Whittington

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

The population of the Whittington statistical area (Lv2), as estimated by AreaSearch using ABS data and validated addresses, was around 3,908 in November 2025. This figure represents a decrease from the 2021 Census count of 3,990 people, reflecting a change of -82 persons or approximately 2.1%. The latest resident population estimate by AreaSearch is 3,897 as of June 2024, with an additional 20 validated new addresses since the Census date contributing to this number. This results in a population density ratio of 2,505 persons per square kilometer for the Whittington (SA2), placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The primary driver of population growth in the area has been overseas migration.

AreaSearch employs ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024, with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch uses the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to project population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. According to these projections, the Whittington (SA2) is expected to experience above median population growth compared to national regional areas. By 2041, the area's population is projected to increase by 577 persons, representing a total increase of approximately 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 shows Whittington had approximately 6 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years ending June 2021. This totals an estimated 30 homes. As of July 2021, there have been 3 approvals in FY-26. The population decline in recent years has resulted in adequate development activity relative to population size, benefiting buyers.

New homes are being built at an average construction cost value of $337,000. This financial year, Whittington has seen $6.2 million in commercial approvals, reflecting its primarily residential nature. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Whittington's building activity is 86.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes. Whittington's level is also below the national average, suggesting an established area with potential planning limitations. Recent construction comprises 60.0% standalone homes and 40.0% medium to high-density housing, including townhouses and apartments, providing options across different price points.

This represents a shift from the area's existing housing composition of 91.0% houses. Whittington has around 976 people per approval, indicating a mature, established area. Population forecasts estimate an increase of 562 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Whittington 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 has identified one major project that will affect the region: Whittington Family and Community Hub, Geelong Ring Road Extension (Bellarine Link), Moolap Coastal Strategic Framework Plan, Clifton Springs Water Tank Renewal. These are the key projects likely to have the most relevance.

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

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Employment conditions in Whittington face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Whittington has a balanced workforce comprising both white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well represented in the area, with an unemployment rate of 10.5% as reported by AreaSearch's statistical data aggregation.

As of September 2025, there are 1600 residents employed while the unemployment rate stands at 6.8%, which is 3 percentage points higher than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Whittington lags behind the rest of Victoria at 47.0% compared to 57.4%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care and social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing. Retail trade is particularly notable with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry, and fishing employ only 0.4% of local workers, significantly lower than Rest of Vic.'s 7.5%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the census working population versus resident population count. Over a 12-month period, labour force decreased by 1.0% and employment declined by 1.1%, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged in Whittington. This contrasts with Rest of Vic., where employment contracted by 0.7%, labour force fell by 0.6%, and unemployment rose marginally. State-level data to November 25 shows Victoria's 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 an expansion of 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years for Whittington, based on a simple weighting extrapolation of industry-specific projections against the local employment mix.

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

Whittington's median income among taxpayers in financial year 2023 was $43,144. The average income stood at $50,942 during the same period. Both figures are below the national averages of $50,954 and $62,728 for Rest of Vic., respectively. By September 2025, estimates suggest median income would be approximately $46,703 and average income around $55,145, accounting for an 8.25% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. According to Census 2021 data, incomes in Whittington fall between the 2nd and 6th percentiles nationally for household, family, and personal incomes. The majority of residents (33.3%, or 1,301 people) earn within the $400-$799 weekly bracket, contrasting with the regional lead of the $1,500-$2,999 bracket at 30.3%. The concentration of 42.2% in sub-$800 weekly brackets indicates significant economic challenges faced by a substantial portion of the community. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 81.1% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 3rd percentile nationally.

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

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

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

Family households account for 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 constitute 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, 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 at 3.6% and graduate diplomas at 1.3%. Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 37.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.5%) and certificates (27.7%). Educational participation is high, with 28.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 10.6% in primary education, 7.8% in secondary education, and 3.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Whittington has 23 active public transport stops, all serving buses. Six routes operate in total, offering 1,052 weekly passenger trips combined. Residents have excellent accessibility to transport, with an average distance of 169 meters to the nearest stop.

Daily service frequency is 150 trips across all routes, equating to about 45 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, affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low, at approximately 47% (~1,839 people), compared to 53.3% across the rest of Victoria and a national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common conditions, impacting 14.3% and 10.6% of residents respectively.

Conversely, 52.9% reported having no medical ailments, compared to 65.9% across the rest of Victoria. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 21.5% (840 people), compared to 16.8% in the rest of Victoria. Health outcomes among seniors are broadly similar to those of the general population.

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 citizens, 82.8% born in Australia, and 88.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 44.9% of Whittington's population. The most notable overrepresentation was in the 'Other' category, which made up 1.1% of the population compared to 1.2% across Rest of Vic.

The top three represented ancestry groups were Australian at 30.6%, English at 28.8%, and Irish at 7.3%. Notably, Dutch (1.8%) was overrepresented in Whittington compared to regionally (2.0%), while Serbian (0.5%) and Croatian (0.7%) showed notable divergences from their regional representations of 0.5% and 1.5%, respectively.

Whittington's median age exceeds the national pattern

Whittington's median age is 41 years, which is lower than Rest of Vic.'s 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 Rest of Vic., while the 5-14 cohort makes up 10.3%. Post-2021 Census data indicates that the 25 to 34 age group grew from 14.1% to 17.0%, and the 45 to 54 cohort decreased from 12.7% to 11.1%. By 2041, Whittington's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 25-34 cohort is expected to grow by 41%, adding 271 residents to reach 936. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 75-84 and 15-24 cohorts.