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

The population of Kilkenny is estimated at around 2,039 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 193 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,846 people. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population being 1,914 following examination of ABS data released in June 2024, along with an additional 16 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 1,870 persons per square kilometer, which is above average national levels assessed by AreaSearch. Kilkenny's growth rate of 10.5% since the 2021 census exceeded the state's (9.0%) and Greater Adelaide's, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 87.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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 are adopted, based on 2021 data released in 2023, with adjustments made using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth 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 450 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 18.5% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Kilkenny averaged around 11 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 59 homes. As of FY26 so far, 9 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years, there has been an average of 2.4 new residents gained for each dwelling built, indicating healthy demand that supports property values. New homes are being built at an average construction cost value of $320,000.

This financial year has seen $2.9 million in commercial approvals, suggesting Kilkenny's residential character. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Kilkenny records about three-quarters the building activity per person while placing among the 85th percentile nationally, though construction activity has intensified recently. New development consists of 29.0% standalone homes and 71.0% attached dwellings, offering affordable entry pathways and attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This represents a shift from Kilkenny's existing housing, which is currently 66.0% houses. With around 109 people per dwelling approval, Kilkenny shows characteristics of a growth area.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Kilkenny is expected to grow by 378 residents through to 2041. Development is keeping pace with projected growth, though buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

Kilkenny has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 19thth percentile nationally

No infrastructure changes have been identified by AreaSearch that could impact the area. Key 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.

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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 6.3% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 4.3%. As of September 2025, there are 1,008 residents in work and the unemployment rate is 2.4% higher than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation is similar to Greater Adelaide's 66.4%. According to Census responses, a low 8.6% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. 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 are 1.2 workers for every resident, indicating Kilkenny functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 4.3% and labour force increased by 4.1%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.3 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Adelaide recorded employment growth of 3.0%, labour force growth of 2.9%, with unemployment falling by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer further insight into potential future demand within Kilkenny. These projections estimate national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but 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.

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 of $51,669 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is below the national average, with Greater Adelaide having a median income of $54,808 and an average income of $66,852 during the same period. By September 2025, current estimates based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% would be approximately $50,515 (median) and $56,216 (average). According to 2021 Census figures, household incomes in Kilkenny fall between the 20th and 28th percentiles nationally. The predominant income cohort spans 32.8% of locals (668 people), with incomes ranging from $1,500 to $2,999. This pattern is 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

Dwelling structure in Kilkenny, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 27th August 2016, comprised 65.7% houses and 34.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Adelaide metro's dwelling structure of 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings as at the same Census date. Home ownership in Kilkenny stood at 34.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.0% and rented dwellings at 35.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Kilkenny was $1,517 as of 2016, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $320. In comparison, Adelaide metro had median monthly mortgage repayments of $1,562 and median weekly rents of $320 during the same period. Nationally, Kilkenny's median monthly mortgage repayment figures were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863 as of 2016, while median weekly rent figures were substantially below the national figure of $375 for the same year.

Kilkenny features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical 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%, consisting of 28.5% lone person households and 5.3% group households. The median household size is 2.5 people, aligning with the Greater Adelaide average.

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% 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.

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 serving a mix of train and bus services. These stops are covered by 30 individual routes, offering a total of 2,745 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically residing within 200 meters of the nearest stop. In this predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward. The car remains the primary mode of transport at 80%, followed by train at 8% and bus at 5%. On average, there are 1.1 vehicles per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 8.6% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 392 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 137 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Kilkenny is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts

Kilkenny faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across all age groups but more so among older cohorts. Approximately 47% of Kilkenny's total population (~967 people) has private health cover, compared to 52.7% in Greater Adelaide and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (8.0%) and asthma (7.3%), while 69.3% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.9% in Greater Adelaide. Under-65s have better health outcomes than average. Kilkenny has 20.6% of residents aged 65 and over (420 people), higher than the 19.3% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, ranking lower nationally 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 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, comprising 50.0% of its population. Notably, Buddhism is overrepresented in Kilkenny compared to Greater Adelaide, making up 6.5% versus 2.4%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (17.5%), Australian (16.9%), and Other (13.7%). Some ethnic groups show significant differences: Serbian is notably higher at 2.5% in Kilkenny compared to the regional average of 0.4%, Polish is at 1.5% versus 1.0%, and Vietnamese is at 6.2% compared to 1.2%.

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

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 (17.0% locally) but fewer 5-14 year-olds (9.3%). Post-2021 Census, the 25-34 age group grew from 15.8% to 17.0%, while the 35-44 cohort increased from 13.2% to 14.3%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 13.1% to 11.9%, and the 15-24 group dropped from 13.5% to 12.4%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Kilkenny's age profile, with the 75-84 cohort showing the strongest growth (68%), adding 120 residents to reach 298. Residents aged 65 and older represent 51% of anticipated population growth.