62,728. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $45,088 (median) and $57,879 (average) as of March 2026. Data from the 2021 Census reveals that household, family, and personal incomes all place between the 10th and 10th percentiles nationwide. In terms of income brackets, the $1,500 - 2,999 range is the most common, accounting for 30.2% of residents (1,124 people), which aligns with the broader metropolitan trend where 30.3% fall into this same group. After housing costs are paid, 86.1% of income is retained, placing this in only the 13th percentile nationally.

Detail

Residential structures in the locality, as recorded in the latest Census, consisted of 99.0% houses and 1.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), whereas Regional Vic. had 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. The level of home ownership stood at 46.0%, which is well above that of Regional Vic., with the rest of the properties being mortgaged (33.3%) or rented (20.7%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was $1,300, which is below the Regional Vic. average of $1,430, while the median weekly rent was $300, compared to Regional Vic.'s $285. On a national level, mortgage payments in the locality are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are substantially below the national average of $375.

Detail

Family households represent the bulk of the community at 71.2%, consisting of couples with children at 25.5%, couples without children at 30.6%, and single parent households at 14.1%. Non-family households account for the remaining 28.8%, with single person households representing 25.3% and group households making up 3.2%. The median household size is 2.4 people, matching the average for Regional Vic.

Detail

Educational attainment in the area presents challenges, as university qualification rates (12.8%) are significantly below the VIC average of 33.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 9.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational skills are highly prominent, with 40.2% of residents aged 15+ holding trade qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas (8.9%) and certificates (31.3%).

Detail

An analysis of public transport reveals that 7 active stops are in service. These stops are connected to 3 distinct routes, which provide a total of 80 passenger trips per week. Transport links are rated as good, with residents living an average of 253 meters from the nearest stop. Because this is mainly a residential area, most people commute to other areas, and cars remain the primary mode of travel for 95% of commuters. Households own an average of 1.5 vehicles. A relatively small 8.8% of residents work from home, based on 2021 Census data, which may reflect the influence of COVID-19 rules.

Detail

The locality face significant healthcare challenges, according to Districts' evaluation of death rates and the frequency of chronic conditions. Common health issues are somewhat prevalent across all cohorts, with a slightly higher prevalence among older residents, while the percentage of the population with private health insurance is very low at roughly 48% (~1,778 people). This compares to 50.5% across Regional Vic. and a national average of 55.7%.

Detail

The locality displays below-average levels of cultural diversity, with 85.6% of residents born in Australia, 89.9% holding citizenship, and 93.5% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 44.2% of the local population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in the Other category, which accounts for 0.8% of the population, matching the 0.8% seen across Regional Vic.

Detail

The median age of 41 years is slightly below the Regional Vic. average of 43, but slightly higher than the national median of 38. The 25 - 34 age bracket is highly represented at 12.5% compared to Regional Vic., while the 55 - 64 age group is less common at 11.5%. Post-2021 Census data indicates the 35 to 44 age group has expanded from 10.7% to 12.0% of the population, whereas the 55 to 64 bracket has contracted from 12.6% to 11.5%. Demographic models suggest the age distribution will change significantly by 2041, with the 25 to 34 age group projected to grow the fastest at 72%, adding 332 residents to total 798.

Detail

North Wonthaggi currently has an estimated 215 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 107 children aged 0-2 and 71 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 17% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 53% by 2041 (to approximately 328 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 295. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 9.2 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area within the middle tier nationally.