Wantirna
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Wantirna's population was around 15,094 as of November 2025, reflecting an increase of 753 people since the 2021 Census. The 2021 Census reported a population of 14,341. This growth is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 14,641 in June 2024 and 276 validated new addresses since the Census date. Wantirna's population density was 1,816 persons per square kilometer as of November 2025, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Wantirna's growth rate of 5.3% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA4 region (4.0%) and the SA3 area. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population gains during this period.

AreaSearch is using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by these projections, AreaSearch uses VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on projected demographic shifts, Wantirna is expected to grow by 610 persons to 2041, recording a total growth of 1.0% over the 17-year period.

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

Wantirna has recorded approximately 128 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, a total of 644 homes were approved, with an additional 17 approved so far in FY-26. Despite population decline in the area, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a well-balanced market with good buyer choice.

New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $423,000, which is somewhat higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development. In FY-26, there have been $63.5 million in commercial approvals, indicating strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Wantirna shows 96.0% higher development activity per person. New development consists of 18.0% standalone homes and 82.0% attached dwellings, providing accessible entry options for downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This trend represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition, which is currently 90.0% houses. Wantirna reflects a low density area with around 99 people per approval.

Population forecasts indicate that Wantirna will gain 147 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Wantirna has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 27 projects that may impact the area. Notable projects include Wantirna Health Precinct West, Deakin University Burwood Campus Expansion, Oak Place by Stockland, and Suburban Rail Loop East - Burwood Station. 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.

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

Wantirna has a highly educated workforce with professional services well represented. Its unemployment rate is 3.4%, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.6%.

Over the past year, Wantirna saw an estimated employment growth of 0.6%. As of June 2025, 7,406 residents are employed, with a participation rate of 60.5% compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Dominant sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training.

However, professional & technical services are under-represented at 8.4%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 0.6% while labour force grew by 0.7%, raising the unemployment rate by 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment growth of 3.5%, labour force growth of 4.0%, and a rise in unemployment of 0.5 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May 2025) project national growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Wantirna's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years.

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 financial year ended June 2022 shows median income in Wantirna was $50,102 and average income was $64,185. This compares to Greater Melbourne's median income of $54,892 and average income of $73,761 in the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth rate of 12.16% from financial year ended June 2022 to September 2025, estimated median income in Wantirna would be approximately $56,194 and average income would be around $71,990 as of September 2025. According to the Census conducted in August 2021, Wantirna's household income ranked at the 58th percentile with a weekly income of $1,883. Personal income was at the 41st percentile. The largest income segment consisted of 33.1% of residents earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, which is similar to the broader area where this group also represented 32.8%. After housing expenses, 85.0% of income remained for other expenses. Wantirna's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 7th decile.

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

Wantirna's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 83.4% houses and 16.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wantirna stood at 40.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 39.0% and rented ones at 20.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, exceeding Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Wantirna was $427, higher than Melbourne metro's $400. Nationally, Wantirna's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 80.8% of all households, including 41.4% couples with children, 27.7% couples without children, and 10.8% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 19.2%, with lone person households at 17.2% and group households making up 2.0%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.7.

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

University qualifications in Wantirna, with 35.4% of residents aged 15+, exceed the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 23.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 8.9% and graduate diplomas at 3.2%. Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 29.4% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 12.3% and certificates at 17.1%.

Educational participation is high, with 29.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 10.0% in primary, 7.5% in secondary, and 5.5% pursuing tertiary education. Wantirna has a robust network of schools, with approximately 6 operating and educating around 2,971 students. The area demonstrates above-average socio-educational conditions (ICSEA: 1073). Education provision is balanced with 4 primary and 2 secondary schools serving distinct age groups. Wantirna functions as an education hub, with 19.9 school places per 100 residents - significantly higher than the regional average of 12.0 - attracting students from surrounding communities. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Transport analysis shows 47 active transport stops operating in Wantirna. These stops serve a mix of buses. There are 22 individual routes collectively providing 5,433 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 251 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 776 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 115 weekly trips per individual stop.

Wantirna's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data shows Wantirna residents have relatively positive health outcomes.

The prevalence of common health conditions is low across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 52%, slightly higher than the average SA2 area's rate (~7,833 people). The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 7.5% and 7.3% of residents respectively. About 70.6% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 69.4% in Greater Melbourne. Wantirna has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 22.1% (3,340 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 19.5%. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

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 has a high level of cultural diversity, with 40.9% of its population born overseas and 40.7% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Wantirna, making up 43.8% of people there. However, Buddhism is more prevalent in Wantirna compared to Greater Melbourne, with 6.3% of the population identifying as Buddhists.

The top three ancestry groups in Wantirna are English (19.3%), Chinese (18.7%), and Australian (17.8%). Notably, Sri Lankan, Hungarian, and Indian ethnicities have higher representations in Wantirna compared to regional averages: Sri Lankan is at 1.4% vs 1.4%, Hungarian at 0.5% vs 0.4%, and Indian at 4.5% vs 3.3%.

Wantirna's median age exceeds the national pattern

Wantirna's median age is 41 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and slightly older than Australia's median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Wantirna has a notably higher proportion of the 65-74 age group (11.5%) and a lower proportion of the 25-34 age group (9.1%). According to the 2021 Census, the 75-84 age group increased from 5.9% to 7.8%, while the 15-24 cohort rose from 10.6% to 12.3%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort decreased from 10.8% to 9.1%, and the 65-74 group fell from 12.6% to 11.5%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Wantirna's age profile. The 75-84 cohort is expected to grow by 40%, adding 471 residents to reach 1,649. Residents aged 65 and older are anticipated to represent 72% of the population growth. However, declines are projected for the 25-34 and 0-4 age cohorts.