Kilburn

Population growth drivers in Kilburn are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of Kilburn is around 6,706, reflecting a 19.0% increase since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 5,633. This change was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 6,174 following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 66 validated new addresses since the Census date. Kilburn's population density is 2,312 persons per square kilometer, above national averages assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb experienced a growth rate exceeding both state (9.0%) and Greater Adelaide figures, driven primarily by overseas migration contributing approximately 80.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered and years post-2032, SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data.

Projected demographic shifts indicate above median population growth for Australian statistical areas, with Kilburn expected to expand by 1,576 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 15.0% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Kilburn among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Kilburn shows an average of 57 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 285 homes were approved, with a further 45 approved so far in FY-26. This averages out to about 2 people moving to the area for each dwelling built over these years, indicating balanced supply and demand, and stable market conditions.

The average construction value of new properties is $351,000, which is moderately higher than regional levels. In FY-26 alone, $58.4 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Kilburn exhibits moderately higher construction activity, with 13.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years.

Recent construction comprises 67.0% detached houses and 33.0% townhouses or apartments, offering a mix of medium-density options across different price brackets. Notably, developers are constructing more detached housing than previously indicated by Census data (46.0%), reflecting strong demand for family homes despite densification trends. With around 83 people per approval, Kilburn is developing rapidly. Future projections estimate Kilburn to add 1,003 residents by 2041, suggesting that current development patterns should readily meet demand and potentially facilitate further population growth.

Kilburn has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 22ndth percentile nationally

The performance of an area can be significantly influenced by changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified six projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include the Northern Adelaide Road Upgrades Program, 414-418 Prospect Road, Kilburn Development, Enfield Community & Recreation Centre, and 110 Hawker Street, Ridleyton. The following list details those projects likely to be 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 indicates Kilburn faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Kilburn's workforce is well-educated with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate was 6.5% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.6%. As of September 2025, 2,813 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.6% higher than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation stands at 58.3%, significantly lower than Greater Adelaide's 66.4%. Only 6.1% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts may have influenced this figure. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food services. The area shows strong specialization in transport, postal & warehousing with an employment share 1.8 times the regional level, while education & training has a limited presence at 5.5% compared to the regional average of 9.3%.

Employment opportunities locally appear limited, as indicated by the working population vs resident population count. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 1.6% alongside labour force growth of 1.6%, keeping unemployment relatively stable at 4.7%. In comparison, Greater Adelaide recorded employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 2.9%, with a decrease in unemployment to 3.8%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Kilburn's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.1% over ten years.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 indicates Kilburn's median income among taxpayers is $39,655. The average income in this suburb was $44,779 during the same period. Both figures are below national averages. Greater Adelaide had a median income of $54,808 and an average of $66,852 for financial year 2023. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since then, current estimates suggest Kilburn's median income is approximately $43,145 and the average is around $48,720 as of September 2025. Census 2021 data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Kilburn fall between the 6th and 11th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 27.9% of Kilburn's population earns between $1,500 - 2,999 annually, with 1,870 individuals in this earnings band. This pattern is similar to regional levels where 31.8% occupy the same income range. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Kilburn, with only 79.9% of income remaining after expenses, ranking at the 10th percentile nationally.

Kilburn displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Kilburn's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, had 46.0% houses and 54.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Adelaide metro's 76.2% houses and 23.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kilburn was at 18.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 24.7% and rented dwellings at 56.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Kilburn was $1,472, lower than Adelaide metro's $1,562. The median weekly rent in Kilburn was $270, compared to Adelaide metro's $320. Nationally, Kilburn's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Kilburn features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households compose 59.6% of all households, including 26.6% couples with children, 18.4% couples without children, and 12.5% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 40.4%, with lone person households at 30.4% and group households comprising 10.0%. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

Educational outcomes in Kilburn fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates at 27.4% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the SA4 region average of 19.8%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 17.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.4%). Vocational pathways account for 24.5% of qualifications among those aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 8.5% and certificates at 16.0%.

Educational participation is high, with 33.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 9.5% in primary education, 8.9% in tertiary education, and 6.2% pursuing secondary education.

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

Transport analysis indicates 27 operational public transport stops in Kilburn. These comprise a mix of train and bus services, totaling 13 routes. Weekly passenger trips amount to 1,287. Residential accessibility to transport is rated good, with typical distances to the nearest stop being 203 meters. Predominantly residential, most Kilburn residents commute outward. Cars remain the primary mode of travel at 79%, while bus usage stands at 13%.

Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling, lower than regional averages. According to the 2021 Census, only 6.1% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency across all routes averages 183 trips daily, equating to approximately 47 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Kilburn is well below average with considerably higher than average prevalence of common health conditions and to an even higher degree among older age cohorts

Kilburn faces substantial health challenges according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are considerably higher than average, with an even greater prevalence among older age cohorts. Private health cover is extremely low at approximately 45% of the total population (~3,002 people), compared to 52.7% across Greater Adelaide and a national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in Kilburn, affecting 9.1 and 6.5% of residents respectively. However, 72.4% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.9% across Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 12.8% of residents aged 65 and over (858 people), lower than the 19.3% in Greater Adelaide. While health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, they rank lower nationally than the broader population.

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

Kilburn, one of the most culturally diverse areas in the country, has 58.8% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 54.0% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion in Kilburn, comprising 29.6% of people. Islam is overrepresented in Kilburn at 24.8%, significantly higher than Greater Adelaide's average of 3.0%.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups are Other (32.4%), English (14.2%), and Australian (14.1%). Notably, Vietnamese (5.7%) is overrepresented compared to the regional average of 1.2%, Serbian is at 0.6% versus 0.4%, and Indian is at 5.4% compared to 2.3%.

Kilburn hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

Kilburn's median age is 34 years, which is lower than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 and the Australian median of 38. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Kilburn has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 at 21.4%, but fewer residents aged 65-74 at 7.1%. This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is above the national average of 14.4%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the proportion of Kilburn's population aged 35 to 44 has increased from 14.5% to 15.5%, while the proportion aged 45 to 54 has decreased from 12.0% to 11.4%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Kilburn's age profile will change significantly. The 45 to 54 age group is projected to grow by 28%, adding 214 residents to reach a total of 979. Meanwhile, the 65 to 74 age group is expected to grow by 9%, adding 43 people.