Dennington

Population growth drivers in Dennington are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

The suburb of Dennington's population is estimated at around 2,240 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 246 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,994 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,146 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 123 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 186 persons per square kilometer. Dennington's growth rate of 12.3% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region's growth rate of 4.5%. Population growth in the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 77.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for Dennington as released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking ahead, significant population increase is forecast for the suburb, with an expected growth of 700 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 22.4% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Dennington recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, Dennington averaged approximately 22 new dwelling approvals annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, an estimated 111 homes were approved, with a further 14 approved in FY-26 to date. Over the past five financial years, an average of 0.4 people moved to Dennington for each dwelling built.

This indicates that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing buyers with more options and potentially enabling population growth beyond current projections. The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings in Dennington is $421,000, suggesting developers are targeting the premium market segment. In FY-26, there have been $3.7 million in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's residential character. Compared to Rest of Vic., Dennington has 73.0% more development activity per person, offering buyers ample choice despite recent moderation in development activity. This high level of activity is well above the national average and indicates strong developer confidence in the area.

New building activity comprises 85.0% detached dwellings and 15.0% attached dwellings, preserving Dennington's low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers with its emphasis on detached housing. With around 116 people per approval, Dennington is a developing area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Dennington is projected to add 501 residents by 2041. Current construction levels should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling growth beyond current forecasts.

Dennington has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 38thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three projects that may impact this region. Notable projects are Wollaston Road Upgrade, Robson Park development, Hopkins Ridge Estate construction, and Warrnambool Line Upgrade. The following details these projects, focusing on those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

Dennington ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Dennington's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs. The construction sector stands out, with an unemployment rate of 1.7%. As of September 2025, 1,122 residents are employed, with a 2.1% lower unemployment rate compared to Rest of Vic.'s 3.8%.

Workforce participation is high at 67.6%, above Rest of Vic.'s 61.4%. Only 8.3% of residents work from home, potentially impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key employment industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Retail trade is particularly prominent, with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 3.2% of local workers, below Rest of Vic.'s 7.5%. The worker-to-resident ratio is 0.9, indicating substantial local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, the labour force decreased by 3.0%, with employment down by 3.2%, leading to a slight unemployment rate increase of 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic. saw an employment decline of 0.7% and labour force decline of 0.6%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Dennington's employment mix suggests local employment could increase by 6.1% in five years and 12.9% in ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows median income in Dennington suburb is $55,687 and average income is $67,612. This compares to Rest of Vic.'s median income of $50,954 and average income of $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% from July 2023 to September 2025, estimated current incomes are approximately $60,281 (median) and $73,190 (average). Census data indicates household, family and personal incomes in Dennington fall around the 53rd percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals 43.9% of Dennington's population (983 individuals) earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually, similar to surrounding regions where 30.3% are within this bracket. After housing costs, residents retain 86.7% of their income, indicating strong purchasing power.

Dennington is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Dwelling structure in Dennington, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 28 August 2016, comprised 99.1% houses and 0.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Vic.'s figures of 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Dennington was at 32.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 49.6% and rented dwellings at 18.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,430, aligning with Non-Metro Vic.'s average. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $370, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Dennington's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863 as of 2019, while rents were less than the national figure of $375 reported in the same year.

Dennington features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 77.0% of all households, including 36.4% couples with children, 24.7% couples without children, and 14.4% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 23.0%, with lone person households at 20.9% and group households comprising 2.4%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is larger than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.4.

Dennington shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

The area's university qualification rate is 15.1%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.8%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.2%) and postgraduate qualifications (2.1%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 43.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.9%) and certificates (33.6%). Educational participation is high, with 31.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, broken down into primary (10.7%), secondary (10.4%), and tertiary (2.8%) levels.

Educational participation is notably high, with 31.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.7% in primary education, 10.4% in secondary education, and 2.8% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Dennington has ten active public transport stops. These are served by two routes combined offering 286 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good with residents typically located 221 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward, predominantly using cars at a rate of 96%. On average, there are 1.7 vehicles per dwelling, higher than the regional norm. Only 8.3% of residents work from home (2021 Census).

Service frequency averages 40 trips daily across all routes, equating to about 28 weekly trips per stop.

Dennington's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Health data shows positive outcomes for Dennington residents. Mortality rates and health conditions align with national benchmarks.

Common health issues affect both young and old equally. Private health cover is at 54% (1,199 people), slightly above Rest of Vic's 50.5%. Mental health issues impact 10.6%, asthma affects 9.0%. 68.6% report no medical ailments, compared to 63.4% in Rest of Vic. Working-age residents have typical health outcomes. Seniors make up 13.3% (297 people), lower than Rest of Vic's 23.9%. Senior health outcomes are above average, ranking higher nationally than the general population.

The latest Census data sees Dennington placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Dennington's population was found to be predominantly culturally homogeneous, with 91.9% being Australian citizens, 93.2% born in Australia, and 96.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the most prevalent religion in Dennington, making up 48.4% of its population, compared to 47.3% across Rest of Vic.. The top three ancestral groups were Australian (33.0%), English (31.6%), and Irish (13.1%).

Notably, Dutch ancestry was slightly overrepresented in Dennington at 1.6%, compared to the regional average of 1.7%. Similarly, Scottish ancestry was also somewhat overrepresented at 8.3% versus the regional figure of 8.8%. Polish ancestry showed a slight divergence as well, with 0.6% in Dennington against the regional average of 0.5%.

Dennington hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

Dennington's median age of 34 is lower than the Rest of Vic figure of 43 and Australia's average of 38 years. The 25-34 cohort is notably over-represented at 15.3% locally, while the 55-64 year-olds are under-represented at 7.8%. Between 2021 and present, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 14.1% to 15.2% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 15.0% to 13.6%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Dennington's age profile will evolve significantly. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to expand by 126 people (37%) from 342 to 469. Conversely, the 15 to 24 group is projected to contract by 11 residents.