Wantirna

Wantirna is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

As of Nov 2025, the Wantirna statistical area's population is estimated at around 14,902, reflecting an increase of 665 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 4.7% rise from the previous population count of 14,237. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 14,308 following examination of the ABS' latest ERP data release in Jun 2024 and an additional 276 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,819 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Wantirna's growth rate of 4.7% since the census positions it within 0.2 percentage points of the SA4 region (4.9%). Overseas migration was primarily responsible for this population growth 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 from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the area is expected to expand by 586 persons based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a decline of 0.2% in total over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Wantirna among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Wantirna has recorded approximately 126 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years ending June 2021. This totals an estimated 631 homes. As of July 2021, 19 approvals have been recorded in FY-26. The population decline in recent years has maintained adequate housing supply relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice.

New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $568,000, indicating developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In this financial year, there have been $63.5 million in commercial approvals, suggesting robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Wantirna shows 96.0% higher building activity per person, providing buyers with ample choice. New development consists of 18.0% detached dwellings and 82.0% medium and high-density housing, marking a significant shift from existing housing patterns which are currently 90.0% houses. This trend may be due to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. Wantirna reflects a low density area with approximately 64 people per approval.

Given stable or declining population forecasts, it is expected that Wantirna may experience less housing pressure in the future, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 26 projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include Wantirna Health Precinct West, Deakin University Burwood Campus Expansion, Oak Place by Stockland, and Vermont South Shopping Centre Precinct. The following list details those most relevant.

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.

Employment performance in Wantirna has been broadly consistent with national averages

Wantirna has a well-educated workforce with professional services being strongly represented. The unemployment rate is 3.6%, with an estimated employment growth of 0.7% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, there are 7,229 residents employed, and the unemployment rate is 1.1% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation in Wantirna is 60.8%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. The leading employment industries among residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training.

However, professional & technical services show lower representation at 8.4% versus the regional average of 10.1%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the count of Census working population compared to resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 0.7%, while labour force increased by 0.8%, leaving unemployment broadly flat in Wantirna. In contrast, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.0% over the same period. State-level data from November 25 shows that Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia indicate that national employment is expected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Wantirna's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, assuming constant population growth for illustrative purposes.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

The suburb of Wantirna has a median taxpayer income of $50,102 and an average income of $64,185, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This is lower 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 financial year 2023, current estimates for Wantirna would be approximately $54,235 (median) and $69,480 (average) as of September 2025. Census data shows household income ranks at the 58th percentile with a weekly income of $1,886, while personal income sits at the 41st percentile. Income analysis reveals that the largest segment comprises 33.2% earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly (4,947 residents), which is consistent with broader trends across the region showing 32.8% in the same category. After housing expenses, 85.0% of income remains for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

Wantirna's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 90.2% houses and 9.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Melbourne metro's figures of 83.4% houses and 16.7% other dwellings. The home ownership rate in Wantirna was higher at 40.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 39.0% and rented ones at 20.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,167, exceeding Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure for Wantirna was recorded at $428, compared to Melbourne metro's $400. Nationally, Wantirna's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 81.1% of all households, including 41.5% couples with children, 27.9% couples without children, and 10.7% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 18.9%, with lone person households at 17.1% and group households comprising 2.0%. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.7.

Wantirna shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

The area's educational profile is notable regionally with university qualification rates at 35.5% for residents aged 15+, surpassing the Australian average of 30.4%. This rate also exceeds that of the SA3 area (30.7%), indicating a strong emphasis on higher education in the community. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 23.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 9.0% and graduate diplomas at 3.2%.

Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 29.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas at 12.3% and certificates at 17.1%. Educational participation is notably high, with 29.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.0% in primary education, 7.5% in secondary education, and 5.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in Wantirna shows that there are currently 45 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 21 individual routes providing service to these locations. The combined weekly passenger trips facilitated by these routes amount to 4,564.

The accessibility of public transport in Wantirna is rated as good, with residents typically residing an average distance of 253 meters from the nearest transport stop. Across all routes, the service frequency averages 652 trips per day, which equates to approximately 101 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Wantirna is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Wantirna shows superior health outcomes with both young and elderly cohorts having low prevalence of common health conditions.

Its private health cover rate stands at approximately 52%, slightly higher than the average SA2 area (~7,783 people). The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 7.4% and 7.4% of residents respectively. About 70.8% of residents claim to be free from medical ailments, compared to 69.4% in Greater Melbourne. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 22.1% (3,293 people), compared to 19.5% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are notably strong, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

Wantirna is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Wantirna has a high level of cultural diversity, with 41.0% of its population born overseas and 40.8% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Wantirna, making up 43.8% of people, while Buddhism comprises 6.3%, which is higher compared to Greater Melbourne's average of 4.6%. The top three ancestry groups are English (19.3%), Chinese (18.7%), and Australian (17.8%).

Notably, Sri Lankan (1.4%) and Hungarian (0.5%) populations are overrepresented in Wantirna compared to regional averages.

Wantirna's median age exceeds the national pattern

Wantirna's median age is 41 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and somewhat older than Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Wantirna has a notably over-represented cohort of residents aged 65-74 (11.5%) and an under-represented cohort of residents aged 25-34 (9.1%). Post the 2021 Census, the age group of 75 to 84 years has increased from 5.8% to 7.8%, while the 15 to 24-year-olds have risen from 10.7% to 12.3%. Conversely, the 25 to 34-year-olds have decreased from 10.7% to 9.1%, and the 55 to 64-year-olds have dropped from 12.1% to 11.0%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Wantirna's age profile. The 75 to 84 cohort is expected to grow by 38%, adding 441 residents to reach a total of 1,604. Residents aged 65 and older are projected to represent 75% of the population growth. Conversely, population declines are anticipated for the 25 to 34-year-olds and the 0 to 4-year-olds.