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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
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Kinglake has an estimated 1,873 residents, up from 1,662 at the 2021 Census — a change of 211 people, or 12.7%. Growth has averaged 2.5% a year over five years, faster than 79% of areas nationally. Natural increase accounts for 57.0% of that increase. Density is about 16 people per square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to AreaSearch's evaluation of broader regional ABS demographic updates and 9 validated new addresses identified since the Census date, the suburb of Kinglake has reached an estimated resident population (ERP) of approximately 1,873 as of Aug 2026. This figure marks an addition of 211 people (12.7%) relative to the 2021 Census, when 1,662 people were recorded. These metrics draw on the ABS release from June 2025 alongside post-Census address verification. The suburb of Kinglake maintains a density of 16.3 persons per square kilometer, offering residents substantial physical room. Outpacing both Victoria overall and its SA3 area (1.8%), the suburb of Kinglake stood out as a regional growth leader with its 12.7% expansion since the 2021 census.
Natural increase served as the primary demographic driver, accounting for roughly 56.99999999999999% of total gains in recent times, supplemented by positive contributions from both overseas migration and interstate migration. Projections generated by ABS/Geoscience Australia in 2024 using 2022 as a benchmark underpin the demographic modelling for each SA2 area, while gaps are supplemented by 2023 VIC State Government Regional/LGA figures aggregated to SA2 tiers via weighted distributions. Cohort-specific rates across age groups derived from this method extend through 2032 to 2041 across all localities. In forward-looking estimates, the suburb of Kinglake is positioned within the top quartile of Australian statistical territories for expansion, with forecasts anticipating an increase of 519 persons to 2041 under aggregated SA2-level modelling, which amounts to a cumulative 27.7% rise across the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
56 new dwellings have been approved in Kinglake over the past five years, an average of 11 a year. That places the area in the 53rd percentile for residential development activity nationally, about 6 approvals per 1,000 residents a year. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 4, well below that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Building activity metrics from the ABS compiled by AreaSearch show that Kinglake registers approximately 11 residential approvals per year, totaling an estimated 56 homes across the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), with 4 recorded to date in FY-25. Because an average of 7.5 new residents have arrived annually for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), construction volume trails population demand substantially, creating strong buyer rivalry and upward pricing pressure. Residential development is oriented toward the high-end sector, with dwellings carrying an average expected construction cost of $761,000.
Additionally, commercial development has remained constrained, with $6.0 million in commercial approvals logged during this financial year. Per capita residential approvals in Kinglake exceed Greater Melbourne by 53.0%, giving purchasers a broad selection of incoming properties. Nonetheless, construction volumes remain below the national benchmark, reflecting an established locality that may be subject to planning constraints. All recent residential building approvals have been for standalone houses, preserving low-density neighbourhoods and catering to family households seeking spacious living environments. With approximately 309 people per approval, the local development sector reflects an evolving market. Demographic projections indicate that Kinglake will add 519 residents through to 2041 according to the latest quarterly estimate from AreaSearch. Should building approvals persist at their existing pace, dwelling additions could fall short of resident inflows, tightening purchasing conditions and reinforcing upward value momentum.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Kinglake
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 48 current infrastructure and development projects close to Kinglake, worth an estimated $8.39 billion. 11 are already under construction and 13 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, transport & logistics and communities, precincts & urban renewal. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Capital investments, public works, and planning frameworks play a crucial role in shaping local economic and property outcomes. While AreaSearch has identified no projects within the immediate area that will directly impact it, relevant broader initiatives include the North East Link - Tolling Services Package, North East Link - Early Works, Inland Rail Beveridge to Albury, and Regional Housing Fund Projects.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Diamond Creek Trail Extension to Hurstbridge
The extension of the Diamond Creek Trail from Wattle Glen to Hurstbridge provides enhanced shared-use pathways for walking, cycling, and horse riding along the natural creek corridor, completing a continuous 55km trail from Hurstbridge to Melbourne CBD.
Yarra Valley Railway Heritage Line Restoration
Volunteer-led restoration of the historic Yarra Valley Railway between Healesville and Yarra Glen. The project includes reconstruction of rail infrastructure, bridge and station restoration, rolling stock overhaul and eventual expansion of heritage train services. As of 2026, public passenger services have been temporarily paused so volunteers can accelerate track restoration, rolling stock works and preparations for extending operations to Yarra Glen.
Precinct 2A Doreen Development Plan
Approved development plan for Precinct 2A in Doreen, covering about 49.9 hectares across multiple properties. The plan guides future residential subdivision and development, including a local road network, future residential parcels, open space, tree reserves and protection of River Red Gums and other native vegetation. It is intended to deliver about 650 dwellings at a minimum density target of 16.5 dwellings per net developable hectare, with subdivision permit applications to follow the approved plan.
