Kilsyth

Population growth drivers in Kilsyth are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Feb 2026, the population of Kilsyth is estimated at around 13,039. This reflects an increase of 1,340 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,699. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population as 12,539 following examination of ABS ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 297 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,397 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Kilsyth's growth of 11.5% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA4 region (4.9%) and the national average. Overseas migration contributed approximately 36.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth being positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future trends project an above median population growth, with the suburb expected to increase by 2,761 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 17.6% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Kilsyth among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Kilsyth has averaged approximately 81 new dwelling approvals per year. Between financial years FY21 and FY25, around 409 homes were approved, with a further 39 approved in FY26 to date. Each dwelling built over these five years has resulted in an average of 2.2 new residents annually.

The average construction cost value for new homes is approximately $347,000. This financial year has seen $42.8 million in commercial approvals, indicating robust local business investment. Recent construction comprises 49% standalone homes and 51% attached dwellings, marking a shift from the current housing pattern of 85% houses. Kilsyth reflects a developing area with around 165 people per approval.

Future projections estimate an addition of 2,302 residents by 2041. Current construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

Kilsyth has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 22 projects that could affect the region. Notable ones are Liverpool Road Shared User Path, 120-124 Merrindale Drive Industrial Development, Kilsyth Sporting Complex Stadium Improvements, and Kilsyth Recreation Reserve Master Plan. The following list details those 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.

Kilsyth has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Kilsyth has a skilled workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 4.7% as of September 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 0.9%.

This is based on AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. In September 2025, there were 6,419 residents employed in Kilsyth. The unemployment rate was in line with Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%, but workforce participation lagged at 65.6%. According to Census responses, 22.7% of residents worked from home.

Key industries for employment among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and manufacturing. Kilsyth shows strong specialization in construction with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level. However, professional & technical services were under-represented at 6.0%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 0.9% while the labour force grew by 1.1%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.2 percentage points in Kilsyth. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment rise by 3.0%, labour force grow by 3.3%, and unemployment increase by 0.3 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Kilsyth's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows that median income in Kilsyth is $54,682, lower than the national average of $64,037. In Greater Melbourne, median income was $57,688 and average income was $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% from financial year ending June 2023 to September 2025, estimated median income in Kilsyth would be approximately $59,193 and average income $69,320 by that date. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Kilsyth rank between the 44th and 50th percentiles. Income analysis indicates that the largest segment comprises 35.9% of residents earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly (4,681 residents), similar to the regional figure of 32.8%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.6% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 43rd percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the fifth decile.

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

Kilsyth's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, comprised 84.6% houses and 15.4% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and others. This contrasts with Melbourne metro's structure of 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kilsyth stood at 33.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 45.3% and rented ones at 20.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,972, below Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Kilsyth was $391, slightly higher than Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Kilsyth's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,972 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, and rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Kilsyth has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 69.8% of all households, including 29.5% couples with children, 25.9% couples without children, and 13.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 30.2%, with lone person households at 27.8% and group households comprising 2.5%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Educational attainment in Kilsyth aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 21.5%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 14.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (12.3%) and certificates (27.0%). Educational participation is high at 25.6%, comprising primary education (9.0%), secondary education (6.7%), and tertiary education (3.2%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 25.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.0% in primary education, 6.7% in secondary education, and 3.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Kilsyth has 56 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 14 different routes that together facilitate 1,484 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport in Kilsyth is rated as good, with residents typically located 272 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. Cars remain the dominant mode of transportation, used by 93% of residents. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling, which is higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 22.7% of Kilsyth's residents work from home, a figure that may reflect COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 212 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 26 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Kilsyth is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Kilsyth faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover is approximately 52% of the total population (~6,802 people), slightly higher than the average SA2 area but lower than Greater Melbourne's 56.7%. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues (9.3%) and arthritis (8.8%). 65.5% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents have an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. Kilsyth has 20.6% of residents aged 65 and over (2,686 people), higher than Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Kilsyth records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Kilsyth has a higher than average cultural diversity, with 21.4% of its population born overseas and 13.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Kilsyth, comprising 44.7% of the population. However, the most notable overrepresentation is in the 'Other' category, which constitutes 0.7% of Kilsyth's population compared to 2.3% across Greater Melbourne.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups in Kilsyth are English (29.7%, regional average 20.1%), Australian (27.7%, regional average 18.4%), and Other (8.6%, regional average 14.6%). There are also notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups, such as Dutch (Kilsyth 2.9% vs regional 1.2%), Sri Lankan (Kilsyth 0.5% vs regional 0.8%), and Welsh (Kilsyth 0.6% vs regional 0.4%).

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

The median age in Kilsyth is 38 years, similar to Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and the Australian median of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Kilsyth has a higher percentage of residents aged 75-84 (8.4% vs 6.9%) but fewer residents aged 15-24 (10.7% vs 12.7%). Between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Kilsyth's population aged 75 to 84 grew from 7.0% to 8.4%, while those aged 35 to 44 increased from 14.3% to 15.5%. Conversely, the percentage of residents aged 25 to 34 decreased from 15.4% to 14.3%. By 2041, Kilsyth's age composition is expected to change significantly. The 45 to 54 group is projected to grow by 36%, increasing from 1,369 to 1,864 residents. The 0 to 4 age group is expected to grow at a slower pace, adding only 35 residents (a 4% increase).