Wattle Glen - Diamond Creek

Population growth drivers in Wattle Glen - Diamond Creek are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Wattle Glen - Diamond Creek's population is around 15,058 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 641 people (4.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 14,417 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 14,803 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 119 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 561 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Wattle Glen - Diamond Creek's 4.4% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (2.8%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 61.7% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a significant population increase in the top quartile of national statistical areas is forecast, with the area expected to increase by 3,041 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 18.5% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Wattle Glen - Diamond Creek recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Wattle Glen - Diamond Creek has experienced around 62 dwellings receiving development approval each year, totalling 312 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 17 approvals have been recorded. At an average of just 1 new resident per year arriving per new home over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), new construction is matching or outpacing demand, offering buyers more options and enabling population growth that could exceed current expectations, while new homes are being built at an average value of $409,000. There have also been $11.5 million in commercial approvals this financial year, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development.

Relative to Greater Melbourne, Wattle Glen - Diamond Creek shows 78.0% higher building activity (per person), which should provide buyers with ample choice, though building activity has slowed in recent years. New development consists of 82.0% detached dwellings and 18.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated count of 392 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Looking ahead, Wattle Glen - Diamond Creek is expected to grow by 2,786 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Present construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

Wattle Glen - Diamond Creek has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 18 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Diamond Creek Community Infrastructure Master Plan, Eltham Major Activity Centre, Nillumbik Waste Management Facility Upgrade, and Diamond Creek Outdoor Pool Upgrade, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

The exceptional employment performance in Wattle Glen - Diamond Creek places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

Wattle Glen - Diamond Creek has a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of just 2.0%, and 0.7% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 9,075 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 2.8% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (77.0% compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%). Based on Census responses, a high 31.2% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise construction, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area has a particular employment specialization in construction, with an employment share of 1.6 times the regional level. In contrast, professional & technical services employ just 7.4% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 0.7% and the labour force increased by 1.3%, resulting in unemployment rising by 0.6 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 2.4%, labour force growth of 2.8%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Wattle Glen - Diamond Creek. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Wattle Glen - Diamond Creek's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.6% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

The Wattle Glen - Diamond Creek SA2's income level is very high nationally according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Wattle Glen - Diamond Creek SA2's median income among taxpayers is $63,074 and the average income stands at $78,995, which compares to figures for Greater Melbourne's of $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $68,278 (median) and $85,512 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household incomes rank exceptionally at the 90th percentile ($2,496 weekly). Distribution data shows the largest segment comprises 33.3% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (5,014 residents), mirroring the broader area where 32.8% occupy this bracket. A significant 39.0% earn above $3,000 weekly, reflecting pockets of prosperity that drive robust local economic activity. After housing costs, residents retain 87.6% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Wattle Glen - Diamond Creek is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within Wattle Glen - Diamond Creek, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 95.0% houses and 5.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Wattle Glen - Diamond Creek was well beyond that of Melbourne metro, at 36.7%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (53.8%) or rented (9.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Melbourne metro average at $2,167, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $429, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390. Nationally, Wattle Glen - Diamond Creek's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Wattle Glen - Diamond Creek features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 84.7% of all households, comprising 47.4% couples with children, 25.8% couples without children, and 10.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 15.3%, with lone person households at 14.3% and group households comprising 0.9% of the total. The median household size of 2.9 people is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Wattle Glen - Diamond Creek shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Educational qualifications in Wattle Glen - Diamond Creek trail regional benchmarks, with 28.9% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 37.0% in Greater Melbourne. This gap highlights potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees lead at 19.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.5%) and graduate diplomas (4.1%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 36.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (12.5%) and certificates (24.2%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.5% in primary education, 8.9% in secondary education, and 5.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 50 active transport stops operating within Wattle Glen - Diamond Creek, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 11 individual routes, collectively providing 5,831 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 307 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 92%. Vehicle ownership averages 2.0 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. A high 31.2% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 833 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 116 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Wattle Glen - Diamond Creek is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Wattle Glen - Diamond Creek demonstrates above-average health outcomes, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts see a low prevalence of common health conditions, and the rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 58% of the total population (~8,793 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 8.0% and 7.8% of residents, respectively, while 71.0% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 16.6% of residents aged 65 and over (2,502 people), which is higher than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Wattle Glen - Diamond Creek ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Wattle Glen - Diamond Creek was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 85.1% of its population born in Australia, 94.0% being citizens, and 91.5% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Wattle Glen - Diamond Creek is Christianity, which makes up 45.7% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Judaism, which comprises 0.1% of the population, compared to 1.0% across Greater Melbourne.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Wattle Glen - Diamond Creek are English, comprising 28.7% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 20.1%, Australian, comprising 26.9% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 18.4%, and Irish, comprising 9.5% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Italian is notably overrepresented at 6.5% of Wattle Glen - Diamond Creek (vs 5.2% regionally), Macedonian at 0.9% (vs 0.7%) and Maltese at 1.2% (vs 1.1%).

Wattle Glen - Diamond Creek's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The 39-year median age in Wattle Glen - Diamond Creek is somewhat higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and similarly very close to the 38-year national average. Compared to the Greater Melbourne average, the 55 - 64 cohort is notably over-represented (13.9% locally), while 25 - 34 year-olds are under-represented (9.4%). Post-2021 Census data shows the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 3.8% to 5.6% of the population. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 11.3% to 9.4%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Wattle Glen - Diamond Creek. Leading the demographic shift, the 75 to 84 group will grow by 68% (574 people), reaching 1,416 from 841. On the other hand, the 0 to 4 group will contract by 22 residents.