Killara (NSW)

An assessment of population growth drivers in Killara reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As of November 2025, the estimated population for the Killara (NSW) statistical area (Lv2) is approximately 11,254. This figure represents a 634 person increase since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,620 people in the same area. The latest resident population estimate by AreaSearch, following examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024, stands at 11,161, with an additional 69 validated new addresses since the Census date contributing to this increase. This results in a population density ratio of 2,462 persons per square kilometer for Killara (NSW) (SA2), placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's 6.0% growth rate since the 2021 Census exceeds that of its SA3 area (4.3%) and SA4 region, indicating strong population growth leadership within the region. Overseas migration was the primary driver of this population increase during recent periods.

AreaSearch projections for Killara (NSW) (SA2), based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a 2022 base year, anticipate a median national statistical area population growth trend moving forward. By 2041, the area is expected to grow by approximately 1,315 persons, reflecting a total gain of 10.7% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Killara according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers for Killara shows approximately 23 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 118 homes from FY-20 to FY-25. So far in FY-26, 19 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling has added around 2.9 new residents per year between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating solid demand that supports property values.

The average expected construction cost value of these homes is $1,319,000, suggesting developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY-26, $114.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Sydney, Killara has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person. Nationally, it places among the 26th percentile of areas assessed, indicating more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing dwellings.

This level reflects the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New building activity in Killara shows 76.0% detached dwellings and 24.0% attached dwellings, sustaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (55.0% at Census), indicating continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. Killara shows a mature, established area with around 629 people per approval. Population forecasts indicate Killara will gain 1,207 residents by 2041. Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Killara has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 34 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include Transport Oriented Development & Rail Infrastructure - Lindfield Precinct, Lindfield Village Hub, The Marian - 20, 22A & 22 Marian Street TOD Site, and Killara Golf Club Residential Development. The following list details those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment conditions in Killara remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Killara has an educated workforce with notable representation in the technology sector. Its unemployment rate is 4.2%, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

As of September 2025, there are 5,605 employed residents, matching Greater Sydney's 4.2% unemployment rate and 60.0% workforce participation rate. Key employment sectors include professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and finance & insurance. Notably, professional & technical jobs comprise 1.5 times the regional average. Conversely, construction employs only 4.2% of local workers, lower than Greater Sydney's 8.6%.

The area offers limited local employment opportunities, indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Killara's labour force increased by 0.7%, but employment decreased by the same percentage, leading to a 1.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment grow by 2.1% and labour force expand by 2.4%, with only a 0.2 percentage point unemployment increase. Statewide, NSW's employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs) as of 25-Nov-25, with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. Nationally, the unemployment rate was 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia projects national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Killara's employment mix suggests local employment could increase by 7.6% in five years and 15.2% in ten years, though these are simple weighted extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

The suburb of Killara has a median taxpayer income of $62,363 and an average income of $126,098 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. Nationally, this is exceptionally high, contrasting with Greater Sydney's median income of $60,817 and average income of $83,093. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since the financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $67,888 (median) and $137,270 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family, and personal incomes all rank highly in Killara, between the 86th and 95th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that 35.9% of the population (4,040 individuals) fall within the $4000+ income range, unlike trends in the surrounding region where 30.9% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. Economic strength is evident through 47.8% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. Housing accounts for 14.8% of income while strong earnings rank residents within the 94th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

Killara features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Killara, as per the latest Census evaluation, 54.6% of dwellings were houses while 45.4% consisted of other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This contrasts with Sydney metropolitan area's figures of 68.8% houses and 31.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Killara stood at 40.6%, closely aligned with the Sydney metro average. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (33.3%) or rented (26.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Killara was $3,300, lower than the Sydney metro average of $3,500. The median weekly rent figure in Killara was $620 compared to Sydney metro's $630. Nationally, Killara's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $3,300 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Killara features high concentrations of family households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 79.1% of all households, including 43.4% couples with children, 23.7% couples without children, and 10.7% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 20.9%, with lone person households at 19.4% and group households comprising 1.8%. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.9.

Killara demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Killara's educational attainment notably exceeds national and state averages. Among residents aged 15+, 59.7% hold university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and NSW's 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 36.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (20.1%) and graduate diplomas (3.4%). Vocational pathways account for 16.0% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 9.7% and certificates at 6.3%.

Educational participation is high, with 33.3% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.7% in secondary education, 10.0% in primary education, and 8.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Killara has 65 active public transport stops, including train and bus services. These stops are served by 37 different routes, offering a total of 5,833 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 162 meters to the nearest stop.

Service frequency across all routes is 833 trips per day, translating to approximately 89 weekly trips per stop.

Killara's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Health outcomes data shows excellent results in Killara, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 77% of the total population (8,614 people), compared to 78.8% across Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%. Asthma and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 5.7% and 5.0% of residents respectively.

77.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 76.0% across Greater Sydney. The area has 19.9% of residents aged 65 and over (2,239 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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

Killara's cultural diversity is notable, with 42.1% speaking a language other than English at home and 47.9% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion, making up 42.9%. Judaism is overrepresented in Killara at 1.9%, compared to Greater Sydney's 2.5%.

Top ancestry groups include Chinese (24.4%), English (19.4%), and Australian (15.3%). Korean, Hungarian, and Russian ethnicities are also notably higher than regional averages.

Killara's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Killara is 42 years, significantly higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and Australia's median age of 38 years. The 15-24 age group comprises 16.2% of Killara's population, compared to Greater Sydney's percentage. The 25-34 age cohort is less prevalent in Killara at 8.3%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 15-24 age group has increased from 14.1% to 16.2%, while the 5-14 age group has decreased from 14.1% to 13.2%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes in Killara. The 75-84 age group is expected to grow by 55%, reaching 1,204 people from the current 776. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 71% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Conversely, the 0-4 and 25-34 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.