Province Estate
A completed residential estate comprising 60 premium homesites ranging from 328m2 to 513m2. Located in Doreen, this estate offered modern living with large blocks and balanced lifestyle surrounded by established neighborhoods and amenities. The development featured tree-lined streetscapes, beautiful parks, and close proximity to schools, shopping, and transport including Mernda Train Station. All lots are now sold out.
1025 Yan Yean Road Development Plan
The development plan guides future residential subdivision and development for 12 dwellings, creating a residential neighborhood with high amenity, public open space reserve, and efficient movement network, while retaining significant vegetation including the large River Red Gum. The plan was approved by Whittlesea Council in August 2024 following public exhibition.
Maroondah Highway & Don Road Interchange Upgrade
Construction is underway on a grade-separated interchange replacing the existing roundabout at Maroondah Highway and Don Road in Healesville. The project includes a new bridge over Maroondah Highway, upgraded intersections, shared walking and cycling paths, improved safety barriers, drainage upgrades and landscaping to improve traffic flow and safety. Construction remains on track for completion in 2026.
The Memo Healesville Redevelopment
Restoration and expansion of the historic 1930s art-deco cinema and community hall into a modern multi-purpose performing arts and function centre. The venue includes a retractable seating bank auditorium, a hydraulic orchestra pit lift, a gallery space, and multi-purpose hire rooms (Nan Francis Room, Billiard Room, Meeting Room).
Laurimar Estate
Established masterplanned residential community in Doreen developed by Lendlease Communities. The estate includes housing, Laurimar Town Centre, local retail anchored by Woolworths, community facilities, schools, parks, wetlands and waterways. City of Whittlesea material describes Doreen as a suburb developed over the past 25 years with Laurimar as one of its neighbourhood centres, indicating Laurimar is now an established community rather than an active greenfield estate.
1,096 residents of Kinglake are employed, from a labour force of 1,156. Unemployment sits at 5.1%, with participation at 74.1%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.4% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 1,465, about 78% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Kinglake displays a diverse employment base that includes both white and blue collar positions, with construction standing out as a major employer. The area recorded an unemployment rate of 5.1% and an estimated employment growth of 3.3% over the previous year, according to AreaSearch data aggregation. By March 2026, 1,096 residents were employed, and the local unemployment rate sat at 0.3% higher than Greater Melbourne’s rate of 4.8%. Workforce participation in Kinglake reached 74.1%, which is slightly above Greater Melbourne’s figure of 70.1%. Census data indicated that 21.7% of residents worked from home, although this figure should be viewed in light of the lingering effects of Covid-19 lockdowns.
Leading industry sectors employing local residents include construction, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The local labour market exhibits pronounced specialization in construction, which captures 2.1 times the regional proportion of workers. Conversely, professional & technical roles account for only 4.9% of local employment compared to the regional benchmark of 10.1%. A comparison of the Census working population against resident workers suggests that Kinglake provides relatively few employment opportunities within its own boundaries. AreaSearch analysis of ABS and SALM figures indicates that during the 12 months to March 2026, Kinglake recorded a 3.3% rise in employment alongside a 4.8% increase in the labour force, pushing the unemployment rate up by 1.3 percentage points. Over the same timeframe, Greater Melbourne saw employment expand by 2.1% and the labour force grow by 2.3%, with unemployment rising by 0.2 percentage points. Longer-term employment trajectories can be gauged from Jobs and Skills Australia projections released in Mar-26, which model five and ten-year national growth trends across industries. Nationally, total employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Mapping these industry projections to Kinglake's workforce distribution suggests local employment will rise by 6.4% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, representing an illustrative weighted projection that excludes local population modeling.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Kinglake is $1,737 a week (about $90,000 a year), with median personal income at $788 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $50,881 a year against an average of $63,744. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
ATO postcode-level statistics for financial year 2023 compiled by AreaSearch indicate that personal earnings in Kinglake track below national figures, recording a median income of $50,881 and an average income of $63,744. In comparison, Greater Melbourne registered a median income of $57,688 and an average income of $75,164. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, local earnings are estimated at approximately $55,776 (median) and $69,876 (average) as of March 2026. The 2021 Census placed personal, family, and household earnings in Kinglake between the 47th and 49th percentiles nationally.
