Chart Color Schemes
This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
Find a Recent Sale
Sales Detail
Whittlesea has an estimated 6,247 residents, up from 6,117 at the 2021 Census — a change of 130 people, or 2.1%. Density is about 59 people per square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to ABS population updates evaluated for the broader region alongside subsequent address updates verified by AreaSearch since the Census, the suburb of Whittlesea has a residency estimated at 6,247 as of May 2026. This represents an addition of 130 people (2.1%) relative to the 2021 Census, which recorded 6,117 residents. This shift is calculated from a base of 5,811 residents estimated by AreaSearch using the ABS release of ERP figures in June 2025 and 9 validated new addresses confirmed post-census. The local population density stands at 58 persons per square kilometer, indicating a spacious layout.
Population expansion locally was driven mostly by interstate migration, which accounted for approximately 88.0% of the overall growth, though natural increase and overseas arrivals also made positive contributions. Projections for each SA2 region published in 2024 with a 2022 baseline by the ABS and Geoscience Australia are utilized by AreaSearch. For SA2 territories where this dataset is unavailable, calculations rely on the 2023 Victoria State Government Regional/LGA projections, adjusted via a weighted aggregation of population shifts from the LGA to the SA2 scale. Age cohort growth rates derived from these models are also extended to all locations for the period 2032 to 2041. Looking at future demographic patterns, significant growth is anticipated for statistical zones in the highest tier of AreaSearch's analysis, with this locality projected to gain 1,312 residents by 2041 under the aggregated SA2 models, showing a 14.0% total increase over 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
28 new dwellings have been approved in Whittlesea over the past five years, an average of 5 a year. That is 0.9 approvals per 1,000 residents. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 6, broadly in line with that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
An evaluation of building approvals from the ABS allocated across statistical boundaries shows that the suburb of Whittlesea averages about 5 annual dwelling approvals, accumulating to 28 residential permits over the previous 5 financial years. Thus far in FY-26, a total of 6 approvals have been logged. Because the region has seen population declines, the supply of homes has remained sufficient for local demand, leading to a balanced real estate environment with healthy options for buyers, while newly built properties average $361,000 in value. Furthermore, commercial approvals reached $1.2 million this financial year, highlighting the predominantly residential character of the locality.
In comparison to Greater Melbourne, the suburb of Whittlesea displays a major deficit in construction activity, registering 93.0% below the metropolitan average per capita. Such low volumes of new additions generally support values and demand for existing houses. This level also sits below the national benchmark, reflecting a mature market and potential developmental barriers. Concurrently, recent building activity has consisted entirely of detached houses, maintaining the low-density footprint of the area and attracting buyers seeking large plots. An estimated 2307 residents per dwelling approval highlights this quiet, low-intensity construction market. Moving forward, the suburb of Whittlesea is projected to add 876 residents by 2041 according to the most recent quarterly projections from AreaSearch. If building activity remains at its current pace, housing additions may fall behind population gains, which could heighten buyer rivalry and support upward price pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Whittlesea
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 4 current infrastructure and development projects inside Whittlesea, worth an estimated $3.27 billion. A further 137 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $47.3 billion. 48 are already under construction and 52 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities, precincts & urban renewal and transport & logistics. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local infrastructure projects, major developments, and planning schemes are key drivers of regional performance. AreaSearch has identified 6 projects likely to affect this region. Principal developments include the Olivine Estate Donnybrook, Beveridge Intermodal Precinct, Inland Rail Beveridge to Albury, and Northern Private Hospital Epping, with details of the most relevant projects listed below.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Lockerbie Main Sewer Project
Essential sewerage infrastructure serving Lockerbie and surrounding growth areas. 8.5km trunk sewer main connecting to Wallan Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Olivine Estate Donnybrook
Masterplanned community by Mirvac delivering approximately 4,500 homes together with parks, schools, sporting facilities and community infrastructure. Residential stages continue to be released and delivered. The Murnong Community Centre within the estate was officially opened in February 2026, providing kindergarten, maternal and child health, library and community facilities for the growing Donnybrook community.
Future Lockerbie Train Station
Future passenger rail station planned on the Melbourne-Sydney rail corridor to serve the Lockerbie and Beveridge growth areas. The project remains in the planning phase and is intended to integrate with future residential development, park-and-ride facilities, bus interchange services and wider transport infrastructure supporting Melbourne's northern growth corridor. Planning for the surrounding precinct and freight infrastructure continues, however construction of the station has not commenced.
Lockerbie North Precinct Structure Plan
Approved PSP guiding urban development across approx. 339 hectares near the future Beveridge/Lockerbie station area, enabling around 4,800 dwellings with employment land, schools, town centres and community facilities.
