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 is estimated at 3,867 as of May 2026, a decrease of 123 people from the 2021 Census figure of 3,990. This estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2025. The population density stands at 2,478 persons per square kilometer, placing Whittington in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch assessments. Overseas migration primarily drove population growth in recent periods. 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, AreaSearch employs VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Whittington is projected to have an above median population growth of national regional areas, with a total increase of 506 persons and a 13.0% rise over the 16-year period.

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

Whittington has seen approximately 6 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years ending FY25, totalling around 31 homes. In FY26 to date, there have been 3 approvals. The average construction cost of new homes is $337,000. There have also been $6.2 million in commercial approvals this financial year.

Compared to the Rest of Vic., Whittington has significantly lower building activity, being 85.0% below the regional average per person. Recent construction consists of 50.0% standalone homes and 50.0% medium and high-density housing, marking a shift from the area's current 91.0% houses. The population is forecast to grow by 502 residents by 2041, potentially outpacing current housing supply if development rates remain unchanged.

Population forecasts indicate Whittington will gain 502 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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: Whittington Family and Community Hub, Geelong Ring Road Extension (Bellarine Link), Geelong Ring Road Extension (Bellarine Link), Moolap Coastal Strategic Framework Plan.

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's workforce comprises both white and blue collar jobs, with essential services well represented. The unemployment rate is 11.1%, as per AreaSearch's statistical area aggregation (December 2025). There are 1,548 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 7.4% above Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%.

Workforce participation is lower at 52.8% compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.0%. Only 11.7% of residents work from home (Census data). Dominant employment sectors are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing. Retail trade has notable concentration with levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 0.4% of local workers, below Regional Vic.'s 7.5%. Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by Census working population vs resident population count. Over a 12-month period (AreaSearch analysis), labour force decreased by 1.9%, employment declined by 1.5%, and unemployment rate fell by 0.4 percentage points, contrasting with Regional Vic.'s figures. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts (May-25) project overall 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, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released in financial year 2023, Whittington had a median income among taxpayers of $43,144 with an average level of $50,942. This is below the national average and compares to levels of $50,954 and $62,728 across Regional Vic., respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $47,294 (median) and $55,843 (average) as of March 2026. Census data from 2021 shows household, family, and personal incomes in Whittington all fall between the 2nd and 6th percentiles nationally. Income distribution reveals that the $400 - $799 bracket dominates with 33.3% of residents (1,287 people), contrasting with Regional Vic., where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket leads at 30.3%. The concentration of 42.2% in sub-$800 weekly brackets highlights economic challenges facing a significant portion of Whittington's 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

In Whittington, as per the latest Census evaluation, 90.6% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 9.4% consisting of semi-detached properties, apartments, and other types of dwellings. This is similar to Regional Vic., where 90.1% of dwellings were houses and 9.9% were other types. Home ownership in Whittington stood at 29.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 24.8% and rented dwellings at 45.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,192, lower than Regional Vic.'s average of $1,430. The median weekly rent figure in Whittington was recorded at $250, compared to Regional Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Whittington's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than 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 Regional 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%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 8.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 37.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (9.5%) and certificates (27.7%).

Educational participation is notably 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 serviced by six routes offering 1,052 weekly passenger trips. Residents' average proximity to the nearest stop is 169 meters, with accessibility rated excellent. Most residents commute outward, predominantly by car at 91%. Average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.0, below the regional average. In 2021 Census data, 11.7% of residents worked from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 150 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 45 weekly trips per individual stop.

Service frequency averages 150 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 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, as assessed by AreaSearch through mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Multiple health conditions affect both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 47% of the total population (~1,820 people), compared to Regional Vic.'s 50.5% and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions, affecting 14.3% and 10.6% of residents respectively. 52.9% of residents claim to be free from medical ailments, lower than Regional Vic.'s 63.4%. Working-age population health is notably challenging due to high chronic condition rates. The area has 21.7% of residents aged 65 and over (839 people), compared to Regional Vic.'s 23.9%. Senior health outcomes present challenges, generally aligning with national rankings.

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 born in Australia who speak English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 44.9% of Whittington's population. Notably, the 'Other' category comprises 1.1%, compared to Regional Vic's 0.8%.

The top three ancestry groups are Australian (30.6%), English (28.8%), and Irish (7.3%). Divergences include Dutch being overrepresented at 1.8% versus 1.7% regionally, Serbian at 0.5% versus 0.2%, and Croatian at 0.7% versus 0.4%.

Whittington's median age exceeds the national pattern

Whittington's median age is 41 years, which is lower than Regional Vic.'s average of 43 but higher than the national average of 38. The 25-34 age group comprises 16.4% of Whittington's population, exceeding Regional Vic.'s figure. However, the 5-14 cohort makes up only 10.2%, which is less prevalent compared to Regional Vic. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 25-34 age group grew from 14.1% to 16.4%, while the 35-44 cohort increased from 11.0% to 12.1%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 12.7% to 10.9%, and the 5-14 group dropped from 11.3% to 10.2%. Demographic modeling indicates that Whittington's age profile will significantly change by 2041. The 25-34 cohort is projected to grow by 28%, adding 177 residents to reach 812. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 15-24 and 55-64 cohorts.