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 May 2026, the population of the suburb of Kealba is estimated at around 3,125 people. This reflects a decrease from the 2021 Census figure of 3,226 people, indicating a drop of 101 individuals (3.1%). AreaSearch's analysis of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and validation of two new addresses since the Census date supports this estimate. The population density stands at approximately 1,347 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed largely to population growth, accounting for about 77% of overall gains in recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area, and VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 adjusted to SA2 levels for areas not covered by the former data. Applying growth rates by age group from these aggregations across all areas, the suburb of Kealba is projected to expand by 16 persons to reach a total population of 3,141 by 2041, reflecting an increase of approximately 0.5% over the 16-year period.

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. Established areas often see steady demand for existing properties due to limited new-build alternatives relative to Greater Melbourne.

Kealba records markedly lower building activity compared to Greater Melbourne, which generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. Nationally, this is also lower, reflecting market maturity and 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 that may affect this region. Notable ones include Essendon Keilor College - East Keilor Campus, Rosemont Townhomes, M80 Ring Road Upgrade from Sunshine Avenue to Calder Freeway (Keilor East), and the 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's workforce comprises skilled individuals from diverse sectors with an unemployment rate of 6.4% as of December 2025. This figure is 1.6% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%. Workforce participation in Kealba stands at 64.2%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 69.9%.

Over the past year, employment grew by an estimated 1.9%, while unemployment rose by 1.1 percentage points due to a higher labour force growth rate of 3.1%. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment and labour force growth rates of 2.4% and 2.8% respectively, with a smaller increase in unemployment of 0.3 percentage points. Key industries employing Kealba residents include construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. The area shows strong specialization in transport, postal & warehousing, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services are under-represented, with only 5.9% of Kealba's workforce compared to Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. Based on Census responses, 23.6% of residents work from home in Kealba. Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered when interpreting this figure. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 indicate that national employment is expected 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, 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 on June 30th, 2023, Kealba had a median income among taxpayers of $54,458 with an average level standing at $65,578. This is below the national average and compares to levels of $57,688 and $75,164 across Greater Melbourne respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $59,697 (median) and $71,887 (average) as of March 2026. 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 Kealba's population (1,009 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, mirroring 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, according to the latest Census, consisted of 92.9% houses and 7.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares with Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kealba stood at 41.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 39.9% and rented dwellings at 18.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,625, below Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent in Kealba was $370, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. 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 higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 23.3%, with lone person households at 20.7% and group households making up 1.9%. The median household size is 2.7 people, 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'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 prevalent, with 31.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.0%) and certificates (20.6%). Educational participation is high, with 29.1% currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 9.4% in primary, 8.0% in secondary, and 5.1% in tertiary education.

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 area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically living just 148 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards due to Kealba being primarily residential. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport, used by 91% of residents, while trains are used by 5%. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.6, higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 23.6% of Kealba's residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. On average, there are 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 but higher than the national average for older cohorts.

Private health cover stands at approximately 53% of the total population (~1649 people), leading the average SA2 area, compared to Greater Melbourne's 56.7%. Asthma and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in Kealba, affecting 8.6% and 8.1% of residents respectively. 68.4% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 21.0% of residents aged 65 and over (656 people), higher than Greater Melbourne's 15.0%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, ranking lower nationally than 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's population shows high cultural diversity, with 38.8% born overseas and 46.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Kealba, comprising 58.9%. Buddhism is overrepresented, at 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%) and Vietnamese (11.1%) are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.7% and 1.9%, respectively. Maltese is also notably higher at 4.2% versus 1.1%.

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

The median age in Kealba is 39 years, which is slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and close to Australia's national average of 38 years. Comparing the two areas, Kealba has a notably higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (12.8%) and a lower proportion of those aged 15-24 (10.2%). According to post-2021 Census data, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 4.1% to 6.5%, while the 15 to 24 cohort has decreased from 11.4% to 10.2%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Kealba. The 75 to 84 age group is projected to grow by 41% (82 people), reaching a total of 286 residents from the current figure of 203. This growth is part of an overall demographic aging trend, with residents aged 65 and older accounting for 76% of anticipated population growth. Conversely, the 65 to 74 age group and the 15 to 24 cohort are expected to experience population declines.