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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
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Nunawading has an estimated 13,364 residents, up from 12,413 at the 2021 Census — a change of 951 people, or 7.7%. Growth has averaged 0.6% a year over five years. 250 new addresses have been validated here since Census night. Overseas migration accounts for 91.0% of that increase. That puts 2,631 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to AreaSearch evaluations combining ABS regional population releases and post-Census address verification, the suburb of Nunawading has reached a population of approximately 13,364 as of Aug 2026. This represents an expansion of 951 people (7.7%) compared to the 12,413 people recorded in the 2021 Census. These figures stem from an estimated resident base of 13,247 calculated from the June 2025 ABS ERP release alongside 250 validated new addresses identified following the Census. Consequently, population density stands at 2,630 persons per square kilometer, positioning the locality within the highest quartile across nationally evaluated territories.
With a 7.7% increase since the 2021 census, the suburb of Nunawading outpaced both the broader SA4 region (3.9%) and the local SA3 area to lead regional expansion. Net overseas migration served as the principal demographic engine, accounting for roughly 91.0% of all recent population additions. Population modeling by AreaSearch incorporates 2024 ABS/Geoscience Australia projections utilizing 2022 as their baseline year for each SA2. Where SA2 coverage is absent, figures draw from 2023 Victorian Government LGA projections adjusted via a weighted aggregation framework to the SA2 tier, with age-specific rates applied across all locations for the period covering 2032 to 2041. Long-term demographic forecasts place the suburb of Nunawading above the national median for statistical regions, anticipating a gain of 2,217 persons by 2041 under consolidated SA2 projections, which constitutes an overall rise of 15.7% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
288 new dwellings have been approved in Nunawading over the past five years, an average of 57 a year. That places the area in the 62nd percentile for residential development activity nationally, about 4 approvals per 1,000 residents a year. Of the 59 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 51% were detached houses and the rest townhouses or apartments. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 50, broadly in line with that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Analysis of ABS building approvals by AreaSearch indicates that planning permissions in Nunawading have run at an annual rate of roughly 57 dwellings, totaling an estimated 288 homes sanctioned across the preceding 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), with 50 recorded during FY-25 to date. Given that 1.3 new residents have been added annually per finished home across the prior 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply matches demand closely to reinforce market equilibrium, while building activity reflects an average value of $704,000 per dwelling, highlighting an emphasis among builders on higher-end, premium residential assets.
Furthermore, commercial building approvals have reached $46.3 million during this financial year, underscoring substantial non-residential development momentum. Relative to Greater Melbourne, construction activity in Nunawading is elevated, tracking 28.0% above the regional per-capita baseline over the 5 year period, which preserves buyer choice while reinforcing underlying asset demand. Recent residential approvals are split between 51.0% detached houses and 49.0% attached dwellings, as an expanding pipeline of townhouses and multi-unit complexes creates varied price tiers ranging from detached family residences to compact accommodation. This marks a clear pivot away from the historical dwelling profile (currently 69.0% houses), driven by declining land availability alongside changing buyer preferences and affordability considerations. An average of approximately 174 people per dwelling approval aligns the area with broader growth-corridor patterns. Looking forward, the population of Nunawading is projected to increase by 2,100 residents by 2041 relative to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. While dwelling construction continues at a rate aligned with forecast expansion, incoming residents may face heightened competition as local headcount grows.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Nunawading
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 9 current infrastructure and development projects inside Nunawading, worth an estimated $1.13 billion. A further 131 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $68.8 billion. 23 are already under construction and 37 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, sports & recreation and communities, precincts & urban renewal. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local capital works, major development initiatives, and planning policies remain vital drivers of community performance, with AreaSearch cataloging 18 projects expected to influence the locality. Notable developments include the Nunawading Activity Centre Cluster, Tunstall Village, Brand Smart Nunawading Retail Redevelopment, and the Strathdon House Davy Lane Jolimont Reserve Precinct Master Plan.
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Strathdon House Davy Lane Jolimont Reserve Precinct Master Plan
A comprehensive master plan for Strathdon House, Davy Lane Reserve, and Jolimont Reserve to guide development over the next 10-15 years. The plan focuses on the historic preservation of the 1893 Strathdon House and heritage orchard, enhancement of recreational open spaces, sports fields, walking paths, community gardens, and native vegetation conservation.
Nunawading Activity Centre Cluster
Strategic planning initiative and part of the Victorian Government's expanded 50 train and tram zone activity centres program to transform the Nunawading activity centre. The Nunawading Cluster includes Blackburn, Nunawading, and Mitcham stations precinct development with enhanced public transport integration, mixed-use development, improved connectivity between train and tram services, increased housing density, and commercial facilities.
