Wangaratta (Vic.)

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Analysis of ABS population updates for the wider region, alongside address files validated by Districts since the Census, indicates the suburb of Wangaratta (Vic.) has a population of approximately 19,199 as of May 2026. This represents a decline of 15 people (0.1%) from the 2021 Census, which counted 19,214 individuals. This shift is derived from a resident population estimate of 19,110 by Districts, following a review of the latest ABS ERP release (June 2025) and an extra 430 validated new addresses after the Census. The population level yields a density of 393 persons per square kilometer, indicating substantial space per resident and capacity for additional development. In contrast to the 0.1% decrease in the suburb of Wangaratta (Vic.) since the census, the SA3 region recorded a 1.1% increase, demonstrating contrasting demographic trends. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth, representing roughly 92.0% of the total demographic gains during recent times.

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Data compiled by Districts from statistical regions reveals that Wangaratta has a qualified workforce with a strong presence in vital service industries, alongside an unemployment rate of 5.8%. As of March 2026, there are 8,907 employed inhabitants, with unemployment tracking at 2.1% higher than the Regional Vic. benchmark of 3.7%, and labor participation slightly lower than average (58.8% compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.1%). Census figures show that a small proportion of residents (9.1%) worked from home, though this may have been influenced by COVID-19 containment measures.

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Based on the latest ATO postcode statistics published by Districts for the 2023 financial year, taxpayers in Wangaratta have a median income of $47,260 and an average income of $56,184. These figures are below the national benchmarks, and compare to a median of $50,954 and average of $62,728 in Regional Vic.. Factoring in a Wage Price Index increase of 9.62% since the 2023 financial year, current calculations suggest figures of approximately $51,806 (median) and $61,589 (average) as of March 2026. According to Census records, family, household, and individual earnings in Wangaratta fall between the 14th and 28th percentiles across Australia. Income distribution statistics show the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket contains 29.1% of the population (5,586 citizens), which is consistent with the wider region where this segment accounts for . Net of housing costs, of income remains, placing the area in the th percentile nationally.

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According to the most recent Census, the housing composition in Wangaratta consisted of 85.3% freestanding houses and 14.7% alternative housing types, such as townhouses, apartments, or other structures, compared to 90.1% houses and 9.9% alternative dwellings in Regional Vic.. The rate of home ownership in Wangaratta was slightly below the Regional Vic. average of 38.5%, with remaining properties being mortgaged (31.5%) or rented (30.0%). The median monthly home loan payment was $1,300, which is lower than the Regional Vic. average of $1,430, while the median weekly rent stood at $260, compared to $285 for the wider region. On a national level, mortgage costs in Wangaratta are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are below the national figure of $375.

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Families make up 62.2% of the local households, consisting of 22.3% couples with children, 26.5% couples without children, and 12.6% single parent households. The remaining 37.8% are non-family households, which are composed of lone occupants at 35.2% and group living arrangements at 2.6%. The typical household size is 2.2 residents, which is smaller than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.

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Educational outcomes in the region show room for improvement, as university graduation levels (19.5%) are lower than the VIC state average of 33.4%. This situation presents an opportunity for focused educational programs. Undergraduate degrees are the most common qualification at 13.1%, followed by postgraduate degrees (3.2%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Vocational and technical training is common, with 38.2% of individuals aged 15+ holding a trade qualification, consisting of advanced diplomas (10.9%) and certificate credentials (27.3%).

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Analysis of regional transport indicates there are 122 active transit locations in Wangaratta, consisting of train stations and bus stops. These stops are served by 18 different routes, which provide 918 weekly trips for passengers. Accessibility is rated as good, with residents living an average of 225 meters from their nearest transit stop. Given the residential nature of the area, most commuters travel out of the suburb, with private vehicles being the primary mode of travel at 91%, followed by walking at 5% and cycling at 2%. Vehicle ownership stands at 1.3 cars per home, which is below the regional average. A small proportion of residents (9.1%) work from home (based on the 2021 Census, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

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Based on Districts' evaluation of mortality patterns and the presence of long-term medical issues, Wangaratta face significant health issues, which are notable in both younger and older demographics. The proportion of residents with private health insurance is low, sitting at approximately 49% of the population (~9,428 people), compared to a national average of 55.7%.

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The local population has lower cultural diversity than average, with citizens representing 90.5% of residents, 89.6% born in Australia, and 93.6% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, accounting for 52.6% of local citizens. However, the most distinct variation is in Judaism, which makes up 0.1% of the population, compared to 0.1% across Regional Vic..

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The median age in Wangaratta is 44 years, which is similar to the Regional Vic. average of 43 years and higher than the national median of 38 years. Relative to Regional Vic., Wangaratta has a larger proportion of residents aged 25 - 34 (12.6%) but fewer people aged 55 - 64 (11.6%). Since the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age segment grew from 11.6% to 12.6% of the population, while the 5 to 14 group fell from 12.0% to 10.7%. By 2041, the age distribution is projected to change, with the 25 to 34 age bracket growing by 45% (an increase of people) to reach from . The to cohort is expected to grow by , adding residents.

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Wangaratta currently has an estimated 1,075 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 618 children aged 0-2 and 412 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 6% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 35% by 2041 (to approximately 1,448 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 1,653. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 9.5 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area within the middle tier nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.