Nunawading

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

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population of the Nunawading statistical area (Lv2) is around 13,533. This reflects a growth of 1,120 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,413. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 13,230 residents following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release (June 2024), and an additional 212 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 2,664 persons per square kilometer, placing Nunawading in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's population growth of 9.0% since the 2021 census exceeded both its SA3 area (4.8%) and SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader. 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 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises 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. Considering these projections and demographic shifts, an above median population growth is projected for the Nunawading (SA2). By 2041, the area is expected to expand by 2,448 persons, reflecting an increase of 15.8% in total over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Nunawading has recorded around 57 residential properties granted approval annually over the past five financial years ending June 2021. This totals an estimated 288 homes. In the current financial year FY-26, up to May 2022, 27 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years, on average, 1.4 new residents per year per dwelling constructed were recorded, suggesting a balanced supply and demand creating stable market conditions. However, this has accelerated to 4.3 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, indicating increasing demand and tightening supply.

Development projects have averaged $463,000 in construction value, reflecting quality-focused development. Commercial approvals totalled $46.3 million in FY-26, demonstrating strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Nunawading shows moderately higher building activity, at 28.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period ending June 2021. Recent construction comprises 45.0% detached houses and 55.0% medium and high-density housing, marking a significant shift from existing housing patterns which are currently 69.0% houses. The location has approximately 180 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market.

According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Nunawading is projected to add 2,145 residents by 2041. Building activity is keeping pace with growth projections, though buyers may experience heightened competition as the population grows.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 18 projects that could impact the area. Notable ones 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 most likely to be 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 well represented. Its unemployment rate was 2.5% in the past year.

Employment growth over this period was estimated at 1.2%. As of September 2025, 7,326 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.1%, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.7%. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training.

Finance & insurance has a particularly high representation, at 1.4 times the regional level. Construction employs 7.3% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 9.7%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 1.2%, while labour force grew by 1.2%, keeping unemployment flat. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment grow by 3.0% and labour force by 3.3%. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, with a state unemployment rate of 4.7%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

The suburb of Nunawading had a median taxpayer income of $56,339 and an average income of $72,597 according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This is higher than national averages, with Greater Melbourne having a median income of $57,688 and an average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $60,987 (median) and $78,586 (average). The 2021 Census figures show household, family, and personal incomes in Nunawading cluster around the 59th percentile nationally. Income distribution data indicates that the largest segment comprises 30.6% earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, with 4,141 residents falling into this category. This pattern is similar to the surrounding region where 32.8% occupy this income 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

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

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

Family households comprise 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 account for 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 matches 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

Educational attainment in Nunawading is notably higher than broader benchmarks. Specifically, 45.2% of residents aged 15 years and above hold university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 31.2% in the SA4 region. This indicates a significant educational advantage for the area, positioning it strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. 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 among those aged 15 years and above – advanced diplomas make up 11.2% and certificates 13.1%. Educational participation is notably high, with 30.7% of residents 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

The analysis of public transport in Nunawading shows that there are currently 73 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops offer a mix of train and bus services. They are serviced by 25 individual routes which collectively provide 5,633 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of these transport services is rated as excellent, with residents typically located just 184 meters from their nearest transport stop. On average, service frequency across all routes amounts to 804 trips per day, 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 better-than-average health outcomes with low prevalence of common health conditions among its general population, but higher rates are seen among older and at-risk cohorts.

Private health cover is high, with approximately 56% (7,512 people) having it. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (7.4%) and mental health issues (7.3%). A majority (72.8%) report no medical ailments, compared to 72.3% in Greater Melbourne. The area has a lower proportion of residents aged 65 and over (19.0%, or 2,571 people) than Greater Melbourne (20.4%), but these older residents require more health attention than 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 has high cultural diversity, with 39.7% of its population born overseas and 38.8% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the main religion in Nunawading, accounting for 41.1% of people. Buddhism is overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, making up 5.8% versus 5.3%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (19.9%), Australian (18.2%), and Chinese (16.5%). Notably, Sri Lankan, Vietnamese, and Indian ethnicities have higher representation in Nunawading compared to the regional average: Sri Lankan at 0.6% versus 0.9%, Vietnamese at 1.6% versus 1.3%, and Indian at 4.3% versus 3.9%.

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 7.1%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 13.4%. According to data from the 2021 Census, the 75-84 age group has increased from 6.2% to 7.1% of Nunawading's population, while the 25-34 age group has decreased from 14.6% to 13.4%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Nunawading. The 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 51%, reaching 1,454 people from 960. Residents aged 65 and older are expected to represent 52% of the population growth. Conversely, the 5-14 and 0-4 age groups are anticipated to experience population declines.