Kealba

Kealba is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

As of Nov 2025, Kealba's estimated population is around 3,147, a decrease of 79 people from the 2021 Census figure of 3,226. This decrease, inferred from AreaSearch's analysis of ERP data released by ABS in June 2024 and two validated new addresses since the Census date, results in a population density ratio of 1,356 persons per square kilometer, higher than the national average assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 77% to recent population gains in the area. AreaSearch's projections for Kealba (SA2), following ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, anticipate lower quartile growth trends. By 2041, the area is expected to expand by 1 person based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 1.5% over the 17 years.

For areas not covered by ABS data, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made via 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.

Residential dwelling approval activity has been practically non-existent in Kealba

Kealba has seen only one residential development approval in the past five years. This suggests that the area is largely built out with minimal vacant land for development. Such established areas often see steady demand for existing properties as buyers have few new-build alternatives.

Relative to Greater Melbourne, Kealba records markedly lower building activity. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. This is likewise lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints.

Kealba has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight projects likely affecting the area. Notable ones are Essendon Keilor College - East Keilor Campus, Rosemont Townhomes, M80 Ring Road Upgrade - Sunshine Avenue to Calder Freeway (Keilor East), and Keilor Downs Urban Design Framework. 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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Kealba shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Kealba has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate was 6.1% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 4.9%.

As of September 2025, there are 1,692 residents employed, while the unemployment rate is 1.4% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation lags behind Greater Melbourne at 57.9% compared to its 64.1%. Key industries employing Kealba residents include construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. The area has a strong specialization in transport, postal & warehousing, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services are under-represented at 5.9% compared to Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by the discrepancy between Census working population and resident population. In the past year, ending September 2025, employment increased by 4.9%, while labour force grew by 5.8%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 0.8 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne's employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 3.3%, resulting in a 0.3 percentage point increase in unemployment rate. State-level data from 25-Nov shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Kealba's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.5% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released on June 30th 2023, the suburb of Kealba had a median income among taxpayers of $54,458 with the average level standing at $65,578. This is just below the national average of $67,190 and compares to levels of $57,688 and $75,164 across Greater Melbourne respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $58,951 (median) and $70,988 (average) as of September 2025. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics Census data released on June 28th 2021, household income ranks at the 37th percentile ($1,542 weekly), while personal income sits at the 20th percentile. Distribution data shows that 32.3% of Kealba's population (1,016 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, mirroring regional levels where 32.8% occupy this bracket. After housing costs, 85.9% of income remains for other expenses.

Kealba is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Kealba's dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 92.9% houses and 7.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 81.3% houses and 18.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kealba stood at 41.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 39.9% and rented ones at 18.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,625, lower than Melbourne metro's $1,700. Median weekly rent in Kealba was $370, compared to Melbourne metro's $346. Nationally, Kealba's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Kealba has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 76.7% of all households, including 34.6% couples with children, 23.7% couples without children, and 17.6% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 23.3%, with lone person households at 20.7% and group households comprising 1.9%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.9.

Educational attainment in Kealba aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 23.0%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 17.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 31.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.0%) and certificates (20.6%). Educational participation is high at 29.1%, comprising primary education (9.4%), secondary education (8.0%), and tertiary education (5.1%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.4% in primary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 5.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Kealba has 21 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by four different routes that together facilitate 589 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from residents' homes to the nearest transport stop is 148 meters, indicating excellent accessibility.

On average, there are 84 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 28 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Kealba is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Kealba faces significant health challenges, with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover in Kealba is approximately 53% of the total population (~1660 people), which compares to 48.5% across Greater Melbourne.

The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and arthritis, impacting 8.6% and 8.1% of residents respectively. 68.4% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 73.5% across Greater Melbourne. Kealba has 20.2% of residents aged 65 and over (635 people), which is higher than the 17.9% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Kealba is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Kealba has a high level of cultural diversity, with 38.8% of its population born overseas and 46.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Kealba, making up 58.9% of people, while Buddhism comprises 9.1%, which is higher than the Greater Melbourne average of 12.5%. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (15.4%), Other (13.3%), and English (12.7%).

Notably, Croatian ethnicity is overrepresented at 2.9% compared to the regional average of 2.2%, Vietnamese at 11.1% versus 15.7%, and Maltese at 4.2% versus 4.6%.

Kealba's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Kealba is 39 years, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and close to the national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, the 65-74 age group is notably over-represented in Kealba at 12.7%, while the 15-24 age group is under-represented at 10.7%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 4.1% to 5.9% of Kealba's population, while the 15 to 24 cohort has declined from 11.4% to 10.7%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Kealba, with the 75 to 84 age group expected to grow by 57%, reaching 292 people from 185. The demographic shift continues as residents aged 65 and older represent 82% of anticipated growth. Conversely, the 15-24 and 0-4 age groups are expected to experience population declines.