Nunawading

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

As of November 2025, Nunawading's population is estimated at around 13,391. This figure reflects an increase of 978 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,413. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 13,241 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 212 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,636 persons per square kilometer, placing Nunawading in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Nunawading's growth rate of 7.9% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA4 region (4.0%) and the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 91.0% of overall population gains 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. Considering these projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth is projected for Nunawading, with the area expected to expand by 2,448 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 17.1% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Nunawading when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Nunawading shows around 57 residential properties granted approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 288 homes. As of FY-26, 14 approvals have been recorded. The average number of new residents per year per dwelling constructed is 1.4 over the past five financial years (FY-21 to FY-25), indicating balanced supply and demand with stable market conditions. However, this has increased to 4.3 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting growing demand and tightening supply. The average construction value of development projects is $463,000, aligning with broader regional development.

In FY-26, there have been $46.3 million in commercial approvals, indicating strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Nunawading has moderately higher building activity (28.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period), offering buyer choice while supporting current property values. Recent construction consists of 45.0% detached houses and 55.0% medium and high-density housing, marking a shift from existing housing patterns (currently 69.0% houses). This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers, likely due to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences. The location has approximately 180 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market.

According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Nunawading is projected to add 2,287 residents by 2041. Building activity appears to be keeping pace with growth projections, though buyers may face increased competition as the population grows.

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

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 18 such projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include Nunawading Activity Centre Cluster, Tunstall Village, Brand Smart Nunawading Retail Redevelopment, and Strathdon House Davy Lane Jolimont Reserve Precinct Master Plan. The following list details those projects likely to be most relevant.

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

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AreaSearch analysis reveals Nunawading significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Nunawading has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate was 2.3% as of June 2025, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.6%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 0.9%. In June 2025, 7,208 residents were employed with workforce participation similar to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training. Finance & insurance has particular specialization, employing 1.4 times the regional level.

However, construction employs only 7.3% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 9.7%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 0.9%, labour force by 0.7%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne had employment growth of 3.5% and labour force growth of 4.0%, with a rise in unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within Nunawading. National employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, but growth rates vary between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Nunawading's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.1% over ten years.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Nunawading has a median taxpayer income of $56,339 and an average income of $72,597 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. Nationally, this is very high compared to Greater Melbourne's median income of $54,892 and average income of $73,761. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $63,190 (median) and $81,425 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, incomes in Nunawading cluster around the 59th percentile nationally. The distribution data shows that the largest segment comprises 30.6% earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly (4,097 residents), which is similar to the surrounding region where 32.8% fall within this range. High housing costs consume 15.5% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 62nd percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Nunawading displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The dwelling structure in Nunawading, as per the latest Census, consisted of 68.9% houses and 31.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 73.0% houses and 26.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Nunawading was at 33.4%, with the rest being mortgaged (36.5%) or rented (30.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,167, lower than Melbourne metro's average of $2,200. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $391, compared to Melbourne metro's $410. Nationally, Nunawading's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceed the national figure of $375.

Nunawading features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 69.6% of all households, including 35.0% couples with children, 23.8% couples without children, and 9.3% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 30.4%, with lone person households at 26.3% and group households comprising 4.1%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which aligns with Greater Melbourne's average.

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

Educational attainment in Nunawading is notable, with 45.2% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 31.2% regionally. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 28.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (12.7%) and graduate diplomas (4.2%). Vocational pathways account for 24.3% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 11.2% and certificates at 13.1%. Educational participation is high, with 30.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 9.5% in primary, 7.0% in secondary, and 6.9% pursuing tertiary education. Nunawading's 3 schools have a combined enrollment of 994 students as of the latest data. The area has above-average socio-educational conditions (ICSEA: 1099). Education provision is balanced with 2 primary and 1 secondary school serving distinct age groups. School places per 100 residents stand at 7.4, below the regional average of 13.4, indicating some students might attend schools in nearby areas.

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

Public transport analysis shows 73 active transport stops operating within Nunawading. These comprise a mix of train and bus services. They are serviced by 25 individual routes, collectively providing 7,954 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 184 meters from the nearest transport stop. Service frequency averages 1,136 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 108 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Nunawading is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Nunawading shows above-average health outcomes with a low prevalence of common health conditions among its general population, although this prevalence is higher than the national average among older and at-risk cohorts.

Approximately 56% (~7,433 people) of Nunawading's total population has private health cover, which is very high. The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are asthma (7.4%) and mental health issues (7.3%). A significant portion of residents (72.8%), compared to 72.3% across Greater Melbourne, report having no medical ailments. Nunawading has a lower percentage of residents aged 65 and over (19.0%, or 2,544 people) than Greater Melbourne (20.4%).

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

Nunawading has a high level of cultural diversity, with 39.7% of its population born overseas and 38.8% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Nunawading, accounting for 41.1% of the population. Buddhism is notably overrepresented in Nunawading compared to Greater Melbourne, comprising 5.8% vs 5.3%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (19.9%), Australian (18.2%), and Chinese (16.5%). Sri Lankan, Vietnamese, and Indian ethnicities show notable divergences: Sri Lankan at 0.6% (vs regional 0.9%), Vietnamese at 1.6% (vs 1.3%), and Indian at 4.3% (vs 3.9%).

Nunawading's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Nunawading is 39 years, which is higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and close to the national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Nunawading has a notably higher proportion of people aged 75-84 (7.1% locally) and a lower proportion of people aged 25-34 (13.4%). According to post-2021 Census data, the 75-84 age group grew from 6.2% to 7.1%, while the 25-34 cohort declined from 14.6% to 13.4%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Nunawading. The 75-84 age group is expected to grow by 53% (503 people), reaching 1,454 from 950, with residents aged 65 and older representing 51% of anticipated growth. Conversely, the 35-44 and 0-4 age groups are projected to experience population declines.