Wantirna South (Vic.)

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Following assessment of ABS population statistics for the surrounding region and address validations completed by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Wantirna South is estimated to have a population of 21,784 in May 2026. This indicates a growth of 1,030 individuals (5.0%) compared to the 20,754 residents recorded in the 2021 Census. This adjustment is based on a resident population estimate of 21,773 by Districts using the ABS June 2025 ERP release, combined with an additional 349 verified new addresses since the Census. This population level translates to a density of 1,540 individuals per square kilometer, which exceeds the typical density found in locations nationwide analysed by Districts. The 5.0% expansion since the 2021 census surpassed both the SA3 (3.1%) and SA4 regional averages, positioning the area as a regional growth leader. This population gain was almost exclusively driven by arrivals from overseas.

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The suburb of Wantirna South has a highly qualified workforce with a major presence of professional services, an unemployment rate of just 3.9%, and a 2.1% increase in local jobs over the past year, according to Districts' analysis of local statistical data. By March 2026, working residents numbered 11,743, with the local unemployment rate sitting 0.9% lower than the Greater Melbourne average of 4.8%, while participation in the workforce was slightly lower than typical at 65.5% compared to 70.2% regionally. According to Census data, a notable 33.2% of the workforce operated from home, though this figure was likely influenced by pandemic containment measures.

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According to the latest ATO postcode statistics analyzed by Districts for the financial year 2023, resident incomes in the suburb of Wantirna South are slightly below the national average, recording a median of $51,536 and an average of $65,609. This is lower than the Greater Melbourne figures, which show a median of $57,688 and an average of $75,164. Adjusting these figures for a 9.62% increase in the Wage Price Index since the financial year 2023 brings estimated figures to approximately $56,494 for the median and $71,921 for the average as of March 2026. The 2021 Census reported household income at the 60th percentile, equivalent to $1,915 weekly, while individual income sat at the 38th percentile. In terms of income distribution, the $1,500 to $2,999 weekly bracket accounts for of the local population, totaling residents, which is close to the metropolitan average of for this group. High housing costs account for of income, though solid earnings keep household disposable income at the st percentile, placing the area in the th decile of the SEIFA index.

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According to the latest Census, the local housing mix consisted of 77.7% separate houses and 22.3% alternative housing types, such as townhouses, apartments, or other structures, compared to 67.9% separate houses and 32.1% alternative styles across metropolitan Melbourne. The rate of home ownership was also considerably higher than the Melbourne average at 39.1%, with the remaining properties being mortgaged (38.2%) or occupied by tenants (22.7%). The median monthly cost for mortgaged properties was higher than the Melbourne average at $2,167, and the median weekly rent was $441, compared to regional averages of $2,000 and $390 respectively. Nationally, mortgage costs in the suburb of Wantirna South are much higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and typical weekly rent is also well above the national median of $375.

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Families make up the majority of local households at 77.8%, which includes couples with children at 41.3%, couples without children at 25.2%, and single-parent households at 10.3%. Non-family households represent the remaining 22.2%, with single-person households making up 20.0% and group households accounting for 2.1%. The average household occupancy is 2.7 people, which is slightly larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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The local educational profile is distinct within the region, with university graduation rates among residents aged 15 and over at 39.4%, which is higher than the national average of 30.4% and the SA3 average of 30.7%, indicating a strong local emphasis on tertiary studies. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 25.6%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 10.8% and graduate diplomas at 3.0%. Professional and technical training is also well represented, with 25.9% of residents aged 15 and over holding vocational qualifications, split between advanced diplomas at 11.2% and certificates at 14.7%.

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Public transit infrastructure in the suburb of Wantirna South consists of 132 active transport stops, which are serviced by bus routes. There are 29 distinct routes operating in the area, offering a total of 6,992 passenger trips per week. Transit access is high, with residents living an average of 185 meters from the nearest stop. The suburb is primarily residential, resulting in a high rate of outward commuting, with cars being the primary mode of travel for 90% of commuters. Households average 1.6 vehicles, which is higher than the regional average. A high 33.2% of residents worked from home according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by pandemic conditions.

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An analysis of regional health indicators shows favorable outcomes in the suburb of Wantirna South, based on Districts' evaluation of mortality data and the prevalence of chronic illnesses. The occurrence of standard medical issues is low among the general population and aligns with national averages for senior, higher-risk groups, while private health insurance coverage is slightly higher than the average SA2 area at approximately 53% of the total population, representing about 11,497 residents, compared to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne.

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The suburb of Wantirna South displays a high degree of multicultural diversity, with 45.1% of the population using a language other than English at home, and 47.2% of residents born outside Australia. Christianity is the most common religious affiliation, representing 48.0% of the population. A notable local trend is the concentration of Buddhism, which accounts for 6.6% of residents, compared to 4.2% across Greater Melbourne.

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The median age of 42 years in the suburb of Wantirna South is higher than the Greater Melbourne median of 37 and the national average of 38. The 65 to 74 age bracket is highly represented at 12.1% compared to Greater Melbourne, while the 25 to 34 age cohort is less common at 11.2%. Post-2021 Census data indicates the 15 to 24 age bracket grew from 12.2% to 14.1% of the population, and the 75 to 84 cohort expanded from 6.4% to 7.7%, whereas the 55 to 64 group declined from 13.1% to 11.5%. Long-term projections for 2041 suggest major demographic adjustments in the suburb of Wantirna South. The to group is projected to grow by (an increase of residents), moving from to . Combined cohorts aged and over will account for of all population growth, showing a clear trend toward an older community. Conversely, the to and to age cohorts are expected to contract.

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Wantirna South currently has an estimated 827 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 474 children aged 0-2 and 315 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 13% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 6% by 2041 (to approximately 776 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 1,838. Birth rates in the area have averaged 6.6 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a low rate (among the bottom 20% of areas assessed nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.