Wantirna South

Wantirna South 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 South's population, as of May 2026, is approximately 18,480. This figure represents a growth of 538 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 17,942. The increase is inferred from ABS estimates: 18,475 in June 2025 and an additional 236 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a density ratio of 1,383 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Wantirna South's growth rate since the Census, at 3.0%, is close to the SA3 area's rate of 3.1%. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population gains in recent periods.

AreaSearch uses 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 weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, Wantirna South is expected to grow by approximately 1,345 persons by 2041, reflecting a total gain of about 7.2% over the 16-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Wantirna South according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Wantirna South has seen approximately 82 new homes approved annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 410 homes were approved, with an additional 60 approved in FY-26 so far. Despite population decline, the new supply appears to have kept pace with demand, offering buyers good choice.

The average construction value of these properties is $424,000, moderately above regional levels, suggesting emphasis on quality construction. This financial year has seen $48.7 million in commercial approvals, indicating robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Wantirna South maintains similar development levels per person, preserving market equilibrium with surrounding areas. New building activity comprises 38.0% detached houses and 62.0% medium and high-density housing, providing affordable entry pathways for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This shift from the area's existing housing (77.0% houses) suggests decreasing developable sites and changing lifestyles.

With around 337 people per dwelling approval, Wantirna South exhibits low density characteristics. Population forecasts estimate a gain of 1,340 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand readily, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond projections.

Wantirna South 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 32 projects potentially impacting the area. Notable projects include Heart of Knox Project, Waverley One Estate, Knox Off the Plan Developments, and Knoxfield Residential Development. The following list details projects likely most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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AreaSearch analysis indicates Wantirna South maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Wantirna South has a well-educated workforce with professional services being strongly represented. The unemployment rate was 3.8% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.2%. As of December 2025, there were 9,567 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.9% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

Workforce participation was at 62.4%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. According to Census responses, 32.1% of residents worked from home. Leading employment industries were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. The area showed strong specialization in wholesale trade with an employment share of 1.5 times the regional level, but lower representation in transport, postal & warehousing at 3.3% compared to the regional average of 5.2%.

Over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 1.2%, labour force increased by 1.6%, resulting in an unemployment rise of 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project a growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years for Wantirna South, based on its local employment profile.

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 2023 shows that Wantirna South SA2 has a median income of $53,026 and an average income of $67,699. This is similar to national averages but lower than Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164. By March 2026, based on Wage Price Index growth, the estimated median income will be approximately $58,127 and the average income $74,212. According to Census 2021 data, Wantirna South's household income ranks at the 54th percentile with weekly earnings of $1,821, while personal income is at the 32nd percentile. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 captures 30.7% of individuals in Wantirna South, aligning with metropolitan regions where this group represents 32.8%. After housing costs, 85.4% of income remains for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

Dwelling structure in Wantirna South, as evaluated at the Census conducted in 2016, comprised 77.3% houses and 22.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metropolitan area's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wantirna South stood at 42.5%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (35.4%) or rented (22.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,100 as of 2016, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $426, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Wantirna South's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Wantirna South has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 76.4% of all households, including 39.2% couples with children, 25.8% couples without children, and 10.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 23.6%, with lone person households at 21.5% and group households comprising 2.1%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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

The area's educational profile is notable regionally with university qualification rates at 37.5% of residents aged 15+, surpassing the Australian average of 30.4%. This rate also exceeds that of the SA3 area (30.7%). Bachelor degrees are most common at 24.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 10.0% and graduate diplomas at 3.1%.

Vocational credentials are prominent with 26.5% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (11.2%) and certificates (15.3%). Educational participation is high with 26.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 8.1% in primary education, 7.3% in secondary education, and 6.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Wantirna South has 128 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 29 different routes that collectively facilitate 6,992 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located just 180 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commuting is outward-bound, with cars being the primary mode of transportation at 90%. On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per dwelling, which exceeds the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 32.1% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 998 trips per day, equating to approximately 54 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

The level of general health in Wantirna South is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Wantirna South shows better-than-average health outcomes according to AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is low across both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover rate is approximately 53% of the total population (~9,720 people), slightly higher than the average SA2 area but lower than Greater Melbourne's 56.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 7.7% and 7.0% of residents respectively. 69.7% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. The under-65 population has better-than-average health outcomes. Wantirna South has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 25.9%, with 4,784 people, compared to Greater Melbourne's 15.0%. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, aligning with national rankings for the general population.

Wantirna South 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 South has a high level of cultural diversity, with 43.2% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 45.7% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Wantirna South, comprising 49.1% of people. However, Buddhism is overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, making up 5.9% versus 4.2%.

The top three ancestry groups are Chinese (21.7%), English (19.0%), and Australian (16.4%). Notably, Sri Lankan, Korean, and Indian ethnicities are also overrepresented in Wantirna South compared to regional averages.

Wantirna South hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Wantirna South has a median age of 44, which exceeds Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and is substantially higher than the national norm of 38. The 65-74 age group makes up 13.2% of Wantirna South's population compared to Greater Melbourne, while the 25-34 cohort represents 10.1%. According to the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 7.0% to 8.7%, and the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 12.4% to 13.8%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 13.9% to 12.0%, and the 25 to 34 group dropped from 11.2% to 10.1%. Demographic modeling indicates that Wantirna South's age profile will significantly evolve by 2041, with the 75 to 84 group projected to grow by 43%, reaching 2,293 people from 1,605. The aging population dynamic is evident, as those aged 65 and above will comprise 69% of projected growth. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.