West Wodonga (Vic.)

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Based on demographic evaluations from the ABS for the wider region, combined with updated addresses verified by Districts following the Census, the suburb of West Wodonga has an estimated population of 14,845 as of May 2026. This represents an expansion of 51 individuals (0.3%) from the 2021 Census, which registered 14,794 residents. This shift is calculated from a local population of 14,833, calculated by Districts using the ABS June 2025 release of ERP figures, along with 62 validated new addresses recorded since the Census. Such a population size results in a density of 336 persons per square kilometer, indicating low density living and potential capacity for subsequent growth. The 0.3% rate of growth since the census is within 2.1 percentage points of the broader SA3 region (2.4%), indicating competitive expansion trends. Growth in the local population was primarily supported by international migration, which accounted for approximately 55% of overall population increases during recent intervals.

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The local labor force displays a balanced mix of professional and trade occupations, with solid representation in essential services and an unemployment rate of 5.9%, according to local statistical data. In March 2026, 7,301 residents were employed, representing an unemployment rate 2.3% higher than the Regional Vic. rate of 3.7%. Participation in the workforce is standard, sitting at 63.4% compared to 61.1% across Regional Vic. Census data shows a modest 9.4% of the workforce worked from home, although this may reflect pandemic-related restrictions.

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Taxpayer statistics show a median income of $50,991 and an average income of $58,119, according to ATO data from financial year 2023. These figures are below national benchmarks, comparing to a median of $50,954 and an average of $62,728 across Regional Vic. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, updated estimates point to a median of $55,896 and an average of $63,710 as of March 2026. The 2021 Census positions household, family, and individual incomes in the lower middle range, ranking between the 32nd and 40th percentiles. In terms of earnings distribution, 34.2% of individuals (5,076 residents) earn between $1,500 and $2,999, which is similar to the 30.3% recorded regionally. Discretionary income remaining after housing costs stands at .

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The local housing stock at the time of the last Census consisted of 88.4% detached houses and 11.6% semi-detached dwellings, townhouses, apartments, or other structures, compared to 90.1% houses and 9.9% alternative formats across Regional Vic. Home ownership rates lagged the wider region, with 30.1% of homes owned outright, while 35.9% were mortgaged and 34.0% were rented. The median monthly mortgage payment was $1,365, which is lower than the Regional Vic. average of $1,430, while the median weekly rent was $290, compared to the regional median of $285. On a national level, mortgage costs are well below the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are lower than the national figure of $375.

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Families make up the majority of households at 68.4%, which includes couples with children at 26.7%, couples without children at 26.8%, and single parents at 14.2%. The remaining 31.6% consists of non-family living arrangements, with lone person households representing 29.1% and group houses accounting for 2.4%. The median household occupancy is 2.4 residents, matching the Regional Vic. average.

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Tertiary education rates are low, with 15.6% of residents holding a university qualification compared to a Victorian state average of 33.4%. This highlights a potential area for educational development. Among university graduates, bachelor degrees are most common at 10.8%, followed by graduate diplomas at 2.7% and postgraduate qualifications at 2.1%. Practical and vocational qualifications are common, with 41.6% of residents aged 15 and over possessing vocational training, consisting of advanced diplomas at 11.2% and certificates at 30.4%.

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Analysis of the local network shows 59 transport stops operating in the area, consisting of bus services. These stops support 20 different routes, providing 382 weekly services. Access to transport is good, with residents living an average of 226 meters from a stop. The area is largely residential, with 96% of commuters using a private vehicle. The average vehicle ownership rate is 1.5 cars per household. A low 9.4% of residents worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which was influenced by pandemic-related settings.

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Local health assessments indicate notable challenges, with chronic disease and mortality rates showing significant presence across various age groups. Private health insurance coverage is relatively low, with about 50% of the population (~7,401 residents) holding cover, compared to a national average of 55.7%.

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Cultural diversity metrics are below average, with 89.6% of the population born in Australia, 91.3% holding citizenship, and 94.6% using only English at home. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 49.6% of residents. The largest relative difference is in Judaism, which accounts for 0.1% of the population, matching the 0.1% representation in Regional Vic.

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The median age of 39 years is below the Regional Vic. average of 43 and close to the national median of 38 years. Compared to Regional Vic., there is a higher share of residents aged 15 to 24 (13.8%) and a lower share aged 75 to 84 (6.7%). Since the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 cohort grew from 5.3% to 6.7%, and the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 12.6% to 13.8%. In contrast, the 5 to 14 cohort decreased from 13.6% to 12.0%, and the 45 to 54 cohort fell from to . Projections to show shifts in age structure, led by a increase in the to group, rising from to residents (an increase of people), while the to and to groups are projected to decrease in size.

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West Wodonga currently has an estimated 861 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 516 children aged 0-2 and 344 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 4% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 31% by 2041 (to approximately 1,125 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 1,451. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 11.3 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.