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 February 2026, is approximately 18,566. This figure represents a growth of 624 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 17,942. The increase is inferred from ABS estimates; Wantirna South had an estimated resident population of 18,388 in June 2024 and has gained 210 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density of 1,389 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Wantirna South's growth rate of 3.5% since the census is close to that of its SA4 region (4.9%), indicating strong growth fundamentals. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth 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 1,440 persons by 2041, reflecting a total gain of 6.8% over the 17-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 another 46 approved in FY-26 so far. Despite population decline in recent years, new supply has likely kept pace with demand, offering good choice to buyers.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $424,000, moderately above regional levels, indicating emphasis on quality construction. This financial year saw $48.7 million in commercial approvals registered, suggesting robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Wantirna South has similar development levels per person, preserving market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas. New building activity shows 38.0% detached houses and 62.0% medium and high-density housing, offering affordable entry pathways for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This shift contrasts the area's existing housing composition of 77.0% houses, indicating decreasing developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles.

Wantirna South has around 337 people per dwelling approval, characteristic of a low density area. Population forecasts indicate an increase of 1,262 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, 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 40% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 33 projects that may impact this region. Notable initiatives include Heart of Knox Project, Waverley One Estate, Knox Off the Plan Developments, and Knoxfield Residential Development. The following list details those likely to be 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 highly educated workforce with professional services well represented. The unemployment rate was 3.6% in September 2025, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.7%. Employment grew by an estimated 0.8% over the past year.

As of September 2025, 9,549 residents were employed with a participation rate of 62.6%, below Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. A significant 32.1% worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key employment industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. Wholesale trade is particularly strong with an employment share of 1.5 times the regional level, while transport, postal & warehousing is lower at 3.3% compared to the regional average of 5.2%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 0.8%, labour force by 0.9%, and unemployment rose by 0.1 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne had growth rates of 3.0% (employment), 3.3% (labour force), with a 0.3 percentage point increase in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates between industries. Applying these projections to Wantirna South's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only and does not account for localized 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 2023 shows median income in Wantirna South SA2 is $53,026 and average income is $67,699. These figures contrast with Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $57,401 (median) and $73,284 (average). Census 2021 income data indicates household income ranks at the 54th percentile ($1,821 weekly), with personal income at the 32nd percentile. Income brackets show that 30.7% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually (5,699 individuals). After housing costs, 85.4% of income remains for other expenses. Wantirna South SA2'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

The latest Census data revealed that in Wantirna South, 77.3% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 22.7% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. In comparison, Melbourne metropolitan area had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wantirna South stood at 42.5%, with mortgaged properties making up 35.4% and rented dwellings accounting for 22.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,100, exceeding Melbourne's average of $2,000. Weekly rent in Wantirna South was recorded at $426, compared to Melbourne's $390. Nationally, Wantirna South's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were 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 comprise the remaining 23.6%, with lone person households at 21.5% and group households making up 2.1%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than Greater Melbourne's 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. University qualification rates exceed the Australian average of 30.4%, with 37.5% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications. This rate surpasses that of the SA3 area at 30.7%.

Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 24.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (10.0%) and graduate diplomas (3.1%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 26.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (11.2%) and certificates (15.3%). Educational participation is high, with 26.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 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

Transport analysis indicates 128 active public transport stops in Wantirna South, offering a variety of bus services. These stops are served by 29 individual routes, collectively facilitating 6,992 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 180 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to the area's residential nature. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 90%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling, higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a significant 32.1% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 998 trips per day across all routes, 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 superior 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 stands at approximately 53% of the total population (~9,765 people), slightly higher than the average SA2 area but lower than Greater Melbourne's 56.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 7.7% of residents) and asthma (7.0%), while 69.7% report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes for the under-65 population are better than average. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 26.2% (4,864 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, broadly in line 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. The predominant religion in Wantirna South is Christianity, accounting for 49.1% of the population. Notably, Buddhism is more prevalent in Wantirna South at 5.9%, compared to the regional average of 4.2%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Chinese (21.7%), English (19.0%), and Australian (16.4%). Sri Lankan, Korean, and Indian ethnicities show notable overrepresentation in Wantirna South at 1.5%, 0.8%, and 4.7% respectively, compared to regional averages of 0.8%, 0.3%, and 4.2%.

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

Wantirna South has a median age of 44, which is higher than Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and significantly exceeds the national norm of 38. The 65-74 age group constitutes 13.4% of Wantirna South's population compared to Greater Melbourne's figure, while the 25-34 cohort makes up 9.4%. According to the 2021 Census, the 75-84 age group has increased from 7.0% to 8.8%, and the 15-24 cohort has risen from 12.4% to 14.0%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort has decreased from 11.2% to 9.4%, and the 55-64 group has fallen from 13.9% to 12.1%. Demographic modeling indicates that Wantirna South's age profile will undergo significant changes by 2041, with the 75-84 group projected to grow by 42%, reaching 2,322 people from 1,633. The aging population trend is evident, as those aged 65 and above are expected to comprise 71% of the total population growth. Meanwhile, the 0-4 and 5-14 age groups are anticipated to experience population declines.