🔍

Warrnambool

VIC 3280 • Rest of VIC

31,308
Population (2021)
$72,020
Median Household Income
65.52 km²
Area
$290/wk
Median Rent
Coastal CityWhale WatchingUniversity TownRegional Centre

About Warrnambool

Warrnambool is Victoria's largest coastal city outside Greater Melbourne, a charming regional centre of 31,300 on the Southern Ocean, 226 kilometres southwest of the capital. The city sits at the western end of the Great Ocean Road, famous for whale watching, stunning coastline, and heritage architecture. Deakin University and South West TAFE make it an education hub, while the hospital serves the broader western region.

The lifestyle here combines coastal beauty with genuine community—surf beaches, whale watching platforms, and the famous breakwater attract tourists, while locals enjoy a city that's big enough for serious amenities but small enough to know your neighbours. The dining scene has matured, the arts precinct punches above weight, and housing remains affordable compared to coastal alternatives closer to Melbourne. Warrnambool attracts sea-changers, students, retirees, and professionals seeking coastal lifestyle with career opportunities.

Warrnambool falls under postcode 3280 and is governed by Moyne Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the South-West Coast (Western Victoria) electorate.

📰 Featured In

📰 Victoria Suburbs with the Most Housing Commission

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3280
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Moyne
Federal Electorate
Wannon
State Electorate
South-West Coast (Western Victoria)
Type
Rural
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-38.37°, 142.50°
Statistical Area
Rest of VIC
Area
65.52 km²
Elevation
11m

🏷️ Property Prices June quarter 2025

Median sale prices in Warrnambool for the June quarter 2025. Median sale prices published by the Valuer-General Victoria.

🏡House
$609K
159 sales · ▲ 1.1% YoY
🏢Unit / Apartment
$433K
32 sales · ▲ 5.3% YoY

Source: Valuer-General Victoria — Victorian Property Sales Report. Medians are for the latest quarter; the change shown is the official 12-month movement. Suburbs with very few sales in a quarter can be volatile.

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$290
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,408
Avg Household Size
2.3 people
Median Age
42 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
5.5%

568 state housing + 118 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Limited or no scheduled services — Nearest regional town Varies

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
225 km
By Train
No rail service available
By Car (Peak)
2+ hours
By Car (Off-Peak)
1.5+ hours

🛣️ A private vehicle is essential in this rural locality

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

This is a rural or semi-rural locality where virtually all errands require a private vehicle

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Coles
    Gateway Plaza Raglan Street Warrnambool 3280 VIC

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest rates for the Moyne Local Government Area, which contains Warrnambool. Rates are per 100,000 residents for the year ending September 2025; trends compare 2 and 10 year periods.

Break & enter (dwelling)
191.1 / 100k
2yr Up 12.2% 10yr Down 37.3%
Motor vehicle theft
84.3 / 100k
2yr Up 35.0% 10yr Stable
Non-FV assault
118 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 26.8%
Robbery (unarmed)
0 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
264.2 / 100k
2yr Up 45.4% 10yr Up 63.8%
View all offence subgroups for Moyne →

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
29,661
Census 2021
31,308
▲ 5.6% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$31,668
Personal Income 2021
$38,948
▲ 23.0% increase

2021 Census income breakdown

Personal = median for one earner. Household = all members of a dwelling pooled. Family = related members only. Annual = weekly × 52.

Personal
$38,948 / yr
$749/wk
Household
$72,020 / yr
$1385/wk
Family
$96,772 / yr
$1861/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 26,369
Born Overseas 3,154

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 530
  • 2. New Zealand 332
  • 3. China 222
  • 4. Philippines 210
  • 5. India 167
  • 6. South Africa 116
  • 7. Sri Lanka 115
  • 8. Vietnam 111
  • 9. Scotland 106
  • 10. Netherlands 97

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 12,828
Australian 12,085
Irish 5,932
Scottish 3,944
German 1,281
Australian Aboriginal 635
Dutch 592
Italian 547
Chinese 455
Filipino 271

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

23,080
Both parents born in Australia
3,773
Both parents born overseas
2,541
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
47.7%
No Religion
43.0%
Buddhism
1.0%
Hinduism
0.5%
Islam
0.3%
Sikhism
0.2%
Judaism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
1,593 (5.1%)
5-14 years
3,725 (11.9%)
15-19 years
1,805 (5.8%)
20-24 years
1,631 (5.2%)
25-34 years
4,032 (12.9%)
35-44 years
3,681 (11.8%)
45-54 years
3,844 (12.3%)
55-64 years
4,114 (13.1%)
65-74 years
3,659 (11.7%)
75-84 years
2,201 (7.0%)
85+ years
1,021 (3.3%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Warrnambool known for? +

Warrnambool is a well-established community in Moyne, VIC, with a population of approximately 31,308 residents. The suburb is valued for its community spirit and natural surroundings.

How far is Warrnambool from Melbourne CBD? +

Warrnambool is approximately 225 kilometres from Melbourne CBD. The drive typically takes 1.5+ hours outside peak hours, though most residents use local regional centres rather than commuting to the capital CBD.

Does Warrnambool have public transport? +

Public transport in Warrnambool is very limited. There is no rail service, and bus connections to major centres are infrequent or unavailable. A private vehicle is strongly recommended.

What is the population of Warrnambool? +

According to the 2021 Census, Warrnambool has a population of approximately 31,308 residents. It is a significant residential area in the Moyne district.

Is Warrnambool a good place to live? +

Warrnambool offers a practical and liveable lifestyle with access to local schools, parks, and shopping. With a median income around $45,627, it attracts a broad demographic mix. Like most VIC suburbs, its appeal depends on proximity to work and preferred amenities.

What is the postcode for Warrnambool? +

The postcode for Warrnambool, VIC is 3280.

What is the average income in Warrnambool? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Warrnambool is about $749 per week (around $38,900 per year). The median household income is $1,385 per week and the median family income is $1,861 per week.

What is the median house price in Warrnambool? +

As of June quarter 2025, the median house price is $609,000, up 1.1% year-on-year, and the median unit/apartment price is $433,000, up 5.3% year-on-year. Figures are based on Valuer-General Victoria — Victorian Property Sales Report.

What is the age profile of Warrnambool? +

The median age in Warrnambool is 42. The largest age group is 55–64 (4,114 residents, around 13%). Around 23% of residents are under 20 and about 22% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Warrnambool a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Warrnambool is part of the Moyne LGA — see the Crime Statistics section on this page for the latest recorded offence rates per 100,000 residents, along with 2-year and 10-year trends.

How much is rent in Warrnambool? +

In Warrnambool, the median weekly rent is $290, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,408 (2021 Census).