Wattle Glen

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

Based on evaluation of ABS demographic updates for the wider region, alongside new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, the suburb of Wattle Glen's population is estimated at around 1,879 as of May 2026. This represents a decline of 32 people (1.7%) relative to the 2021 Census, which counted a population of 1,911 people. The shift is calculated from a resident population of 1,873, estimated by AreaSearch following analysis of the most recent ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 1 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level translates to a density ratio of 209 persons per square kilometer, offering substantial space per individual and potential scope for subsequent development. Growth in the suburb of Wattle Glen was chiefly driven by natural growth, which accounted for approximately 62.0% of all population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is implementing ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. As we examine future population trends, a significant population increase in the top quartile of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch is forecast, with the suburb of Wattle Glen expected to increase by 486 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting with an increase of 25.6% in total over the 16 years.

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

Wattle Glen has recorded just 2 dwelling approvals over the past five years. Despite its established nature, the area has seen virtually no new residential development. This limited supply of new housing typically supports values for existing properties, though it may reflect factors such as planning constraints or limited market activity.

Relative to Greater Melbourne, Wattle Glen records markedly lower building activity (91.0% below regional average per person). This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. This activity is similarly under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations.

Wattle Glen has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects and planning initiatives. In total 6 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Diamond Creek Community Infrastructure Master Plan, Eltham Major Activity Centre, Kangaroo Ground Landfill Rehabilitation, and Eltham-Yarra Glen Road and Kangaroo Ground-St Andrews Road Safety Improvements, with the below list detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 of employment trends sees Wattle Glen performing better than 85% of local markets assessed across Australia

Wattle Glen has a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of just 2.2%, and 1.5% in estimated employment growth over the past year, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 1,155 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.6% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (76.2% compared to Greater Melbourne's 70.2%). Based on Census responses, a high 28.5% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are construction, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area has particular employment specialization in construction, with an employment share of 1.9 times the regional level. On the other hand, accommodation & food is under-represented, with only 3.5% of Wattle Glen's workforce compared to 6.4% in Greater Melbourne. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, aggregated from broader statistical areas, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 1.5% alongside labour force increasing by 2.3%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 2.1% and labour force growth of 2.3%, with a 0.2 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Wattle Glen. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Wattle Glen's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.3% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, the suburb of Wattle Glen's median income among taxpayers is $52,422, with an average of $66,070. This is just below the national average, and compares to Greater Melbourne's median of $57,688 and average of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $57,465 (median) and $72,426 (average) as of March 2026. Census 2021 income data shows household incomes rank exceptionally at the 88th percentile ($2,425 weekly), though personal income ranks lower at the 59th percentile. Looking at income distribution, the predominant cohort spans 34.5% of locals (648 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, reflecting patterns seen the metropolitan region where 32.8% similarly occupy this range. Economic strength emerges through 36.3% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. After housing costs, residents retain 88.4% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

Dwelling structure within Wattle Glen, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 99.2% houses and 0.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Wattle Glen was well beyond that of Melbourne metro, at 42.8%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (52.2%) or rented (5.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Melbourne metro average at $2,167, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $420, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390. Nationally, Wattle Glen's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Domestic units are heavily oriented toward families at 85.4% of all households, encompassing 47.5% couples raising children, 26.0% couples without offspring, and 11.9% single parent units. Non-familial living arrangements comprise the remaining 14.6%, with solitary residents at 12.4% and shared homes accounting for 0.7% of the total. The middle-range household scale of 3.0 individuals exceeds the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

The educational profile of Wattle Glen exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The locality experiences learning hurdles, as university diploma attainment (25.8%) sits significantly underneath the Greater Melbourne mean of 37.0%. This stands as both an obstacle and a chance for focused scholastic programs. Undergraduate degrees comprise the largest share at 17.4%, followed by postgraduate degrees (4.6%) and graduate diplomas (3.8%). Practical and mechanical abilities are heavily represented, with 38.0% of citizens aged 15+ possessing trade qualifications – advanced diplomas (12.8%) and certificates (25.2%).

Academic engagement is remarkably elevated, with 28.6% of local inhabitants currently registered in structured schooling. This comprises 8.6% in primary schooling, 8.6% in secondary schooling, and 5.7% undertaking university or college courses.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 4 active transport stops operating within Wattle Glen comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 3 individual routes, collectively providing 1,741 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents typically located 578 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - car remains the dominant mode at 90%. Vehicle ownership averages 2.2 per dwelling, above the regional average. A high 28.5% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 248 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 435 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Wattle Glen is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts

Wattle Glen faces significant health challenges, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts , and the rate of private health cover just leading that of the average SA2 area at approximately 53% of the total population (~995 people). This compares to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne.

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 10.1 and 8.4% of residents, respectively, while 66.5% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents show above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 19.6% of residents aged 65 and over (368 people), which is higher than the 15.0% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, though ranking lower nationally than the broader population.

Wattle Glen ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Wattle Glen was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 85.5% of its population born in Australia, 94.0% being citizens, and 94.6% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Wattle Glen was found to be Christianity, which makes up 38.9% of people in Wattle Glen. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Judaism, which comprises no representation in the population, compared to 1.0% across Greater Melbourne.

Regarding lineage (the birthplace of parents), the three most represented heritages in Wattle Glen are English, representing 30.1% of the community, which is substantially above the metropolitan average of 20.1%, Australian, representing 29.0% of the community, which is substantially above the metropolitan average of 18.4%, and Irish, representing 10.3% of the community. Furthermore, there are clear variations in the presence of other backgrounds: Hungarian is slightly overrepresented at 0.4% of Wattle Glen (compared to 0.3% regionally), Scottish at 9.2% (compared to 5.6%) and Maltese at 1.0% (compared to 1.1%).

Wattle Glen's median age exceeds the national pattern

The 42-year median age in Wattle Glen is significantly above Greater Melbourne's average of 37 similarly considerably older than Australia's 38 years. The 55 - 64 age group shows strong representation at 15.4% compared to Greater Melbourne, whereas the 25 - 34 cohort is less prevalent at 10.3%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 5.7% to 6.8% of the population. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 11.6% to 10.3% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 14.1% to 13.0%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Wattle Glen. Leading the demographic shift, the 85+ group will grow by 155% (95 people), reaching 158 from 62. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 53% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 0 to 4 cohort shows minimal growth of just 2% (1 people).