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 February 2026, is approximately 15,263. This figure indicates a growth of 922 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 14,341. The increase is inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 14,631 in June 2024 and an additional 292 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,836 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Wantirna's growth rate of 6.4% since the 2021 census surpassed both its SA4 region (4.9%) and SA3 area, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch employs VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted via a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. 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, reflecting a reduction of 0.1% in total 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 19 approved in FY-26 so far. Despite population decline, 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 value of $423,000, which is somewhat higher than regional norms, reflecting 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, providing buyers with ample choice. New development consists of 18.0% detached houses and 82.0% attached dwellings, marking a significant shift from the current housing pattern of 90.0% houses. This trend towards denser development provides accessible entry options, appealing to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. With around 99 people per dwelling approval, Wantirna is characterized as a low density area.

Given stable or declining population projections, housing demand pressures are expected to remain reduced, benefiting potential buyers.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 26 projects that may impact the area. Notable ones include Wantirna Health Precinct West, Deakin University Burwood Campus Expansion, Oak Place by Stockland, and Vermont South Shopping Centre Precinct. 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 a well-educated workforce with professional services showing strong representation. The unemployment rate in Wantirna is 3.6%, which is lower than the Greater Melbourne rate of 4.7%. Over the past year, there was an estimated employment growth of 0.7% in Wantirna.

As of September 2025, 7,388 residents are employed with an unemployment rate of 1.0% below Greater Melbourne's rate. Workforce participation in Wantirna is lower at 63.5%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. According to Census responses, 31.2% of Wantirna residents work from home.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. However, professional & technical services are under-represented in Wantirna with only 8.4%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. From September 2020 to September 2025, employment levels increased by 0.7% and labour force increased by 0.8%, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Wantirna's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though 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 financial year ending June 2023 indicates that Wantirna SA2 has median assessed income of $53,118 and average income of $67,645. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne's figures of median income at $57,688 and average income at $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year ending June 2023, current estimates project median income to be approximately $57,500 and average income to be around $73,226 by September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, Wantirna SA2's household income ranks at the 58th percentile ($1,883 weekly), with personal income at the 40th percentile. The largest income segment comprises 33.1% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (5,052 residents), similar to the broader area where this cohort represents 32.8%. After housing expenses, 85.0% of income remains for other expenses. Wantirna SA2'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

The latest Census evaluation found that Wantirna's dwelling structure was composed of 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wantirna stood at 40.4%, with the rest being mortgaged (39.0%) or rented (20.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent was recorded at $427, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. 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 2.6.

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

Wantirna residents aged 15+ with university qualifications totalled 35.4%, surpassing the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees were most prevalent at 23.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.9%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Vocational credentials held by residents aged 15+ stood at 29.4%, with advanced diplomas at 12.3% and certificates at 17.1%.

Current educational participation was high, with 29.0% of residents enrolled in formal education, including 10.0% in primary, 7.5% in secondary, and 5.5% in tertiary education.

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

Analysis of public transport data indicates that Wantirna has 47 active transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are serviced by 21 individual routes, together providing 4564 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 251 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Wantirna's residential nature. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 89%, while train usage stands at 5%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling, higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a high 31.2% of residents work from home, possibly due to 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 shows Wantirna residents have positive health outcomes. Mortality rates and health conditions are similar to national benchmarks.

Common health conditions are seen across all age groups. Private health cover is at 53% of the total population (~8,028 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 56.7%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (7.5%) and asthma (7.3%). 70.6% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to Greater Melbourne's 72.6%. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. Wantirna has 22.7% of residents aged 65 and over (3,472 people), higher than Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, ranking higher than the general population nationally.

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, while Buddhism comprises 6.3%, which is higher than the Greater Melbourne average of 4.2%. The top three represented ancestry groups are English (19.3%), Chinese (18.7%), and Australian (17.8%).

Some ethnic groups have notable representations: Sri Lankan at 1.4% compared to the regional average of 0.8%, Hungarian at 0.5% versus 0.3%, and Indian at 4.5% compared to 4.2%.

Wantirna's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Wantirna's median age is 41 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and somewhat older than Australia's median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Wantirna has a notably over-represented 65-74 cohort (11.5%) and an under-represented 25-34 age group (8.7%). Post the 2021 Census, the 75-84 age group grew from 5.9% to 8.4%, while the 15-24 cohort increased from 10.6% to 12.5%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort declined from 10.8% to 8.7% and the 65-74 group dropped from 12.6% to 11.5%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Wantirna's age profile will change significantly. The 75-84 cohort is projected to grow by 29%, adding 373 residents to reach 1,649. Residents aged 65 and older are expected to represent 74% of the population growth. However, declines are anticipated for the 15-24 and 0-4 age cohorts.