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 13,391 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 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 averaged around 57 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25288 homes were approved, with a further 14 approved in FY-26 so far. Over the past five financial years, an average of 1.4 new residents moved into Nunawading per dwelling constructed. However, this figure has recently accelerated to 4.3 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, indicating increasing demand and tightening supply.

The average value of new homes being built is $432,000, slightly above the regional average. This year alone, $46.3 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Nunawading has seen 28.0% more development per person over the past five years, maintaining good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. In terms of dwelling types, 45.0% are detached and 55.0% attached, offering affordable entry pathways for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This is a significant shift from the current housing mix, which is 69.0% houses.

With around 215 people moving into Nunawading per dwelling approval, the population is expected to grow by 2,287 residents through to 2041. Building activity is keeping pace with growth projections, although buyers may face increased competition as the population expands.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 18 projects that could impact the area. Notable ones 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.

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 strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate in Nunawading was 2.3% as of June 2025, which is lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 0.9%. In June 2025, 7,208 residents were employed, with a workforce participation rate similar to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Leading employment industries among Nunawading residents are health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. The area shows particular strength in finance & insurance, with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level.

However, construction has limited presence at 7.3% compared to the regional average of 9.7%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 0.9%, labour force grew by 0.7%, and unemployment fell by 0.1 percentage points in Nunawading. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment rise by 3.5% and unemployment increase by 0.5 percentage points over the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project a 6.6% expansion over five years and 13.7% over ten years nationally. 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 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 indicates Nunawading's median income among taxpayers is $56,339, with an average of $72,597. This is above national averages and compares to Greater Melbourne's median of $54,892 and average of $73,761. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, estimates for September 2025 would be approximately $63,190 (median) and $81,425 (average). Census data shows household, family and personal incomes in Nunawading are at the 59th percentile nationally. The earnings profile reveals that 30.6% of residents earn between $1,500 - 2,999 (4,097 people), similar to regional levels where 32.8% occupy this range. High housing costs consume 15.5% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 62nd percentile nationally. Nunawading'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), compared to Melbourne metro's 73.0% houses and 26.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Nunawading was 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, 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 than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were also higher at $391 than 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% of all households, consisting of 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% 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 notable, with 45.2% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 31.2% regionally. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 28.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (12.7%) and graduate diplomas (4.2%). Vocational pathways account for 24.3%. Educational participation is high, with 30.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 9.5% in primary, 7.0% in secondary, and 6.9% in tertiary.

Nunawading's three schools have a combined enrollment of 994 students. The area has above-average socio-educational conditions (ICSEA: 1099). Education provision is balanced with two primary and one secondary school serving distinct age groups. School places per 100 residents are lower than the regional average at 7.5, suggesting some students may attend schools in nearby areas.

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

Transport analysis indicates 73 active stops operating within Nunawading. These include a mix of train and bus services. A total of 25 routes service these stops, providing 7,954 weekly passenger trips collectively.

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, 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 above-average health outcomes with low prevalence of common health conditions among its general population.

However, this prevalence is higher than the national average among older and at-risk cohorts. Private health cover is very high in Nunawading, with approximately 56% of the total population (~7,498 people). The most common medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 7.4% and 7.3% of residents respectively. 72.8% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.3% across Greater Melbourne. Nunawading has 18.9% of residents aged 65 and over (2,537 people), 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 the population. Buddhism is overrepresented in Nunawading compared to Greater Melbourne, making up 5.8% versus 5.3%.

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

Nunawading's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Nunawading is 39 years, higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and close to Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, the 75-84 age group is over-represented in Nunawading at 7.1%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 13.4%. According to the 2021 Census data, the percentage of people aged 75-84 has increased from 6.2% to 7.1%, and the percentage of those aged 25-34 has decreased from 14.6% to 13.4%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Nunawading. The 75-84 age group is expected to grow by 54%, reaching 1,456 people from 945. Residents aged 65 and older are anticipated to represent 51% of the population growth. Conversely, the 35-44 and 0-4 age groups are projected to experience population declines.