Wandin North

An assessment of population growth drivers in Wandin North reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Wandin North is around 3,149. This reflects an increase of 17 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,132 people. The latest resident population estimate by AreaSearch, following examination of the ABS's ERP data release in June 2025 and validation of new addresses, is 3,148. This results in a density ratio of 189 persons per square kilometer. Natural growth contributed approximately 75.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses 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 VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusting using weighted aggregation methods. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb of Wandin North is expected to grow by 207 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 6.5% over the 16-year period.

The level of residential development activity in Wandin North is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows that Wandin North has recorded approximately 4 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past 5 financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 22 homes were approved, with a further 6 approved in FY-26 so far. Despite population decline, development activity has been adequate relative to other areas, which is positive for buyers.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $618,000, indicating a focus on the premium market and high-end developments. This year has seen $5.6 million in commercial approvals, suggesting limited commercial development focus. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Wandin North records significantly lower building activity, with 65.0% fewer approvals per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes. Nationally, development activity is also lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints.

Recent development has been entirely detached houses, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 1263 people. Population forecasts indicate Wandin North will gain 206 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Wandin North has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 49thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified one major project likely affecting this region: Mount Evelyn Water Treatment Plant, Yarra Ranges Council Drainage Infrastructure Program, Dandenong Ranges Environmental Protection Program, and South East Melbourne Recycled Water Supply Infrastructure Upgrades are key projects, with the following details focusing on those most relevant.

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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 of employment trends sees Wandin North performing better than 85% of local markets assessed across Australia

Wandin North's skilled workforce is notable, particularly in the construction sector. Its unemployment rate was 2.2% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.6%. As of December 2025, 1,802 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.6%, below Greater Melbourne's 4.8%.

Workforce participation was similar to Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. Approximately 21.5% of residents worked from home, considering Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Employment was concentrated in construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade, with construction being particularly notable at 2.0 times the regional average. Professional & technical services employed only 5.5% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 10.1%.

The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. In the 12 months prior, employment increased by 1.6%, alongside labour force growth of 1.5%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 2.4% and labour force growth of 2.8%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Wandin North. These projections estimate national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Wandin North's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.6% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not consider localised population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023, the suburb of Wandin North's median income among taxpayers is $48,152. The average income in Wandin North for the same period was $61,404. Both figures are below the national averages. In Greater Melbourne, the median income was $57,688 and the average was $75,164 during the same financial year. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since June 2023, current estimates for Wandin North would be approximately $52,784 (median) and $67,311 (average) as of March 2026. Census 2021 data shows that incomes in Wandin North cluster around the 56th percentile nationally. The earnings profile indicates that 38.5% of residents (1,212 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket, reflecting a regional pattern where 32.8% occupy this range. After housing expenses, 86.1% of income remains for other expenses in Wandin North. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

Wandin North's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, were 99.7% houses and 0.3% other dwellings, contrasting with Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wandin North stood at 37.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 52.1% and rented at 10.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,950, lower than Melbourne metro's $2,000. Median weekly rent was $368, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Wandin North's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 81.4% of all households, including 40.0% couples with children, 30.5% couples without children, and 10.2% single parent families. Non-family households account for 18.6%, with lone person households at 17.3% and group households making up 0.8%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Educational attainment in Wandin North aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 17.9%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.1%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.5%) and postgraduate qualifications (2.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 42.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.9%) and certificates (30.8%). Educational participation is high, with 25.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 8.8% in primary, 7.7% in secondary, and 2.9% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 25.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.8% in primary education, 7.7% in secondary education, and 2.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis shows 15 active stops operating in Wandin North, offering a mix of bus services. These are served by two routes, together providing 157 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 301 metres from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to the area's residential nature; cars remain the dominant mode at 95%. Vehicle ownership averages 2.1 per dwelling, higher than the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 21.5% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 22 trips per day across all routes, equating to roughly 10 weekly trips per individual stop.

Wandin North's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Health data for Wandin North shows positive outcomes overall, with mortality rates and health conditions similar to national averages. Common health conditions are less prevalent here compared to the general population but higher among older, at-risk groups.

Private health cover is relatively low at 51% (~1610 people), compared to Melbourne's 56.7%. The most common conditions are asthma (8.8%) and mental health issues (8.4%), with 67.3% reporting no medical ailments, versus 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents have typical health outcomes. The area has a higher proportion of seniors (21%, or 661 people), compared to Melbourne's 15%. Health outcomes for seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than the broader population.

Wandin North is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Wandin North, as per a study conducted in June 2021, showed low cultural diversity with 87.6% of its residents born in Australia, 94.1% being citizens, and 95.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 43.6% of the population, as per data from March 2020. Buddhism, however, was overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, comprising 1.1% of Wandin North's population (versus 4.2% regionally).

The top three ancestry groups in Wandin North, based on a survey conducted in August 2016, were English at 32.5%, Australian at 29.7%, and Scottish at 7.4%. Notably, Dutch, Hungarian, and French ethnicities were also overrepresented compared to regional averages: Dutch at 4.5% (versus 1.2%), Hungarian at 0.4% (versus 0.3%), and French at 0.7% (versus 0.5%).

Wandin North's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Wandin North is 39 years, which is higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and very close to Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to the Greater Melbourne average, the cohort aged 65-74 is notably over-represented in Wandin North at 11.9%, while those aged 25-34 are under-represented at 12.6%. According to post-2021 Census data, the proportion of residents aged 65-74 has grown from 10.0% to 11.9%, and those aged 75-84 have increased from 5.2% to 6.9%. Conversely, the cohort aged 45-54 has declined from 14.3% to 11.9%. Population forecasts for Wandin North indicate substantial demographic changes by 2041. The group aged 85 and over is expected to grow significantly, increasing by 127% (from 69 to 157 people). This growth is led by residents aged 65 and older, who will represent 81% of the anticipated population increase. Conversely, the cohorts aged 0-4 and 15-24 are expected to experience population declines.