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 of Killara is around 11,209 people. This figure represents an increase of 589 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,620. The current population estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024, indicating a resident population of 11,121. This level of population results in a density ratio of 2,452 persons per square kilometer, placing Killara in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's growth rate of 5.5% since the 2021 Census exceeded that of its SA3 area (4.4%) and SA4 region, making it a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population gains during this period.

For future projections, AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia's SA2-level projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2-level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 for areas not covered by the former data. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, Killara is expected to grow by 1,315 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 11.2% 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 indicates Killara has averaged around 23 dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 118 homes were approved, with a further 13 approved in FY-26 to date. Each dwelling is estimated to add about 2.9 new residents annually over the past five financial years.

The average construction cost of new dwellings is $1,319,000, suggesting developers target the premium market segment. In FY-26, $5.5 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting Killara's primarily residential nature. Compared to Greater Sydney, Killara records about 57% of building activity per person and ranks at the 24th percentile nationally for dwelling approvals, indicating limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes. Recent construction comprises 76.0% detached dwellings and 24.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining Killara's suburban identity with a focus on family homes.

Developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies (55.0% at Census), indicating strong demand for family homes despite densification trends. With around 688 people per dwelling approval, Killara reflects a mature market. By 2041, AreaSearch estimates Killara's population will grow by 1,252 residents. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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 has identified 34 projects likely to affect the area. Notable projects 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. Relevant projects are detailed below.

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 a highly educated workforce with notable representation in the technology sector. Its unemployment rate is 4.3%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025, there are 5,601 residents employed, with an unemployment rate aligned with Greater Sydney's 4.2%. Workforce participation mirrors Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Key employment sectors include professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and finance & insurance. Notably, professional & technical jobs are at 1.5 times the regional average.

Conversely, construction is under-represented with only 4.2% of Killara's workforce compared to Greater Sydney's 8.6%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, indicated by Census working population versus resident population counts. Over the 12 months to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.2%, and employment declined by 2.0%, raising the unemployment rate by 1.8 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment growth of 2.6% and labour force growth of 2.9%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Killara's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.6% over five years and 15.2% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

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

AreaSearch aggregated latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022. Killara's median income among taxpayers was $62,363 with an average of $126,098. Nationally, these figures are exceptionally high compared to Greater Sydney's $56,994 and $80,856 respectively. By September 2025, estimates suggest a median income of approximately $70,227 and an average of $141,999 based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022. Census data shows Killara's household, family, and personal incomes rank highly nationally, between the 86th and 95th percentiles. The predominant income cohort in Killara is 35.9% (4,024 people) earning $4000+ annually, unlike metropolitan trends where 30.9% earn within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. Killara has a substantial proportion of high earners, with 47.8% earning above $3,000/week, indicating strong economic capacity throughout the district. Housing accounts for 14.8% of income, and residents rank 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

Killara's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 54.6% houses and 45.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Sydney metro had 68.8% houses and 31.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Killara was at 40.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.3% and rented ones at 26.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $3,300, below Sydney metro's $3,500. Median weekly rent was $620, compared to Sydney metro's $630. Nationally, Killara's mortgage repayments were higher at $3,300 against the Australian 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 make up 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 is notably high, with 59.7% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications, surpassing 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%, with advanced diplomas (9.7%) and certificates (6.3%) being the main components. Educational participation is high, with 33.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 10.7% in secondary, 10.0% in primary, and 8.1% pursuing tertiary education.

Killara Public School and Beaumont Road Public School serve a total of 633 students, demonstrating high educational performance (ICSEA: 1162), placing them among the most advantaged nationally. Both schools focus on primary education, with secondary options available in nearby areas. School capacity is limited locally (5.7 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 20.6), leading many families to seek schooling in surrounding areas.

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

Killara has 61 operational public transport stops. These include a mix of train and bus services. There are 38 different routes serving these stops, collectively facilitating 4,867 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as excellent in Killara, with residents typically located 162 meters from the nearest stop. On average, service frequency across all routes is 695 trips per day, equating to approximately 79 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Killara shows excellent health outcomes with very low prevalence of common conditions across all ages. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 77% of the total population of 8580 people, compared to 79.6% across Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (5.7%) and arthritis (5%).

A total of 77.3% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 76.0% in Greater Sydney. Killara has 19.9% of residents aged 65 and over (2230 people), with seniors' health outcomes aligning well with the general population's 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 has a high level of cultural diversity, with 42.1% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 47.9% born overseas. The predominant religion in Killara is Christianity, making up 42.9% of the population. However, Judaism is notably overrepresented, comprising 1.9% compared to the Greater Sydney average of 0.5%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Chinese at 24.4%, English at 19.4%, and Australian at 15.3%. Some other ethnic groups show significant differences: Korean is overrepresented at 3.3% compared to the regional average of 2.3%, Hungarian at 0.5% versus 0.4%, and Russian at 0.7% against 0.5%.

Killara hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Killara is 42 years, significantly higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and Australia's average of 38 years. The 15-24 age group comprises 16.2% of the population, compared to Greater Sydney's proportion. The 25-34 cohort represents 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 56%, reaching 1,205 people from 773. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 71% of total population growth. Conversely, the 0-4 and 25-34 age cohorts are projected to experience population declines.