Kilaben Bay

Kilaben Bay has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of 1 November 2025, Kilaben Bay's estimated population is around 1,690. This reflects an increase of 174 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,516 in Kilaben Bay (SA2). The change was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 1,643 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS on June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of approximately 1,049 persons per square kilometer. Kilaben Bay's growth rate of 11.5% since the 2021 census exceeded the non-metro area's growth rate of 5.7%. Interstate migration contributed around 60.0% of overall population gains during recent periods in Kilaben Bay (SA2).

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 NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering projected demographic shifts, Kilaben Bay (SA2) is expected to increase by around 208 persons to reach 1,906 by the year 2041, reflecting a gain of approximately 2.6% in total over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Kilaben Bay, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Kilaben Bay averaged around 7 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, an estimated 37 homes were approved, with a further 3 approved in FY-26 to date. The average number of people moving to the area for each dwelling built over these years was 0.5.

This indicates that new construction is matching or outpacing demand, offering buyers more options and enabling population growth. The average expected construction cost value of new homes being built is $706,000, suggesting developers are focusing on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY-26, $1.4 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating minimal commercial development activity compared to residential. When measured against Rest of NSW, Kilaben Bay records roughly half the building activity per person and places among the 39th percentile of areas assessed nationally.

This suggests somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established properties. New building activity shows 60.0% standalone homes and 40.0% townhouses or apartments, indicating an expanding range of medium-density options creating a mix of opportunities across price brackets. The location has approximately 436 people per dwelling approval, reflecting an established area. Population forecasts indicate Kilaben Bay will gain 44 residents through to 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

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

Two projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area significantly: Toronto Foreshore Revitalisation and Rathmines Park Transformation. Other notable projects include 114-120 Cary Street Mixed Use Development and 136-138 Brighton Avenue Apartment Development.

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The employment landscape in Kilaben Bay shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Kilaben Bay has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 4.1%, with an estimated employment growth of 2.0% over the past year as per AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025757 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.2% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation is at 59.4%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. Construction shows strong specialization with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 0.9% compared to Rest of NSW's 5.3%.

Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 2.0%, labour force by 2.9%, leading to an unemployment rise of 0.8 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of NSW saw employment decline by 0.5% and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data as of 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03%, with a state unemployment rate of 3.9%. National unemployment rate is 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across sectors. Applying these projections to Kilaben Bay's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.6% over ten years.

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

The suburb of Kilaben Bay had one of the highest income levels in Australia according to AreaSearch data aggregated from latest ATO figures for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers was $61,564 and the average income stood at $87,507, which compared to Rest of NSW's median income of $52,390 and average income of $65,215 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Kilaben Bay would be approximately $67,019 (median) and $95,260 (average) as of September 2025. According to census data, household income ranks at the 77th percentile with weekly earnings of $2,186, while personal income sits at the 60th percentile. Income analysis shows that the majority of residents, 28.5% or 481 people, fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 weekly income bracket, mirroring the broader area where 29.9% occupy this bracket. Higher earners make up a substantial presence with 33.7% exceeding $3,000 weekly, indicating strong purchasing power within the community. After housing costs, residents retain 88.9% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Kilaben Bay is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Kilaben Bay's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census data, consisted of 94.8% houses and 5.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro NSW's 89.7% houses and 10.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kilaben Bay was at 46.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 41.5% and rented ones at 12.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,036, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,900. Median weekly rent in Kilaben Bay was recorded at $390, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $380. Nationally, Kilaben Bay's median monthly mortgage repayment exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, and median weekly rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 81.3% of all households, including 34.8% couples with children, 38.2% couples without children, and 7.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 18.7%, with lone person households at 17.2% and group households comprising 1.4%. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.5.

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

The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates of 26.8% among residents aged 15+, which exceeds the SA3 area average of 18.1% and that of Rest of NSW at 21.3%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 17.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.4%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 43.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (13.2%) and certificates (29.9%).

Educational participation is notably high at 28.0%, including 10.2% in primary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 3.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis shows 20 active transport stops in Kilaben Bay, with a mix of bus services. These stops are served by 20 individual routes, offering 156 weekly passenger trips collectively. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 139 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 22 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 7 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Kilaben Bay is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Kilaben Bay faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 61% of the total population (1,038 people), compared to 51.7% across Rest of NSW and the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, impacting 9.3 and 8.6% of residents respectively, while 65.4% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 60.3% across Rest of NSW.

The area has 23.3% of residents aged 65 and over (393 people), which is higher than the 21.9% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

Kilaben Bay is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Kilaben Bay's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 89.4% of its population born in Australia, 93.1% being citizens, and 96.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Kilaben Bay, making up 53.8% of people, compared to 54.0% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups are English (34.1%), Australian (29.0%), and Scottish (9.5%).

Notably, Welsh (1.6%) is overrepresented in Kilaben Bay compared to the regional average of 0.7%, Hungarian (0.4%) is also higher than regionally (0.1%), and Polish (0.8%) has a slightly higher representation than the regional average of 0.6%.

Kilaben Bay hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Kilaben Bay has a median age of 46, which is higher than Rest of NSW's figure of 43 and significantly above the national norm of 38. The 65-74 age group constitutes 15.5% of Kilaben Bay's population, compared to Rest of NSW's figure and well above the national average of 9.4%. Meanwhile, the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 8.2%. Post-census data from 2021 shows that the 35-44 age group has increased from 11.2% to 13.5%, while the 45-54 cohort has declined from 14.6% to 12.9%. By 2041, Kilaben Bay's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 35-44 group is projected to grow by 18% (41 people), reaching 270 from 228. Conversely, the 5-14 and 15-24 cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.