New data mapping from the 2011 Census shows one in three renters in both electorates are in housing stress; on a low income ($640 per week or less) and paying more than 30 per cent of their wage on rent.

The Co-ordinator of UnitingCare's homeless response and housing program, Warrick Davison, said the data revealed housing stress was an issue in Ballarat.

The data revealed 1871 households in Wendouree and 1353 households in Buninyong were in housing stress, placing them in the top 20 highest electorates.

He said a higher cost of renting in Buninyong led to the electorate being placed in the top 10.

"People are making a conscious decision to live there (Buninyong), or they've always lived there and property prices have increased that's one of the issues," Mr Davison said.

He said 56 householders over the age of 25 were currently waiting for transitional housing in Ballarat. Nineteen householders under the age of 25 were also on the list awaiting transitional housing.

"We are seeing more and more people who are on low-end incomes struggling to meet rent or mortgage repayments," Mr Davison said.

"And often, they wouldn't be someone who people picture as being in need of support."

Mr Davison said work was being done to help those in need of housing, with several community groups pitching in.

"I think there's a lot happening now with community organisations taking on roles and providing cheaper accommodation," he said.

"We struggle the most trying to find accommodation for people on Newstart with single bedroom to make it affordable."

Council to Homeless Persons chief executive Jenny Smith said the agency was calling for $200 million per year for social housing and for all new housing developments to include a minimum number of social housing properties.

According to the council, almost 800 people remain on the public housing waiting list in Ballarat.

Council data reveals that Ballarat's median rent has soared from $150 a week in 2006 to $260 a week.

david.jeans@fairfaxmedia.com.au