Wantirna South

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

The estimated population of Wantirna South as of November 2025 is around 21,345, reflecting an increase of 591 people since the 2021 Census. The ABS ERP estimate for surrounding areas applied to Wantirna South by AreaSearch in June 2024 was 21,249. This includes 319 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density is 1,509 persons per square kilometer, above the national average assessed by AreaSearch. Wantirna South's growth of 2.8% since the census is within 1.2 percentage points of its SA4 region (4.0%). Overseas migration was the primary driver of recent population gains.

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, it utilises 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, Wantirna South is expected to grow by 1,786 persons, reflecting a gain of 7.6% 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 98 new homes approved annually, with a total of 492 approvals between financial years FY-21 to FY-25. As of FY-26, there have been 38 approvals. The average construction cost value is $617,000, which is moderately above regional levels.

In FY-26, commercial approvals amounted to $48.7 million, indicating robust local business investment. When compared with Greater Melbourne, Wantirna South has similar development levels per capita, maintaining market equilibrium. However, building activity has slowed in recent years. The new building activity shows 39.0% detached houses and 61.0% medium to high-density housing. This shift from the area's existing housing composition of 78.0% houses suggests decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles.

Wantirna South has a population density of around 283 people per dwelling approval, indicating low-density characteristics. Population forecasts estimate an increase of 1,617 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, potentially facilitating further population growth beyond current projections.

Wantirna South has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 34 projects likely influencing the region. Notable initiatives include Heart of Knox Project, Waverley One Estate, Mirvac Wantirna South (Boral Quarry Development), and Knox Off the Plan Developments. Relevant projects are listed below.

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

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AreaSearch assessment positions Wantirna South ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Wantirna South has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate was 3.2% as of June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 0.6% over the past year, according to AreaSearch data aggregation.

As of June 2025, 11,152 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.4% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation was at 61.6%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Leading employment industries among residents included health care & social assistance, retail trade, and professional & technical services. The area showed strong specialization in wholesale trade, with an employment share of 1.6 times the regional level, but lower representation in transport, postal & warehousing at 3.2% compared to the regional average of 5.2%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census working population data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 0.6%, labour force by 0.7%, resulting in a slight rise in unemployment (0.1 percentage points). In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded higher growth rates: employment at 3.5%, labour force at 4.0%, with an unemployment increase of 0.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Wantirna South's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

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 2022 shows that Wantirna South's median income is $51,547 and the average income is $65,632. This is similar to national averages but lower than Greater Melbourne's median income of $54,892 and average income of $73,761. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for Wantirna South as of September 2025 would be approximately $57,815 (median) and $73,613 (average). According to Census 2021 income data, household income ranks at the 60th percentile ($1,915 weekly), while personal income is at the 38th percentile. The $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band includes 31.5% of Wantirna South's population (6,723 individuals), which aligns with the metropolitan region where this cohort represents 32.8%. High housing costs consume 15.2% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income 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

Dwelling structure in Wantirna South, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 77.7% houses and 22.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 83.4% houses and 16.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wantirna South was at 39.1%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (38.2%) or rented (22.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,167, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $441. Nationally, Wantirna South's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Wantirna South features high concentrations of family households, with a fairly typical 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 comprise the remaining 22.2%, with lone person households at 20.0% and group households making up 2.1%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which aligns with the Greater Melbourne average.

Wantirna South 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 39.4% among residents aged 15+, exceeding the Australian average of 30.4% and the SA3 area average of 30.7%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 25.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (10.8%) and graduate diplomas (3%). Trade and technical skills are also prominent, with vocational credentials held by 25.9% of residents aged 15+, including advanced diplomas (11.2%) and certificates (14.7%).

Educational participation is high, with 27.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 8.4% in primary, 7.2% in secondary, and 6.2% pursuing tertiary education. Seven schools operate within Wantirna South, educating approximately 4,818 students. The area has significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement (ICSEA: 1107), with a mix of four primary and three K-12 schools. It functions as an education hub, offering 22.6 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 12.0, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Wantirna South has 132 active public transport stops. All these stops are served by buses via 32 different routes. These routes collectively facilitate 7,987 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport in the area is rated excellent, with residents on average being located 185 meters from their nearest stop. On a daily basis, there are an average of 1,141 trips across all routes, which translates to approximately 60 weekly trips per individual stop.

Wantirna South's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data shows Wantirna South residents have relatively positive health outcomes.

The prevalence of common health conditions is low across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is at approximately 53%, slightly higher than the average SA2 area (~11,268 people). The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (7.0%) and asthma (6.8%). About 71.4% of residents declare no medical ailments, compared to 69.4% in Greater Melbourne. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 23.4% (4,994 people), compared to 19.5% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, broadly aligning with the general population's health profile.

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 4.6%.

Top ancestry groups are Chinese (23.4%), English (18.0%), and Australian (15.7%). Sri Lankan (1.9%) Korean (0.8%) and Indian (5.2%) groups are notably overrepresented.

Wantirna South hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

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 constitutes 12.3% of the population, compared to Greater Melbourne, while the 25-34 age group makes up 10.5%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 15-24 age group has grown from 12.2% to 13.5%, and the 75-84 age group has increased from 6.4% to 7.6%. Conversely, the 25-34 age group has declined from 11.8% to 10.5%, and the 55-64 age group has dropped from 13.1% to 11.8%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Wantirna South, with the 75-84 age group expected to grow by 49% (801 people), reaching 2,424 from 1,622. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 68% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 0-4 and 5-14 age groups are expected to experience population declines.