 The town attained autonomy by Royal Decree number 922 on May 4, 1811.Varapodio experienced significant levels of emigration during the 1950s to 1960s, with communities of emigrants settling in Northern Italy, the United States, Canada and within Australia, principally Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Cobram, Shepparton and Swan Hill.Today, agriculture is still the driving force behind the economy of the town, although industry is present with factories specializing in processing oranges and olives.