Nunawading
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Nunawading's population is around 13,265 as of Aug 2025. This reflects an increase of 852 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,413 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 13,240 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 164 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,611 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Nunawading's growth rate of 6.9% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (3.9%), along with the SA3 area. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing 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 a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusting them employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. According to population projections moving forward, an above median population growth is projected for the area, with an expected increase of 2,448 persons to 2041 based on the latest population numbers, reflecting an overall increase of 18.2% 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. The Australian Bureau of Statistics produces development approval data on a financial year basis. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, Nunawading had 288 dwelling approvals, with an additional 5 approvals recorded in FY26 so far. On average, over these five years, 1.4 new residents arrived annually per new home. However, recent data shows this ratio has increased to 4.3 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, indicating growing popularity and potential supply constraints in the area.

New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $463,000, aligning with regional trends. This financial year has seen $46.3 million in commercial approvals, suggesting strong local business investment. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Nunawading has slightly more development, with 28.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period, balancing buyer choice while supporting current property values. Regarding dwelling types, 45.0% are detached dwellings and 55.0% are townhouses or apartments, reflecting a shift towards compact living options that cater to affordability requirements and attract downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This represents a significant change from the current housing mix of 69.0% houses.

With around 215 people per dwelling approval, Nunawading indicates a developing market with population forecasts projecting an increase of 2,413 residents by 2041. Development appears to be keeping pace with projected growth, but buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

Nunawading has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 17 projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include Tunstall Village, Brand Smart Nunawading Retail Redevelopment, Strathdon House Davy Lane Jolimont Reserve Precinct Master Plan, and Nunawading Activity Centre Cluster. The following list details those most relevant.

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

Employment conditions in Nunawading demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Nunawading has a highly educated workforce. Professional services are strongly represented, with an unemployment rate of 2.3% and estimated employment growth of 0.9% in the past year.

As of June 2025, 7,208 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.3%, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.6%. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training. Finance & insurance shows notable concentration, with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

Construction has limited presence, with 7.3% employment compared to the regional average of 9.7%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. From June 2024 to June 2025, employment levels increased by 0.9%, labour force by 0.7%, and unemployment fell by 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment rise by 3.5% and unemployment rise by 0.5%. State-level data from Sep-25 shows Victorian employment grew by 1.08% year-on-year, with a state unemployment rate of 4.7%, compared to the national rate of 4.5%. National employment forecasts project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Nunawading's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.9%% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

Nunawading's median income among taxpayers was $56,339 in financial year 2022, according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. The average income stood at $72,597 during the same period. These figures compare with Greater Melbourne's median and average incomes of $54,892 and $73,761 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.11% since financial year 2022, estimated current incomes as of March 2025 would be approximately $62,035 (median) and $79,937 (average). According to 2021 Census figures, household, family, and personal incomes in Nunawading cluster around the 59th percentile nationally. The predominant income cohort spans 30.6% of locals (4,059 people), falling within the $1,500 - 2,999 category, reflecting patterns seen in the surrounding region where 32.8% similarly occupy this range. High housing costs consume 15.5% of income, placing 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 report dated 28 August 2016, consisted of 68.9% houses and 31.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metropolitan area's dwelling structure of 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 in the area was $2,167 as of June 2018, lower than Melbourne metro's average of $2,200. The median weekly rent figure for Nunawading was recorded at $391 during this period, compared to Melbourne metro's $410. Nationally, Nunawading's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,167 against the Australian 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 constitute 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 comprise the remaining 30.4%, with lone person households at 26.3% and group households making up 4.1%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which aligns with Greater Melbourne's 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 shows significant surpassing of broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 45.2% hold university qualifications, compared to the Australian average of 30.4% and the SA4 region's 31.2%. This substantial educational advantage positions Nunawading strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. 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+, with advanced diplomas at 11.2% and certificates at 13.1%. Educational participation is notably 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. Nunawading's three schools have a combined enrollment reaching 994 students. The area demonstrates above-average socio-educational conditions with an ICSEA score of 1099. Education provision is balanced with two primary and one secondary school serving distinct age groups. School places per 100 residents (7.5) fall below the regional average (13.4), suggesting some students may attend schools in adjacent areas.

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

The analysis indicates 73 active public transport stops in Nunawading. These include a mix of train and bus services. The stops are served by 25 individual routes, collectively providing 7954 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents typically located 184 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 1136 trips per day across all routes, equating to 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 higher-than-average health outcomes despite a low prevalence of common health conditions among its general population.

However, older cohorts at risk have higher rates compared to national averages, with approximately 56% (~7,428 people) having private health cover. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 7.4% and 7.3% of residents respectively. Around 72.8% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, slightly higher than the 72.3% rate in Greater Melbourne. Nunawading has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 18.9% (2,513 people) compared to Greater Melbourne's 20.4%.

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. The dominant religion in Nunawading is Christianity, representing 41.1% of the population. However, Buddhism is notably overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, comprising 5.8% versus 5.3%.

The top three ancestry groups in Nunawading are English (19.9%), Australian (18.2%), and Chinese (16.5%). Some ethnic groups show significant differences: Vietnamese are overrepresented at 1.6% compared to the regional average of 1.3%, Sri Lankans are underrepresented at 0.6% versus 0.9%, and Indians are slightly overrepresented at 4.3% compared to 3.9%.

Nunawading's population is slightly older than the national pattern

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, the 75-84 age cohort is over-represented in Nunawading at 7.1%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 13.4%. According to data from the 2021 Census, the percentage of the population aged 75 to 84 has increased from 6.2% to 7.1%, and the percentage of those aged 25 to 34 has decreased from 14.6% to 13.4%. Population forecasts for Nunawading in 2041 indicate significant demographic changes, with the 75-84 age group expected to grow by 55 people, reaching 1,456 from 936, and the 0-4 age group projected to decrease by 14 residents.