Keysborough

Keysborough lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

As of February 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Keysborough is around 31,829, reflecting an increase of 1,811 people since the 2021 Census. The resident population was estimated at 31,765 by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, with an additional 317 validated new addresses since the Census date contributing to this increase. This results in a population density ratio of 1,466 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Keysborough has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 2.8%, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration that 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 the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusting them employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Moving forward with demographic trends, a significant population increase is forecast for Keysborough, with the suburb expected to increase by 7,946 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 24.8% in total over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Keysborough has experienced around 136 dwellings receiving development approval each year. Approximately 681 homes have been approved over the past 5 financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, with an additional 17 approved so far in FY-26. This suggests solid demand for new housing, supporting property values.

The average number of new residents gained per year for each dwelling built over these past 5 financial years is around 2.6. New homes are being constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $688,000, indicating that developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. There have also been $3.5 million in commercial approvals this financial year, suggesting the area's residential character. When compared to Greater Melbourne, Keysborough has slightly more development activity, with 20.0% above the regional average per person over the past 5 years. This balances buyer choice while supporting current property values, although building activity has slowed in recent years.

New building activity shows a split of 34.0% detached houses and 66.0% medium and high-density housing. This shift towards compact living offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers, representing a notable change from the area's existing housing composition, currently at 90.0% houses. With around 698 people per dwelling approval, Keysborough reflects a highly mature market. Population forecasts indicate that Keysborough will gain approximately 7,880 residents through to 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Building activity is keeping pace with growth projections, though buyers may experience heightened competition 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 identified twenty projects likely impacting the region. Notable ones include Perry Road Construction and Widening - Stage 3, Keys Estate Keysborough, Keysborough Gardens Primary School Upgrade and Modernisation, 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 was 3.8% as of December 2025, which is below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.2%.

There were 17,330 residents employed while the participation rate was 69.0%, slightly below Greater Melbourne's 71.3%. Approximately 21.0% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Leading employment industries include manufacturing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Manufacturing shows particularly strong specialization with an employment share 2.2 times the regional level.

Conversely, education & training has lower representation at 5.9%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the year to December 2025, employment increased by 4.2% while labour force grew by 4.7%, leading to a rise in unemployment of 0.5 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 2.4%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia suggest Keysborough's employment should increase by 5.8% over five years and 12.6% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

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 stands at $61,282. In comparison, Greater Melbourne has 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 for Keysborough would be approximately $55,375 (median) and $66,338 (average) as of September 2025. According to Census 2021 income data, 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 (11,458 individuals), which is similar to the metropolitan region where this cohort represents 32.8%. High housing costs consume 16.1% of income, but strong earnings 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 above-average rates of outright home ownership

Keysborough's housing structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 89.5% houses and 10.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Keysborough was at 32.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 48.1% and rented ones at 19.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Keysborough was $421, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Keysborough's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, with rents substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 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%, with lone person households at 13.0% and group households comprising 2.4%. The median household size is 3.2 people, which is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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

Keysborough has 28.9% of its residents aged 15+ with university degrees, compared to Greater Melbourne's 37.0%. This indicates room for educational development. Bachelor degrees are most common at 20.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Vocational pathways account for 24.3% of qualifications, 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% in 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 serving buses. These are covered by 15 routes offering 2,440 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is rated good with residents typically 223 meters from the nearest stop. Most commute outward due to residential nature; cars dominate at 91%. Average vehicle ownership is 1.8 per dwelling, above regional average. In 2021 Census, 21% worked from home, possibly reflecting COVID-19 conditions.

Daily service averages 348 trips across all routes, about 20 weekly trips per stop. Map shows 100 nearest stops to location centrepoint.

Keysborough's residents are extremely healthy with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Keysborough. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were assessed by AreaSearch, with younger cohorts showing very low prevalence of common health conditions.

The rate of private health cover was found to be relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~16,264 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne. The most common medical conditions were asthma and diabetes, impacting 6.3 and 5.4% of residents respectively. 77.5% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. As of 15th March 2021, the area has 15.9% of residents aged 65 and over (5,060 people). Health outcomes among seniors are above average but rank lower nationally 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 one of the most culturally diverse populations in Australia, with 55.6% of its residents born overseas and 63.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Keysborough, accounting for 37.4% of the population. However, Buddhism stands out as significantly overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne's average, comprising 20.6% of Keysborough's population.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are 'Other' at 26.9%, Chinese at 16.1%, and Vietnamese at 9.8%. These percentages are substantially higher than their respective regional averages. Notably, Sri Lankan (2.6%), Serbian (0.9%), and Indian (6.2%) ethnicities are also overrepresented in Keysborough compared to the regional averages of 0.8%, 0.4%, and 4.2% respectively.

Keysborough's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Keysborough's median age is 37 years, matching Greater Melbourne and closely resembling Australia's figure of 38 years. The 45-54 age group constitutes 13.5%, higher than Greater Melbourne's percentage. Meanwhile, the 25-34 cohort stands at 13.0%. Between 2021 and the present, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 4.3% to 5.7%. Conversely, the 0 to 4 age group has decreased from 6.2% to 4.9%, and the 25-34 group has fallen from 14.2% to 13.0%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Keysborough's age structure. The 45-54 group is projected to grow by 36%, adding 1,563 people to reach a total of 5,860 from the current figure of 4,296. In contrast, the 0 to 4 cohort is expected to grow by a modest 4%, increasing by 68 people.