Kilkenny

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

Based on analysis of Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) population updates for the broader area, the estimated population of Kilkenny as of November 2025 is around 1,971. This reflects an increase of 125 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,846. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 1,918 following examination of the latest Estimated Residential Population (ERP) data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 13 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,808 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Kilkenny has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.7%, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 87.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted, based on 2021 data and released in 2023. Considering projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth is projected for statistical areas across the nation. The suburb of Kilkenny is expected to increase by 444 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 22.3% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Kilkenny when compared nationally

Kilkenny has averaged approximately 11 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling around 55 homes. As of FY-26, 4 approvals have been recorded. Each dwelling built in Kilkenny between FY-21 and FY-25 has resulted in an average of 2.5 new residents annually, indicating strong demand for housing. The average construction cost value of new homes in Kilkenny is around $320,000, reflecting more affordable housing options compared to regional norms.

In FY-26, there have been $1.1 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating the area's residential nature. When compared to Greater Adelaide, Kilkenny records approximately 67% of the building activity per person and ranks among the 75th percentile nationally for areas assessed. New development consists of 33.0% detached houses and 67.0% attached dwellings, indicating a trend towards denser development which caters to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This shift is notable compared to the current housing mix of 66.0% houses, reflecting reduced availability of development sites and changing lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. Kilkenny has around 163 people per dwelling approval, suggesting characteristics of a growth area.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Kilkenny is projected to add approximately 439 residents by 2041. Development in the area appears to be keeping pace with projected growth, though increasing competition among buyers may arise as the population expands.

Kilkenny has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 0 projects that could affect this region. Notable initiatives include Regency Park Industrial Precinct Renewal, The Parks Recreation and Sports Centre Redevelopment, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Redevelopment Stage Three, and Thebarton Technology Hub. Relevant projects are listed below.

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AreaSearch analysis reveals Kilkenny recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Kilkenny has a well-educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 6.7% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.9%.

As of June 2025, 1,002 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is higher than Greater Adelaide's at 2.7%, and workforce participation is lower at 58.7%. Key industries for Kilkenny residents include health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and education & training. The area specializes in accommodation & food with an employment share of 1.8 times the regional level, but shows lower representation in health care & social assistance at 14.4% compared to the regional average of 17.7%. There are 1.2 workers for every resident, indicating Kilkenny functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas.

In the 12-month period ending June 2025, employment increased by 2.9% alongside labour force increasing by 3.3%, resulting in unemployment rising by 0.4 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Adelaide recorded employment growth of 2.1%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Kilkenny's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

Kilkenny's median taxpayer income was $46,429 and average income was $51,669 in financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is lower than the national average, with Greater Adelaide having a median income of $52,592 and an average income of $64,886 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for Kilkenny as of September 2025 would be approximately $52,386 (median) and $58,298 (average). The 2021 Census showed household, family, and personal incomes in Kilkenny all fell between the 20th and 28th percentiles nationally. Income distribution data indicated that 32.8% of locals (646 people) earned between $1,500 - $2,999, similar to the broader area where 31.8% occupied this range. Housing affordability pressures were severe in Kilkenny, with only 84.2% of income remaining, ranking at the 28th percentile nationally.

Kilkenny displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Kilkenny, as per the latest Census evaluation, houses accounted for 65.7% of dwellings, with the remaining 34.4% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other dwelling types. In Adelaide metro, houses made up 66.1%, and other dwellings constituted 33.9%. Home ownership in Kilkenny stood at 34.1%, similar to Adelaide metro's level. Mortgaged dwellings comprised 31.0%, while rented properties amounted to 35.0% in the area. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Kilkenny was $1,517, lower than Adelaide metro's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure in Kilkenny was $320, compared to Adelaide metro's $325. Nationally, Kilkenny's median monthly mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Kilkenny features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 65.9% of all households, including 26.9% couples with children, 23.1% couples without children, and 14.0% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 34.1%, with lone person households at 28.5% and group households comprising 5.3%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is larger than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.4.

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

University qualifications in Kilkenny edge above the SA average at 28.7% of residents aged 15+, compared to 25.7%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 20.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Vocational pathways account for 24.8% of qualifications among those aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 8.3% and certificates at 16.5%.

Educational participation is high, with 27.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.5% in primary education, 8.0% in tertiary education, and 5.4% pursuing secondary education. Challa Gardens Primary School provides local educational services within Kilkenny, with an enrollment of 238 students as of the latest data. The school focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding areas. The area demonstrates typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 986) with balanced educational opportunities.

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

Kilkenny has 20 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 28 individual routes that collectively facilitate 2,738 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents on average located 200 meters from the nearest stop.

The service frequency averages 391 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 136 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Kilkenny are marginally below the national average with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Kilkenny's health indicators show below-average results, with common health conditions among its general population somewhat typical but higher than the national average among older cohorts. Private health cover is very low at approximately 47% of the total population (~935 people), compared to Greater Adelaide's 52.8% and the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 8.0% of residents) and asthma (7.3%), while 69.3% report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Greater Adelaide's 68.9%.

Kilkenny has 20.0% of its population aged 65 and over (394 people), with health outcomes among seniors presenting some challenges that require more attention than the broader population.

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

Kilkenny's population has a high level of cultural diversity, with 39.0% born overseas and 43.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Kilkenny, accounting for 50.0% of its population. Notably, Buddhism is more prevalent in Kilkenny at 6.5%, compared to the regional average of 2.8%.

The top three ancestry groups based on country of birth of parents are English (17.5%), Australian (16.9%), and Other (13.7%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences: Serbian is overrepresented at 2.5% in Kilkenny compared to the regional average of 1.3%, Polish is at 1.5% versus a regional average of 1.4%, and Vietnamese is higher at 6.2% compared to the regional average of 2.2%.

Kilkenny's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Kilkenny's median age is 39 years, aligning with Greater Adelaide's average of 39 and closely matching Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Kilkenny has a notably higher proportion of 25-34 year-olds (17.1%) and a lower proportion of 5-14 year-olds (9.4%). According to the 2021 Census, Kilkenny's 25-34 age group grew from 15.8% to 17.1%, while the 85+ cohort declined from 3.9% to 2.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Kilkenny's age profile, with the 75-84 cohort projected to grow by 77%, adding 129 residents to reach a total of 297.