Kilburn

Population growth drivers in Kilburn are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of November 2025, Kilburn's population is estimated at around 6,258 people. This reflects an increase of 625 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,633 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population being 6,195 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 65 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,157 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Kilburn's growth rate of 11.1% since the 2021 census exceeded both the state's (7.1%) and metropolitan area's growth rates, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 80.0% of overall population gains during recent periods for Kilburn.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted, based on 2021 data and adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Looking ahead, an above median population growth is projected for Kilburn, with the area expected to increase by 1,569 persons to reach a total of 7,827 people by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an overall increase of 23.1% over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data indicates Kilburn experienced around 57 dwelling approvals annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 287 homes were approved, with a further 24 approved in FY-26. Over the past five financial years, an average of two people moved to the area for each dwelling built.

The average construction value was $351,000, consistent with regional patterns. In FY-26, $13.2 million in commercial development approvals were recorded. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Kilburn shows moderately higher construction activity, preserving buyer options while sustaining property demand.

Recent construction comprises 67.0% detached houses and 33.0% townhouses or apartments, reflecting an expanding range of medium-density options. Notably, developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies (46.0% at Census), indicating strong demand for family homes amid densification trends. Kilburn reflects a developing area with around 86 people per approval. Future projections estimate Kilburn adding 1,446 residents by 2041 based on current development patterns, suggesting new housing supply should readily meet demand and potentially facilitate population growth beyond current projections.

Kilburn has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified six projects expected to affect the area. Notable projects include the Northern Adelaide Road Upgrades Program, development at 414-418 Prospect Road, Kilburn Development, Enfield Community & Recreation Centre, and 110 Hawker Street, Ridleyton. 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 indicates Kilburn faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Kilburn's workforce is well-educated with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate was 6.3% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.5%.

As of June 2025, 2,822 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.3% higher than Greater Adelaide's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation in Kilburn lags at 53.4%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food. The area has a strong specialization in transport, postal & warehousing, with an employment share of 1.8 times the regional level.

However, education & training has limited presence with 5.5% employment compared to 9.3% regionally. Employment opportunities locally appear limited, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. In the 12-month period ending Sep-22, employment increased by 1.5% alongside labour force increasing by 1.4%, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable. By comparison, Greater Adelaide recorded employment growth of 2.1%, labour force growth of 2.1%, with unemployment rising marginally. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project a 6.6% expansion over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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 2022 shows Kilburn's median income among taxpayers is $39,655, with an average of $44,779. This is below the national average and compares to Greater Adelaide's median of $52,592 and average of $64,886. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $44,743 (median) and $50,524 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Kilburn all fall between the 6th and 11th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 27.9% of the community (1,745 individuals), reflecting patterns seen at regional levels where 31.8% similarly occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 79.9% of income remaining after housing costs, 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

Dwelling structure in Kilburn, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 28 August 2016, comprised 46.0% houses and 54.1% other dwellings. In Adelaide metro, it was recorded as 74.6% houses and 25.4% other dwellings during the same period. Home ownership in Kilburn stood at 18.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 24.7% and rented ones at 56.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Kilburn was $1,472, below Adelaide metro's average of $1,603. The median weekly rent figure for Kilburn was recorded as $270, compared to Adelaide metro's $320. Nationally, Kilburn's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 account for 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 making up 10.0%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is 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% of residents aged 15+, surpassing the SA4 region average of 19.8%. Bachelor degrees are 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. The area's educational provision includes St Brigid's School and Youth Education Centre - Flexicentre Campus (Kilburn), serving a total of 167 students. The area demonstrates typical Australian school conditions with an ICSEA score of 961, indicating balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix consists of one primary school and one K-12 school. Local school capacity is limited at 2.7 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 11.1, resulting in many families traveling to nearby areas for schooling. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Kilburn has 27 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These are served by 12 different routes that together facilitate 1,282 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is deemed good with residents on average located 203 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 183 trips per day across all routes, translating to roughly 47 weekly trips per individual stop.

Kilburn's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Kilburn's health metrics are close to national benchmarks. Common health conditions among its general population are somewhat typical, but higher than the national average among older cohorts. Private health cover is extremely low at approximately 45% of the total population (~2,801 people), compared to 48.3% across Greater Adelaide and a national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions in Kilburn are mental health issues (9.1%) and arthritis (6.5%), while 72.4% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, similar to the 72.8% across Greater Adelaide. Kilburn has 12.7% of its residents aged 65 and over (794 people), lower than the 14.0% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than those for 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 has a culturally diverse population, with 58.8% speaking a language other than English at home and 54.0% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion in Kilburn, comprising 29.6% of its population. Islam is overrepresented compared to Greater Adelaide's average, making up 24.8%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (32.4%), English (14.2%), and Australian (14.1%). Notably, Vietnamese are overrepresented at 5.7%, Serbian at 0.6%, and Indian at 5.4% compared to regional averages.

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 Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Kilburn has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (21.5%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (7.0%). This 25-34 concentration is above the national average of 14.5%. Between the Census conducted on 9 August 2021 and now, the proportion of residents aged 35 to 44 has increased from 14.5% to 15.4%, while the proportion of those 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 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 37%, adding 263 residents and reaching a total of 977.