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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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Wandana Heights has an estimated 2,153 residents, down from 2,195 at the 2021 Census — a change of 42 people, or 1.9%. That puts 828 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
Wandana Heights has an estimated population of approximately 2,153 as of May 2026, according to AreaSearch's evaluation of ABS demographic updates and verified new addresses. Compared to the 2,195 residents recorded in the 2021 Census, this represents a decline of 42 individuals (1.9%). The current figure is derived from an AreaSearch estimate of 2,151 residents, which utilizes the ABS June 2025 estimated resident population release alongside 5 new addresses verified since the Census. This population level results in a density of 828 persons per square kilometer, a figure that aligns closely with standard averages across monitored areas.
Demographic expansion in recent times was largely underpinned by international migration, which accounted for roughly 52.0% of the population growth, though all contributors including domestic migration and natural increase remained positive. VIC State Government LGA-to-SA2 weighted projections from 2023 are used by AreaSearch for localities lacking the 2024 ABS/Geoscience Australia SA2 projections (which use 2022 as their starting point). These aggregated projections also supply age bracket growth rates for the years 2032 to 2041. Future expectations point to significant growth, placing this locality in the highest tier for population gains among regional areas nationwide. Projections suggest the population will expand by 626 residents by 2041, representing a total increase of 29.0% over the 16-year projection window.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
Residential building activity in Wandana Heights is very low, averaging 3 home approvals per year for a total of 19 approvals over the last five years. Such restricted construction levels are common in rural localities where housing demand is minimal and building is constrained by local infrastructure and market needs. With such small volumes, year-on-year growth rates and comparisons can shift dramatically based on individual building applications. Compared to Rest of Vic., Wandana Heights records much lower levels of construction activity, with development volumes also sitting below national benchmarks. Of the homes recently approved, 80.0% are standalone houses while 20.0% consist of medium and high-density formats, highlighting a rural setting where spacious properties predominate.
This composition represents a clear shift from the current housing landscape where houses make up 97.0% of properties, suggesting a decrease in available development land and a shift toward changing lifestyle and affordability dynamics. Based on the most recent quarterly estimate from AreaSearch, Wandana Heights is projected to add 624 residents by 2041. Given the current pace of construction, housing delivery may not keep up with this population increase, which could intensify competition among buyers and support upward pressure on prices.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Wandana Heights
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 87 current infrastructure and development projects close to Wandana Heights, worth an estimated $21.1 billion. 19 are already under construction and 30 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities, precincts & urban renewal and transport & logistics. 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 infrastructure projects, planning choices, and major works are critical drivers of local performance. AreaSearch has tracked 2 projects in the vicinity that are anticipated to influence the local area. Key initiatives of relevance include the Highton Urban Design Framework, the Scenic Road Walking & Cycling Path, the Levande Highton Retirement Village, and the Waurn Ponds Sporting Complex, with further details provided below.
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Highton Urban Design Framework
Comprehensive village improvement framework for Highton Village, including enhanced streetscapes in Bellevue Arcade and Village Walk, building height guidelines up to 4 storeys, improved parking and traffic management, and greater pedestrianisation. The implementation amendment (C457ggee) was adopted by the Council in August 2025.
Deakin University Waurn Ponds Campus Expansion
Ongoing multi-stage transformation of Deakin University's Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus under the Climate Ready Campus masterplan. Key completed components include the Geelong Future Economy Precinct (GFEP) - Victoria's epicentre of advanced manufacturing, energy and sustainability research - the 7.5MW renewable energy microgrid (operational since 2021), 320-bed student accommodation (completed April 2021), and the REACH health hub. Active works include road network upgrades, integrated water management and wetland conversion, and Building KA infill (completed 2025). The GFEP hosts 18 joint ventures with a market value of approximately $1 billion and the REACH Trailblazer program ($380 million total value) focused on clean energy and recycling commercialisation.
Grovedale Village
Mixed-use neighbourhood retail centre under construction at the corner of Colac Road and Rossack Drive. The development comprises convenience retail, drive-through food outlets, a fuel station, coffee outlet, Club Lime gymnasium and a 120-place childcare centre. Initial retail tenancies commenced construction in 2024, with remaining components continuing to open in stages.
Epworth Geelong Innovation and Education Precinct
A 600 million dollar staged health, innovation and education precinct spanning 4.2 hectares adjacent to the Epworth Geelong private hospital in Waurn Ponds. The 10-plus year masterplan delivers expanded medical capacity, research facilities, and health education in collaboration with Deakin University, alongside recent hospital expansions including new operating theatres and inpatient beds.
Waurn Ponds Sporting Complex
Construction is underway on a new regional indoor sport and recreation hub for the growing Geelong region. The Development Victoria project, delivered on behalf of Sport and Recreation Victoria with the City of Greater Geelong and Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, will include six indoor multi-sport courts, a regional-level gymnastics facility, dance studio and hall, change rooms, community and social spaces, kiosk and lounge areas, more than 300 car spaces with EV charging, bicycle parking and inclusive amenities including a Changing Places facility, sensory room and multi-faith room.The design targets a 5 Star Green Star rating with an all-electric building, solar PV, passive design and Wadawurrung-led cultural expression. Construction began in October 2025 and completion is expected in early 2027.
