Wattle Glen

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

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validations, as of Nov 2025, Wattle Glen's estimated population is around 1,998. This reflects a growth of 87 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,911. The current resident population estimate by AreaSearch is 1,967, based on ERP data release from ABS in June 2024 and address validations since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 222 persons per square kilometer. Wattle Glen's growth rate of 4.6% since 2021 exceeded the broader SA3 area's 2.8%, indicating it as a growth leader. Natural growth contributed approximately 62.0% to overall population gains recently.

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 from 2023 are used with adjustments employing weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future trends forecast a significant population increase in the top quartile of statistical areas, with Wattle Glen expected to increase by 502 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 24.9% over those 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Wattle Glen according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Wattle Glen had around 2 new homes approved annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 11 homes were approved, with 1 more in FY-26.

This results in an average of 5.9 new residents per year arriving per dwelling constructed over these years. Supply is lagging demand, indicating heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New homes are being built at an average value of $714,000, targeting the premium segment with upmarket properties. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Wattle Glen has significantly less development activity (53.0% below regional average per person), reinforcing demand and pricing for existing dwellings. This constrained new construction reflects market maturity and possible development constraints.

Recent building activity consists entirely of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes. The estimated population count is 790 people per dwelling approval, reflecting its quiet development environment. Population forecasts indicate Wattle Glen will gain 497 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified six projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include Diamond Creek Community Infrastructure Master Plan, Eltham Major Activity Centre, Kangaroo Ground Landfill Rehabilitation, and Kangaroo Ground Cemetery Extension. The following list details those expected to have 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.

The exceptional employment performance in Wattle Glen places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

Wattle Glen has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate is 1.8%, with relative employment stability over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, 1,171 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.9% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation is at 68.0%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Employment is concentrated in construction, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area has a high employment specialization in construction, with an employment share 1.9 times the regional level.

Conversely, accommodation & food shows lower representation at 3.5% versus the regional average of 6.4%. Labour force levels increased by 0.2% over the 12 months to September 2025, alongside a 0.3% employment decline, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. State-level data from 25-Nov shows VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Wattle Glen's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

AreaSearch released its latest postcode-level ATO data for financial year 2023. Wattle Glen's median income among taxpayers was $52,422, with an average of $66,070. This is below the national average. Greater Melbourne had a median income of $57,688 and an average of $75,164 in the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, current estimates for Wattle Glen's median income would be approximately $56,747 and average $71,521 as of September 2025. Census 2021 data shows household incomes rank at the 88th percentile ($2,425 weekly), while personal incomes rank at the 59th percentile. Income analysis reveals that 34.5% of residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly (689 residents). This is similar to the metropolitan region where 32.8% fall into this bracket. A substantial proportion, 36.3%, earn above $3,000 weekly, indicating strong economic capacity in the suburb. After housing costs, residents retain 88.4% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. 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

Wattle Glen's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, was 99.2% houses and 0.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 93.9% houses and 6.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wattle Glen stood at 42.8%, similar to Melbourne metro, with mortgaged dwellings at 52.2% and rented ones at 5.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, aligning with the Melbourne metro average, while the median weekly rent was $420, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,167 and $431 respectively. Nationally, Wattle Glen's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,167 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially higher at $420 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 85.4% of all households, including 47.5% couples with children, 26.0% couples without children, and 11.9% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 14.6%, with lone person households at 12.4% and group households comprising 0.7%. The median household size is 3.0 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.9.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 25.8%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common, with 17.4% of residents holding one. Postgraduate qualifications and graduate diplomas follow at 4.6% and 3.8% respectively. Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 38.0% of residents aged 15+ possessing them.

Advanced diplomas account for 12.8%, while certificates make up 25.2%. Educational participation is high, with 28.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.6% in primary, 8.6% in secondary, and 5.7% in tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis shows four active stops in Wattle Glen offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are covered by three routes, collectively serving 1741 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated moderate with residents typically located 578 meters from the nearest stop.

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 slightly higher degree among older age cohorts

Wattle Glen faces significant health challenges with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across all age groups, but to a slightly higher degree among older cohorts. The rate of private health cover is approximately 53% of the total population (~1,058 people), compared to 60.9% across Greater Melbourne.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 10.1% and 8.4% of residents respectively. Sixty-six point five percent of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.6% across Greater Melbourne. Nineteen percent of residents are aged 65 and over (379 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges requiring more attention 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, surveyed in 2016, had a cultural diversity index below average. Its population was predominantly Australian-born (85.5%), with a high proportion of citizens (94.0%) and English speakers at home (94.6%). Christianity was the dominant religion, practiced by 38.9% of residents.

Notably, Judaism was not present in Wattle Glen's population, unlike Greater Melbourne where it constituted 0.1%. The top three ancestral groups were English (30.1%), Australian (29.0%), and Irish (10.3%). Some ethnic groups showed variations: Hungarian representation was higher at 0.4% compared to the regional average of 0.3%, Scottish was also higher at 9.2% versus 8.2%, and Maltese remained steady at 1.0%.

Wattle Glen's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Wattle Glen is 42 years, significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and Australia's national median of 38 years. The 55-64 age group constitutes 15.1% of the population, compared to Greater Melbourne, while the 25-34 cohort makes up 10.1%. Post-Census data from 2021 shows that the 75-84 age group has increased from 5.7% to 6.7%, and the 25-34 group has decreased from 11.6% to 10.1%, with the 45-54 group dropping from 14.1% to 13.0%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic shifts in Wattle Glen. Notably, the 85+ age group is projected to grow by 174% (from 63 to 175 people), and the combined 65+ age groups will account for 60% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Conversely, the 0-4 cohort is projected to decrease by 4 people.