Glen Waverley

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Glen Waverley's population is estimated at around 46,200 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 3,558 people (8.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 42,642 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 45,894, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in Jun 2024 and an additional 265 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2743 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Glen Waverley's 8.3% growth since census positions it within 0.6 percentage points of the national average (8.9%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising 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 also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Anticipating future population dynamics, an above median population growth of national areas is projected, with the suburb expected to expand by 10737 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 22.6% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Glen Waverley among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Based on AreaSearch analysis using ABS building approval numbers sourced from statistical area data, Glen Waverley averaged approximately 249 new dwelling approvals annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 1,246 homes were approved, with an additional 160 approved so far in FY-26. Over the past five financial years, on average, 1.5 people moved to Glen Waverley for each dwelling built. However, this figure increased to 4.7 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, indicating growing popularity and potential undersupply.

The average expected construction cost value of new properties was $1,151,000, suggesting developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY-26, there have been $39.2 million in commercial approvals, signifying robust local business investment. Glen Waverley maintains similar construction rates per person relative to Greater Melbourne, preserving market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas.

New development consists of 69.0% detached houses and 31.0% medium and high-density housing, offering choices across price ranges from spacious family homes to more accessible compact options. With around 164 people expected per dwelling approval, Glen Waverley exhibits characteristics of a growth area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Glen Waverley is projected to grow by 10,428 residents through to 2041. Present construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

Glen Waverley has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 40 projects likely to affect the area. Key projects include the 281 Springvale Road Glen Waverley Development, Luna Glen Waverley, Suburban Rail Loop East - Glen Waverley Station, and Glen Waverley SRL Precinct Development. The following list details 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.

AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Glen Waverley performing better than 85% of local markets assessed across Australia

Glen Waverley has a highly educated workforce with professional services showing strong representation. The unemployment rate was 1.9% in June 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.3%, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of June 2025, 23,719 residents were in work while the unemployment rate was 2.7% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation lagged significantly at 57.6% compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Key industries of employment among residents were health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and retail trade.

The area had particularly notable concentration in professional & technical, with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average. Conversely, construction showed lower representation at 6.3% versus the regional average of 9.7%. Employment opportunities locally appeared limited, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. During the year to June 2025, employment levels increased by 4.3% and labour force increased by 4.4%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. By comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.5%, labour force growth of 4.0%, with unemployment rising 0.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 offered further insight into potential future demand within Glen Waverley. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, were mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. National employment was forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Glen Waverley's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, though this was a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and did not take into account localised population projections.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data shows Glen Waverley had a median taxpayer income of $45,319 and an average of $70,506 in financial year 2022. Nationally, the averages were $54,892 and $73,761 respectively for Greater Melbourne. As of September 2025, estimated median income is approximately $50,830 and average is $79,080 based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, Glen Waverley's household income ranks at the 60th percentile ($1,918 weekly), with personal income at the 29th percentile. Income distribution shows 29.2% of individuals earning between $1,500 and $2,999. High housing costs consume 15.8% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 60th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Glen Waverley is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Glen Waverley's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 79.2% houses and 20.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 69.6% houses and 30.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Glen Waverley stood at 42.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.4% and rented dwellings at 28.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,500, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,383. Median weekly rent in Glen Waverley was $480, compared to Melbourne metro's $440. Nationally, Glen Waverley's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,500 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households make up 78.3% of all households, including 42.3% couples with children, 24.1% couples without children, and 10.7% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 21.7%, with lone person households at 18.1% and group households comprising 3.6%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.7.

Educational achievement in Glen Waverley places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

Educational attainment in Glen Waverley is notably higher than broader benchmarks. 48.4% of residents aged 15 and above hold university qualifications, compared to 29.8% in the SA4 region and 30.4% nationally. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 29.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (15.6%) and graduate diplomas (3.3%). Vocational pathways account for 19.9% of qualifications among those aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas making up 10.9% and certificates 9.0%.

Educational participation is high, with 32.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.2% in primary education, 9.0% in secondary education, and 8.4% pursuing tertiary education. As of a specific date (if provided), Glen Waverley has 15 schools serving 9,642 students. The area's ICSEA score is 1115, indicating significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement. The educational mix includes 10 primary, 3 secondary, and 2 K-12 schools. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs, with 20.9 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 15.8, suggesting Glen Waverley serves as an educational center for the broader region. Note: if school enrolment data is not available (marked 'n/a'), please refer to the parent campus.

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

Glen Waverley has 176 active public transport stops. These include train and bus services. There are 38 different routes operating in total, providing 10,974 weekly passenger trips combined.

The average distance residents live from the nearest stop is 240 meters. On average, there are 1,567 trips per day across all routes, which equates to about 62 weekly trips per individual stop.

Glen Waverley's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics indicates Glen Waverley has consistently performed well across various age groups.

Both younger and older residents have shown a low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover stands at approximately 55% of the total population, which amounts to around 25,266 people. The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, affecting 5.8% and 5.2% of residents respectively. Notably, 76.5% of Glen Waverley residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 75.3% across Greater Melbourne. As of 2016 data, 19.7% of Glen Waverley's population is aged 65 and over, totaling 9,101 individuals, which is higher than the 17.5% recorded in Greater Melbourne. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Glen Waverley are particularly strong and largely align with those of the general population.

Glen Waverley is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Glen Waverley's population is among the most culturally diverse in Australia, with 63.1% speaking a language other than English at home and 60.7% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion, comprising 34.0% of residents. Buddhism is notably overrepresented at 11.1%, compared to Greater Melbourne's average of 7.9%.

The top three ancestry groups are Chinese (33.1%), Other (14.0%), and English (12.5%). Some ethnic groups have notable divergences: Sri Lankan (2.7% vs regional 2.1%), Indian (8.3% vs 6.8%), and Korean (1.3% vs 1.1%).

Glen Waverley's median age exceeds the national pattern

Glen Waverley's median age is 40, which is slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and Australia's figure of 38. The 75-84 age group is notably over-represented in Glen Waverley at 7.0%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 12.1%. Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 13.6% to 14.4% of the population. Conversely, the 55 to 64 age group has decreased from 11.5% to 10.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Glen Waverley's age profile. The 45 to 54 age cohort is projected to expand by 32%, growing from 5,821 to 7,666 people. Meanwhile, the 5 to 14 age group is projected to grow by a modest 2%, increasing by 113 people.