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

Wantirna's population, as of November 2025, is approximately 15,094. This figure represents a growth of 753 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 14,341. The increase is inferred from the estimated resident population of 14,641 in June 2024 and an additional 276 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,816 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Wantirna's growth rate of 5.3% since the 2021 census surpassed both the SA4 region (4.0%) and the SA3 area, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth during this period.

AreaSearch is utilizing ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch employs VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Based on projected demographic shifts, Wantirna is expected to grow by 610 persons to 2041, reflecting a total gain 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 granted around 128 residential properties approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, a total of 644 homes were approved, with an additional 18 approved so far in FY-26. The area's population decline has maintained adequate housing supply relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $423,000, higher than regional norms due to quality-focused development. In the current financial year, 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 shift from the area's existing housing composition (currently 90.0% houses) reflects decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles requiring more diverse, affordable housing options. Wantirna has a low density population, with around 99 people per approval.

According to AreaSearch quarterly estimates, Wantirna is forecasted to 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 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 27 projects that could affect the region. Notable ones 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.

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

Wantirna has an educated workforce with professional services well-represented. Its unemployment rate is 3.6%, with estimated employment growth of 0.7% in the past year as of September 2025.

There are 7,388 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.0% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation is lower at 60.5%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Key employment 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%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census data. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 0.7% while labour force grew by 0.8%, keeping unemployment stable. In contrast, Greater Melbourne had employment growth of 3.0% and a rise in unemployment of 0.3 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. National forecasts suggest employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Wantirna's employment mix indicates local employment growth could follow a similar pattern.

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

The latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that Wantirna SA2 has median income of $50,102 and average income of $64,185. These figures are in line with national averages. In comparison, Greater Melbourne's median income is $54,892 and average income is $73,761. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, estimated median income as of September 2025 would be approximately $56,194 and estimated average income would be around $71,990. According to the 2021 Census, Wantirna SA2's household income ranks at the 58th percentile ($1,883 weekly) and personal income ranks at the 40th percentile. The largest segment of income earners comprises 33.1% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (4,996 residents), which is similar to the broader area where this cohort represents 32.8%. After housing expenses, 85.0% of income remains for other expenses. 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

Wantirna's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares 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, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Wantirna was $427, compared to 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 account for 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 constitute the remaining 19.2%, with lone person households at 17.2% and group households comprising 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

In Wantirna, 35.4% of residents aged 15 and above hold university qualifications, exceeding the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 23.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.9%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 29.4% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications.

This includes advanced diplomas (12.3%) and certificates (17.1%). Educational participation is 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

Transport analysis shows 47 active public transport stops in Wantirna, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 22 different routes that together facilitate 5,433 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is rated as good, with residents typically located 251 metres from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 776 daily trips across all routes, which amounts 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. Approximately 52% (~7,833 people) have private health cover, slightly higher than the average SA2 area. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (7.5%) and asthma (7.3%). Around 70.6% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 69.4% in Greater Melbourne. About 22.1% (~3,340 people) are aged 65 and over, higher than the 19.5% in Greater Melbourne. 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's population shows high cultural diversity, with 40.9% born overseas and 40.7% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 43.8%. Buddhism is overrepresented at 6.3%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 4.6%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (19.3%), Chinese (18.7%), and Australian (17.8%). Notably, Sri Lankan (1.4%), Hungarian (0.5%), and Indian (4.5%) ethnicities have higher representation than regional averages.

Wantirna's population is slightly older than the national pattern

At age 41 years, Wantirna's median age is notably 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 significantly higher proportion of individuals aged 65-74 (11.5% vs. 9.2%) but fewer individuals aged 25-34 (9.1% vs. 10.2%). Post the 2021 Census, the population aged 75 to 84 increased from 5.9% to 7.8%, and those aged 15 to 24 rose from 10.6% to 12.3%. Conversely, the proportion of individuals aged 25 to 34 decreased from 10.8% to 9.1%, while those aged 65 to 74 dropped from 12.6% to 11.5%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant changes in Wantirna's age profile. The 75 to 84 cohort is projected to grow by 40%, adding 471 residents to reach a total of 1,649. Residents aged 65 and older are expected to represent 72% of the population growth. Conversely, declines are anticipated for the 25 to 34 age group and those under 5 years old.