Wantirna (Vic.)

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Based on evaluation of ABS demographic releases for the wider region, alongside recent address validations performed by Districts following the Census, the suburb of Wantirna has an estimated population of approximately 14,446 in May 2026. This represents a growth of 209 residents (1.5%) relative to the 2021 Census, when the headcount stood at 14,237 individuals. The shift is calculated from a resident base of 14,310, computed by Districts using the most recent ABS ERP figures from June 2025, combined with an extra 328 validated new addresses since the Census. Such population levels result in a density of 1,763 persons per square kilometer, outstripping the typical density of national spots reviewed by Districts. The suburb of Wantirna recorded a 1.5% post-census growth rate, trailing the SA3 region (3.1%) by 1.6 percentage points, indicating solid underlying expansion metrics. Incoming overseas arrivals served as the primary engine for local population growth, acting as virtual sole contributors to demographic gains in recent times.

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Wantirna features a highly educated labor pool with significant representation in professional fields, an unemployment rate of 4.1%, and an estimated job growth rate of 1.1% over the prior year, according to Districts calculations of regional data. By March 2026, employed residents numbered 7,286, while the jobless rate was 0.7 percentage points below the Greater Melbourne average of 4.8%, and workforce participation was much lower, sitting at 63.9% versus 70.2% for Greater Melbourne. Census records show that a substantial 31.3% of workers operated from home, though this figure may have been affected by COVID-19 restriction measures.

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Postcode-level ATO data compiled by Districts for financial year 2023 shows the suburb of Wantirna has a median taxpayer income of $50,102 and an average of $64,185. These figures are below the national benchmarks, and contrast with a median of $57,688 and an average of $75,164 across Greater Melbourne. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, updated projections estimate these figures at approximately $54,922 for the median and $70,360 for the average in March 2026. According to the 2021 Census, household income sits at the 58th percentile with a weekly figure of $1,886, whereas individual income is positioned at the 41st percentile. Analysis of income segments shows 33.2% of residents, representing 4,796 people, earn between and mirroring the broader metropolitan region where of individuals are in this bracket. Residents retain of their income for non-housing costs, and the local SEIFA index for income places the area in the th decile.

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According to the most recent Census, the local housing stock consisted of 90.2% detached houses and 9.8% alternative dwellings, which includes semi-detached buildings, apartments, and other residential types, compared to 67.9% houses and 32.1% alternative dwellings across metro Melbourne. The rate of home ownership in Wantirna was notably higher than the metropolitan average, standing at 40.5%, while the remaining occupied dwellings were either subject to a mortgage (39.0%) or rented (20.4%). The median monthly home loan payment was higher than the Melbourne metro average at $2,167, and the median weekly rent was recorded at $428, compared to metropolitan figures of $2,000 and $390 respectively. On a national level, mortgage costs are much higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while local rental costs are also well above the national median of $375.

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Families make up the vast majority of households at 81.1%, consisting of 41.5% couples with children, 27.9% couples without children, and 10.7% single parent households. The remaining 18.9% are non-family households, which are comprised of lone persons at 17.1% and group houses at 2.0%. The median household size of 2.8 people exceeds the metropolitan Melbourne average of 2.6.

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The educational profile of this community is a standout within the region, with university graduation rates representing 35.5% of residents aged 15 and over, exceeding both the national benchmark of 30.4% and the SA3 average of 30.7%, indicating a strong local focus on higher education. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 23.3%, with postgraduate degrees at 9.0% and graduate diplomas at 3.2%. Technical qualifications and trade skills also have a strong presence, as 29.4% of residents aged 15 and over hold vocational qualifications, divided between advanced diplomas at 12.3% and certificates at 17.1%.

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Analysis of the local network identifies 45 active transit stops in Wantirna, which consist of bus connections. These stops are served by 21 distinct routes, which generate a combined 4,564 passenger journeys every week. Accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically living 253 meters from the nearest transit stop. Given the suburb's residential nature, the majority of workers travel outside the area, and cars remain the main mode of travel for 90% of commuters. Households own an average of 1.6 vehicles, which is above the metropolitan average. A high 31.3% of workers worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-era arrangements.

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Health indicators demonstrate positive results across Wantirna based on Districts evaluations of mortality statistics and chronic disease trends, with low rates of common health conditions observed in both younger and older cohorts, and private health coverage slightly outperforming the typical SA2 average at roughly 52% of the population, which equates to about 7,545 people. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded a private health coverage rate of 56.7%.

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Wantirna ranks highly in cultural diversity, with 41.0% of the local population born in other nations and 40.8% communicating in a non-English language at home. Christianity is the most common religious affiliation, representing 43.8% of local residents. The most notable statistical variance is seen in Buddhism, which accounts for 6.3% of the community, compared to 4.2% across Greater Melbourne.

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With a median age of 41 years, Wantirna is notably older than the Greater Melbourne average of 37 and the national median of 38. Compared to metropolitan Melbourne, the 65 - 74 age group is highly represented at 11.4% of the population, while 25 - 34 year-olds are underrepresented at 9.6%. Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 has risen from 5.8% to 8.2%, and the 15 to 24 cohort grew from 10.7% to 12.3%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 bracket shrank from 12.1% to 10.8%, and the 65 to group decreased from to . Future projections indicate the age structure will change significantly by . The to group is expected to grow the most, increasing by or residents to reach . This aging trend is highlighted by the fact that residents aged and older account for of the anticipated growth. In contrast, population declines are forecast for the to and to age groups.

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Wantirna currently has an estimated 635 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 371 children aged 0-2 and 247 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 17% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 11% by 2041 (to approximately 566 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 1,508. Birth rates in the area have averaged 7.6 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.