The predominant weekly earnings bracket is $1,500 - 2,999, encompassing 38.5% of residents (721 people), compared to 32.8% across the metropolitan area. After meeting housing costs, residents retain 85.4% of their income for general expenses, placing the area in the 5th decile of the SEIFA income index.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Kinglake had 608 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 99% detached houses and 0% apartments. 59% are owned with a mortgage, 5% rented and 35% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $300 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,733 a month. Rent absorbs 17.3% of household income here and mortgage repayments 23.0%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
At the latest Census, the housing stock in Kinglake consisted of 99.2% houses and 0.8% other dwellings including apartments and semi-detached properties, contrasting with Melbourne metro where houses made up 67.9% and other dwellings accounted for 32.1%. Outright home ownership stood at 35.4%, well above Melbourne metro levels, while mortgaged properties accounted for 59.2% and rented dwellings comprised 5.4%. Median monthly mortgage costs in Kinglake were $1,733 compared to $2,000 across Melbourne metro and $1,863 nationally. Median weekly rent was $300, substantially lower than the $390 recorded in Melbourne metro and the national benchmark of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Kinglake counted 608 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 685 today, averaging 2.6 people each. 32% are couples with children, against 32% couples without children. 24% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.6 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family units constitute 73.7% of all households in the area, broken down into couples with children at 32.1%, couples without children at 31.9%, and single parent families at 9.2%. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 26.3%, consisting of lone person households at 23.7% and group households at 2.6%. The local median household size of 2.6 people aligns exactly with Greater Melbourne.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
18.0% of adults in Kinglake hold a university qualification, including 11.9% with a bachelor degree and 3.0% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 34.6% hold a vocational qualification. 1 school serves the area, with 76 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,017 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Educational attainment in the locality shows that 18.0% of residents hold university qualifications, lagging the Greater Melbourne proportion of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees represent the highest qualification level at 11.9%, followed by graduate diplomas at 3.1% and postgraduate qualifications at 3.0%. Vocational training is heavily represented, with 48.9% of residents aged 15+ holding technical credentials, including 14.3% with advanced diplomas and 34.6% with certificates. Participation in study is robust, with 28.9% of the population actively enrolled in formal education. Primary school students represent 11.5% of the community, while 8.4% attend secondary school and 2.7% are enrolled in tertiary education programs.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Kinglake means driving: households keep an average of 1.9 vehicles, and scheduled services reach only a handful of stops. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transport network data indicates 3 bus stops operating within Kinglake across 1 individual routes, providing a combined 180 weekly passenger trips. Public transit access remains limited, with the typical resident situated 1242 meters from the nearest stop. Private vehicles serve as the main commuting choice for 97% of residents traveling outward for work. Household vehicle ownership averages 1.9 per dwelling, exceeding the regional figure, while 21.7% of workers operated from home during the 2021 Census under COVID-19 conditions. Public transport services run at an average frequency of 25 trips per day across the network, translating to approximately 60 weekly trips per stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
67.6% of residents in Kinglake report no long-term health condition. 4.9% need daily assistance with core activities, and 52.1% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.0 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
AreaSearch data on chronic conditions and mortality demonstrates notable health challenges in Kinglake across both younger and older cohorts, alongside a private health insurance rate of approximately 52% of the population (~975 people). This level of coverage falls slightly behind typical SA2 benchmarks and trails the 56.7% rate observed across Greater Melbourne. Mental health conditions and asthma represent the most widespread medical issues in the area, affecting 10.7 and 8.2% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 67.6% of residents reported having no long-term medical conditions, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Chronic health issues are elevated among working-age adults.
Residents aged 65 and over make up 16.6% of the population (310 people), exceeding the 15.1% share recorded for Greater Melbourne, while overall health rankings align broadly with national figures.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Kinglake is largely Australian-born, at 89.9% of residents, with 3.2% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (32.8%) and Australian (30.4%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity measures in Kinglake track below national averages, with Australian citizens comprising 90.9% of the population, 89.9% born in Australia, and 96.8% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the predominant faith, accounting for 30.3% of residents. The category of Other represents 1.4% of the population, compared to 2.3% across Greater Melbourne. Looking at parent country of birth, English heritage leads the community at 32.8% compared to the regional benchmark of 20.1%, followed by Australian ancestry at 30.4% versus 18.4% regionally, and Irish ancestry at 8.9%. Other specific ancestries show distinct representation relative to regional patterns, including Hungarian at 0.5% (vs 0.3% regionally), French at 0.8% (vs 0.5%), and Dutch at 1.7% (vs 1.2%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Kinglake is 43. 22.4% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
Age distributions in Kinglake align closely with Greater Melbourne across broad demographics, showing a maximum variance of 9.4 percentage points between bands. The median age is estimated at 43, matching the figure from the 2021 Census, which sits 6 years above the Greater Melbourne median of 37 and higher than the Australian Census median of 38. The most significant shift since the Census occurred in the 65+ age bracket, increasing from 13.4% to an estimated 16.6% of the local population. Looking toward 2041, the largest demographic growth is projected among retirees and elderly residents, who are forecast to increase by 242 residents (78%) to reach 553.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Kinglake
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Sep 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Sep 2026 last month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Sep 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 5 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 7 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Sep 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Sep 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 9 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (1,662 at the 2021 Census → 1,873 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL21358). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.