132-144 Springvale Road Development
Mixed-use development featuring 67 residential apartments across 8 storeys with ground floor commercial and retail spaces. Strategically located near the Golden Mile retail precinct, Nunawading Train Station, and key transport links as part of Nunawading's urban renewal.
26-32 McDowall Street Social Housing
Construction of a four-storey social housing development delivering 62 homes comprising 11 one-bedroom, 46 two-bedroom and 5 three-bedroom dwellings. The project is being delivered by Community Housing Victoria Limited in partnership with Homes Victoria under the Victorian Government's Big Housing Build. Works commenced in mid-2025 and include basement parking, bicycle parking, communal open space, landscaping and sustainable design features.
Tunstall Village
Large-scale mixed-use development on former heritage brickworks site comprising 383 townhouses and apartments across multiple levels. Features sustainable design with 7-star NATher rating, Tesla partnership for solar energy, and 10,000sqm shopping precinct.
Brand Smart Nunawading Retail Redevelopment
Conversion of the former Brand Smart outlet centre into a large-format retail and lifestyle hub on the Nunawading Golden Mile. Anchored by a Tesla showroom and service centre, Revo Fitness, and Ecosa.
The Round Performing Arts Centre Redevelopment
Redevelopment of the former Whitehorse Centre into The Round, a new performing arts and community venue featuring a 626 seat theatre, 203 seat studio theatre, outdoor sound shell, rehearsal studios, function spaces and upgraded public realm.
132-144 Springvale Road Nunawading
Mixed-use development featuring apartments and commercial space in the heart of Nunawading, providing modern living options close to transport and local amenities.
7,365 residents of Nunawading are employed, from a labour force of 7,609. Unemployment sits at 3.2%, with participation at 68.4%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.9% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Nunawading is characterized by an educated labor pool with significant professional services representation, maintaining a low jobless rate of 3.2% and recording 0.9% in annual employment growth according to AreaSearch regional aggregations. There are 7,365 working residents as of March 2026, with local unemployment sitting 1.6% lower than the 4.8% recorded across Greater Melbourne, alongside a labor participation rate closely tracking the wider metropolitan mark of 70.1%. Census records indicate that 39.5% of working locals operated from home, though this figure reflects conditions during Covid-19 restrictions. Local employment is anchored primarily by health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training.
The community exhibits a strong concentration in finance & insurance, where local job representation is 1.4 times the metropolitan standard. By comparison, construction accounts for only 7.3% of resident workers, trailing the 9.7% benchmark across Greater Melbourne. Census comparisons between resident workers and local job positions suggest that a significant share of the workforce travels beyond the suburb for work. According to AreaSearch evaluations of ABS and SALM metrics, the 12 months to March 2026 saw local employment rise by 0.9% against a 1.8% workforce expansion, leading to a 0.9 percentage point increase in unemployment. Over the same interval, Greater Melbourne experienced a 2.1% lift in employment, a 2.3% increase in the labor force, and a 0.2 percentage point uptick in unemployment. National outlooks from Jobs and Skills Australia as of Mar-26 provide additional context regarding future workforce requirements across five- and ten-year horizons when applied to the local industry base. While overall national employment is modeled to rise 6.6% across five years and 13.7% across ten years, sector-level variations suggest Nunawading could see local employment gains of 6.9% across five years and 14.1% across ten years based on simple weighted industry extrapolations without local demographic adjustments.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Nunawading is $1,938 a week (about $101,000 a year), with median personal income at $839 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $56,339 a year against an average of $72,597. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
According to AreaSearch compilations of ATO records for financial year 2023, personal earnings in the suburb of Nunawading exceed national benchmarks. Median taxable earnings reached $56,339 while the mean stood at $72,597, compared with $57,688 and $75,164 across Greater Melbourne. Accounting for a 9.62% increase in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023, prevailing figures are estimated at approximately $61,759 for the median and $79,581 for the average as of March 2026. The 2021 Census situated household, family, and individual incomes around the 59th percentile nationally. Earnings between $1,500 - 2,999 encompass 30.6% of residents (4,089 individuals), matching the regional proportion of 32.8%.
