suburb.guide

VIC · Bass Coast Council

North Wonthaggi, 3995

Est. population · Jun 2025

3,713

Growth (1 yr)

+2.1%

Growth (5 yr)

+14.2%

Median age

42

Median income

$1,162/wk

Employment rate

50.9%

Median house price · 4th Quarter 2025

$595,000

Languages at home

6.5%non-English

Most common: Malayalam, Italian, Nepali

2021 Census · usual residence

Desirability score

46.1/100
Average

Top 44% of Victoria's suburbs

Verified 87% confidence

How this score is calculated
  • Green suburb
  • Excellent transport
  • National parks
  • High desirability
What North Wonthaggi is known for: Green suburb, Excellent transport, National parks, High desirability

Suburb profile

North Wonthaggi offers a slower mid-sized suburb life in Bass Coast Council, with open surrounds and a close-knit community feel. Established families and long-term residents give the suburb a settled feel, with a strong presence of young families throughout. The pace is unhurried, with local businesses and community spots doing the heavy lifting.

Green space punches above what many regional towns offer, with parks and playgrounds woven through the suburb. A car helps for most daily errands, though buses still link the suburb further afield. Housing is more affordable than in many parts of the state.

Reported crime has been falling recently. Steady development is bringing new homes and gradual renewal to parts of the suburb.

Desirability sits around average overall, with local dining and lifestyle amenities, plus community and employment the main drag compared with similar regional towns. Limited access to some essential local services also trimmed the result.

At a glance

North Wonthaggi snapshot

A quick read of housing, growth, livability, and risk

Median house price

$595k

+2.6% change

Median rent

—

No data available

Population (ERP)

3,713

+2.1% annual growth

Dwelling vacancy

7.5%

Census unoccupied dwellings

Livability profile

Desirability pillars vs the peer median (50th percentile)

How it compares

Relative standing using percentiles, ranks, and national deciles

Desirability

#45

among Country & regional · Emerging

Safety

48th

percentile in state (higher = safer)

Pop. growth

89th

percentile in VIC

Advantage (IRSAD)

2/10

national SEIFA decile

Population growth

Recent ERP change over 1 and 5 years

Housing mix

Dwelling types from the 2021 Census

Risks & flags

Quick scan — open a section below for full context

Living here

Desirability

Ranks & confidence
Desirability score
46.1/100 — Average
State standing
Top 44% of Victoria's suburbs
National rank
2723rd in Australia
State rank
559th in VIC
Peer rank
#45 among Country & regional · Emerging suburbs
Cohort rank
#165 among Country & regional suburbs
Data confidence
87%

Data sources & freshness

  • Suburb Guide desirability index — Suburb Guide (derived) · current · Updated

Housing

Median house price (4th Quarter 2025)
$595,000
Median price change
+2.6%

Contributes to desirability score · Housing (15%) · Future Growth (7%)

Median price, rental yield and vacancy Recent price momentum

Data sources & freshness

Population

Estimated resident population

3,713(June 2025)

+2.1% annual · +14.2% over 5 years · 89th percentile in VIC

Growth figures & methodology
Annual growth
+2.1%
5-year growth
+14.2%
Change in 1 year
+77
Change in 5 years
+462
Growth rank in VIC
89th percentile

ABS Estimated Resident Population allocated to this suburb from SA2-level data. Not an official ABS suburb count.

Methodology

Figures are allocated from ABS Estimated Resident Population at Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2), using 2021 Census share within overlapping SA2 regions. Where Census data is unavailable, area overlap is used instead.

The dashed chart line is a simple growth-trend estimate to June 2030 (~4,250), extrapolated at +2.6% average annual growth since 2011. It is illustrative only — not an official ABS forecast.

2021 Census figures

2021 Census

Population
3,475
Median age
42
Median household income / week
$1,162
Dwelling vacancy
7.5%
Unoccupied private dwellings
110 of 1,471
Median monthly mortgage
$1,300
Employment rate
50.9%
Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
1,340 / 10 / 4

Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)

Employment, household income and age diversity (2021 Census)

Data sources & freshness

  • 2021 Census — General Community Profile — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Updated

    The 2026 Census runs in August 2026; suburb-level updates are expected from mid-2027.

  • Estimated Resident Population — Australian Bureau of Statistics · 2025 · Updated · SA2 ERP allocated to suburb boundaries

Community & culture

No 2021 Census cultural diversity data for this suburb yet.

Data sources & freshness

  • 2021 Census — General Community Profile — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Updated

    The 2026 Census runs in August 2026; suburb-level updates are expected from mid-2027.

Crime & safety

Reported offences decreased compared with the previous period.

