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

The population of Kealba, as estimated by AreaSearch based on ABS ERP data released in June 2024 and validated new addresses since the Census date, is around 3,165 as of November 2025. This figure reflects a decrease from the 2021 Census population of 3,226 people, indicating a drop of 61 individuals (1.9%). The estimated resident population density for Kealba stands at 1,364 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 77.0% of overall population gains in recent periods for the suburb. AreaSearch is using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 adjusted to SA2 levels for areas not covered by ABS data.

These projections indicate a decline in Kealba's overall population by 1 person by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are expected to grow, notably the 75-84 age group which is projected to expand by 119 people during this period.

The level of residential development activity in Kealba is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Kealba has seen minimal dwelling approvals in recent years. According to AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, only an estimated 2 homes have been approved over the past five financial years, ending on June 30th, 2021. As of April 26th, 2026, no dwelling approvals have been recorded in Kealba.

Despite population decline during this period, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand due to limited new construction activity. This balance provides good buyer choice with average dwelling values at $338,000, lower than regional norms, indicating more affordable housing options for purchasers compared to Greater Melbourne. Kealba's reduced construction levels reflect market maturity and possible development constraints, though recent intensification suggests potential shifts in urban planning or growth strategies.

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

Eight projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area's performance. Key projects include Essendon Keilor College - East Keilor Campus, Rosemont Townhomes, M80 Ring Road Upgrade from Sunshine Avenue to Calder Freeway in Keilor East, and Keilor Downs Urban Design Framework. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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

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

Kealba has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate was 5.7% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 5.5%.

As of June 2025, 1,732 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 6.3% (1.1% above Greater Melbourne's rate). Workforce participation stood at 57.9%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Key industries for employment among Kealba residents are construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. The area shows strong specialization in transport, postal & warehousing (1.5 times the regional level), but professional & technical services are under-represented at 5.9% compared to Greater Melbourne's 10.1%.

Employment opportunities appear limited locally based on Census data comparisons. In the 12 months ending Sep-22, employment increased by 5.5%, labour force grew by 6.1%, and unemployment rose by 0.6 percentage points in Kealba. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment growth of 3.5% and labour force growth of 4.0%, with a 0.5 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment to expand by 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, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022, Kealba had a median income among taxpayers of $54,458 with the average level standing at $65,578. This is in line with national averages and compares to levels of $54,892 and $73,761 across Greater Melbourne respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $61,080 (median) and $73,552 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, 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 the population (1,022 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, mirroring regional levels where 32.8% occupy this bracket. After housing, 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), 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, below Melbourne metro's average of $1,700. Median weekly rent in Kealba was $370, compared to Melbourne metro's $346. Nationally, Kealba's mortgage repayments were 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 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% of the total. 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 the most common at 17.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational credentials are prominent, 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 9.4% in primary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 5.1% in tertiary education.

St Paul's Kealba Catholic School serves the area with an enrollment of 283 students. The school focuses on primary education, with ICSEA score of 1018, indicating typical Australian school conditions. Secondary options are available in nearby areas. There are 8.9 school places per 100 residents, below the regional average of 14.2.

Transport servicing is good 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 three different routes that together facilitate 937 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as excellent, with residents typically located just 147 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 133 trips per day across all routes, which translates to approximately 44 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 being somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover in Kealba is approximately 53% of the total population (~1,670 people), leading that of the average SA2 area, while Greater Melbourne has a rate of 48.1%.

The most common medical conditions are asthma and arthritis, impacting 8.6% and 8.1% of residents respectively. A total of 68.4% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 73.5% across Greater Melbourne. Kealba has 20.3% of residents aged 65 and over (642 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's cultural diversity is notable, 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, accounting for 58.9% of the population. Buddhism, however, is more prevalent in Kealba compared to Greater Melbourne, with 9.1% versus 12.5%.

The top three ancestral groups based on parents' country of birth are Australian (15.4%), Other (13.3%), and English (12.7%). Notably, Croatian (2.9%) and Maltese (4.2%) ethnicities are slightly overrepresented in Kealba compared to the regional averages of 2.2% and 4.6%, respectively. Conversely, Vietnamese ethnicity is underrepresented at 11.1% compared to the regional average of 15.7%.

Kealba's population is slightly older than the national pattern

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, Kealba has a notably higher proportion of individuals aged 65-74 (12.8% locally) and a lower proportion of those aged 15-24 (10.7%). Post-2021 Census data shows the 75 to 84 age group grew from 4.1% to 5.9%, while the 15 to 24 cohort declined from 11.4% to 10.7%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Kealba, with the 75 to 84 group expected to grow by 56% (104 people), reaching 291 from 186. This growth is led by residents aged 65 and older, who will represent 84% of anticipated population growth. Conversely, the 15 to 24 and 0 to 4 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.