Wandana Heights

Population growth drivers in Wandana Heights are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Feb 2026, the population of Wandana Heights is estimated at around 2,173, reflecting a decrease of 22 people since the 2021 Census. The resident population was estimated by AreaSearch to be 2,162 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, with an additional 5 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 835 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Wandana Heights demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.5%, outpacing the Rest of Vic. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 52.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch is adopting 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 are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking at population projections moving forward, the suburb is expected to increase by 675 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 37.6% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Wandana Heights according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Wandana Heights has seen minimal construction activity with one new dwelling approved annually on average over the five-year period from 2016 to 2020, totalling six dwellings. This low level of development reflects the rural nature of the area where housing needs are typically specific and locally driven rather than broadly market-driven. It is important to note that due to the small number of approvals, individual projects can significantly impact annual growth and relativity statistics.

Compared to other areas in Victoria and nationally, Wandana Heights has much lower development activity. All new constructions approved during this period were detached dwellings, reflecting the rural character of the area which favours larger properties. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Wandana Heights is projected to add 818 residents by 2041.

At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified two projects that may impact this region: Highton Urban Design Framework and Scenic Road Walking & Cycling Path. Other notable projects include Levande Highton Retirement Village and Waurn Ponds Sporting Complex, though their relevance is not specified.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Wandana Heights performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Wandana Heights has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 1.4% as of September 2025, lower than the Rest of Vic.'s 3.8%. Workforce participation was high at 75.8%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 61.4%.

A notable 27.9% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Key employment industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. The area has a high concentration in professional & technical services, with employment levels at 1.8 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 0.3% of local workers, much lower than Rest of Vic.'s 7.5%.

Between September 2024 and September 2025, Wandana Heights' labour force decreased by 0.4%, with employment declining by the same percentage, keeping unemployment stable. This contrasts with Rest of Vic., where employment contracted more significantly at 0.7% during the same period. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, issued in May-25, project growth rates for Wandana Heights' key industries over five and ten-year periods. Applying these projections suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, though these estimates are illustrative and do not account for localized population projections.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

The suburb of Wandana Heights had a median taxpayer income of $57,748 and an average income of $75,058 according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. Nationally, this is high compared to Rest of Vic.'s median income of $50,954 and average income of $62,728. As of September 2025, estimated incomes are approximately $62,512 (median) and $81,250 (average), factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 8.25%. The 2021 Census data shows household incomes rank at the 91st percentile with a weekly income of $2,549. The largest income segment comprises 30.6% earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly (664 residents), similar to the surrounding region's 30.3%. Forty percent of households have high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, indicating strong consumer spending. After housing costs, residents retain 90.1% of their income, reflecting robust purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Wandana Heights is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Wandana Heights' dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, comprised 96.8% houses and 3.2% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Vic.'s dwelling structure was 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wandana Heights stood at 44.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 45.0% and rented ones at 10.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,000, higher than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure in Wandana Heights was $410, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $285 and the national average of $375.

Wandana Heights features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 86.1% of all households, consisting of 46.0% couples with children, 32.7% couples without children, and 5.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 13.9%, with lone person households at 12.8% and group households comprising 1.6% of the total. The median household size is 2.9 people, which is larger than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.4.

Wandana Heights demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Educational attainment in Wandana Heights is notably higher than broader benchmarks. 38.9% of residents aged 15 years and above hold university qualifications, compared to 21.7% in the rest of Victoria and 27.3% in the SA3 area. Bachelor degrees are most common at 26.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.7%) and graduate diplomas (4.5%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 29.0% of residents aged 15 years and above holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 12.4% and certificates for 16.6%. Educational participation is high in the area, with 30.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 9.4% in primary education, 9.4% in secondary education, and 6.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Wandana Heights has two operational public transport stops. One route serves these stops, offering a total of 120 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is moderate, with residents typically located 486 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward, primarily by car (96%). On average, there are 2.0 vehicles per dwelling, higher than the regional norm. According to the 2021 Census, 27.9% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 17 trips per day across all routes, equating to roughly 60 weekly trips per individual stop.

Wandana Heights's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Wandana Heights' health outcomes show excellent results based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were very low across all age groups.

Approximately 56% (~1,226 people) had private health cover, higher than Rest of Vic.'s 50.5%. The most prevalent conditions were asthma (8.0%) and mental health issues (7.3%). 72.8% reported no medical ailments, compared to 63.4% in Rest of Vic.. Under-65 residents had better-than-average health outcomes. Wandana Heights has 14.2% (308 people) aged 65 and over, lower than Rest of Vic.'s 23.9%. Seniors' health outcomes are strong, broadly in line with national rankings.

Wandana Heights ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Wandana Heights, surveyed in 2016, had a low cultural diversity with 82.8% of its population born in Australia. It was also highly homogeneous with 92.8% citizens and 91.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity dominated the religious landscape, practiced by 54.9%.

This is higher than the Rest of Vic's 47.3%. Top ancestral groups were English (30.3%), Australian (24.7%), and Scottish (10.2%). Some ethnic groups were notably different: Croatian at 1.2% vs regional 0.4%, Hungarian at 0.4% vs 0.2%, and Dutch at 1.9% vs 1.7%.

Wandana Heights's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Wandana Heights is 40 years, which is slightly below the Rest of Vic.'s average of 43 and above Australia's median of 38. Compared to Rest of Vic., residents aged 15-24 are notably over-represented at 17.1% locally, while those aged 75-84 are under-represented at 3.1%. Between the 2021 Census and present, Wandana Heights has become younger, with median age decreasing from 41 to 40 years. The 25-34 age group grew from 10.8% to 13.6%, while the 15-24 cohort increased from 14.4% to 17.1%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort declined from 15.1% to 12.7%, and the 45-54 group dropped from 14.1% to 12.8%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Wandana Heights, with the 25-34 age cohort projected to expand by 230 people (78%), from 295 to 526.