Offence counts & rates
Total offences (2026)
186
Against the person
72
Against property
64
Rate per 1,000 residents
50.1
Person-crime prevalence
About 1 in 48 residents
State safety percentile
48th (lower crime is better)
Decrease (daily rate)
-41.9%

Most common offence types

  • A231 Fv Common Assault23
  • B21 Criminal Damage20
  • B42 Steal From A Motor Vehicle15
  • E21 Breach Family Violence Order27
  • Other Crimes Against The Person14

Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)

Crime rate and year-on-year trend

Data sources & freshness

Family & Lifestyle

Childcare

1 childcare service from OpenStreetMap

  • Wonthaggi Kindergartens IncorporatedWhite Roadkindergarten

Contributes to desirability score · Education (15%)

Childcare centre count

Data sources & freshness

  • Childcare services — OpenStreetMap · current · Updated

Public transport

8 public transport stops in this suburb

  • Parkes St/Kingston Rd
  • South Dudley Rd/Bass Hwy
  • South Dudley Rd/Bass Hwy
  • Wentworth Rd/Longstaff St
  • Wentworth Rd/Storey St

Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)

Public transport stop coverage

Data sources & freshness

Amenities

8 nearby amenities within ~1.5 km

Local character & venue list

Local character

  • Limited walkable amenities nearby
  • Decent local green space — 4 parks in suburb
  • Reasonable bus and transport access — 8 public transport stops
Walkability proxy
12/100
Cafés per 1,000 residents
0
Food & drink per 1,000 residents
0
Parks per 1,000 residents
1.15
Sport & outdoors(3)
  • Park
  • Park

    33-37 Gordon Street

  • Sports field
Transport(4)

4 bus stops

Other(1)
  • Parking

Names and addresses from OpenStreetMap. Unnamed venues show as their type (e.g. Cafe). Transport stops are summarised by type rather than listed individually.

Contributes to desirability score · Lifestyle (15%)

Food, shopping, recreation and sport (OpenStreetMap)

Data sources & freshness

  • Local amenity insights — Suburb Guide (derived) · current · Updated
  • OpenStreetMap amenities — OpenStreetMap contributors · current · Updated

Parks & reserves

1 parks and public open space in this suburb

  • Jacobs ParkPark

Data sources & freshness

Green cover

Parks & woodland (OSM)
80
Parks (OSM)
4

OpenStreetMap parks and natural woodland features mapped within the suburb boundary.

Contributes to desirability score · Environment (10%)

Parks and green cover (OpenStreetMap)

Data sources & freshness

Health access

Nearest hospital
Wonthaggi Medical Centre (2.9 km)
Nearest hospital type
Hospital
Nearest hospital emergency
Emergency department

Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)

Hospitals and GP clinics

Data sources & freshness

NDIS participation

NDIS participants (31 March 2026)
118
Participants per 1,000 residents
31.8

Active NDIS participants allocated from NDIA Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2, ASGS 2016) counts to this suburb boundary. Not an official suburb-level NDIS figure · as at 31 March 2026.

For NDIS spend and service-demand exploration by SA2 or postcode, see the Care Sector Demand Map.

Data sources & freshness

Weather

Typical conditions by season for suburbs in the same ~44 km climate area. Rainfall totals are summed from monthly WorldClim layers; rainy-day counts are approximate.

Summer (Dec–Feb)

Usual max / min
25° / 12°
Rainfall
197 mm · ~25 rainy days

Autumn (Mar–May)

Usual max / min
20° / 9°
Rainfall
228 mm · ~28 rainy days

Winter (Jun–Aug)

Usual max / min
13° / 5°
Rainfall
261 mm · ~33 rainy days

Spring (Sep–Nov)

Usual max / min
18° / 7°
Rainfall
304 mm · ~38 rainy days

Contributes to desirability score · Lifestyle (15%)

Temperature and humidity comfort

Data sources & freshness

  • Seasonal climate normals — WorldClim 2.1 · Updated

Future & Planning

Planning & development

Development applications from PPARS statewide register (lodged 2020–2022). Free public PPARS MapServer — applications through ~2022 (service last updated Feb 2024).

29 planning-related records

2021· 11 proposals

  • September 2021

  • Subdivision realignment of boundary between two lots in GRZ1
    37 & 41 NELSON STREET NORTH WONTHAGGI 3995Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • August 2021

  • Subdivision of land into two lots
    5 KINGSTON ROAD NORTH WONTHAGGI 3995Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Subdivision of land into two lots in GRZ1
    9 KINGSTON ROAD NORTH WONTHAGGI 3995Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Subdivision of land into two lots in LDRZ
    30-36 REGENCY DRIVE NORTH WONTHAGGI 3995Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • July 2021

  • Development of land for 4 dwellings in the GRZ1
    23 IVOR STREET NORTH WONTHAGGI 3995NOD issued by a delegate
  • Application to End S173 Agreement Dealing Numbers AJ534369V, AG914418T & AJ197239K
    NORTH WONTHAGGI VIC 3995 NORTH WONTHAGGI 3995NOD issued by a delegate
  • Two Lot Subdivision in the LDRZ
    42 WALLACE STREET NORTH WONTHAGGI 3995Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • April 2021

  • Buildings and works associated with the existing primary school - Amendment
    St Josephs Primary School, 94 Korumburra RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • March 2021