Katandra Rise Estate
Residential land estate by Five Squared Property Group comprising approximately 475 lots across multiple stages in Doreen, 30km north-east of Melbourne CBD. The estate features generously sized lots with wide frontages, wetlands, parks, playgrounds, walking and cycling paths, and a community garden. Located metres from Laurimar Town Centre with access to sporting facilities, schools, restaurants and parklands. Final stages currently selling.
Beveridge Central Precinct Structure Plan
A major urban renewal project transforming 292 hectares into a residential suburb for approximately 3,400 homes. Recent updates in 2025 and 2026 include the finalisation of the Active Open Space master plan at Lithgow and Patterson Streets, featuring soccer fields and cricket ovals, with construction slated for late 2026. The precinct also includes a heritage trail around the historic Kelly House Park and upgrades to the Lithgow Street streetscape completed in March 2026.
Laurimar Estate
Established masterplanned residential community in Doreen developed by Lendlease Communities. The estate includes housing, Laurimar Town Centre, local retail anchored by Woolworths, community facilities, schools, parks, wetlands and waterways. City of Whittlesea material describes Doreen as a suburb developed over the past 25 years with Laurimar as one of its neighbourhood centres, indicating Laurimar is now an established community rather than an active greenfield estate.
Greater Beveridge Kindergarten Expansion
Expansion of the Greater Beveridge Community Centre kindergarten delivered under the Victorian Government Building Blocks Partnership. The project added two interconnected kindergarten rooms, expanded the outdoor play area, landscaping, a parent's room and supporting facilities, increasing capacity to approximately 135 children at a time.
1,205 residents of Whittlesea are employed, from a labour force of 1,313. Unemployment sits at 8.2%, with participation at 29.0%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.3% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Workforce profiles in the suburb of Whittlesea show a mix of white-collar and blue-collar employment, with the construction sector showing strong representation, alongside an unemployment rate of 8.2% based on aggregated statistical area data. By March 2026, 1,205 locals were employed, and the jobless rate sat 3.5% higher than the Greater Melbourne average of 4.8%, highlighting room for progress, while labor force participation is low at 29.0% compared to Greater Melbourne's 70.2%. Census details show that 18.2% of working residents operated from home, though the impact of COVID-19 lockdowns must be factored in.
Resident employment is heavily weighted toward construction, healthcare & social assistance, and education & training. The community exhibits a strong concentration in construction, with a worker share 2.2 times the metropolitan average. Conversely, professional & technical services account for only 3.8% of the local workforce, trailing Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. Local job opportunities appear constrained when comparing the resident workforce size to the census working population. Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS figures aggregated from regional statistics, the recent 12-month period experienced a 33.1% contraction in the labor force and a 36.2% drop in employment, pushing unemployment up by 4.5 percentage points. This differs from Greater Melbourne, where employment grew by 2.1%, the workforce expanded by 2.3%, and unemployment rose by 0.2 percentage points. National employment trends released in May-25 by Jobs and Skills Australia provide further context for future demand in the suburb of Whittlesea. These five and ten-year forecasts have been applied to the local workforce structure to model future employment paths. Locally, overall employment is estimated to grow by 6.3% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, based on national growth forecasts of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years across various industries, though actual outcomes will vary based on industry-specific trends (note that this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for local population changes).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Whittlesea is $1,628 a week (about $85,000 a year), with median personal income at $719 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $46,362 a year against an average of $56,946. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
Taxpayer statistics from the ATO aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023 indicate that the suburb of Whittlesea has lower income levels than the national average. The median income among taxpayers is $46,362 and the average income is $56,946, compared to Greater Melbourne averages of $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index rise of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates for March 2026 stand at roughly $50,822 for median income and $62,424 for average income. In the 2021 Census, household, family, and individual incomes all ranked in the lower range, falling between the 32nd and 43rd percentiles.
