Nunawading

Population growth drivers in Nunawading are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Nunawading's population is around 13,391 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 978 people (7.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,413 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 13,241 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 212 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,636 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Nunawading's 7.9% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (4.0%), along with the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 91.4% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking at population projections moving forward, an above median population growth of national areas is projected, with the area expected to grow by 2,448 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 17.1% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Nunawading when compared nationally

Nunawading has averaged approximately 57 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25. A total of 288 homes were approved during this period, with an additional 18 approved so far in FY26. On average, each dwelling constructed over these years accommodated around 1.4 new residents per year. However, the recent two-year average has increased to 4.3 people per dwelling, suggesting a rise in demand and tightening supply.

The average expected construction cost value of new homes is $432,000, slightly above the regional average. In FY26 alone, commercial approvals totaled $46.3 million, indicating robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Nunawading has shown approximately 28.0% more development per capita over the past five years, maintaining good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. The new building activity shows a shift towards compact living, with 55.0% attached dwellings and 45.0% detached dwellings. This change from the current housing mix of 69.0% houses reflects reduced development site availability and addresses shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements.

With around 215 people per dwelling approval, Nunawading's population is expected to grow by approximately 2,287 residents by 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Building activity appears to be keeping pace with these growth projections, although heightened competition among buyers may result as the population increases.

Nunawading has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

The performance of an area can significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 18 such projects that could impact the area. Notable projects include Nunawading Activity Centre Cluster, Tunstall Village, Brand Smart Nunawading Retail Redevelopment, and Strathdon House Davy Lane Jolimont Reserve Precinct Master Plan. The following list details those projects likely to be most relevant.

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

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.

AreaSearch analysis places Nunawading well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Nunawading has a highly educated workforce with professional services well represented. The unemployment rate in Nunawading is 2.5%, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.7%.

In the past year, employment grew by an estimated 1.2%. As of September 2025, 7,326 residents are employed, with a 2.1% unemployment rate below Greater Melbourne's figure. Key industries include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. Finance & insurance shows strong specialization, at 1.4 times the regional level, while construction has limited presence at 7.3%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 1.2%, matching labour force growth and keeping unemployment stable at 2.5%. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw higher employment (3.0%) and labour force (3.3%) growth, with a slight unemployment rate increase of 0.3 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows Victorian employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. National forecasts from May-25 project total employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Nunawading's industry mix suggests local employment could increase by 6.9% in five years and 14.1% in ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Nunawading SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $56,339 and an average of $72,597. These figures are above the national averages. Greater Melbourne, meanwhile, had a median income of $54,892 and an average of $73,761. By September 2025, estimates suggest Nunawading's median income will be approximately $63,190 and its average will be around $81,425, based on a 12.16% growth in wages since financial year 2022. Census data indicates that incomes in Nunawading cluster around the 59th percentile nationally. The earnings profile shows that the majority of residents (30.6%, or 4,097 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket, a pattern also seen at regional levels where 32.8% occupy this range. High housing costs consume 15.5% of income in Nunawading, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 62nd percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Nunawading displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure in Nunawading, as per the latest Census, consisted of 68.9% houses and 31.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 73.0% houses and 26.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Nunawading stood at 33.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 36.5% and rented ones at 30.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, below Melbourne metro's average of $2,200. Median weekly rent in Nunawading was $391, compared to Melbourne metro's $410. Nationally, Nunawading's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,167 against Australia's average of $1,863, while rents were also higher at $391 compared to the national figure of $375.

Nunawading features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 69.6 percent of all households, including 35.0 percent couples with children, 23.8 percent couples without children, and 9.3 percent single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 30.4 percent, with lone person households at 26.3 percent and group households comprising 4.1 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.6 people, which aligns with the Greater Melbourne average.

Educational achievement in Nunawading places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

Educational attainment in Nunawading is higher than broader benchmarks. 45.2% of residents aged 15+ have university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 31.2% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are most common at 28.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (12.7%) and graduate diplomas (4.2%). Vocational pathways account for 24.3% of qualifications among those aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 11.2% and certificates at 13.1%.

Educational participation is high, with 30.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.5% in primary education, 7.0% in secondary education, and 6.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Nunawading has 73 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 25 individual routes that collectively facilitate 7,954 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 184 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 1,136 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 108 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Nunawading is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Nunawading shows above-average health outcomes with a low prevalence of common health conditions among its general population, although this rate is higher than the national average for older and at-risk cohorts.

Approximately 56% (~7,498 people) of the total population has private health cover. The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 7.4% and 7.3% of residents respectively. A total of 72.8% of residents report being completely free of medical ailments, compared to 72.3% across Greater Melbourne. Nunawading has 18.9% (2,537 people) of its population aged 65 and over, which is lower than the 20.4% in Greater Melbourne.

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

Nunawading has a high level of cultural diversity, with 39.7% of its population born overseas and 38.8% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Nunawading, comprising 41.1% of people. Buddhism is overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, making up 5.8% of Nunawading's population versus 5.3%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (19.9%), Australian (18.2%), and Chinese (16.5%). Notable divergences include Sri Lankan at 0.6% in Nunawading compared to 0.9% regionally, Vietnamese at 1.6% versus 1.3%, and Indian at 4.3% versus 3.9%.

Nunawading's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Nunawading is 39 years, which is higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and close to the national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Nunawading has a notably over-represented cohort of 75-84 year-olds (7.1% locally) and an under-represented group of 25-34 year-olds (13.4%). According to post-2021 Census data, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 6.2% to 7.1%, while the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 14.6% to 13.4%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Nunawading, with the 75 to 84 group expected to grow by 54% (510 people), reaching 1,456 from 945. Demographic aging continues as residents aged 65 and older represent 51% of anticipated growth. Conversely, the 35 to 44 and 0 to 4 age groups are expected to experience population declines.