Wantirna South
Statistical Area - sa2

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 per AreaSearch's analysis, stands at approximately 18,453 by November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 511 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 17,942. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 18,389 in June 2024 and an additional 206 validated new addresses post-census. This results in a population density of 1,381 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Wantirna South's growth rate of 2.8% since the census is within 1.2 percentage points of the SA4 region's 4.0%, indicating strong growth fundamentals. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth in recent periods.

AreaSearch employs 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 uses 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 the years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Wantirna South is projected to increase its population by approximately 1,440 individuals, representing a total gain of 7.5% 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. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 410 homes were approved, with a further 33 approved so far in FY-26. The population decline in recent years suggests that new supply has likely kept pace with demand, providing good options for buyers.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $424,000, which is moderately above regional levels, indicating a focus on quality construction. This financial year has seen $48.7 million in commercial approvals registered, suggesting strong local business investment. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Wantirna South has similar development levels per capita, maintaining market balance with surrounding areas. The new building activity shows 38.0% detached houses and 62.0% medium and high-density housing, offering affordable entry pathways and attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This shift from the area's existing housing composition (currently 77.0% houses) indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles and demand for diverse, affordable housing options.

With around 337 people per dwelling approval, Wantirna South exhibits characteristics of a low-density area. Population forecasts indicate that Wantirna South will gain approximately 1,375 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections and offering good conditions for buyers.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 34 projects likely to impact the region. Notable ones include Arc Chappell Townhomes, Waverley One Estate, Mirvac Wantirna South (Boral Quarry Development), and Heart of Knox Project. 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.

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

Wantirna South has a highly educated workforce with professional services being prominent. Its unemployment rate is 3.3%, lower than the national average, and it experienced an employment growth of 0.6% in the past year.

As of June 2025, 9,531 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.3%, below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation is lower at 60.1% compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Key employment industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. The area specializes in wholesale trade with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level, but has lower representation in transport, postal & warehousing at 3.3% compared to the regional average of 5.2%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 0.6%, labour force grew by 0.7%, leading to a slight rise in unemployment (0.1 percentage points). In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw higher growth rates: employment rose by 3.5%, labour force by 4.0%, and unemployment increased by 0.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Wantirna South's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.6%% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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 2022 shows median income in Wantirna South is $50,029, with average income at $64,255. This compares to Greater Melbourne's median income of $54,892 and average income of $73,761. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 are approximately $56,113 (median) and $72,068 (average). According to Census 2021 income data, household income ranks at the 54th percentile ($1,821 weekly), with personal income at the 33rd percentile. Income brackets indicate that 30.7% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999, aligning with Melbourne's metropolitan region where this group also represents 32.8%. After housing expenses, 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 per the latest Census, consisted of 77.3% houses and 22.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 83.4% houses and 16.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wantirna South stood at 42.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.4% and rented ones at 22.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,100, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure in Wantirna South was $426, compared to Melbourne metro's $400. 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 fairly typical median household size

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

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% for residents aged 15+, surpassing the Australian average of 30.4% and the SA3 area rate of 30.7%. Bachelor degrees are prevalent at 24.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (10.0%) and graduate diplomas (3.1%). Vocational credentials are also significant, with 26.5% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas (11.2%) and certificates (15.3%).

Educational participation is high, with 26.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 8.1% in primary, 7.3% in secondary, and 6.1% pursuing tertiary education. Seven schools operate within Wantirna South, educating approximately 4,818 students. The area has significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement (ICSEA: 1107). It consists of four primary and three K-12 schools. Wantirna South functions as an education hub with 26.1 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 12.0, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Transport analysis indicates 128 active transport stops in Wantirna South, serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are covered by 32 individual routes, facilitating 7,987 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents on average 180 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 1,141 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 62 weekly trips per stop.

Wantirna South's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Wantirna South's health metrics closely align with national benchmarks, showing standard levels of common health conditions across both young and old age groups.

Approximately 52% (~9,577 people) have private health cover, slightly higher than the average SA2 area. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (7.7%) and asthma (7.0%). About 69.7% of residents report no medical ailments, similar to Greater Melbourne's 69.4%. Around 25.4% (4,677 people) are aged 65 and over, higher than Greater Melbourne's 19.5%. Health outcomes among seniors in Wantirna South exceed the average, outperforming even the general population in health metrics.

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. Buddhism is overrepresented in Wantirna South compared to Greater Melbourne, making up 5.9% versus 4.6%.

The top three ancestry groups are Chinese at 21.7%, English at 19.0%, and Australian at 16.4%. Notably, Sri Lankan (1.5%), Korean (0.8%), and Indian (4.7%) ethnicities are also overrepresented compared to regional averages of 1.4%, 0.5%, and 3.3% respectively.

Wantirna South hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Wantirna South's median age is 44, surpassing Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and the national norm of 38. The 65-74 age group comprises 13.2%, higher than Greater Melbourne, while the 25-34 cohort stands at 9.8%. Post the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group grew from 7.0% to 8.3%, and the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 12.4% to 13.7%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort declined from 13.9% to 12.2%, and the 25 to 34 group decreased from 11.2% to 9.8%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Wantirna South's age profile. The 75 to 84 group is expected to grow by 51%, reaching 2,322 from 1,537. Those aged 65 and above are projected to comprise 75% of the population growth. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.