Kilaben Bay

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

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Kilaben Bay is around 1,691. This figure reflects an increase of 175 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 1,516. The current resident population estimate of 1,643 was derived from AreaSearch's analysis of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 1,050 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages seen across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb experienced an 11.5% growth rate between the 2021 Census and Feb 2026, surpassing the Rest of NSW's 5.9% growth during this period. Interstate migration contributed approximately 60.0% to Kilaben Bay's overall population gains in recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2-level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 for areas not covered by the former data. Based on these aggregated projections, Kilaben Bay is expected to increase its population by 239 persons to reach 1,930 by 2041, reflecting an 11.3% total gain 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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Kilaben Bay indicates an average of around 7 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 37 homes were approved, with a further 4 approved so far in FY-26. The area has seen an average of 0.3 people moving in for each dwelling built over the past five financial years.

This suggests that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more options for buyers and potentially driving population growth beyond current projections. The average value of new homes being built is $706,000, indicating a focus on the premium market by developers. In FY-26, $1.4 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting minimal commercial development activity in Kilaben Bay compared to residential construction. When compared to the Rest of NSW, Kilaben Bay has roughly half the building activity per person and ranks among the 39th percentile nationally, implying limited buyer options but strengthening demand for established properties.

New building activity in Kilaben Bay consists of 60% standalone homes and 40% townhouses or apartments, reflecting an increased range of medium-density housing options. This shift from the current housing mix (currently 95% houses) is likely due to reduced availability of development sites and changing lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. Kilaben Bay has approximately 436 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established area with a stable population. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the location is forecasted to gain around 191 residents by 2041. Current development levels appear aligned with future requirements, maintaining stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

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

AreaSearch has identified two projects that could impact the area: Toronto Foreshore Revitalisation and Rathmines Park Transformation. Other notable projects include the mixed-use development at 114-120 Cary Street and the apartment development at 136-138 Brighton Avenue.

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 analysis reveals Kilaben Bay recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Kilaben Bay has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 4.6%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025745 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.7% higher than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation in Kilaben Bay is lower at 58.3%, compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%. Census responses indicate that 31.6% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. Kilaben Bay specializes in construction with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 0.9% compared to Regional NSW's 5.3%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparing working population and resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, Kilaben Bay's labour force increased by 0.8%, while employment declined by the same percentage, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.4 percentage points. In contrast, Regional NSW saw an employment decline of 1.2% and a labour force decline of 0.8%, with unemployment rising by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Kilaben Bay's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

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 Australia's highest incomes according to AreaSearch aggregated ATO data for financial year 2023. Its median taxpayer income was $61,564 and average income stood at $87,507, compared to Regional NSW's $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, median income would be approximately $67,019 and average $95,260 by September 2025. Census data showed household income ranked at the 77th percentile ($2,186 weekly) and personal income at the 60th percentile. Income analysis revealed that 28.5% of residents (481 people) fell into the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, mirroring the broader area's 29.9%. Higher earners made up a substantial presence with 33.7% exceeding $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retained 88.9% of income. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking placed 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 structure, as per the latest Census, was 94.8% houses and 5.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kilaben Bay stood 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 Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Kilaben Bay was $390, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Kilaben Bay's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 percent of all households, consisting of 34.8 percent couples with children, 38.2 percent couples without children, and 7.4 percent single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 18.7 percent, with lone person households at 17.2 percent and group households comprising 1.4 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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 at 26.8%, surpassing the SA3 area average of 18.1% and Rest of NSW's rate of 21.3%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 17.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 6.4% and graduate diplomas at 3.2%. Vocational credentials are prominent, with 43.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (13.2%) and certificates (29.9%).

Educational participation is high, with 28.0% currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 10.2% in primary, 8.0% in secondary, and 3.8% in tertiary education.

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

Kilaben Bay has 20 active public transport stops operating within its boundaries, all of which are bus stops. These stops are serviced by 20 different routes that collectively provide 156 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to these stops is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 139 meters from the nearest one. As a predominantly residential area, most residents commute outward. The car remains the primary mode of transport, used by 94% of residents. On average, there are 1.9 vehicles per dwelling in Kilaben Bay, which is higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 31.6% of residents work from home, a figure that might be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 22 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 7 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Kilaben Bay is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Kilaben Bay shows superior health outcomes, as assessed by AreaSearch using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both younger and older age groups exhibit low prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 61% of the total population (1,039 people), compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW and 55.7% nationally.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 9.3 and 8.6% of residents respectively, while 65.4% report being completely free of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Working-age residents have an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 23.6% of residents aged 65 and over (399 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, aligning with national rankings for the general population.

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 and 93.1% being citizens. English was spoken by 96.2% of residents at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 53.8% of Kilaben Bay's population, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (34.1%), Australian (29.0%), and Scottish (9.5%). Notably, Welsh (1.6%) was overrepresented in Kilaben Bay compared to regional levels (0.5%), as were Hungarian (0.4% vs 0.2%) and Polish (0.8% vs 0.5%) residents.

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

Kilaben Bay has a median age of 46, which is higher than Regional NSW's figure of 43 and significantly higher than the national norm of 38. The 65-74 age group constitutes 15.5% of Kilaben Bay's population, compared to Regional NSW, while the 25-34 cohort makes up only 8.0%. This concentration of the 65-74 age group is well above the national figure of 9.5%. Post-2021 Census data indicates a rejuvenation in Kilaben Bay's population, with the median age falling from 47 to 46 years. Notably, the 35-44 age group has grown from 11.2% to 13.9% of the population. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has declined from 14.6% to 12.2%. By 2041, Kilaben Bay's age composition is expected to shift significantly. The 35-44 age group is projected to grow steadily, increasing by 56 people (24%) from 235 to 292. In contrast, both the 65-74 and 55-64 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.