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

The population of the suburb of Kilsyth is estimated at around 12,616 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 917 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,699 people. The change was inferred from the resident population of 12,505 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 319 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,352 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Kilsyth's growth of 7.8% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region's growth of 3.8%. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 36.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the 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 also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking at population projections moving forward, an above median population growth is projected for the suburb, with an expected increase of 2,444 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 18.5% in total over the 16 years.

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, Kilsyth has experienced around 81 dwellings receiving development approval annually. Over the past 5 financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 409 homes were approved, with a further 69 approved in FY-26 so far. Each dwelling built over these years has resulted in an average of 2 new residents per year.

The estimated construction cost value for new homes is $347,000 on average. This financial year has seen $42.8 million in commercial development approvals, indicating strong commercial development momentum. New building activity shows 48% standalone homes and 52% attached dwellings, a shift from the current housing mix of 85% houses. The location has approximately 165 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market.

Future projections estimate Kilsyth to add 2,333 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. 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 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 details those most relevant.

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

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

Kilsyth has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 5.2% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 0.6%. As of December 2025, 6,347 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate was 0.5% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

Workforce participation was lower at 65.7%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. According to Census responses, 22.7% of residents worked from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and manufacturing, with a strong specialization in construction at 1.6 times the regional level. Professional & technical employment was lower at 6.0%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 10.1%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work. In the 12-month period ending December 2025, employment increased by 0.6% while unemployment rose by 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment rise by 2.4%, with a smaller increase in unemployment at 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.

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

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2023 shows Kilsyth's median income at $54,682 and average income at $64,037. Nationally, these figures are lower than the median of $57,688 and average of $75,164 in Greater Melbourne. By March 2026, estimated incomes would be approximately $59,942 (median) and $70,197 (average), based on a 9.62% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. Census data ranks Kilsyth's household, family, and personal incomes modestly, between the 44th and 50th percentiles. Income analysis reveals that 35.9% of residents (4,529 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, similar to regional levels at 32.8%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, 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, comprised 84.6% houses and 15.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. The home ownership level in Kilsyth was 33.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 45.3% and rented dwellings at 20.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,972, lower than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure in Kilsyth was $391, similar to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Kilsyth's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. 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, including 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.

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 serving mixed bus routes. These stops are covered by 14 different routes, offering a total of 1,484 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is good, with residents typically living 272 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily. Car remains the primary mode of transport at 93%. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling, higher than the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, 22.7% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 212 trips per day across all routes, resulting in 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 per AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover is at approximately 52% of the total population (~6,581 people), leading that of the average SA2 area but lower than Greater Melbourne's 56.7%. Mental health issues impact 9.3% of residents, while arthritis affects 8.8%. 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 19.9% of residents aged 65 and over (2,510 people), higher than Greater Melbourne's 15.0%. 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 residents born overseas and 13.2% speaking a language other than English at home. The dominant religion in Kilsyth is Christianity, comprising 44.7% of the population. Notably, the category Other comprises 0.7% of Kilsyth's population, compared to 2.3% across Greater Melbourne.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (29.7%), Australian (27.7%), and Other (8.6%). These figures differ from regional averages: English is substantially higher (20.1%), Australian is also higher (18.4%), while Other is notably lower (14.6%). Some ethnic groups show notable divergences in representation: Dutch at 2.9% (regional average 1.2%), Sri Lankan at 0.5% (0.8%), and Welsh at 0.6% (0.4%).

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

The median age in Kilsyth is 38 years, comparable to Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and the Australian median of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Kilsyth has a higher proportion of residents aged 75-84 (8.0%) but fewer residents aged 15-24 (10.8%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the age group 35-44 has increased from 14.3% to 15.3% of the population while the 25-34 cohort has decreased from 15.4% to 14.5%. By 2041, Kilsyth's demographic is projected to change significantly. The 45-54 age group is expected to grow by 36%, adding 486 people and reaching a total of 1,836 from the current 1,349. The 0-4 age group is forecasted to grow at a more modest rate of 6%, with an increase of 54 residents.