22-24 Barrabool Road Development
Proposed apartment development on Barrabool Road in Highton village area. Details under development with planning applications in progress.
Levande Highton Retirement Village
A $70 million retirement village being developed by Levande on a 4.71-hectare former caravan park site opposite Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre in Highton, Geelong. The project delivers 125 architecturally designed single-storey villas across two and three bedroom layouts, with single and double garage options. A central two-storey clubhouse with wellness facilities, heated pool, gym, cinema and library anchors the community. Construction commenced in March 2026 via a sod-turning ceremony, with builder Winslow Constructors and architect ClarkeHopkinsClarke leading delivery across four stages.First residents are expected to move in by early 2027.
Coles Belmont Redevelopment
Redevelopment of the existing Coles supermarket into a larger approximately 3,400 sqm contemporary supermarket with a new Liquorland, basement car parking for about 160 vehicles, upgraded public realm works, improved pedestrian access, bus stop improvements and landscaping. Construction commenced following permit approval and subsequent permit amendments, with the existing store closing in June 2026 and reopening expected in late 2027.
1,210 residents of Wandana Heights are employed, from a labour force of 1,227. Unemployment sits at 1.5%, with participation at 69.4%. 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. The working-day population is estimated at 1,676, about 78% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The workforce of Wandana Heights is highly educated with significant employment in essential services, and the local unemployment rate sits at a low 1.5% according to AreaSearch's aggregated figures. In March 2026, there were 1,210 employed residents, with the unemployment rate tracking 2.2 percentage points lower than the Regional Vic. rate of 3.7%. Participation in the labor force is exceptionally high at 69.4% compared to the regional average of 61.1%. Data from the Census indicates that 27.9% of local workers operated from home, though this figure may have been influenced by pandemic-related restrictions.
The primary employment sectors for local residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. Professional and technical services are highly represented locally, with an employment share that is 1.8 times the regional benchmark. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing accounts for only 0.3% of the local workforce, contrasting with the 7.5% average for Regional Vic. A comparison of the Census working population against resident workforce numbers indicates that this predominantly residential suburb provides relatively few jobs within its own boundaries. AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data indicates that during the 12 months ending March 2026, the local workforce shrank by 3.1% and total employment fell by 2.7%, resulting in a 0.4 percentage point decline in the unemployment rate. Over the same timeframe, Regional Vic. saw employment drop by 0.1% and the labor force contract by 0.3%, leading to a decrease of 0.2 percentage points in unemployment. National forecasts released by Jobs and Skills Australia in May-25 provide context for local employment trends. These projections, spanning five and ten years, have been applied to the local industry mix. Nationally, employment is expected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with performance varying widely by sector. Mapping these national sectoral trajectories onto Wandana Heights suggests local employment could expand by 6.9% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, representing a simple weighted model that does not incorporate local population forecasts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Wandana Heights is $2,549 a week (about $133,000 a year), with median personal income at $954 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $57,748 a year against an average of $75,058. 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
The suburb of Wandana Heights has personal income levels that exceed national averages, according to AreaSearch's analysis of the latest ATO data for financial year 2023. Taxpayers in this suburb recorded a median income of $57,748 and an average income of $75,058, whereas Regional Vic. recorded medians of $50,954 and averages of $62,728. Adjusting these figures for Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023 yields estimated values of approximately $63,303 for median earnings and $82,279 for average earnings as of March 2026. The 2021 Census placed household incomes in the top 91st percentile, with a weekly household median of $2,549.
The weekly earnings bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 contains 30.6% of households (658 individuals), which matches the surrounding region's rate of 30.3%. A high proportion of households (40.0%) earn in excess of $3,000 weekly, pointing to significant local affluence. Residents retain 90.1% of their income after paying for housing, demonstrating substantial disposable income, and the suburb is positioned in the 9th decile on the SEIFA index for income.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Wandana Heights had 747 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 97% detached houses and 0% apartments. 45% are owned with a mortgage, 11% rented and 44% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $410 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,000 a month. Rent absorbs 16.1% of household income here and mortgage repayments 18.1%. 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 last Census, the housing stock in Wandana Heights was dominated by standalone houses at 96.8%, with semi-detached homes, apartments, and other dwellings comprising the remaining 3.2%, compared to 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings across Regional Vic. Home ownership rates in Wandana Heights exceeded the regional average at 44.1%, while 45.0% of homes were held under a mortgage and 10.9% were rented. Local housing costs were higher than regional averages, with the median monthly mortgage payment at $2,000 and the median weekly rent at $410, compared to Regional Vic.