The largest income bracket contains 33.3% of the population earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly (2,080 residents), mirroring the metropolitan average of 32.8% in this bracket. Affordability pressures are notable, with 84.3% of income remaining after housing costs, placing the area in the 44th percentile and the 4th decile for SEIFA income ranking.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Whittlesea had 2,124 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 87% detached houses and 2% apartments. 45% are owned with a mortgage, 18% rented and 36% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $347 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,842 a month. Rent absorbs 21.3% of household income here and mortgage repayments 26.1%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
According to the latest Census, the local housing mix consisted of 87.0% houses and 13.0% other options such as townhouses, units, and alternative dwellings, compared to Melbourne metro where houses make up 67.9% and other dwellings make up 32.1%. Home ownership rates in the suburb of Whittlesea were high at 36.3%, with 45.3% of properties mortgaged and 18.3% rented. The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,842 was below Melbourne metro's $2,000, and the median weekly rent was $347 compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, local mortgage commitments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are below the national median of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Whittlesea counted 2,124 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.7 people each. 35% are couples with children, against 24% couples without children. 24% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.8 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up the majority of local households at 74.3%, consisting of couples with children at 34.8%, couples without children at 24.0%, and single parents at 14.5%. Non-family households represent 25.7% of the total, with single person households making up 23.8% and group households accounting for 1.8%. The average household size is 2.7 people, which is higher than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
14.8% of adults in Whittlesea hold a university qualification, including 9.9% with a bachelor degree and 2.6% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 31.0% hold a vocational qualification. 4 schools serve the area, with 1,383 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 992 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Educational characteristics in the area show that tertiary attainment is low, with university graduation rates at 14.8% compared to the Greater Melbourne average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 9.9%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 2.6% and graduate diplomas at 2.3%. Vocational and technical training is common, with 42.3% of residents aged 15+ holding a vocational credential, split between advanced diplomas at 11.3% and certificates at 31.0%. A high proportion of the community is engaged in study, with 29.9% of residents enrolled in formal education.
Primary students make up 10.7% of the population, secondary students account for 9.0%, and tertiary students comprise 3.2%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Whittlesea reaches 25 stops on 3 routes, timetabled for about 1,600 services a week. The typical home sits about 280 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.7 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Analysis of the local network shows 25 active transit stops in the suburb of Whittlesea, serviced by bus routes. These stops are connected to 3 distinct routes, which support 1,611 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is rated as good, with residents living an average of 280 meters from their nearest transit stop. The area is predominantly residential, and most workers commute out of the suburb, with private vehicles remaining the primary choice for 92% of trips. Car ownership averages 1.7 vehicles per household, which is above the metropolitan average. Census data from 2021 indicates that 18.2% of residents worked from home, which may reflect pandemic-era conditions.
Daily transit services average 230 trips across all routes, which corresponds to roughly 64 weekly trips for each transport stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
63.1% of residents in Whittlesea report no long-term health condition, a less healthy profile than 75% of areas nationally. 8.3% need daily assistance with core activities, and 49.4% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.9 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Based on AreaSearch assessments of mortality and chronic illness rates, the suburb of Whittlesea faces notable health difficulties, with common conditions present in both young and old cohorts, and a low private health coverage rate of approximately 49% of the population (~3,086 people). This compares to a coverage rate of 56.7% in Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%. Arthritis and mental health conditions are the most prevalent issues, affecting 9.8 and 9.7% of residents respectively. Conversely, 63.1% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne.
Chronic illness is higher than average among working-age locals. Residents aged 65 and over make up 19.8% of the local population (1,236 people), which is higher than the Greater Melbourne average of 15.0%. Health indicators for senior residents present some challenges, though national rankings remain close to general averages.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Whittlesea is largely Australian-born, at 88.5% of residents, with 6.3% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (30.4%) and English (29.9%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity in the suburb of Whittlesea is lower than average, with 88.5% of the population born in Australia, 91.1% holding citizenship, and 93.7% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion at 49.8% of the population. The most distinct religious overrepresentation is Jewish residents, who make up 0.1% of the population compared to 1.0% across Greater Melbourne. The top ancestries declared by residents are Australian at 30.4% (well above the metropolitan average of 18.4%), English at 29.9% (well above the metropolitan average of 20.1%), and Irish at 8.5%.
Other ethnic representations differ from regional figures, including Hungarian at 0.4% (compared to 0.3% regionally), Macedonian at 0.9% (compared to 0.7%), and Italian at 6.8% (compared to 5.2%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Whittlesea is 40. That is 1 year younger than at the 2021 Census. 20.3% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age of 40 in the suburb of Whittlesea is slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's median of 37 and the national average of 38 years. The 5 - 14 age bracket is highly represented locally at 15.5% compared to Greater Melbourne, while the 25 - 34 bracket is low at 8.7%. Since 2021, the influx of younger residents has lowered the median age by 1.0 years to 40. The 35 to 44 age cohort rose from 11.5% to 15.7% of the population, and the 5 to 14 cohort rose from 13.3% to 15.5%.
Meanwhile, the 45 to 54 cohort fell from 14.1% to 11.4%, and the 25 to 34 cohort declined from 11.0% to 8.7%. Future projections for 2041 indicate that the 45 to 54 cohort will grow by 41% (289 people) to reach 1,002 from a base of 712, while the 0 to 4 and 25 to 34 cohorts will decrease.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Whittlesea
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Aug 2026 this month all 4 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Aug 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 9 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (6,117 at the 2021 Census → 6,247 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL22775). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.