Killarney Heights

Killarney Heights is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Killarney Heights is around 4,639. This figure reflects an increase of 137 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,502. The current estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025. This results in a population density ratio of 1,094 persons per square kilometer. Killarney Heights' growth rate of 3.0% since the census positions it competitively with other SA3 areas, being within 0.7 percentage points of their average growth. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population gains in recent periods for the suburb.

For future projections until 2041, AreaSearch uses 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. By 2041, the suburb is projected to increase by 125 persons, reflecting an overall growth rate of 2.1% over the 16-year period.

The level of residential development activity in Killarney Heights is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, indicates Killarney Heights has averaged around 15 new dwelling approvals each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 75 homes. As of FY-26, 6 approvals have been recorded. The area has experienced population decline, yet housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, creating a balanced market with good buyer choice. New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $866,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

This financial year, $53,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, demonstrating the area's residential nature. Compared to Greater Sydney, Killarney Heights has slightly more development, 13.0% above regional average per person over the five-year period, maintaining good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. However, development activity has moderated in recent periods. This level is also under the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations.

Recent development has been entirely comprised of standalone homes, maintaining Killarney Heights' traditional suburban character focused on family homes appealing to those seeking space. At around 1523 people per approval, Killarney Heights shows a mature, established area. Future projections show Killarney Heights adding 99 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Killarney Heights has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified five projects expected to impact the area. Key projects are Forestville Rsl Club Redevelopment, Angel Place Seniors Living, Melwood Gardens, and Forestville Reserve Community Centre. The following details those deemed 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.

The employment landscape in Killarney Heights shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Killarney Heights has a highly educated workforce with notable representation in the technology sector. Its unemployment rate is 4.6%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, 2,307 residents are employed, while the unemployment rate is 0.4% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation in Killarney Heights is somewhat lower at 65.5%, compared to Greater Sydney's 68.8%. Census responses indicate that 60.3% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdown impacts. The dominant employment sectors among residents include professional & technical services, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Killarney Heights demonstrates a particularly high concentration in professional & technical services, with employment levels at 1.5 times the regional average.

Conversely, health care & social assistance is under-represented, with only 11.1% of Killarney Heights's workforce compared to 14.1% in Greater Sydney. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the discrepancy between the Census working population and resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, the labour force decreased by 0.6%, while employment declined by 1.7%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.1 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment growth of 2.2% and a marginal increase in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Killarney Heights's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.2% over five years and 14.3% 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

The suburb of Killarney Heights had an exceptionally high national income level according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers was $66,416 and the average income stood at $111,931, which compared to figures for Greater Sydney of $60,817 and $83,003 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $73,270 (median) and $123,482 (average) as of March 2026. According to 2021 Census figures, household incomes ranked exceptionally high at the 99th percentile ($3,426 weekly). Income analysis revealed that the $4000+ earnings band captured 44.4% of the community (2,059 individuals), unlike trends in the surrounding region where 30.9% fell within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. Higher earners represented a substantial presence with 55.4% exceeding $3,000 weekly, indicating strong purchasing power within the community. After housing costs, residents retained 87.4% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 10th decile.

Killarney Heights is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in Killarney Heights, as per the latest Census, consisted of 96.2% houses and 3.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Sydney metro's figures of 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Killarney Heights stood at 48.3%, with the rest being mortgaged (39.0%) or rented (12.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $3,500, exceeding Sydney metro's average of $2,427. The median weekly rent in Killarney Heights was recorded at $923, compared to Sydney metro's figure of $470. Nationally, Killarney Heights' mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Killarney Heights features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 86.4% of all households, including 55.1% couples with children, 21.6% couples without children, and 9.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 13.6%, consisting of 12.7% lone person households and 0.6% group households. The median household size is 3.2 people, which is larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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

Educational attainment in Killarney Heights is notably higher than broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15 and above, 46.7% possess university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 32.2% in New South Wales (NSW). This educational advantage is largely driven by bachelor degrees, held by 29.9% of residents, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 13.9%, and graduate diplomas at 2.9%. Vocational pathways account for 23.0% of qualifications among those aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 11.8% and certificates at 11.2%.

Educational participation is high in the area, with 34.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.9% in primary education, 11.9% in secondary education, and 6.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in Killarney Heights shows that there are 16 active transport stops currently operating. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 48 individual routes providing service to the area. The weekly passenger trips facilitated by these routes amount to 2,695. The accessibility of transport in the area is rated as excellent, with residents typically located approximately 175 meters from their nearest transport stop. In this primarily residential area, most commuters travel outward. The dominant mode of transport for residents is the car, used by 83% of them.

Bus use accounts for 7%, and walking makes up 6%. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling in Killarney Heights is 1.8, which is higher than the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, a high proportion of residents, specifically 60.3%, work from home, which may be reflective of COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency across all routes averages 385 trips per day, equating to approximately 168 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Killarney Heights shows excellent health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are very low across all age groups. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 71% of the total population (3,294 people), compared to 59.9% in Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are asthma and arthritis, affecting 6.4 and 5.4% of residents respectively. 76.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. The area has 16.2% of residents aged 65 and over (751 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly in line with the general population nationally.

Killarney Heights was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Killarney Heights had a higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 26.9% of its residents speaking a language other than English at home and 35.5% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Killarney Heights, accounting for 51.5% of the population. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented, comprising 0.6%, compared to 0.8% across Greater Sydney.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (24.3%), Australian (20.0%), and Other (12.5%). Some ethnic groups showed significant differences: French was notably higher at 3.9% in Killarney Heights compared to 0.5% regionally, South Australian at 1.4% vs 0.5%, and Russian at 0.5% vs 0.4%.

Killarney Heights hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Killarney Heights is 42 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and Australia's national average of 38 years. The proportion of the population aged 15-24 is 18.8%, compared to Greater Sydney's figure, while the 25-34 age group is less prevalent at 4.2%. This high representation of the 15-24 age group is well above the national average of 12.7%. According to post-2021 Census data, the proportion of the population aged 15-24 has grown from 15.3% to 18.8%, while the 45-54 age group has declined from 17.9% to 16.7%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Killarney Heights, with the 65-74 age group expected to grow by 38%, reaching 448 people from 324. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 91% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 45-54 and 0-4 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.