Keysborough

Keysborough lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population of the Keysborough statistical area (Lv2) is around 31,826. This reflects a growth of 1,808 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 30,018. The increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 31,765 based on ABS data released Jun 2024 and an additional 316 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,466 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Keysborough (SA2) has shown resilient growth with a compound annual growth rate of 2.7%, outpacing its SA3 area. Overseas migration contributed approximately 75.0% of overall 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 employing weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, a significant population increase is forecasted for Keysborough (SA2), with an expected increase of 7,944 persons, reflecting a gain of 24.6% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Keysborough when compared nationally

Keysborough has seen approximately 136 dwelling approvals annually based on AreaSearch analysis. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 681 homes were approved, with a further 14 in FY-26 to date. Each new dwelling has attracted an average of 2.6 new residents over the past five financial years.

The average construction cost value for new homes is $688,000, indicating developers target the premium market segment. This year alone, there have been $3.5 million in commercial approvals, reflecting Keysborough's residential character. Comparatively, Keysborough has seen slightly more development than Greater Melbourne over the past five years, with 20.0% above the regional average per person. However, building activity has slowed recently. The new developments consist of 34.0% detached houses and 66.0% medium to high-density housing, offering affordable entry pathways for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers.

Currently, Keysborough is 90.0% houses, indicating a shift towards more diverse housing options due to decreasing developable sites and changing lifestyles. With around 698 people per dwelling approval, it reflects a highly mature market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Keysborough is forecasted to gain 7,829 residents by 2041. Building activity is keeping pace with growth projections, but increased competition among buyers can be expected as the population grows.

Keysborough has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified a total of 20 projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Perry Road Construction and Widening - Stage 3, Keys Estate in Keysborough, Keysborough Gardens Primary School Upgrade and Modernisation, and Keysborough Townhouses. 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.

AreaSearch assessment positions Keysborough ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Keysborough has a well-educated workforce with strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate is 3.7%, lower than the Greater Melbourne average of 4.7%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.2%. As of September 2025, there are 17,181 residents employed with an unemployment rate of 3.0% and workforce participation similar to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Leading industries include manufacturing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Manufacturing is particularly strong with an employment share 2.2 times the regional level, while education & training shows lower representation at 5.9% compared to the regional average of 9.2%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the year ending September 2025, employment increased by 4.2%, labour force by 4.9%, and unemployment rose by 0.6 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.0% with a 0.3 percentage point increase in unemployment. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows Victorian employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest an expansion of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Keysborough's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 5.8% over five years and 12.6% 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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that income in Keysborough is below the national average. The median income is $51,155 and the average income is $61,282. 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 $55,375 (median) and $66,338 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows that household income ranks at the 64th percentile ($1,991 weekly), while personal income sits at the 34th percentile. Income brackets indicate that the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 36.0% of the community (11,457 individuals). This aligns with the metropolitan region where this cohort likewise represents 32.8%. High housing costs consume 16.1% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 65th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Keysborough is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Keysborough's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 89.5% houses and 10.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Melbourne metro had 72.1% houses and 28.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Keysborough was 32.7%, similar to Melbourne metro's figure. Mortgaged dwellings made up 48.1%, while rented dwellings were at 19.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Keysborough was $2,167, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $1,800. Median weekly rent in Keysborough was $421, compared to Melbourne metro's $350. Nationally, Keysborough's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,167 versus the Australian average of $1,863. Rents in Keysborough were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Keysborough features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 84.7% of all households, including 48.8% couples with children, 21.5% couples without children, and 12.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 15.3%, consisting of 13.0% lone person households and 2.4% group households. The median household size is 3.2 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.8.

The educational profile of Keysborough exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Educational qualifications in Keysborough trail regional benchmarks: 28.9% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees, compared to Greater Melbourne's 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common (20.0%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Vocational pathways account for 24.3%, with advanced diplomas at 10.2% and certificates at 14.1%. Educational participation is high, with 30.5% currently enrolled in formal education: 9.8% in primary, 8.1% in secondary, and 6.0% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.8% in primary education, 8.1% in secondary education, and 6.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Keysborough has 117 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 15 different routes that together facilitate 2,440 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of public transport is considered good, with residents on average being located 223 meters from the nearest stop.

Across all routes, there are an average of 348 trips per day, which translates to approximately 20 weekly trips per individual stop.

Keysborough's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Health outcomes data shows notable results across Keysborough, with younger cohorts having a very low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover stands at approximately 51% of the total population (around 16,263 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 47.8%.

Asthma and diabetes are the most prevalent medical conditions in the area, affecting 6.3 and 5.4% of residents respectively. Around 77.5% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 75.1% across Greater Melbourne. Approximately 15.3% of Keysborough's population is aged 65 and over (around 4,869 people), lower than Greater Melbourne's 17.4%. Health outcomes among seniors in Keysborough require more attention than the broader population.

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

Keysborough has a culturally diverse population, with 55.6% born overseas and 63.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the main religion in Keysborough, comprising 37.4% of its population. Buddhism is notably overrepresented, making up 20.6%, higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 15.2%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (26.9%), Chinese (16.1%, substantially higher than the regional average of 10.9%), and Vietnamese (9.8%). There are notable divergences in other ethnic groups: Sri Lankan is overrepresented at 2.6% vs 1.8% regionally, Serbian is at 0.9% vs 1.1%, and Indian is at 6.2% vs 6.2%.

Keysborough's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

At 36 years, Keysborough's median age is nearly matching Greater Melbourne's average of 37, which is similarly modestly under Australia's median of 38. Relative to Greater Melbourne, Keysborough has a higher concentration of residents aged 45-54 at 13.3%, but fewer residents aged 25-34 at 13.4%. Between the 2021 Census and the present day, the population aged 75 to 84 has grown from 4.3% to 5.4%. Conversely, the population aged 0 to 4 has declined from 6.2% to 5.1%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Keysborough's age profile will evolve significantly. The 45-54 cohort is projected to grow by 38%, adding 1,611 residents to reach a total of 5,844. Meanwhile, the 0-4 cohort shows no projected growth (0 people).