benchmarks of $1,430 and $285. On a national level, mortgage costs in Wandana Heights are higher than the Australian median of $1,863, and weekly rents also exceed the national benchmark of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Wandana Heights counted 747 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.9 people each. 46% are couples with children, more than in 90% of areas nationally, against 33% couples without children. 13% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.7 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up the vast majority of local households at 86.1%, consisting of couples with children at 46.0%, couples without children at 32.7%, and single parent families at 5.9%. Non-family households account for 13.9% of the total, with lone person households representing 12.8% and group households at 1.6%. The typical household size is 2.9 individuals, which is larger than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
38.9% of adults in Wandana Heights hold a university qualification, including 26.7% with a bachelor degree and 7.7% with postgraduate qualifications, higher than 99% of areas nationally. A further 16.6% hold a vocational qualification. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Levels of educational qualification in Wandana Heights are significantly higher than regional averages, with 38.9% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 21.7% in Rest of Vic. and 27.3% in the SA3 region. This concentration of higher education positions the local workforce well for knowledge-intensive sectors. Bachelor degrees represent the most common tertiary qualification at 26.7%, with postgraduate qualifications at 7.7% and graduate diplomas at 4.5%. Vocational and technical training is also common, with 29.0% of the population aged 15+ holding a trade credential, split between advanced diplomas (12.4%) and certificates (16.6%).
A high proportion of the population is engaged in study, with 30.8% of residents enrolled in an educational institution. This includes 9.4% in primary schools, 9.4% in secondary schools, and 6.7% in higher education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Wandana Heights means driving: households keep an average of 2.0 vehicles, and scheduled services reach only a handful of stops. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transport infrastructure in Wandana Heights includes 2 active stops. These links are connected to 1 distinct routes, which combine to support 120 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is moderate, with homes situated an average of 486 meters from the nearest stop. The suburb is primarily residential, and the vast majority of working residents commute to other areas, with private vehicles remaining the primary transport mode for 96% of commuters. Households own an average of 2.0 vehicles, which is higher than the regional average. A high proportion of residents (27.9%) worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by pandemic-related conditions.
Transport schedules show an average frequency of 17 trips per day across the available routes, which translates to roughly 60 weekly departures from each individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
72.8% of residents in Wandana Heights report no long-term health condition, a healthier profile than 84% of areas nationally. 3.8% need daily assistance with core activities, and 56.5% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 4.5 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Wandana Heights records excellent health statistics based on AreaSearch's analysis of mortality and chronic illness rates, showing a low incidence of common health issues across all demographics. Private health insurance coverage is high, with approximately 56% of the population (~1,215 people) holding cover, compared to 50.5% in Regional Vic. Asthma and mental health conditions are the most prevalent medical issues, affecting 8.0% and 7.3% of the population, respectively. However, 72.8% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, which is higher than the Regional Vic. average of 63.4%. Residents under the age of 65 enjoy better than average health profiles.
People aged 65 and over make up 15.0% of the local population (322 people), below the Regional Vic. benchmark of 23.9%. Older residents display strong health outcomes, with national health rankings tracking in line with the broader local population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Wandana Heights is largely Australian-born, at 82.8% of residents, with 8.9% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (30.3%) and Australian (24.7%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity metrics in Wandana Heights are below national averages, with 82.8% of the population born within Australia, 92.8% holding citizenship, and 91.1% using only English at home. The main religious affiliation is Christianity, accounting for 54.9% of local residents, compared to 47.3% across Regional Vic. The three most common ancestral backgrounds among residents are English at 30.3%, Australian at 24.7%, and Scottish at 10.2%. Specific European ancestries show higher concentrations relative to the wider region, with Croatian ancestry accounting for 1.2% of Wandana Heights (compared to 0.4% regionally), Hungarian at 0.4% (compared to 0.2%), and Dutch at 1.9% (compared to 1.7%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Wandana Heights is 40. That is 1 year younger than at the 2021 Census. 29.3% 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 median age of residents in Wandana Heights is 40 years, placing it slightly below the Regional Vic. average of 43 and slightly above the national median of 38. The 15 - 24 age bracket is highly represented locally at 16.6% of the population, while the 75 - 84 age bracket is underrepresented at 3.3%. The local population has grown younger since the 2021 Census, with the median age falling 1.2 years from 41 to 40. The 15 to 24 age bracket increased its share of the population from 14.4% to 16.6%, and the 25 to 34 age bracket rose from 10.8% to 12.7%, while the 55 to 64 group declined from 15.1% to 12.8%.
Long-term population forecasts to 2041 indicate notable demographic shifts, with the 25 to 34 age group projected to grow by 181 people (66%) from 273 to 455, while the 75 to 84 bracket is expected to see minimal growth of 4% (2 people).
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Wandana Heights
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 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) | May 2026 3 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 May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| 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 Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 2 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 May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 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) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 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 — 5 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (2,195 at the 2021 Census → 2,153 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 May 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 (SAL22669). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.