Wantirna

Wantirna is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Wantirna's population is around 15,263 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 922 people (6.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 14,341 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 14,631 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 292 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,836 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Wantirna's 6.4% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (4.9%) and the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of 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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, lower quartile growth of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch is anticipated, with the area expected to grow by 610 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a reduction of 0.1% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Wantirna among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Wantirna has recorded around 128 residential properties granted approval annually, with 644 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 37 so far in FY-26. As the area has experienced population decline, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, creating a well-balanced market with good buyer choice, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $423,000—somewhat higher than regional norms—reflecting quality-focused development. There have also been $63.5 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating strong commercial development momentum.

When measured against Greater Melbourne, Wantirna shows 96.0% higher development activity (per person), which should provide buyers with ample choice. New development consists of 18.0% detached houses and 82.0% attached dwellings. This trend toward denser development provides accessible entry options and appeals to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This marks a significant departure from existing housing patterns (currently 90.0% houses), suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. With around 99 people per dwelling approval, Wantirna shows characteristics of a low density area.

With population projections showing stability or decline, Wantirna should see reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

Wantirna has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 26 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Wantirna Health Precinct West, Deakin University Burwood Campus Expansion, Oak Place by Stockland, and Vermont South Shopping Centre Precinct, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

The labour market in Wantirna demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

Wantirna has a well-educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation, an unemployment rate of only 3.8%, and 1.2% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 7,408 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.9% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%, and workforce participation lags significantly (63.8% compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%). Based on Census responses, a high 31.2% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. Conversely, professional & technical services are under-represented, with only 8.4% of Wantirna's workforce compared to 10.1% in Greater Melbourne. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 1.2% and the labour force increased by 1.5%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.3 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 2.4%, labour force growth of 2.8%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Wantirna. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Wantirna's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Wantirna SA2 is in line with national averages, with the median assessed at $53,118 while the average income stands at $67,645. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne's figures of a median income of $57,688 and an average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $57,500 (median) and $73,226 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household income ranks at the 58th percentile ($1,883 weekly), while personal income sits at the 40th percentile. The data shows the largest segment comprises 33.1% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (5,052 residents), aligning with the broader area where this cohort likewise represents 32.8%. After housing, 85.0% of income remains for other expenses and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Wantirna is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within Wantirna, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Wantirna was well beyond that of Melbourne metro, at 40.4%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (39.0%) or rented (20.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Melbourne metro average at $2,167, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $427, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390. Nationally, Wantirna's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Wantirna features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 80.8% of all households, comprising 41.4% couples with children, 27.7% couples without children, and 10.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 19.2%, with lone person households at 17.2% and group households comprising 2.0% of the total. The median household size of 2.8 people is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Wantirna shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

University qualifications in Wantirna (35.4% of residents aged 15+) edge above the Australian average (30.4%), suggesting competitive educational foundations. Bachelor degrees lead at 23.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.9%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 29.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (12.3%) and certificates (17.1%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.0% in primary education, 7.5% in secondary education, and 5.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 47 active transport stops operating within Wantirna, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 21 individual routes, collectively providing 4,564 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 251 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 89%, with 5% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. A high 31.2% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 652 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 97 weekly trips per individual stop.

Wantirna's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Health data indicates relatively positive outcomes for Wantirna residents. AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions shows results broadly in line with national benchmarks, with a standard level of common health conditions across both young and old age cohorts. The rate of private health cover just leads the average SA2 area at approximately 53% of the total population (~8,028 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 7.5% and 7.3% of residents, respectively, while 70.6% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents are notably healthy with low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 22.7% of residents aged 65 and over (3,472 people), which is higher than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings higher than those of the general population.

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

Wantirna scores highly on cultural diversity, with 40.9% of its population born overseas and 40.7% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Wantirna is Christianity, which makes up 43.8% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Buddhism, which comprises 6.3% of the population, compared to 4.2% across Greater Melbourne.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Wantirna are English, comprising 19.3% of the population, Chinese, comprising 18.7% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 6.5%, and Australian, comprising 17.8% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Sri Lankan is notably overrepresented at 1.4% of Wantirna (vs 0.8% regionally), Hungarian at 0.5% (vs 0.3%) and Indian at 4.5% (vs 4.2%).

Wantirna's population is slightly older than the national pattern

At 41 years, Wantirna's median age is significantly above the Greater Melbourne average of 37 as well as somewhat older than the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Greater Melbourne average, the 65 - 74 cohort is notably over-represented (11.5% locally), while 25 - 34 year-olds are under-represented (8.7%). Following the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 5.9% to 8.4% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 10.6% to 12.5%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 10.8% to 8.7% and the 65 to 74 group dropped from 12.6% to 11.5%. Demographic modeling suggests Wantirna's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 75 to 84 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 29%, adding 373 residents to reach 1,649. Demographic aging continues as residents 65 and older represent 74% of anticipated growth. On the other hand, population declines are projected for the 15 to 24 and 0 to 4 cohorts.