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 ABS population updates and AreaSearch validations, as of Nov 2025, Kilkenny's estimated population is around 2,034. This reflects an increase of 188 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 1,914 following their examination of ABS' latest ERP data release in Jun 2024 and an additional 13 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,866 persons per square kilometer, above national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Kilkenny's growth rate of 10.2% since the 2021 census exceeded both state (8.7%) and metropolitan area averages. Overseas migration contributed approximately 87.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. 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 released in 2023, with adjustments made employing weighted aggregation methods from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth is projected for statistical areas across the nation, with Kilkenny expected to increase by 449 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 18.7% over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Kilkenny when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Kilkenny shows an average of 11 new dwelling approvals per year over the past 5 financial years, totalling 59 homes. In FY-26 so far, 9 approvals have been recorded. This averages out to approximately 2.4 new residents per year gained for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25. The average construction cost value of new homes is $320,000.

There has also been $2.9 million in commercial approvals this financial year. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Kilkenny records about three-quarters the building activity per person while ranking among the 85th percentile nationally. New development consists of 29.0% standalone homes and 71.0% attached dwellings. This shift from the area's existing housing (currently 66.0% houses) indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles and demand for affordable housing options. With around 109 people per dwelling approval, Kilkenny is considered a growth area.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Kilkenny is expected to grow by 381 residents through to 2041. Development pace is keeping reasonable with projected growth, but buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

Kilkenny has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 33rdth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 0 projects that could impact this area. Notable projects include Regency Park Industrial Precinct Renewal, The Parks Recreation and Sports Centre Redevelopment, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital Redevelopment Stage Three, and Findon High School Upgrade, with the following list highlighting 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.

Employment performance in Kilkenny has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Kilkenny has a well-educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 6.4% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 4.0% over the past year.

This is based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. In September 2025, 1,007 residents were in work while the unemployment rate was 2.5% higher than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation was somewhat below standard at 58.7%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and education & training.

Kilkenny has particular employment specialization in accommodation & food, with an employment share of 1.8 times the regional level. Conversely, health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 14.4% versus the regional average of 17.7%. There were 1.2 workers for every resident as at the Census, indicating that Kilkenny functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. During the year to September 2025, employment levels increased by 4.0% and labour force increased by 4.0%, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable. In comparison, Greater Adelaide recorded employment growth of 3.0%, labour force growth of 2.9%, with unemployment falling by 0.1 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov shows SA employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, adding 10,710 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.0%. This compares favourably to the national unemployment rate of 4.3%, with the state's employment growth outpacing the national average of 0.14%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer further insight into potential future demand within Kilkenny. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, suggest that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Kilkenny's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and not.

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

The suburb of Kilkenny had a median taxpayer income of $46,429 and an average income of $51,669 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is lower than the national averages, which were $54,808 median and $66,852 average for Greater Adelaide during the same period. By September 2025, estimates based on an 8.8% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023 would be approximately $50,515 median and $56,216 average in Kilkenny. According to the 2021 Census figures, incomes in Kilkenny fall between the 20th and 28th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The predominant income cohort in Kilkenny spans 32.8% of locals (667 people) with incomes ranging from $1,500 to $2,999, similar to the broader area where 31.8% fall within this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Kilkenny, with only 84.2% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 28th percentile nationally.

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

The dwelling structure in Kilkenny, as per the latest Census, comprised 65.7% houses and 34.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Adelaide metro had 66.1% houses and 33.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kilkenny was at 34.1%, similar to Adelaide metro's level. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (31.0%) or rented (35.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Kilkenny was $1,517, below the Adelaide metro average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure in Kilkenny was $320, compared to Adelaide metro's $325. Nationally, Kilkenny's 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 make up 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, 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

Kilkenny residents aged 15+ have a university qualification rate of 28.7%, slightly higher than the South Australian average of 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, with advanced diplomas at 8.3% and certificates at 16.5%.

Educational participation is high, with 27.4% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.5% in primary education, 8.0% in tertiary education, and 5.4% pursuing secondary education.

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

The analysis of Kilkenny's public transport system shows that there are currently 20 active transport stops in operation. These include a mix of train and bus services. A total of 30 individual routes serve these stops, collectively facilitating 2,745 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of the transport network is rated as good, with residents typically located within 200 meters from their nearest transport stop. On average, service frequency across all routes amounts to 392 trips per day, which equates to approximately 137 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 lower-than-average results. Common health conditions are somewhat typical but higher than national averages in older cohorts. Private health cover is very low at approximately 47% of the total population (~965 people), compared to Greater Adelaide's 53.3% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (8.0%) and asthma (7.3%). A majority, 69.3%, report no medical ailments, slightly higher than Greater Adelaide's 68.9%. Kilkenny has 19.8% residents aged 65 and over (402 people). Health outcomes among seniors require more attention compared to 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 shows high 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, comprising 50.0% of its population. Notably, Buddhism is overrepresented compared to Greater Adelaide, making up 6.5% vs 2.8%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (17.5%), Australian (16.9%), and Other (13.7%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences in representation: Serbian at 2.5% vs regional 1.3%, Polish at 1.5% vs 1.4%, and Vietnamese at 6.2% vs 2.2%.

Kilkenny's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

Kilkenny's median age is 39, matching Greater Adelaide's average of 39 and aligning with Australia's median of 38. The 25-34 cohort is over-represented at 17.1%, while the 5-14 cohort is under-represented at 9.4%. Post-2021 Census, the 25-34 age group grew from 15.8% to 17.1%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 13.1% to 12.1%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Kilkenny's age profile. The 75-84 cohort is projected to grow by 76%, adding 129 residents to reach 300. Residents aged 65 and older represent 54% of anticipated growth.