Nunawading

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Nunawading's population is estimated at around 13,340 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 927 people (7.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,413 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 13,247 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 178 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,626 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Nunawading's 7.5% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (3.8%), along with the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration that 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 2022 as the base year. 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 also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Anticipating future population dynamics, an above median population growth of statistical areas across the nation is projected, with the suburb expected to expand by 2,231 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 16.0% over the 16 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Nunawading had approximately 57 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 288 homes from FY-17 to FY-21. As of FY-26, 42 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years, an average of 1.4 people moved to the area per dwelling built. However, this figure increased to 4.4 people per dwelling in the past two financial years.

New homes are being constructed at an average expected cost of $463,000, which is slightly above the regional average. This year has seen $46.3 million in commercial approvals, indicating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Nunawading records 27.0% more construction per person over the five-year period. New building activity consists of 45.0% standalone homes and 55.0% attached dwellings, reflecting a trend towards denser development which caters to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This shift marks a considerable change from the current housing mix, which is predominantly houses (69.0%).

Nunawading's population growth characteristics are those of a growth area, with around 180 people moving in per dwelling approval. Future projections estimate Nunawading will add approximately 2,138 residents by 2041. Development appears to be keeping pace with projected growth, although increasing competition among buyers is expected as the population expands.

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 a total of 18 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 places Nunawading well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Nunawading has a highly educated workforce with professional services showing strong representation. The unemployment rate was 2.8% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.3%. As of December 2025, 7,339 residents are employed, and the unemployment rate is 2.0% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

Workforce participation in Nunawading is somewhat below standard at 67.5%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. According to Census responses, 39.5% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training. Nunawading demonstrates notable concentration in finance & insurance, with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

However, construction is under-represented, with only 7.3% of Nunawading's workforce compared to Greater Melbourne's 9.7%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 1.3%, while labour force increased by 1.7%, resulting in an unemployment rise of 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years for national employment. 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, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not consider localised population projections.

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

The suburb of 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 2023. This is higher than the national average, with Greater Melbourne having a median income of $57,688 and an average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for March 2026 would be approximately $61,759 (median) and $79,581 (average). Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Nunawading cluster around the 59th percentile nationally. The earnings profile indicates that the largest segment comprises 30.6% of residents earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly. This aligns with regional levels where this cohort represents 32.8%. High housing costs consume 15.5% of income, however 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 above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Nunawading, as per the latest Census, 68.9% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 31.1% being semi-detached homes, apartments, or other types. This is comparable to Melbourne metro's figures of 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Nunawading stood at 33.4%, higher than Melbourne metro's rate. The majority of dwellings were mortgaged (36.5%) or rented (30.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, above the Melbourne metro average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure in Nunawading was $391, slightly higher than Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Nunawading's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 30.4%, with lone person households at 26.3% and group households at 4.1%. The median household size is 2.6 people, aligning with the Greater Melbourne average.

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

In Nunawading, 45.2% of residents aged 15+ have university qualifications, exceeding national (30.4%) and SA4 region (31.2%) averages. 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% currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 9.5% in primary education, 7.0% in secondary education, and 6.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Analysis of public transport in Nunawading indicates 73 active transport stops operating within the area, all of which are bus stops. These stops are serviced by 25 individual routes, collectively facilitating 5633 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 184 metres from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 80%, with train usage at 12%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 39.5% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 804 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 77 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 based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

The prevalence of common health conditions among its general population is low but higher than the national average for older, at-risk cohorts. Approximately 56% (~7,405 people) of Nunawading's total population has private health cover, a rate found to be very high. Asthma and mental health issues are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 7.4 and 7.3% of residents respectively. About 72.8% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents in Nunawading have a low prevalence of chronic conditions. The area has 19.6% (2,614 people) of residents aged 65 and over, higher than the 15.0% in Greater Melbourne but ranking lower nationally compared to the broader population.

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's cultural diversity is notable, 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. However, Buddhism stands out as overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, comprising 5.8% versus 4.2%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (19.9%), Australian (18.2%), and Chinese (16.5%), with Chinese being significantly higher than the regional average of 6.5%. Other ethnic groups also show variations in representation: Sri Lankan at 0.6% versus 0.8%, Vietnamese at 1.6% versus 1.9%, and Indian at 4.3% versus 4.2%.

Nunawading's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

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, the 75-84 age group is over-represented in Nunawading at 7.3%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 13.8%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 75-84 age group has increased from 6.2% to 7.3% of Nunawading's population, while the 0-4 age group has decreased from 6.0% to 4.8%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Nunawading. Notably, the 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 25%, adding 434 people and reaching a total of 2,169 from 1,734. The 5-14 age group is expected to show modest growth, with an increase of only 2 residents.