Whittington

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

Whittington's population, as estimated by AreaSearch based on ABS updates and new addresses validated since Nov 2025, is around 3,907. This reflects a decrease of 83 people from the 2021 Census figure of 3,990. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 3,899 residents following examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024 and an additional 20 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level corresponds to a density ratio of 2,504 persons per square kilometer, placing Whittington in the upper quartile relative to other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth in recent periods for the suburb.

AreaSearch is employing ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area, and VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 adjusted using weighted aggregation for areas not covered by ABS data. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas until 2041. Future demographic trends suggest above median population growth for Whittington, with an expected increase of 578 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 14.4% over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, indicates Whittington has experienced around 5 dwelling approvals annually over the past 5 financial years ending June 2021, totalling an estimated 28 homes. So far in FY-26 (July 2021 to present), 2 approvals have been recorded. The population has declined recently, but development activity has remained adequate relative to this decline, benefiting buyers with new homes averaging $337,000, below regional norms. This financial year, $2.9 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting the area's residential character.

Compared to Rest of Vic., Whittington shows substantially reduced construction (87.0% below regional average per person), supporting stronger demand and values for established dwellings due to limited new supply. Recent construction comprises 50.0% detached dwellings and 50.0% townhouses or apartments, reflecting a shift from the current housing mix of 91.0% houses. The location has approximately 867 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established market with population forecasts expecting Whittington to gain 564 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Population forecasts indicate Whittington will gain 564 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project likely affecting this region. Key projects are Whittington Family and Community Hub, Geelong Ring Road Extension (Bellarine Link), Moolap Coastal Strategic Framework Plan, and Clifton Springs Water Tank Renewal. The following 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 conditions in Whittington face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Whittington's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs with significant representation in essential services. The unemployment rate was 10.7% in the past year, showing an estimated employment growth of 1.2%.

As of June 2025, 1,632 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 6.9%, higher than Rest of Vic.'s 3.8%. Workforce participation is lower at 47.0% compared to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. The dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing, with retail trade notably concentrated at 1.4 times the regional average. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 0.4%, compared to 7.5% regionally.

Employment opportunities locally appear limited as indicated by Census data. Over a 12-month period ending Sep-22, employment increased by 1.2% while labour force rose by 1.8%, causing unemployment rate to rise by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic. experienced employment decline of 0.9% and labour force decline of 0.4%. National employment forecasts from Sep-22 project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Whittington's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Whittington's median income among taxpayers is $43,144, with an average of $50,942. This is below the national average and compares to Rest of Vic.'s median of $48,741 and average of $60,693. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $48,390 (median) and $57,137 (average) as of September 2025. The 2021 Census reports household, family and personal incomes in Whittington fall between the 2nd and 6th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows the $400 - 799 bracket dominates with 33.3% of residents (1,301 people), contrasting with the surrounding region where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 30.3%. Economic circumstances indicate widespread financial pressure, with 42.2% of households operating within modest weekly budgets below $800. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 81.1% of income remaining, ranking at the 3rd percentile.

Whittington is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure in Whittington, as per the latest Census, consisted of 90.6% houses and 9.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Vic. had 84.6% houses and 15.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Whittington was at 29.9%, with the rest being mortgaged (24.8%) or rented (45.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,192, below Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,712. The median weekly rent figure was $250, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $335. Nationally, Whittington's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were below the national figure of $375.

Whittington features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 59.3% of all households, including 15.4% couples with children, 21.6% couples without children, and 20.5% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 40.7%, with lone person households at 37.2% and group households comprising 3.7%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.4.

Whittington faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 13.7%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 37.2% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (9.5%) and certificates (27.7%). Educational participation is high at 28.5%, comprising 10.6% in primary education, 7.8% in secondary education, and 3.6% in tertiary education.

The area has two schools serving 291 students: Whittington Primary School and MacKillop Specialist School - Whittington. The ICSEA score for the area is 935. There is one primary school and one K-12 school. Local school capacity is limited, with only 7.5 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 16.7, resulting in many families traveling for schooling.

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

Transport analysis shows 23 active transport stops operating within Whittington, consisting of a mix of bus services. These stops are served by three individual routes, collectively offering 614 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 169 meters from the nearest transport stop.

Service frequency averages 87 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 26 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Whittington is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Whittington faces significant health challenges across various age groups. Mental health issues affect 14.3% and asthma impacts 10.6% of residents. Approximately 52.9% report no medical ailments, compared to 65.9% in Rest of Vic..

Private health cover is low at around 47%, or approximately 1,839 people, compared to the national average of 55.3%. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 21.5% (840 people), than Rest of Vic.. Senior health outcomes broadly align with the general population's profile.

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

Whittington's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 82.4% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia (82.8%), and speaking English only at home (88.6%). Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 44.9% of Whittington's population. However, there was an overrepresentation in the 'Other' category, making up 1.1% compared to 1.2% regionally.

The top three represented ancestry groups were Australian (30.6%), English (28.8%), and Irish (7.3%). Notably, Dutch ancestry was slightly overrepresented at 1.8%, while Serbian and Croatian ancestries matched regional percentages of 0.5% and 0.7%, respectively.

Whittington hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Whittington's median age is 41 years, which is lower than the Rest of Vic average of 43 but exceeds the national average of 38 years. The 25-34 age group comprises 17.0% of Whittington's population, higher than the Rest of Vic percentage. The 5-14 cohort makes up 10.3%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 25-34 age group grew from 14.1% to 17.0%, while the 45-54 cohort decreased from 12.7% to 11.1%. Demographic modeling indicates Whittington's age profile will change significantly by 2041. The 25-34 cohort is projected to grow by 41%, adding 272 residents to reach 937. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 75-84 and 15-24 cohorts.