Whittlesea

Whittlesea lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Whittlesea's population, as of Nov 2025, is estimated at around 9,025 people. This reflects a growth of 2,908 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 6,117. The increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 5,844 in Jun 2024, based on ABS ERP data release, and an additional 7 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 84 persons per square kilometer. Whittlesea's growth rate of 47.5% since 2021 exceeds both national (9.7%) and state averages. Interstate migration contributed approximately 88.0% to this growth.

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 made via weighted aggregation to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future projections anticipate exceptional growth, placing Whittlesea in the top 10% of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch. By 2041, the area is expected to expand by 15,697 persons, reflecting a total gain of 172.7%.

The level of residential development activity in Whittlesea was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Whittlesea has seen around 74 new homes approved each year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, approximately 372 homes were approved, with a further 121 approved in FY26 so far. On average, 9.3 new residents per year arrive per dwelling constructed over these five years.

This demand significantly exceeds new supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction value of new dwellings is $361,000. In FY26, $1.2 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting a predominantly residential focus.

Compared to Greater Melbourne, Whittlesea has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 88th percentile nationally. Recent construction comprises 93% detached houses and 7% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 89 people per approval, Whittlesea reflects a developing area. Looking ahead, Whittlesea is expected to grow by 15,585 residents through to 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Whittlesea has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified six projects likely to impact the region. Notable ones are Olivine Estate Donnybrook, Beveridge Intermodal Precinct, Inland Rail Beveridge to Albury, and Northern Private Hospital Epping. The following details those expected to be most relevant.

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Whittlesea shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Whittlesea has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. The construction sector is prominent, with an unemployment rate of 4.6%.

Over the past year, employment has been relatively stable. As of September 2025, 4,274 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate matching Greater Melbourne's at 4.7%. However, workforce participation lags behind at 58.8% compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Key employment sectors include construction, health care & social assistance, and education & training.

Construction stands out with a share of employment twice the regional average. Conversely, professional & technical services show lower representation than the regional average. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 0.5% while labour force grew by 1.5%, leading to a 1.0 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with a smaller rise in unemployment rate. Statewide, Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year to November 25, adding 41,950 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. Nationally, employment grew at a slower pace of 0.14%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Whittlesea's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The suburb of Whittlesea has an income level below the national average, based on the latest Australian Taxation Office (ATO) data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Whittlesea is $46,362, while the average income stands at $56,946. This compares to figures for Greater Melbourne of $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. Considering a Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $50,187 (median) and $61,644 (average). According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family, and personal incomes in Whittlesea rank modestly, between the 32nd and 43rd percentiles. The largest income bracket comprises 33.3% of residents earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (3,005 residents), similar to the broader area where this cohort also represents 32.8%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Whittlesea, with only 84.3% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 44th percentile. The suburb's Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA) income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

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

In Whittlesea, as per the latest Census, 87.0% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 13.0% being semi-detached homes, apartments, or other types. This is similar to Melbourne metro's ratio of 87.2% houses and 12.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Whittlesea stood at 36.3%, with mortgaged properties at 45.3% and rented ones at 18.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,842, lower than Melbourne metro's $1,900. Median weekly rent in Whittlesea was $347, compared to Melbourne metro's $371. Nationally, Whittlesea's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863 and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Whittlesea has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 74.3% of all households, including 34.8% couples with children, 24.0% couples without children, and 14.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 25.7%, with lone person households at 23.8% and group households comprising 1.8% of the total. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.9.

Whittlesea shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

The area's university qualification rate is 14.8%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 42.3% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 11.3% and certificates for 31.0%.

Educational participation is high, with 29.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.7% in primary education, 9.0% in secondary education, and 3.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis shows 25 active transport stops operating within Whittlesea, consisting of a mix of bus services. These stops are served by three individual routes, collectively providing 1611 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 280 meters from the nearest transport stop.

Service frequency averages 230 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 64 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Whittlesea is lower than average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Whittlesea faces significant health challenges, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49% of the total population (around 4,459 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 9.8 and 9.7% of residents respectively. Conversely, 63.1% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.0% across Greater Melbourne. The area has 15.2% of residents aged 65 and over (1,371 people), which is higher than the 13.2% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Whittlesea is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Whittlesea, as per the 2016 Census, showed lower cultural diversity with 88.5% of its population born in Australia, 91.1% being citizens, and 93.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 49.8%. Judaism, however, was overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to 0% across Greater Melbourne.

Regarding ancestry, Australians made up 30.4%, English 29.9%, and Irish 8.5%. Hungarian (0.4%) and Macedonian (0.9%) were notably overrepresented, while Italian was slightly underrepresented at 6.8%.

Whittlesea's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Whittlesea is 39 years, which is higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and close to the national average of 38. The 5-14 cohort is over-represented at 15.3% compared to Greater Melbourne's average, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 13.0%. According to post-2021 Census data, Whittlesea has become younger, with its median age dropping from 41 to 39 years between censuses. The 35-44 age group grew from 11.5% to 16.8%, and the 0-4 cohort increased from 5.5% to 7.5%. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort declined from 10.8% to 7.3%, and the 45-54 group dropped from 14.1% to 12.1%. By 2041, Whittlesea's age composition is expected to shift significantly, with the 35-44 group growing by 183% (an increase of 2,769 people), reaching 4,286 from its previous total of 1,516.