Glen Waverley

Population growth drivers in Glen Waverley are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

The Glen Waverley statistical area's population is estimated at approximately 46,989 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 4,347 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 42,642. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 45,891 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 265 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 2,790 persons per square kilometer, placing Glen Waverley in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's population growth rate of 10.2% since the 2021 census exceeded the national average of 9.7%, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration was primarily responsible for this growth during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, 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, adjusted employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on these aggregated SA2-level projections, the Glen Waverley (SA2) is anticipated to experience above median population growth nationally. By 2041, the area is expected to expand by approximately 10,737 persons, reflecting a total gain of around 20.5% over the 17-year period.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, Glen Waverley averaged approximately 249 new dwelling approvals annually. Between financial years FY-21 to FY-25, around 1,246 homes were approved, with an additional 200 approved in FY-26 by February. Over the past five financial years, on average, 1.5 people moved to Glen Waverley per dwelling built. However, between FY-23 and FY-25, this ratio increased to 4.7 people per dwelling, suggesting growing popularity and potential undersupply.

The average construction value of new properties was $1,151,000, indicating a focus on the premium market segment. In FY-26, there were $39.2 million in commercial approvals, reflecting robust local business investment. Glen Waverley's construction rates per person are similar to Greater Melbourne's, maintaining market equilibrium.

New development comprised 69.0% detached houses and 31.0% medium and high-density housing, offering choices across price ranges. With around 164 people per dwelling approval, Glen Waverley exhibits growth area characteristics. By 2041, AreaSearch projects Glen Waverley's population to grow by 9,639 residents. Given current development patterns, new housing supply is expected to meet demand, presenting good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth.

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 that could affect the region. Notable ones 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 likely to be 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's workforce is highly educated with professional services well represented. The unemployment rate was 1.9% in September 2025, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.7%.

Employment grew by 4.7% over the past year. Key industries include health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and retail trade. Professional & technical employment is notably concentrated at 1.3 times the regional average, while construction shows lower representation at 6.3% compared to the regional average of 9.7%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data.

Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 4.7%, labour force by 4.9%, raising the unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.0% with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Glen Waverley's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, assuming constant population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023, Glen Waverley had a median income among taxpayers of $45,319 and an average level standing at $70,506. These figures are higher than national averages of $57,688 and $75,164 respectively for Greater Melbourne. Based on the Wage Price Index growth rate of 8.25% since financial year ended June 2023, current estimates project median income to be approximately $49,058 and average income at around $76,323 as of September 2025. According to the Census conducted in August 2021, Glen Waverley's household income ranks at the 60th percentile ($1,918 weekly), while personal income is at the 29th percentile. Income distribution data shows that 29.2% of the population (13,720 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to regional levels where 32.8% occupy this range. 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

In Glen Waverley, as per the latest Census, 79.2% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 20.8% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This contrasts with Melbourne metro's figures of 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 ones at 28.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,500, exceeding Melbourne metro's average of $2,383. Weekly rent in Glen Waverley was $480, compared to Melbourne metro's $440. Nationally, Glen Waverley's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than 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 account for 78.3% of all households, consisting of 42.3% couples with children, 24.1% couples without children, and 10.7% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 21.7%, with lone person households at 18.1% and group households comprising 3.6% of the total. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is 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 high, with 48.4% of residents aged 15+ having university qualifications, compared to the SA4 region's 29.8% and Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 29.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (15.6%) and graduate diplomas (3.3%). Vocational pathways account for 19.9%, with advanced diplomas at 10.9% and certificates at 9.0%. Educational participation is high, with 32.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 9.2% in primary, 9.0% in secondary, and 8.4% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably 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.

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 a mix of train and bus services. There are 35 individual routes operating in total.

Collectively, these routes provide 9,301 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport is rated as good, with residents typically located 240 meters from the nearest stop. On average, there are 1,328 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 52 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 shows strong performance throughout Glen Waverley.

Both young and old age cohorts have low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover is approximately 55%, covering about 25,698 people. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 5.8% and 5.2% of residents respectively. 76.5% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 75.3% across Greater Melbourne. As of 14th June 2021, Glen Waverley has 19.7% of its population aged 65 and over, totaling around 9,256 people. This figure is higher than the 17.5% recorded in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly aligning with the general population's health profile.

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 has a high level of cultural diversity, with 63.1% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 60.7% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Glen Waverley, making up 34.0% of its population. Buddhism is notably overrepresented in Glen Waverley compared to Greater Melbourne, comprising 11.1% versus 7.9%.

The top three ancestry groups in Glen Waverley are Chinese (33.1%), Other (14.0%), and English (12.5%). There are also notable divergences in the representation of Sri Lankan (2.7% vs regional average of 2.1%), Indian (8.3% vs 6.8%), and Korean (1.3% vs 1.1%) ethnic groups.

Glen Waverley's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Glen Waverley has a median age of 40, which is slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne's average, Glen Waverley has an over-representation of the 75-84 age cohort (7.0% locally) and an under-representation of the 25-34 age group (12.1%). Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 13.6% to 14.4% of the population, while the 55 to 64 cohort has decreased from 11.5% to 10.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Glen Waverley's age profile. The 45-54 age cohort is expected to expand by 1,745 people (29%), growing from 5,920 to 7,666. Conversely, the 5-14 age group is projected to grow by a modest 0% (an increase of 10 people).