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 November 2025, the estimated population of Kilsyth is around 12,738. This reflects an increase of 1,039 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,699. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 12,535 following examination of ABS ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 283 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,365 persons per square kilometer, exceeding national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Kilsyth's growth rate of 8.9% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region's growth rate of 4.0%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 36.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with other factors such as interstate migration and natural growth also being positive contributors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 using the 2022 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. By 2041, the suburb is projected to have an above median population growth with an increase of 2,761 persons, reflecting a total increase of 20.5% over the 17-year period.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Kilsyth has experienced around 81 dwellings receiving development approval annually. An estimated 408 homes were approved over the past 5 financial years between FY-21 and FY-25, with a further 39 approved so far in FY-26. Each dwelling built over these years has resulted in an average of 2.2 new residents per year, indicating healthy demand that supports property values.

New homes are being built at an average construction cost value of $345,000, which is under regional levels, offering more accessible housing choices for buyers. This financial year has seen $39.2 million in commercial development approvals recorded, indicating strong commercial development momentum. Building activity shows 49.0% standalone homes and 51.0% attached dwellings, reflecting a trend towards denser development that caters to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This is a considerable shift from the current housing mix of 85.0% houses, likely due to reduced availability of development sites and changing lifestyle demands and affordability requirements.

Kilsyth has approximately 173 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Population forecasts indicate that Kilsyth will gain 2,607 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Building activity is keeping pace with growth projections, though buyers may face increased competition as the population grows.

Kilsyth 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 22 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives 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 highlights projects of greatest relevance.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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

Kilsyth has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 4.3% in the past year, showing an estimated employment growth of 0.5%.

As of June 2025, 6,343 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.3% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%, and workforce participation at par with Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and manufacturing, with a particularly strong specialization in construction at 1.6 times the regional level. However, professional & technical employment is lower at 6.0% compared to Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data.

In the 12 months prior, employment increased by 0.5%, labour force by 0.7%, and unemployment rose by 0.2 percentage points in Kilsyth, contrasting with Greater Melbourne's higher growth rates. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years nationally. 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, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that Kilsyth's median income is $54,689 and average income is $64,033. Nationally, the median income is higher at $57,071 with an average of $72,033. In Greater Melbourne, the median income is $54,892 and average is $73,761. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $61,339 (median) and $71,819 (average) for Kilsyth. Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Kilsyth rank modestly, between the 44th and 50th percentiles. Income analysis reveals that the majority of residents, 35.9% or 4,572 people, fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket, mirroring regional levels where 32.8% occupy this bracket. 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

Dwelling structure in Kilsyth, as per the latest Census, consisted of 84.6% houses and 15.4% other dwellings. In Melbourne metro, all dwellings were houses. Home ownership in Kilsyth was 33.9%, with mortgages at 45.3% and rentals at 20.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,972, aligning with the Melbourne metro average. Median weekly rent was $391, while Melbourne metro had no figures available. Nationally, Kilsyth's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Kilsyth has a typical household mix, with a median household size of 2.4 people

Family households account for 69.8 percent of all households, including 29.5 percent that are couples with children, 25.9 percent that are couples without children, and 13.2 percent that are single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 30.2 percent, with lone person households at 27.8 percent and group households comprising 2.5 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people.

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 such qualifications - advanced diplomas (12.3%) and certificates (27.0%). Educational participation is 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. Kilsyth's 4 schools have a combined enrollment of 444 students and offer balanced educational opportunities (ICSEA: 1002). These schools focus exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in nearby areas. The low ratio of 3.5 school places per 100 residents indicates many local students attend schools outside the immediate area.

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

Analysis of public transport in Kilsyth shows 56 active transport stops currently operating, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 14 different routes combined, offering a total of 1,638 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as good, with residents on average located just 272 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 234 trips per day across all routes, which translates to approximately 29 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.

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 (~6,645 people), leading that of the average SA2 area. The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 9.3 and 8.8% of residents respectively. Approximately 65.5% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 0% across Greater Melbourne. The area has 20.1% of residents aged 65 and over (2,560 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Kilsyth was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Kilsyth had a cultural diversity above average, with 21.4% of its population born overseas and 13.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the main religion in Kilsyth, comprising 44.7% of people there, compared to None% across Greater Melbourne for Other religions. The ancestry (country of birth of parents) showed English as the top group with 29.7%, followed by Australian at 27.7%.

The Other category comprised 8.6% of the population. Some ethnic groups were notably overrepresented in Kilsyth compared to regional averages: Dutch at 2.9%, Sri Lankan at 0.5%, and Welsh at 0.6%.

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

The median age in Kilsyth is close to Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and equivalent to the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Kilsyth has a higher proportion of residents aged 75-84 (7.9%) but fewer residents aged 15-24 (10.6%). Between the 2016 Census and the 2021 Census, the population aged 35-44 grew from 14.3% to 15.3%, while the population aged 55-64 declined from 11.1% to 10.4%. By 2041, Kilsyth's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 45-54 group is projected to grow by 40%, increasing from 1,337 to 1,866 residents. The 0-4 age group is expected to grow modestly, adding only 9 residents.