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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Kealba's population is estimated at around 3,147 as of Feb 2026. This reflects a decrease of 79 people (2.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,226 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,147, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional two validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,356 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 77.0% 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. Moving forward with demographic trends, lower quartile growth of national statistical areas is anticipated, with the suburb expected to expand by 12 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 0.4% in total over the 17 years.

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 new developments. Established areas like Kealba often experience steady demand for existing properties due to the lack of new-build alternatives.

Compared to Greater Melbourne, Kealba records markedly lower building activity. The limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties in the area. This is also lower than national averages, reflecting market maturity and indicating possible development constraints.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight projects that may affect this region. Notable projects include Essendon Keilor College - East Keilor Campus, Rosemont Townhomes, M80 Ring Road Upgrade from 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.

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.

Kealba shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Kealba has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate in Kealba was 6.3% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 3.5%. As of December 2025, there are 1,677 residents employed, and the unemployment rate is 1.5% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

Workforce participation in Kealba is lower at 68.0%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%. According to Census responses, 23.6% of residents work from home. Key industries include construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Kealba shows 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%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Over a 12-month period ending in May-25, employment increased by 3.5% while labour force grew by 4.6%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 1.1 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 2.4% and labour force growth of 2.8%, with an unemployment rate increase of 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project a 6.6% expansion 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, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

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 for financial year 2023, Kealba had a median income among taxpayers of $54,458 and an average income of $65,578. These figures are just below the national averages of $57,688 and $75,164 respectively for Greater Melbourne. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates suggest a median income of approximately $58,951 and an average income of $70,988 as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, Kealba's household income ranks at the 37th percentile with a weekly income of $1,542, while personal income sits at the 20th percentile. Distribution data indicates that 32.3% of Kealba's population (1,016 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, similar to regional levels where 32.8% occupy this bracket. After housing expenses, 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 dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 92.9% houses and 7.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Melbourne metro's figures of 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kealba was at 41.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 39.9% and rented ones at 18.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,625, lower than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure in Kealba was $370, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Kealba's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Kealba has a typical household mix, with a higher-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 make up the remaining 23.3%, consisting of 20.7% lone person households and 1.9% group households. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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

The area has lower university qualification rates at 23.0%, significantly below Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 17.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 31.6% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (11.0%) and certificates (20.6%).

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

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

Public transport analysis shows 21 active transport stops operating within Kealba, consisting of buses. These stops are served by 4 individual routes, collectively providing 589 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 148 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode at 91%, with 5% using train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling, above regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, some 23.6% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 84 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 28 weekly trips per individual stop.

Kealba's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Kealba's health metrics are close to national benchmarks, as assessed by AreaSearch using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The level of common health conditions among Kealba residents is somewhat typical of the general population but higher than the national average for older cohorts.

Private health cover stands at approximately 53% of the total population (about 1,660 people), slightly above the average SA2 area's rate and lower than Greater Melbourne's 56.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and arthritis, affecting 8.6% and 8.1% of residents respectively. 68.4% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among the working-age population in Kealba are broadly typical. The area has 21.4% of residents aged 65 and over (673 people), higher than Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, ranking lower nationally compared to the broader population.

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 high cultural diversity, with 38.8% of its population born overseas and 46.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the main religion in Kealba, comprising 58.9%. Buddhism is overrepresented, making up 9.1%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 4.2%.

The top three ancestry groups are Australian (15.4%), Other (13.3%), and English (12.7%), lower than the regional average of 20.1%. Notably, Croatian (2.9% vs 0.7%) and Vietnamese (11.1% vs 1.9%) are overrepresented, while Maltese is also notably present at 4.2% (vs 1.1%).

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

The median age in Kealba is 39 years, which is higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and close to the national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Kealba has a notably higher percentage of residents aged 65-74 (13.0% locally versus an average) and a lower percentage of residents aged 35-44 (12.8%). According to post-2021 Census data, the population of Kealba aged 75 to 84 has grown from 4.1% to 6.7%, while the 65 to 74 cohort increased from 11.9% to 13.0%. Conversely, the percentage of residents aged 55 to 64 has declined from 12.3% to 11.4%. Population forecasts for Kealba indicate significant demographic changes by 2041. The 75 to 84 age group is expected to grow by 40%, reaching 295 people from the current 210. Residents aged 65 and older will represent 78% of the population growth, while the 65 to 74 and 15 to 24 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.