Welcome to the Benalla Rural City Council’s “Our Region” page. Benalla Rural City Council respectfully acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present, and to Elders from other communities. 

Explore the unique features that make our area a great place to live, work, and visit. Situated in North East Victoria, Benalla Rural City is known for its community spirit, natural landscapes, and modern services.

Overview of Benalla Rural City

Benalla Rural City spans 2,354 square kilometres, offering a mix of rural charm and urban convenience. The region boasts agricultural richness, strong community engagement, and a proud local history.

Community Profile

The Benalla Rural City Community Profile provides detailed insights into the population and how it has changed over time. Using Australian Bureau of Statistics data, these tools support the community, businesses, and investors in understanding local trends. Interactive maps in the Community Atlas show key demographic patterns across the region.

The profile presents data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Census of Population and Housing in 2021, 2016, 2011, 2006, 2001, 1996 and 1991 for Benalla Rural City. This data presented is in easy to use tables, charts and commentary.

The profile answers frequently asked socio-demographic questions and assists the Council, students, community groups, organisations, business and investors to become more informed about the community.

View the Benalla community profile.

Community Atlas

The Community Atlas presents key socio-demographic characteristics for Benalla Rural City as interactive maps.

Based on data from the 2021 and 2016 Census of Population and Housing (Australian Bureau of Statistics), each map is prepared to help identify spatial patterns and trends in our community.

View the Benalla Community Atlas.

Economy

Benalla has a diverse economy encompassing manufacturing, community services, agriculture, and retail. This dynamic balance helps the region adapt to global and local market demands while providing varied job opportunities.

Social Statistics

Find key data about Benalla Rural City through resources such as the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Victorian Transport Statistics Portal, and community initiatives like On Track. Programmes like the Australian Early Development Index (AEDI) reflect our commitment to fostering early childhood development and supporting community wellbeing.

For more details please visit the ABS website.

Victorian Transport Statistics Portal

The Victorian Transport Statistics Portal (VTSP) provides access to data that will contribute to a better understanding of transport trends in Victoria. Data comes from a number of sources, including the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), VicRoads and the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources. The VTSP can be interrogated to profile transport issues at many different levels on the following topics:

• Key characteristics of residents
• Motor vehicles
• Education and income
• Dwellings and households
• Method of travel to work
• Industry and occupation of employment
• Key characteristics of the working population
• Property sales
• Crash stats
• Surveys of travel attitudes and behaviours

To explore the data, go to the VTSP website.

On Track is a Victorian Government initiative that surveys school leavers within six months of leaving school to see if they are on a path to further education, training or employment. It enables young people to seek further advice and assistance via a referral service.

The Department of Education and Training has released the results of the 2015 On Track survey, including LGA-specific information on:
• Post-school destinations of school leavers surveyed within your LGA
• Post school destinations of school leavers surveyed at each school within your LGA
• Reasons why school leavers chose not to continue their education or training
• Occupations of school leavers who were employed

Go to the Department of Education and Training’s website to explore the data.  

The Australian Early Development Index (AEDI) is a population based measure of how children have developed by the time they start school. It looks at five areas of early childhood development: physical health and wellbeing, social competence, emotional maturity, language and cognitive skills, and communication skills and general knowledge. Visit the AEDI website to explore the Early Development Index.

Victoria in Future

Victoria in Future 2015 (VIF 2015) is the official state government projection of population and households. The projections cover the period 2011 to 2051 for Victoria and the major regions. For Local Government Areas (LGAs) and smaller areas (VIFSAs) they cover the period to 2031.

Visit the Victoria in Future website.

Housing

The Housing Victoria website provides interactive website data on housing and housing affordability indicators in Victoria at four geographical levels – major areas, regions, local government areas (including Benalla Rural City) and surrounds.

The purpose of the website is to provide useful and accessible data to inform the identification of affordable housing needs and targets, at the regional and local government levels via consistent data sets that enable spatial comparison and comparability over time.

Explore data from Housing in Victoria.

Community Indicators Victoria

Community Indicators Victoria has local community wellbeing indicators to improve community engagement, planning and policy making. It holds reports by local government area. Visit the Community Indicators Victoria website for more information.

Victorian Crime Statics Agency: Crime by Location

The Crime Statistics Agency (CSA) is responsible for processing, analysing and publishing Victorian crime statistics, independent of Victoria Police. The CSA provides summary statistics on offences, alleged offenders, victim reports and family incidents.

Explore crime statistics by going to the CSA website.

Neighbourhood Liveability

Benalla’s liveability is a key strength, supported by the Neighbourhood Liveability Assessment conducted in partnership with RMIT University. This initiative highlights areas for improvement while confirming the region’s dedication to quality living standards.

Discover what makes Benalla Rural City a thriving region. For further details on our economy, townships, and neighbourhood initiatives, reach out to us for more information on 03 5760 2600.