Nunawading

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

Based on ABS population updates for the broader area and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, as of Feb 2026, Nunawading's population is estimated at around 13,532. This reflects an increase of 1,119 people (9.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,413 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 13,230 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 197 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,663 persons per square kilometer, placing Nunawading in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Nunawading's 9.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (4.8%) and the SA4 region, 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 any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising 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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth of national statistical areas is projected, with Nunawading expected to expand by 2,448 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 15.9% 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. This totals an estimated 288 homes. So far in FY-26, 27 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years, there is an average of 1.4 new residents per year per dwelling constructed. However, this figure has increased to 4.3 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting increasing demand and tightening supply.

The average construction value for development projects in Nunawading is $463,000, which is somewhat higher than regional norms due to quality-focused development. In FY-26, there have been $46.3 million in commercial approvals, indicating 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. Recent construction comprises 45.0% detached houses and 55.0% medium and high-density housing, marking a significant departure from existing housing patterns which are currently 69.0% houses. This shift suggests diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs.

Nunawading has approximately 180 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Future projections show Nunawading adding 2,146 residents by 2041 according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. 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 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 18 projects likely 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 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 places Nunawading well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Nunawading has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate was 2.5% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 1.2% over the past year. As of that date, 7,326 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.1%, below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%.

Workforce participation was 68.0%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. According to Census responses, 39.5% of residents worked from home, potentially impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. Finance & insurance employs 1.4 times the regional level, while construction employs 7.3%, below Greater Melbourne's 9.7%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 1.2% while labour force increased by 1.2%, leaving unemployment broadly flat, compared to Greater Melbourne's growth of 3.0% and 3.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia projects national employment 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 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 the 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 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $60,987 (median) and $78,586 (average). According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Nunawading cluster around the 59th percentile nationally. The largest segment comprises 30.6% earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, with a total of 4,140 residents falling into this range. This pattern is similar to the surrounding region where 32.8% occupy this income range. High housing costs consume 15.5% of income in Nunawading, 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 above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Nunawading, as per the latest Census data, 68.9% of dwellings were houses while 31.1% consisted of semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This compares to Melbourne metropolitan area's figures of 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Nunawading stood at 33.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 36.5% and rented ones at 30.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, exceeding Melbourne's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Nunawading was $391, slightly higher than Melbourne's $390. Nationally, Nunawading's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, with rents also higher at $375 compared to 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 making up 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

Educational attainment in Nunawading is notable, with 45.2% of residents aged 15 years and over holding university qualifications. This figure exceeds the national average of 30.4% and the SA4 region's average of 31.2%. Bachelor degrees are 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 over, with advanced diplomas at 11.2% and certificates at 13.1%.

Educational participation is high in Nunawading, 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

Transport analysis shows 73 active transport stops in Nunawading, consisting of bus services. These are served by 25 different routes, offering a total of 5,633 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is rated excellent, with residents typically located 184 meters from the nearest stop. As predominantly residential, most commute outward; cars dominate at 80%, while trains account for 12%. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 39.5% of residents work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 804 trips daily across all routes, equating to around 77 weekly trips per 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 is low among the general population but higher than the national average for older, at-risk cohorts. Approximately 56% (~7,511 people) of the total population has private health cover, which is very high. The most common medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, 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 have low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 19.6% (2,652 people) of residents aged 65 and over, which is higher than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne but ranks 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 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 dominant religion in Nunawading, making up 41.1% of people. However, Buddhism is 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%), which is significantly higher than the regional average of 6.5%. Some ethnic groups show notable differences 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

Nunawading's median age is 40, which is slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and Australia's median age of 38. Compared to the Greater Melbourne average, Nunawading has a notably higher proportion of people aged 75-84 (7.5% locally), while those aged 25-34 are under-represented (13.0%). Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has increased from 6.2% to 7.5%, the 25-34 cohort has decreased from 14.6% to 13.0%, and the 0-4 age group has dropped from 6.0% to 4.8%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Nunawading's age profile will change significantly. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to expand by 439 people (43%), growing from 1,014 to 1,454. Conversely, both the 35-44 and 5-14 age groups are expected to decrease in number.