Despite residential outlays consuming 15.5% of income, disposable earnings reach the 62nd percentile, placing the locality in the 7th decile of the SEIFA income index.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Nunawading had 4,579 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 69% detached houses and 3% apartments. 37% are owned with a mortgage, 30% rented and 33% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $391 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,167 a month. Rent absorbs 20.2% of household income here and mortgage repayments 25.8%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
At the time of the most recent Census, the housing stock in Nunawading consisted of 68.9% separate houses and 31.1% medium-to-high density or alternative residences (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), relative to 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings across the Melbourne metro area. Outright property ownership reached 33.4%, exceeding the metropolitan average, while remaining homes were subject to a mortgage (36.5%) or rented (30.1%). Typical monthly mortgage installments were $2,167, above the Melbourne metro median of $2,000, while median weekly rent was $391 compared to $390 regionally. Across Australia, mortgage payments in the suburb sit well above the national benchmark of $1,863, with weekly rental rates also eclipsing the countrywide median of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Nunawading counted 4,579 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 4,930 today, averaging 2.6 people each. 35% are couples with children, against 24% couples without children. 26% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.4 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families constitute the vast majority of local households at 69.6%, consisting of couples with children (35.0%), couples without children (23.8%), and single parent families (9.3%). The remaining 30.4% comprises non-family living arrangements, primarily lone person households (26.3%) and group households (4.1%). The average household size stands at 2.6 people, identical to the Greater Melbourne norm.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
45.2% of adults in Nunawading hold a university qualification, including 28.3% with a bachelor degree and 12.7% with postgraduate qualifications, higher than 94% of areas nationally. A further 13.1% hold a vocational qualification. 3 schools serve the area, with 994 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,099 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Educational attainment in Nunawading sits well above broader reference levels, with 45.2% of persons aged 15+ possessing tertiary credentials, compared with 30.4% across Australia and 31.2% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees represent the largest category at 28.3%, alongside postgraduate degrees (12.7%) and graduate diplomas (4.2%). Vocational qualifications comprise 24.3% of attainments among the population aged 15+, divided between advanced diplomas (11.2%) and certificates (13.1%). Educational engagement is substantial throughout the community, with 30.7% of residents actively undertaking formal study. Within this group, 9.5% attend primary school, 7.0% are enrolled in secondary institutions, and 6.9% are completing tertiary courses.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Nunawading reaches 73 stops on 25 routes, timetabled for about 8,900 services a week. The typical home sits about 180 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.2 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transit networks in Nunawading encompass 73 active transport stops featuring bus services across 25 individual routes that generate 8,854 weekly passenger trips. Access to transit is rated as excellent, with dwellings situated an average of 184 meters from their nearest boarding point. As a residential suburb, outbound travel is common; private vehicles serve 80% of commuters while 12% travel by train, and vehicle ownership sits at 1.2 per dwelling. Working from home accounted for 39.5% of workers during the 2021 Census under prevailing pandemic circumstances. Transit services maintain an average volume of 1,264 trips per day across the collective network, representing roughly 121 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
72.8% of residents in Nunawading report no long-term health condition. 6.2% need daily assistance with core activities, and 55.5% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.2 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
According to AreaSearch evaluations of mortality statistics and chronic disease rates, Nunawading records favorable overall health metrics, showing low general illness rates alongside slightly elevated rates among senior cohorts, while private hospital cover is held by roughly 56% of the population (~7,418 people). Asthma and mental health conditions are the most prevalent reported illnesses, diagnosed in 7.4% and 7.3% of the populace respectively, while 72.8% of residents report no chronic health ailments compared to 72.6% regionally. The working-age demographic demonstrates solid health markers, while seniors aged 65 and over make up 19.1% of the community (2,552 people), surpassing the 15.1% share across Greater Melbourne despite tracking lower on a nationwide comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
39.7% of Nunawading residents were born overseas and 38.8% speak a language other than English at home, more culturally diverse than 83% of areas nationally. The largest reported ancestries are English (19.9%) and Australian (18.2%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Nunawading exhibits significant cultural variation, with 39.7% of residents born abroad and 38.8% speaking a language other than English in their households. Christianity forms the largest religious affiliation at 41.1% of the population, while Buddhism shows a noticeable regional overrepresentation, accounting for 5.8% of locals compared to 4.2% across Greater Melbourne. Regarding parental ancestry, the three primary heritage groups in Nunawading are English (19.9%), Australian (18.2%), and Chinese (16.5%), with Chinese background substantially exceeding the regional benchmark of 6.5%. Other ancestries show varying concentrations, including Sri Lankan at 0.6% (vs 0.8% regionally), Vietnamese at 1.6% (vs 1.9%), and Indian at 4.3% (vs 4.2%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Nunawading is 39. 25.6% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The age distribution in Nunawading mirrors Greater Melbourne across all primary brackets, with the largest divergence across the four broad cohorts being 4.0 percentage points. The estimated median age is 39 as at August 2026, matching the 2021 Census figure and sitting 2 years above the Greater Melbourne median of 37 recorded at that time. Since the Census, the proportion of residents in the retiree and elderly cohorts (65+) has risen from 18.0% to an estimated 19.1%, with this group forecast to see the strongest expansion to 2041, increasing by 1,003 residents (39%) to 3,556.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Nunawading
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Oct 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Oct 2026 this month headline measures · Sep 2026 baseline |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Oct 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Jul 2026 3 months ago all 9 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Jul 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 7 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Sep 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Sep 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 250 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (12,413 at the 2021 Census → 13,364 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL21985). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.