Glen Waverley

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

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Glen Waverley is around 46,295. This figure represents an increase of 3,653 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 42,642. The latest estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and examination of ABS' ERP data release from June 2025, along with additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,749 persons per square kilometer, placing Glen Waverley in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch's assessments. The suburb's 8.6% growth since the census is within 0.7 percentage points of Victoria's state average (9.3%), indicating strong growth fundamentals. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, it employs the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on these projections, Glen Waverley is expected to experience above median population growth nationally, with an anticipated increase of 9,709 persons by 2041, reflecting a total gain of 20.9% over the 16-year period.

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

Glen Waverley averaged approximately 249 new dwelling approvals annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 1,246 homes were approved, with another 243 approved in FY-26 to date. Over the past five financial years, an average of 1.5 people moved to the area per dwelling built. However, this figure has increased to 4.7 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, indicating growing popularity and potential undersupply.

The average construction value of new properties is $1,151,000, suggesting developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties. This year, there have been $39.2 million in commercial approvals, reflecting strong local business investment. Glen Waverley maintains similar construction rates per person compared to Greater Melbourne, preserving market equilibrium.

New development consists of 69% detached houses and 31% medium to high-density housing, offering choices across price ranges from spacious family homes to more affordable compact options. With around 164 people per dwelling approval, Glen Waverley exhibits growth area characteristics. By 2041, the area is projected to grow by approximately 9,651 residents. Current 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 20% nationally

The performance of an area can significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 39 such projects that are likely to impact the area. Notable ones include Glen Waverley SRL Precinct Development, 281 Springvale Road Glen Waverley Development, Luna Glen Waverley, and 2-4 Kingsway Mixed-Use Development. The following list details those considered 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 strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate was 2.0% as of December 2025, showing an estimated employment growth of 4.4% over the past year. The area had 23,981 residents employed while its unemployment rate was 2.7% lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.8%.

Workforce participation in Glen Waverley lagged at 62.9%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. According to Census responses, 36.5% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key industries for employment among residents were health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and retail trade. Notably, professional & technical services had employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average, while construction showed lower representation at 6.3% compared to the regional average of 9.7%.

Local employment opportunities appeared limited, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 4.4%, labour force increased by 4.7%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.3 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 2.4%, labour force growth of 2.8%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Glen Waverley. These projections estimate national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates varying significantly between industry sectors. 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, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localised population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released on June 30, 2023, Glen Waverley had a median taxpayer income of $45,319 and an average income of $70,506. Both figures are higher than national averages of $57,688 and $75,164 respectively in Greater Melbourne. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since June 30, 2023, current estimates project median income to be approximately $49,679 and average income to be around $77,289 by March 2026. According to Australian Bureau of Statistics data from the 2021 Census, Glen Waverley's household income ranks at the 60th percentile ($1,918 weekly), while personal income sits at the 29th percentile. Income distribution shows that 29.2% of the population (13,518 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, and 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 structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 79.2% houses and 20.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Melbourne metro had 67.9% houses and 32.1% 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 $2,000. Median weekly rent in Glen Waverley was $480, higher than Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Glen Waverley's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,500 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while 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, including 42.3% couples with children, 24.1% couples without children, and 10.7% single parent families. Non-family households constitute 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 2.6.

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. Among residents aged 15 and above, 48.4% hold university qualifications, compared to 29.8% in the SA4 region and 30.4% nationally. This educational advantage is reflected in the variety of qualifications held: bachelor degrees lead at 29.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (15.6%) and graduate diplomas (3.3%). Vocational pathways account for 19.9% of qualifications, 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. 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, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 35 different routes that together facilitate 9,301 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is considered good, with residents living an average of 240 meters from the nearest stop. Glen Waverley is predominantly residential, and most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport, used by 81% of residents, while trains are used by 10%. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.4.

According to the 2021 Census, 36.5% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. On average, there are 1,328 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 52 weekly trips per stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's centerpoint.

Glen Waverley's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Glen Waverley's health outcomes show excellent results based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence, with younger cohorts having a very low prevalence of common health conditions.

Approximately 55% (~25,318 people) of Glen Waverley's total population has private health cover. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (5.8%) and asthma (5.2%), while 76.5% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments compared to Greater Melbourne's 72.6%. Glen Waverley has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 19.9% (9,212 people) than Greater Melbourne's 15.0%. Health outcomes among seniors in the area are strong but rank lower nationally compared to the broader 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 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 dominant religion in Glen Waverley, comprising 34.0% of the population. However, Buddhism is notably overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne's average, making up 11.1% of Glen Waverley's population.

The top three ancestry groups are Chinese (33.1%), Other (14.0%), and English (12.5%). Notably, Sri Lankan (2.7%), Indian (8.3%), and Korean (1.3%) ethnicities are overrepresented compared to regional averages.

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 average of 38 years. The 75-84 age group is notably over-represented in Glen Waverley at 7.1%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 12.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 13.6% to 14.7% of the population. Conversely, the 55 to 64 age group has decreased from 11.5% to 10.5%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Glen Waverley's age profile. The 45-54 age cohort is projected to expand by 1,717 people (29%), growing from 5,833 to 7,551. Meanwhile, the 5-14 age group is expected to grow modestly by 2% (104 people).