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 13,532 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,119 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,413 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 13,230 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 197 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,663 persons per square kilometer. Nunawading's growth of 9.0% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (4.8%), along with the SA4 region, 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, 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 with adjustments made employing 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. Population projections indicate an above median growth, with the area expected to grow by 2,448 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 15.9% in total over the 17 years.

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

Nunawading averaged approximately 57 new dwelling approvals annually over recent years. Between FY-21 and FY-25, a total of 288 homes were approved, with an additional 27 approved so far in FY-26. This results in around 1.4 new residents per year per dwelling constructed during the past five financial years. However, this figure has increased to 4.3 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, indicating growing demand and tightening supply.

The average value of new homes being built is $432,000, slightly above the regional average. Commercial approvals registered this year totalled $46.3 million, reflecting strong local business investment. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Nunawading has shown 28.0% more development per person over the past five years, maintaining good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. The current building activity shows a mix of 45.0% detached dwellings and 55.0% attached dwellings, offering affordable entry pathways for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This shift reflects reduced availability of development sites and changing lifestyle demands.

With approximately 215 people per dwelling approval, Nunawading's developing market is expected to gain around 2,146 residents by 2041 according to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. Building activity appears to be keeping pace with growth projections, though increased competition among buyers may arise as the population grows.

Nunawading has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 40thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 18 projects likely to affect this region. Notable ones 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 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 showing strong representation. The unemployment rate was 2.5% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.2%. As of September 2025, 7,326 residents were in work, and the unemployment rate was 2.1% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%.

Workforce participation was somewhat below standard at 68.0%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. According to Census responses, 39.5% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Leading employment industries among residents comprised health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. The area showed particular specialization in finance & insurance with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level.

Meanwhile, construction had limited presence with 7.3% employment compared to 9.7% regionally. While local employment opportunities existed, many residents commuted elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 1.2%, while labour force increased by 1.2%, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 estimated that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Nunawading's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, though this was a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and did not take into account localised population projections.

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 2023 shows Nunawading SA2 had a median income of $59,451 and an average income of $75,130. This is higher than the national averages. Greater Melbourne had a median income of $57,688 and an average income of $75,164 in the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $64,356 (median) and $81,328 (average). Census data indicates that Nunawading's household, family, and personal incomes are around the 59th percentile nationally. The earnings profile shows that 30.6% of residents (4,140 people) earn between $1,500 - 2,999, which is similar to regional levels where 32.8% fall into this bracket. In Nunawading, high housing costs consume 15.5% of income, 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 above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Nunawading, as per the latest Census, 68.9% of dwellings were houses while 31.1% consisted of semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This compares to Melbourne metropolitan area's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Nunawading was higher than Melbourne metro at 33.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 36.5% and rented ones at 30.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,167, exceeding the Melbourne metro average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure was $391, slightly higher than Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Nunawading's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, with rents at $375 being above the national figure.

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

Family households comprise 69.6% of all households, including 35.0% couples with children, 23.8% couples without children, and 9.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 30.4%, with lone person households at 26.3% and group households comprising 4.1% of the total. The median household size is 2.6 people, which matches 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 notably higher than broader benchmarks. As of the latest data, 45.2% of residents aged 15 years and above hold university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 31.2% in its SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent 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 years and above, with advanced diplomas making up 11.2% and certificates 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 good compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Transport analysis indicates 73 active public transport stops in Nunawading, all bus services. These stops are served by 25 routes, facilitating 5633 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically living 184 metres from the nearest stop. Primarily residential, most commuters travel outwards. Cars dominate at 80%, with trains at 12%. Average vehicle ownership is 1.2 per dwelling.

High work-from-home rate of 39.5% noted in 2021 Census, potentially reflecting COVID-19 conditions. Daily service frequency averages 804 trips across all routes, equating to approximately 77 weekly trips per stop.

Nunawading's residents are extremely healthy with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Nunawading.

AreaSearch's assessment found mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence to be low, particularly among younger cohorts who had a very low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover was high at approximately 57% of the total population (~7,659 people). The most common medical conditions were asthma and mental health issues, impacting 7.4 and 7.3% of residents respectively. A majority, 72.8%, declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents had low chronic condition prevalence. The area had 19.6% of residents aged 65 and over (2,653 people), higher than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne but lower nationally than the broader population.

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 high cultural diversity, with 39.7% of its population born overseas and 38.8% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the main religion in Nunawading, making up 41.1%. Buddhism comprises 5.8%, higher than Greater Melbourne's 4.2%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (19.9%), Australian (18.2%), and Chinese (16.5%), which is significantly higher than the regional average of 6.5%. Sri Lankan, Vietnamese, and Indian ethnicities show notable differences: Sri Lankan at 0.6% in Nunawading vs 0.8% regionally, Vietnamese at 1.6% vs 1.9%, and Indian at 4.3% vs 4.2%.

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

The median age in Nunawading is 39 years, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years, which is very close to the national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Nunawading has a notably higher proportion of people aged 75-84 (7.5% locally vs. an average), and a lower proportion of those aged 25-34 (13.0%). Post-2021 Census data shows the 75-84 age group grew from 6.2% to 7.5%, while the 55-64 cohort increased from 9.9% to 10.9%. Conversely, the 25-34 age group declined from 14.6% to 13.0%, and the 0-4 age group dropped from 6.0% to 4.8%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Nunawading, with the 75-84 age group expected to grow by 44%, reaching 1,456 people from 1,010. Meanwhile, both the 0-4 and 5-14 age groups are projected to decrease in number.