Kew (Vic.)

Kew 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, the estimated population for the Kew (Vic.) statistical area (Lv2) is around 26,395, reflecting an increase of 1,896 people since the 2021 Census. The 2021 Census reported a population of 24,499 in the area. This growth is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 25,878 residents, based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), and an additional 386 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is 2,518 persons per square kilometer, placing Kew (Vic.) in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. This growth of 7.7% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's growth rate of 7.3%, making Kew (Vic.) a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. According to these projections, the area's population is expected to decline by 230 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts like the 75 to 84 age group are projected to increase, with an anticipated growth of 688 people.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Kew when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Kew experienced around 134 dwellings receiving development approval annually. Approximately 671 homes were approved over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, with a further 57 approved in FY26 so far. Despite recent population decline, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $1,318,000, indicating developers' focus on the premium market with high-end developments. This financial year has seen $5.2 million in commercial approvals, suggesting limited commercial development focus compared to Greater Melbourne. Kew maintains similar construction rates per person, supporting market stability aligned with regional patterns. Recent construction comprises 30% detached dwellings and 70% townhouses or apartments, marking a shift from the existing housing pattern of 50% houses. This indicates diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs.

Kew has approximately 177 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market. With population expected to remain stable or decline, reduced pressure on housing is anticipated, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 86 projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include Eastern Freeway Upgrades from Hoddle Street to Burke Road, Kew Library Upgrade, Kew Recreation Centre Redevelopment, and Arteur. 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.

The labour market in Kew shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Kew has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate was 2.7% as of September 2025, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.7%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.0%. As of September 2025, 14,978 residents were employed, with a workforce participation rate matching Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Key industries for Kew residents are health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. Notably, employment in professional & technical services is at 1.6 times the regional average, while construction is under-represented at 5.7% compared to Greater Melbourne's 9.7%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work, indicating local employment opportunities may not fully meet demand. From September 2024 to September 2025, Kew's employment increased by 3.0%, labour force by 2.7%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment growth of 3.0% and a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. State-wide, Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year to 25-November-25, adding 41,950 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. Nationally, the unemployment rate was 4.3%, and employment growth outpaced the national average of 0.14%. Jobs and Skills Australia's May-25 forecasts project national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Kew's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.5% over five years and 15.2% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that Kew suburb has exceptionally high national income levels. The median assessed income is $65,871 and the average income stands at $130,181. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne's figures of a median income of $57,688 and an average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $71,305 (median) and $140,921 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Kew rank highly nationally, between the 86th and 90th percentiles. Income analysis reveals that the largest segment comprises 32.5% earning $4000+ weekly (8,578 residents), contrasting with the surrounding region where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 32.8%. The substantial proportion of high earners, at 43.8% above $3,000/week, indicates strong economic capacity throughout the area. Housing accounts for 13.9% of income while strong earnings rank residents within the 90th percentile for disposable income and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

Kew displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Kew, as per the latest Census evaluation, 50.5% of dwellings were houses while 49.5% consisted of other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This contrasts with Melbourne metropolitan area's figures of 55.5% houses and 44.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kew stood at 40.7%, closely matching the Melbourne metro average, with mortgaged properties accounting for 29.8% and rented ones for 29.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Kew was $3,000, aligning with the Melbourne metro average, while the median weekly rent was $476 compared to Melbourne metro's $3,000 and $451 respectively. Nationally, Kew's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Kew features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 68.7% of all households, including 32.5% couples with children, 25.5% couples without children, and 9.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 31.3%, with lone person households at 26.0% and group households comprising 5.2% of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, which aligns with the Greater Melbourne average.

Kew demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Kew has a notably high level of educational attainment among its residents aged 15 and above. Specifically, 56.9% hold university qualifications, which is significantly higher than the national average of 30.4% and the Victorian average of 33.4%. This indicates a substantial educational advantage for Kew. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 35.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 16.9% and graduate diplomas at 4.9%.

Vocational pathways account for 16.9% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas making up 9.5% and certificates 7.4%. Educational participation is notably high in Kew, with 31.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.6% in secondary education, 9.4% in tertiary education, and 7.8% pursuing primary education.

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

Kew has 117 active public transport stops. These include lightrail and bus services. There are 20 different routes operating in total, serving 12,160 weekly passenger trips combined.

The average distance from residents to the nearest stop is 199 meters. Daily service frequency averages 1,737 trips across all routes, which equates to about 103 weekly trips per individual stop.

Kew's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Kew with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 78% of the total population (20,574 people), compared to 75.8% across Greater Melbourne, and 55.7% nationally. The most common medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, impacting 7.1 and 7.1% respectively, with 72.5% of residents declaring themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 73.8% across Greater Melbourne.

Kew has 20.6% of residents aged 65 and over (5,437 people), higher than the 19.4% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing even better than the general population in health metrics.

Kew was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Kew had a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 31.7% of its population born overseas and 27.3% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Kew, comprising 45.7% of its population. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented in Kew compared to Greater Melbourne, making up 0.9% versus 0.9%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (21.5%), Australian (17.6%), and Chinese (12.0%). Some ethnic groups showed significant differences: Polish was overrepresented at 1.0% in Kew compared to the regional average of 0.8%, Greek at 3.5% versus 3.4%, and Italian at 5.5% versus 4.8%.

Kew's median age exceeds the national pattern

Kew's median age is 41 years, significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and slightly older than Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Kew has a notably over-represented 15-24 cohort at 16.2%, while the 35-44 age group is under-represented at 11.4%. According to the 2021 Census, Kew's 15-24 age group grew from 14.1% to 16.2%, while the 5-14 cohort declined from 11.3% to 9.9% and the 45-54 group dropped from 14.0% to 12.6%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Kew's age profile. The 75-84 cohort is projected to grow by 27%, adding 510 residents to reach 2,385. All growth is anticipated among residents aged 65 and older, with population declines projected for the 45-54 and 0-4 cohorts.