  • Storage shed in association with existing funeral parlour and a place of assembly in the FZ and ESO4
    3085 Loch-Wonthaggi RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • The subdivision of the land, create access to a Road Zone Category 1 and removal of native vegetation
    BOTANIC DRIVE NORTH WONTHAGGI 3995In progress

  • February 2021

  • Subdivide an existing building
    17 Henry Street EastPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
2020· 18 proposals

  • November 2020

  • Subdivision of land into 2 lots in the GRZ1
    40 Griffiths StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • September 2020

  • Subdivision of land into 28 lots and removal of easement E-1 in PS302494N
    173 Wentworth RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Alteration to existing dependant persons unit to convert into a second dwelling on a lot in the GRZ1
    3 Henry Street EastPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • August 2020

  • Remove a restriction from title (building envelope)
    8 Lyndhurst StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Subdivision of land into Two lots
    7 Parkes StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • June 2020

  • Development of land for second dwelling in GRZ1
    14 Griffiths StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • May 2020

  • Subdivision of land into two lots in GRZ1
    21 Oates RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Subdivision of land into 4 lots and removal of native vegetation
    FULLER ROAD NORTH WONTHAGGI 3995Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • use and development of land for a `restricted retail premises¿, removal of native vegetation, alteration of access to a Road Zone, Category 1, construct and display business identification signage and a reduction in the car parking requirement
    334-336 & 340 WHITE ROAD NORTH WONTHAGGI 3995Permit issued by the RA
  • Use of land for Medical centre, Waiver of car parking requirement, Display a business Identification signage
    218 White RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Development of the land for Rooming house in an ESO4, and alterations of an access to a Road Zone Category 1
    310 White RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Subdivision of land into 8 lots and creation of common property in LDRZ
    23-27 & 29 Regency DriveWithdrawn

  • April 2020

  • Subdivision of land into two lots generally
    16 Kirrak StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Subdivision of land into two Lots
    236 White RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • March 2020

  • Subdivision of land into two lots
    18 Storey StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • February 2020

  • Multi Lot Staged Subdivision and Removal of Native Vegetation - Amendment to native vegetation conditions
    Heslop RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Subdivision of the land into two lots
    38 Griffiths StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • January 2020

  • Subdivision of land into two lots
    13 Kirrak StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

Contributes to desirability score · Future Growth (7%)

Development and planning activity

Data sources & freshness

Hazards

Bushfire planning zone
No overlay at centroid

Bushfire overlay checked at suburb centroid via Victorian Bushfire Management Overlay mapping.

Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)

Bushfire hazard overlays

Data sources & freshness

  • Hazard planning overlays — State government hazard layers · current · Updated

Politics & representation

Federal electorate
Monash
Member of Parliament
Mary ALDRED (Liberal)
Results from
2025 federal election
Electorate enrolment (2025)
116,463
Turnout (2025)
93.5%
Swing since 2022 (2025)
-1.2 pp toward Coalition

Two-party preferred (2025)

Coalition 54.1%Labor 45.9%

Estimated suburb voting profile

Estimated from 8 nearby ordinary polling places (up to 15.1 km away).

Coalition 44.9%Labor 55.1%

9.2 percentage points more Labor-leaning than the electorate

Estimated swing since 2022: -0.1 pp toward Coalition

Nearest polling places

  • Wonthaggi NorthLabor 53.8% · Coalition 46.2% TPP (2025)2.3 km away
  • WonthaggiLabor 57.9% · Coalition 42.1% TPP (2025)3.1 km away
  • DalystonLabor 54.6% · Coalition 45.4% TPP (2025)4.7 km away
  • Cape PatersonLabor 65.5% · Coalition 34.5% TPP (2025)10.5 km away
  • KilcundaLabor 53.9% · Coalition 46.1% TPP (2025)10.7 km away

Federal electorate from AEC federal division boundaries (2025 redistribution). Division-level results are official AEC figures from the latest general election, with by-election updates where applicable. The estimated suburb profile blends up to eight nearest ordinary polling booths in the same electorate using inverse-distance weighting from the suburb centroid — an approximation, not official AEC data. Nearest polling places are shown for reference.

Data sources & freshness

Socio-economic

IRSAD decile (2021)
2/10
IRSD decile (2021)
3/10

ABS Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA), 2021 release — the latest available, derived from the 2021 Census. Deciles rank suburbs nationally from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest).

What do IRSAD and IRSD measure?

IRSAD — Index of Relative Socio-economic Advantage and Disadvantage. Combines indicators of advantage (e.g. high income, skilled occupations) and disadvantage. Higher decile = more advantaged relative to other Australian areas.

IRSD — Index of Relative Socio-economic Disadvantage. Focuses on disadvantage only (e.g. low income, unemployment, limited education). Higher decile = less disadvantage nationally.

A new SEIFA edition typically follows each census; the ABS has not announced a release date beyond 2021.

Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)

Socio-economic advantage (IRSAD decile)

Data sources & freshness

More in Bass Coast Council

Other suburbs in the same local government area.

Comparable suburbs

Similar population and socio-economic profile in other parts of Victoria.