Kangaroo Flat (Vic.)

Population growth drivers in Kangaroo Flat are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Kangaroo Flat (Vic.) is around 12,074. This figure reflects an increase of 746 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,328. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 11,397 following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 38 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 665 persons per square kilometer. Kangaroo Flat's growth rate of 6.6% since the census is within 1.4 percentage points of the SA4 region's growth rate of 8.0%. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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 utilises 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 are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the suburb is expected to expand by 2,810 persons based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 17.7% in total over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Kangaroo Flat recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Kangaroo Flat has experienced around 72 dwellings receiving development approval each year. Over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 362 homes have been approved, with an additional 13 approved so far in FY-26. On average, 1.1 new residents arrive per new home annually over these five years, indicating a balanced supply and demand market that supports stable conditions.

The average construction cost of new dwellings is $382,000, which is somewhat higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development. In FY-26, $9.1 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to Rest of Vic., Kangaroo Flat shows 10.0% lower construction activity per person while it places among the 48th percentile of areas assessed nationally, suggesting limited buyer options but strengthening demand for established properties. Recent construction comprises 61.0% detached houses and 39.0% medium and high-density housing, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments providing options across different price points.

This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition, which is currently 90.0% houses, indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and demand for more diverse, affordable housing options. The estimated count of 349 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Looking ahead, Kangaroo Flat is expected to grow by 2,133 residents through to 2041, according to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. Present construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

Kangaroo Flat has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 16 projects that could impact this area. Notable ones include Kangaroo Flat Lifestyle Estate Expansion, Kangaroo Flat Skate Park, Kangaroo Rise Estate, and Kangaroo Flat Mine Site Rehabilitation. The following list details those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment performance in Kangaroo Flat has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Kangaroo Flat has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue-collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well-represented. The unemployment rate was 5.0% in December 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 1.6% over the past year.

There were 5,024 residents employed as of December 2025, with an unemployment rate of 1.3% above Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation was lower at 55.3%, compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.5%. Only 11.9% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Dominant employment sectors were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing.

Manufacturing had a notable concentration, with employment levels at 1.7 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing showed lower representation at 1.7% versus the regional average of 7.5%. Employment opportunities locally might be limited, as indicated by the count of working population vs resident population. Over the year to December 2025, employment increased by 1.6%, while labour force increased by 1.9%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.3 percentage points. This contrasted with Regional Vic., where employment fell by 0.6%, labour force contracted by 0.7%, and unemployment fell by 0.1 percentage points. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Kangaroo Flat's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

The suburb of Kangaroo Flat had a median taxpayer income of $45,202 and an average income of $52,547 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This was lower than the national average, with Regional Vic.'s median income being $50,954 and average income $62,728. By September 2025, based on an 8.25% increase from the financial year 2023 Wage Price Index growth, estimated incomes would be approximately $48,931 (median) and $56,882 (average). Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Kangaroo Flat all fall between the 9th and 17th percentiles nationally. Income distribution data indicates that 28.9% of Kangaroo Flat residents earn between $800 and $1,499 (3,489 individuals), differing from regional levels where earnings predominantly fall within the $1,500 to $2,999 category at 30.3%. Housing affordability is severely strained in Kangaroo Flat, with only 84.6% of income remaining, ranking at the 11th percentile nationally.

Kangaroo Flat is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Kangaroo Flat, as per the latest Census, 89.7% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 10.3% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This is similar to Regional Vic., where 90.1% of dwellings are houses and 9.9% are other types. Home ownership in Kangaroo Flat was 39.9%, comparable to Regional Vic.'s rate. Mortgaged dwellings accounted for 31.3% and rented dwellings made up 28.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, lower than Regional Vic.'s average of $1,430. The median weekly rent figure in Kangaroo Flat was $285, matching Regional Vic.'s figure but significantly lower than the national average of $375 for mortgage repayments and $340 for rents.

Kangaroo Flat features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 62.2% of all households, consisting of 21.1% couples with children, 26.5% couples without children, and 13.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 37.8%, with lone person households at 34.7% and group households comprising 3.1%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Regional Vic average of 2.4.

Educational outcomes in Kangaroo Flat fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 16.2%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 2.8% and graduate diplomas at 2.5%. Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.1%) and certificates (29.1%). Educational participation is high, with 26.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 9.5% in primary, 7.4% in secondary, and 2.8% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.5% in primary education, 7.4% in secondary education, and 2.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis shows 69 active public transport stops in Kangaroo Flat. These include train services. There are 11 routes serving these stops, collectively providing 1,629 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 253 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most commutes are outward-bound. The car remains the dominant mode of transport at 94%.

Average vehicle ownership is 1.2 per dwelling, below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, only 11.9% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 232 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 23 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Kangaroo Flat is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Kangaroo Flat faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Various health conditions affect both younger and older age groups. The rate of private health cover is low at approximately 48% (around 5,758 people), compared to Regional Vic.'s 50.5% and the national average of 55.7%.

Common medical conditions include arthritis (12.4%) and mental health issues (11.4%), while 55.4% report no medical ailments, compared to Regional Vic.'s 63.4%. Working-age residents face notable health challenges with higher chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 25.3% (3,054 people), compared to Regional Vic.'s 23.9%. Health outcomes among seniors are broadly in line with national rankings.

Kangaroo Flat ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Kangaroo Flat, as per the census on 27th June 2016, had a population with low cultural diversity. 88.6% were Australian citizens, 88.1% were born in Australia, and 91.4% spoke English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 47.4% of the population.

The category 'Other' religions was slightly overrepresented compared to Regional Vic., with 1.2% versus 0.8%. Regarding ancestry, the top three groups were English (33.8%), Australian (30.1%), and Irish (8.3%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences in representation: Scottish at 8.3% (versus 8.8% regionally), Macedonian at 0.1% (versus 0.2%), and Welsh at 0.5% (versus 0.4%).

Kangaroo Flat hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Kangaroo Flat's median age is 43, matching Regional Vic.'s figure and exceeding the national average of 38. The age profile indicates that those aged 25-34 make up a significant portion (14.5%), while those aged 55-64 are relatively smaller at 10.5% compared to Regional Vic.. Between the 2021 Census and now, the population of individuals aged 35-44 has increased from 11.2% to 13.1%, and the 25-34 cohort has risen from 13.2% to 14.5%. Conversely, the 55-64 age group has decreased from 11.8% to 10.5%. By 2041, demographic projections suggest significant shifts in Kangaroo Flat's age structure. Notably, the 25-34 age group is expected to grow by 43%, reaching 2,511 individuals from its current total of 1,750. Conversely, numbers in the 55-64 age range are projected to decrease by 69%.