Killara (NSW)

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

Killara's population is estimated at 11,187 as of May 2026. This reflects a growth from the 2021 Census figure of 10,620 people, an increase of 567 people (5.3%). The change was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate based on the latest ABS ERP data release in June 2025 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 2,447 persons per square kilometer, placing Killara in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch assessments. The suburb's growth rate exceeded its SA3 area's (4.4%) between the 2021 Census and May 2026, marking it as a growth leader regionally. Overseas migration was primarily responsible for this population increase.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area 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. Based on these aggregations, Killara is projected to increase its population by 1,122 persons by 2041, reflecting an overall increase of approximately 10.0% over the 16-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Killara, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Killara had around 23 new homes approved annually over the past 5 financial years, totalling an estimated 118 homes. As of FY-26, 47 approvals have been recorded. Over these 5 years, there were approximately 1.2 new residents per dwelling constructed on average, indicating a balanced supply and demand with stable market conditions. However, this figure has increased to 18.6 people per dwelling over the past 2 financial years, suggesting increasing demand and tightening supply. Development projects averaged $1,319,000 in construction value, reflecting a focus on premium segment properties.

This year, commercial development approvals totalled $114.7 million, indicating strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Sydney, Killara shows around 58% of the construction activity per person and ranks at the 26th percentile nationally, suggesting limited buyer options and strengthening demand for established dwellings. New building activity comprised 76.0% detached dwellings and 24.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving the area's suburban nature with a preference for detached housing. The population per dwelling approval is around 631, reflecting a highly mature market.

By 2041, Killara is expected to grow by 1,122 residents, potentially leading to increased buyer competition and price support if current development rates struggle to match population growth.

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

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 34 projects that could impact the area. Notable projects include Transport Oriented Development - Lindfield Precinct, Lindfield Village Hub, The Marian - involving sites at 20, 22A & 22 Marian Street for Transport Oriented Development, and Killara Golf Club Residential Development. The following list details those projects likely to have the most relevance.

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.

AreaSearch analysis indicates Killara maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Killara has a highly educated workforce. The technology sector is particularly well-represented. Its unemployment rate was 3.7% in the past year.

Employment growth was estimated at 0.8%. As of December 2025, 5,633 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.5% below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation is lower than Greater Sydney's, at 62.0%. A high proportion, 62.1%, work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns.

Major employment sectors include professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and finance & insurance. Killara specializes in professional & technical jobs, with a share 1.5 times the regional level. However, construction is under-represented, at 4.2% compared to Greater Sydney's 8.6%. Local employment opportunities appear limited, as indicated by Census data comparing working population and resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 0.8%, while labour force grew by 1.2%, raising the unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney experienced stronger growth in both employment (2.2%) and labour force (2.3%). National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, issued in May-25, project 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% over five years and 15.2% over ten years, though these are simple 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 financial year 2023. This is notably higher than Greater Sydney's median income of $60,817 and average income of $83,093. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% from financial year 2023 to March 2026, current estimates would be approximately $68,799 (median) and $139,111 (average). Census data from 2021 shows that incomes in Killara rank highly nationally, with household, family, and personal incomes falling between the 86th and 95th percentiles. Income distribution indicates that 35.9% of residents earn over $4,000 per week, unlike metropolitan trends where 30.9% fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range. Killara's affluence is evident with 47.8% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. Housing accounts for 14.8% of income, while strong earnings place residents in 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 above-average rates of outright home ownership

Killara's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, was 54.6% houses and 45.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Sydney metro had 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Killara stood at 40.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.3% and rented ones at 26.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $3,300, higher than Sydney metro's $2,427. Median weekly rent in Killara was $620, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Killara's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $3,300 vs 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 higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 20.9%, with lone person households at 19.4% and group households making up 1.8%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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 exceeds national averages. Among residents aged 15 and above, 59.7% hold university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and NSW's 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common (36.2%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (20.1%) and graduate diplomas (3.4%). Vocational pathways account for 16.0%, 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 offering a mix of train and bus services. These are covered by 37 routes, serving 5,833 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is excellent, with residents located an average of 162 meters from the nearest stop. Most commutes are outward-bound due to Killara's residential nature. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 77%, while trains account for 16%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 62.1% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency across all routes is 833 trips per day on average, equating to about 89 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's health outcomes show exceptional results based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence, with very low prevalence across all age groups. The private health cover rate is approximately 77% (8,563 people), compared to Greater Sydney's 59.9%, and the national average of 55.7%. Asthma and arthritis are the most common conditions, affecting 5.7% and 5.0% respectively.

77.3% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.6% in Greater Sydney. Killara has 20.2% (2,259 people) of its population aged 65 and over, higher than Greater Sydney's 15.5%. Health outcomes among seniors are strong and align with national rankings for the general population.

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. Christianity is the predominant religion in Killara, making up 42.9% of people residing there. However, Judaism is significantly overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney, comprising 1.9% of Killara's population versus 0.8%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Chinese (24.4%), English (19.4%), and Australian (15.3%). Notably, Korean (3.3%) is overrepresented compared to the regional average of 1.1%, as are Hungarian (0.5% vs 0.3%) and Russian (0.7% vs 0.4%) groups.

Killara's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Killara is 42 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and Australia's national average of 38 years. The 15-24 age group constitutes 16.4% of the population in Killara, compared to Greater Sydney. Conversely, the 25-34 age group makes up 8.8%, which is less prevalent than in Greater Sydney. According to the post-2021 Census data, the 15-24 age group has increased from 14.1% to 16.4%. Meanwhile, the 5-14 age group has decreased from 14.1% to 12.8%, and the 0-4 age group has dropped from 4.0% to 2.9%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes in Killara. Notably, the 75-84 age group is expected to grow by 48%, reaching 1,174 people from 794. The combined 65+ age groups will account for 71% of total population growth, reflecting Killara's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 0-4 and 25-34 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.