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

By Feb 2026, the estimated population of Kilsyth was around 13,039, showing an increase of 1,340 people since the 2021 Census. The 2021 Census recorded a population of 11,699 in the suburb. This growth is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 12,539 residents following examination of ABS ERP data (June 2024) and validation of an additional 297 new addresses since the Census date. The population density was 1,397 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Kilsyth's growth rate of 11.5% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA4 region (4.9%) and the national average, marking it as a notable growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 36.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with other drivers such as interstate migration and natural growth also being positive factors.

AreaSearch projections for Kilsyth are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data 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 from these aggregations are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. According to these projections, the suburb is expected to have an above median population growth compared to national areas, with an increase of 2,756 persons projected by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 17.3% over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Kilsyth experienced around 81 dwelling approvals annually. From FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 409 homes were approved, with an additional 48 so far in FY-26. Each new dwelling built over these years resulted in an average of 2.2 new residents yearly.

The average construction cost for new dwellings is $347,000. This financial year has seen $42.8 million in commercial development approvals, reflecting strong commercial growth momentum. New building activity comprises 48% standalone homes and 52% attached dwellings, a shift from the current housing mix of 85% houses, likely due to reduced development sites and changing lifestyle demands. Kilsyth has around 165 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market.

Future projections estimate Kilsyth will add 2,256 residents by 2041. Current construction rates appear balanced with future demand, maintaining 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 has identified 22 projects that may affect the area. Key projects include 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.

Employment performance in Kilsyth has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Kilsyth has a skilled workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 5.2% as of the previous year, with an estimated employment growth of 0.8%. As of December 2025, 6,410 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 5.7%, which is 0.9% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

Workforce participation in Kilsyth was 65.9%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%. According to Census responses, 22.7% of residents worked from home. Employment was concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and manufacturing sectors. The area had a strong specialization in construction, with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level.

In contrast, professional & technical services employed only 6.0% of local workers, lower than Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. Many residents commuted elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the past year, employment increased by 0.8%, while the labour force grew by 1.6%, leading to an unemployment rise of 0.7 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne saw employment grow by 2.4% and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Kilsyth's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

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

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2023 shows median income in Kilsyth was $54,682 and average income was $64,037. This is lower than national averages of $57,688 (median) and $75,164 (average). In Greater Melbourne, incomes were higher at $57,688 (median) and $75,164 (average). By September 2025, estimated median income in Kilsyth would be approximately $59,193 and average income $69,320, based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023. Census data indicates incomes in Kilsyth are modest, ranking between the 44th and 50th percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. The income bracket $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 35.9% of residents (4,681 people), similar to regional levels at 32.8%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Kilsyth, with only 82.6% of income remaining, ranking at the 43rd percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Kilsyth's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 84.6% houses and 15.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 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, lower than Melbourne metro's $2,000. Median weekly rent in Kilsyth was $391, similar to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Kilsyth's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,863 and rents exceeded the national average of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 account for 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 the 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 - advanced diplomas at 12.3% and certificates at 27.0%. Educational participation is high, with 25.6% currently enrolled in formal education: 9.0% in primary, 6.7% in secondary, and 3.2% in tertiary education.

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

The transport analysis indicates 56 active stops in Kilsyth, serving a mix of bus routes. These are spread across 14 individual routes, facilitating 1,484 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents on average 272 meters from the nearest stop. Predominantly residential, most commuters travel outward; cars remain the primary mode at 93%. Vehicle ownership stands at 1.5 per dwelling, exceeding the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 22.7% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 212 trips daily across all routes, translating 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's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 52% of the total population (~6,802 people), leading that of the average SA2 area but lower than Greater Melbourne's 56.7%. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues and arthritis, affecting 9.3 and 8.8% of residents respectively. Conversely, 65.5% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents show above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 20.7% of residents aged 65 and over (2,699 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 cultural diversity level above average, 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 its people. The most notable overrepresentation is in the 'Other' category, which constitutes 0.7% of Kilsyth's population compared to Greater Melbourne's 2.3%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (29.7%, regional average: 20.1%), Australian (27.7%, regional average: 18.4%), and Other (8.6%, regional average: 14.6%). Dutch ethnicity is notably overrepresented in Kilsyth at 2.9% compared to the regional average of 1.2%. Sri Lankan and Welsh ethnicities also show notable divergences, with Sri Lankans comprising 0.5% (regional average: 0.8%) and Welsh people making up 0.6% (regional average: 0.4%).

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

The median age in Kilsyth is 38 years, close to Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and equivalent to Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Kilsyth has a higher percentage of residents aged 75-84 (8.4% vs 6.2%) but fewer residents aged 15-24 (10.7% vs 13.9%). Between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Kilsyth's population aged 75-84 increased from 7.0% to 8.4%, while those aged 35-44 rose from 14.3% to 15.5%. Conversely, the 25-34 age group decreased from 15.4% to 14.3%. By 2041, Kilsyth's population is projected to see significant changes in its age composition. The 45-54 age group is expected to grow by 36%, increasing from 1,369 to 1,860 residents. The 0-4 age group will experience more modest growth of 4%, adding only 31 residents.