Nunawading

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

As per AreaSearch's analysis using ABS population updates and validated new addresses, the population of the suburb of Nunawading was estimated to be around 13,532 as of Feb 2026. This figure represents 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 AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 13,230 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 results in a population density ratio of 2,663 persons per square kilometer, placing Nunawading in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 9.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA3 area (4.8%) and the SA4 region, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 91.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is using 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, 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 applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering the projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth is projected for the suburb, with an expected expansion of 2,448 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 15.9% 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 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, 30 approvals have been recorded. An average of 1.4 new residents per year per dwelling constructed was observed between FY-21 and FY-25, suggesting a balanced supply and demand creating stable market conditions. However, this figure has accelerated to 4.3 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, indicating increasing demand and tightening supply.

Development projects averaged $463,000 in construction value, reflecting quality-focused development. In FY-26, there have been $46.3 million in commercial approvals, showing strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Nunawading shows moderately higher building activity, with 28.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. Recent construction comprises 45.0% detached houses and 55.0% medium and high-density housing, marking a significant departure from existing housing patterns (currently 69.0% houses). This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points and suits downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers.

The location has approximately 180 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Future projections show Nunawading adding 2,146 residents by 2041, with building activity keeping pace with growth projections despite potential heightened competition as the population grows.

Nunawading has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

"Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 18 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones are Nunawading Activity Centre Cluster, Tunstall Village, Brand Smart Nunawading Retail Redevelopment, and Strathdon House Davy Lane Jolimont Reserve Precinct Master Plan.".

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 professional services well represented. Its unemployment rate was 2.8% as of December 2025. Employment grew by an estimated 1.3% over the past year.

As of that date, 7,339 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.0%, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.8%. Workforce participation was 68.1%, slightly below Greater Melbourne's 71.3%. Notably, 39.5% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training.

Finance & insurance has a particularly high share at 1.4 times the regional level, while construction employs fewer locals than the Greater Melbourne average, at 7.3%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 1.3%, labour force grew by 1.7%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 0.3 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne saw employment growth of 2.4% and labour force growth of 2.8%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 indicate overall employment expansion 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, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This is higher than the national average, contrasting with Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since the financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $60,987 (median) and $78,586 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Nunawading cluster around the 59th percentile nationally. Distribution data shows that the largest segment comprises 30.6% earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly (4,140 residents), reflecting patterns seen in the surrounding region where 32.8% similarly occupy this range. High housing costs consume 15.5% of income, placing 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, with the remaining 31.1% consisting of semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types of dwellings. 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 properties making up 36.5% and rented dwellings accounting for 30.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,167, higher than Melbourne's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent in Nunawading was $391, slightly above Melbourne's $390. Nationally, Nunawading's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were also higher than 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% that are couples with children, 23.8% that are couples without children, and 9.3% that are single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 30.4%, with lone person households at 26.3% and group households comprising 4.1% of the total. 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 shows significant superiority over broader standards. Among residents aged 15 and above, 45.2% possess university qualifications, compared to the Australian average of 30.4% and the SA4 region average of 31.2%. This notable educational advantage places the area favourably for knowledge-based prospects. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent 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 and above – advanced diplomas (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

Transport analysis shows 73 active transport stops in Nunawading, consisting of bus services. These stops are served by 25 routes, offering a total of 5,633 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is rated excellent, with residents located an average of 184 meters from the nearest stop. In this predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode at 80%, while trains account for 12%. Average vehicle ownership is 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 daily across all routes, equating to approximately 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 exhibits above-average health outcomes as assessed by AreaSearch using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence data.

The prevalence of common health conditions among its general population is low but exceeds the national average for older, at-risk cohorts. Approximately 56% (~7,511 people) of Nunawading's total population has private health cover, a rate significantly higher than the national average. Asthma and mental health issues are the most prevalent medical conditions in the area, affecting 7.4 and 7.3% of residents respectively. Conversely, 72.8% of Nunawading residents report being completely free from medical ailments, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's figure of 72.6%. Working-age residents in Nunawading exhibit low chronic condition prevalence. The area has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 19.8% (2,679 people) compared to Greater Melbourne's 15.1%, but this figure is lower than the national average when considering 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 cultural diversity, with 39.7% of its population born overseas and 38.8% speaking a language other than English at home. The predominant religion in Nunawading is Christianity, accounting for 41.1% of the population. Notably, Buddhism is overrepresented in Nunawading, comprising 5.8% compared to 4.2% across Greater Melbourne.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (19.9%), Australian (18.2%), and Chinese (16.5%), which is significantly higher than the regional average of 6.5%. Some other ethnic groups also show notable differences: Sri Lankan is overrepresented at 0.6% in Nunawading compared to 0.8% regionally, 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, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and close to Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, the 75-84 age cohort is notably higher at 7.5% in Nunawading, while the 25-34 age group is lower at 13.0%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 75-84 age group grew from 6.2% to 7.5%, the 25-34 cohort declined from 14.6% to 13.0%, and the 0-4 age group dropped from 6.0% to 4.9%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Nunawading, with the 75-84 age group expected to grow by 44% (adding 445 people), reaching 1,460 from 1,014. Conversely, both the 35-44 and 0-4 age groups are projected to decrease in number.