Wantirna South

Population growth drivers in Wantirna South are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of February 2026, the estimated population of Wantirna South is around 21,548, reflecting an increase of 794 people since the 2021 Census. The previous population was reported as 20,754. This growth is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 21,226 residents following examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024 and validation of 323 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,523 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Wantirna South's growth rate of 3.8% since the Census is within 1.1 percentage points of the SA4 region's 4.9%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration was the primary driver of 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, VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 are used with adjustments made via 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. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is expected to grow by 1,802 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 6.6% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Wantirna South recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Wantirna South has seen approximately 99 new homes approved annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Around 497 homes were approved between financial years FY-21 and FY-25, with an additional 55 approved in FY-26 to date. The population decline in recent years suggests that new supply has likely been meeting demand, providing good buying options for consumers.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $611,000, indicating a focus on the premium market by developers. This financial year has seen $63.8 million in commercial approvals registered, suggesting strong local business investment. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Wantirna South maintains similar development levels per capita, preserving market equilibrium with surrounding areas. The new building activity shows 38.0% detached houses and 62.0% medium and high-density housing, offering affordable entry pathways for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This shift from the area's existing housing composition of 78.0% houses indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles and demand for diverse housing options.

Wantirna South has around 255 people per dwelling approval, characteristic of a low-density area. AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate forecasts a population gain of 1,423 residents by 2041. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering favorable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Wantirna South 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 33 projects that could impact the region. Notable ones include Heart of Knox Project, Waverley One Estate, Knox Off the Plan Developments, and Knoxfield Residential Development. The following list details those likely to be 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.

AreaSearch analysis indicates Wantirna South maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Wantirna South has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate was 3.5% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 0.8% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation. As of that date, there were 11,178 residents employed, with an unemployment rate 1.2% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%.

Workforce participation was significantly lower at 64.0%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. Census responses indicated that 33.2% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The leading employment industries among residents were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and professional & technical services. Wantirna South showed strong specialization in wholesale trade with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level, but lower representation in transport, postal & warehousing at 3.2% compared to the regional average of 5.2%.

AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data over the 12 months to September 2025 showed employment increased by 0.8%, labour force by 0.9%, with unemployment essentially unchanged. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Wantirna South's employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation of industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows median income in Wantirna South is $51,536 and average income is $65,609. This compares to Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% from July 2023 to September 2025, estimated median income in Wantirna South would be approximately $55,788 and average income around $71,022 by that period. According to Census 2021 data, household income ranks at the 60th percentile ($1,915 weekly) and personal income is at the 38th percentile. Income brackets indicate 31.5% of individuals earn between $1,500 - 2,999 per week (6,787 individuals), similar to metropolitan Melbourne's 32.8%. Housing costs consume 15.2% of income, but disposable income ranks at the 61st percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

Wantirna South's dwelling structure in the latest Census showed 77.7% houses and 22.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wantirna South was 39.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 38.2% and rented ones at 22.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,167, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure was $441, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Wantirna South's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 77.8% of all households, including 41.3% couples with children, 25.2% couples without children, and 10.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 22.2%, with lone person households at 20.0% and group households comprising 2.1%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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

The area's university qualification rate of 39.4%, among residents aged 15+, exceeds both the Australian average of 30.4% and the SA3 area's rate of 30.7%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 25.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (10.8%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 25.9% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (11.2%) and certificates (14.7%).

Educational participation is high, with 27.4% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.4% in primary education, 7.2% in secondary education, and 6.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis indicates 132 active public transport stops in Wantirna South, offering a variety of bus services. These stops are served by 29 different routes, collectively facilitating 6,992 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 185 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily due to the area's residential nature. Cars remain the dominant transport mode at 90%, with an average of 1.6 vehicles per dwelling, higher than the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 33.2% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 998 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 52 weekly trips per stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

Wantirna South's residents are extremely healthy with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population and nearer the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Wantirna South. Based on AreaSearch's assessment, mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are low among the general population, nearing the nation's average even among older, at-risk cohorts.

Private health cover is held by approximately 53% of the total population (~11,373 people), slightly higher than the Greater Melbourne average of 56.7%. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 7.0 and 6.8% of residents respectively, while 71.4% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents show low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 24.2% of residents aged 65 and over (5,214 people), higher than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are above average but rank lower nationally compared to the broader population.

Wantirna South 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 South has high cultural diversity, with 45.1% speaking a language other than English at home and 47.2% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion, comprising 48.0%. Buddhism is overrepresented at 6.6%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 4.2%.

The top three ancestry groups are Chinese (23.4%), English (18.0%), and Australian (15.7%). Sri Lankan (1.9%) and Korean (0.8%) are notably overrepresented, while Indian is slightly higher at 5.2% compared to the regional average of 4.2%.

Wantirna South's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Wantirna South is 42 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and Australia's average of 38 years. The 65-74 age group comprises 12.5% of the population, compared to Greater Melbourne, while the 25-34 cohort makes up 10.1%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 75-84 age group has grown from 6.4% to 8.0%, and the 15-24 cohort has increased from 12.2% to 13.7%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort has declined from 11.8% to 10.1%, and the 55-64 group has dropped from 13.1% to 11.7%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Wantirna South, with the 75-84 age group expected to grow by 41% (703 people), reaching 2,427 from 1,723. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are projected to account for 64% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 0-4 and 5-14 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.