Glen Waverley - West

Population growth drivers in Glen Waverley - West are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Glen Waverley - West's population was approximately 24,248 as of November 2025. This figure reflects an increase of 3,212 people from the 2021 Census total of 21,036, indicating a 15.3% growth rate. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 23,202 in June 2024 and an additional 186 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 3,157 persons per square kilometer, placing Glen Waverley - West in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth rate exceeded both the national average (9.7%) and state averages since the 2021 Census, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population gains during this period.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusting them using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on projected demographic shifts, Glen Waverley - West is forecasted to experience significant population increase, with an expected growth of 6,672 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers. This reflects a total gain of 23.2% over the 17-year period.

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

Glen Waverley West has recorded approximately 133 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 665 homes were approved, with an additional 138 approved so far in FY26. On average, each dwelling accommodates about 2.8 new residents per year over these five years, reflecting strong demand that supports property values.

The average construction cost value of new homes is $699,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. This financial year has seen around $26.9 million in commercial approvals, suggesting steady commercial investment activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Glen Waverley West shows moderately higher development activity, being 15.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period.

This maintains good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. New developments consist of approximately 59.0% standalone homes and 41.0% attached dwellings, offering choices across various price ranges from spacious family homes to more affordable compact options. With around 155 people per dwelling approval, Glen Waverley West exhibits characteristics of a growth area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, the population is forecasted to grow by approximately 5,626 residents through to 2041. Development appears to be keeping pace with projected growth, though increasing competition among buyers can be expected as the population expands.

Glen Waverley - West has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 26 projects that may affect the region. Notable initiatives include the 281 Springvale Road Glen Waverley Development, Luna Park Glen Waverley, Glen Waverley SRL Precinct Development, and Suburban Rail Loop East - Glen Waverley Station. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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

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Employment conditions in Glen Waverley - West rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Glen Waverley - West has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate was 1.9% as of September 2025, which is lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. The area experienced an estimated employment growth of 5.0% over the past year.

In September 2025, 12,299 residents were employed, with a workforce participation rate of 64.3%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. A significant 35.4% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdown impacts. The dominant employment sectors are health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and retail trade. Glen Waverley - West has a particularly strong specialization in professional & technical services, with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level.

Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 6.0% compared to the regional average of 9.7%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data comparisons between working population and local population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 5.0%, while labour force also grew by 5.0%, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable at 2.8%. In contrast, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with unemployment rising to 4.7%. According to Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25, national employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Glen Waverley - West's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.0% over ten years.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows median income in Glen Waverley - West SA2 was $47,982 and average income was $69,618. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164 for the same period. Based on a 8.25% increase from Wage Price Index since financial year ending June 2023, estimated current incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $51,941 median and $75,361 average. According to the Census conducted in August 2021, Glen Waverley - West SA2's household income ranked at the 58th percentile ($1,890 weekly) and personal income at the 30th percentile. Income brackets indicate that 29.8% of residents (7,225 people) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket. High housing costs consume 16.3% of income in Glen Waverley - West SA2. Despite this, disposable income ranks at the 58th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Glen Waverley - West displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Glen Waverley - West, as per the latest Census, 68.6% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 31.3% consisting of semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This compares to Melbourne's metropolitan area, where 67.9% of dwellings are houses, and 32.1% are other types. Home ownership in Glen Waverley - West stood at 38.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.1% and rented ones at 33.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,400, higher than Melbourne's metro average of $2,000. The median weekly rent in Glen Waverley - West was $462, compared to Melbourne's metro figure of $390. Nationally, Glen Waverley - West's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Glen Waverley - West features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 76.8% of all households, including 41.3% couples with children, 22.9% couples without children, and 11.2% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 23.2%, with lone person households at 18.9% and group households comprising 4.3%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Glen Waverley - West shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Educational attainment in Glen Waverley - West is notably high. As of 2016, 49.0% of residents aged 15 years and over held university qualifications, compared to the SA4 region's 29.8% and Australia's 30.4%. This indicates a significant educational advantage for the area. Bachelor degrees were the most common at 29.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (16.1%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%).

Vocational pathways accounted for 19.6% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 10.7% and certificates at 8.9%. Educational participation was also high, with 33.5% of residents enrolled in formal education as of 2016. This included 9.0% in primary education, 9.0% in secondary education, and 8.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Glen Waverley - West has 94 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 35 different routes that together facilitate 9,301 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is considered good, with residents typically living just 237 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards due to its residential nature. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 80%, while trains are used by 10% of residents. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling in the area.

According to the 2021 Census, a high proportion of residents, 35.4%, work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 1,328 trips per day, equating to approximately 98 weekly trips per stop.

Glen Waverley - West's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Glen Waverley - West shows excellent health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Younger cohorts particularly have very low prevalence of common health conditions.

Private health cover rate is approximately 54% of the total population (~13,069 people), leading that of the average SA2 area but slightly lower than Greater Melbourne's 56.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 5.6 and 5.0% of residents respectively. 77.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, higher than Greater Melbourne's 72.6%. 18.2% of residents are aged 65 and over (4,413 people), higher than Greater Melbourne's 14.9%. Health outcomes among seniors in the area are above average but rank lower nationally compared to the broader population.

Glen Waverley - West is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Glen Waverley-West has a population where 66.0% speak a language other than English at home, with 62.9% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion, comprising 31.5%. Buddhism, at 12.6%, is significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 4.2%.

The top three ancestry groups are Chinese (34.1%), Other (14.6%), and English (11.5%). Notably, Sri Lankan (2.9%) and Indian (8.7%) groups are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.8% and 4.2%, respectively. Korean ancestry is also higher at 1.1%.

Glen Waverley - West's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Glen Waverley - West is close to Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and equivalent to the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Glen Waverley - West has a higher concentration of residents aged 15-24 (14.9%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (13.7%). Between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, the percentage of residents aged 15 to 24 increased from 13.7% to 14.9%. Conversely, the percentage of residents aged 55 to 64 decreased from 11.6% to 10.1%. By 2041, Glen Waverley - West is expected to experience notable shifts in its age composition. The number of residents aged 75 to 84 is projected to grow by 68%, reaching 2,417 from 1,435. The 0 to 4 age group is expected to grow at a more modest rate of 9%, adding only 72 residents.