Kingsbury

An assessment of population growth drivers in Kingsbury reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As per AreaSearch's analysis of ABS population updates and new addresses validated since Feb 2026, Kingsbury's estimated population is around 4165. This reflects a growth of 705 people (20.4%) since the 2021 Census which reported 3460 inhabitants. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 4112 based on latest ERP data release by ABS in June 2024 and an additional 14 validated new addresses since the Census date. Kingsbury's population density is 3279 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch assessments. The suburb's 20.4% growth rate since the 2021 census exceeded national average of 9.9%. Overseas migration was the primary driver for this growth.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 are used with adjustments made via 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. Future projections anticipate exceptional growth, placing Kingsbury in the top 10 percent of Australian statistical areas with an expected expansion of 2857 persons by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 67.2% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Kingsbury according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, Kingsbury has experienced around 13 dwellings receiving development approval each year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 68 homes were approved, with none so far in FY-26. On average, 3.1 people have moved to the area for each dwelling built over these years, indicating substantial demand outstripping supply and potentially leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $317,000. In FY-26, there have been $4.6 million in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Kingsbury has markedly lower building activity, with 52.0% fewer approvals per person, which typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties. Recent development has been entirely comprised of attached dwellings, promoting higher-density living and affordability for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This shift marks a significant departure from the current housing pattern, which is 66.0% houses, suggesting diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences. With around 887 people per dwelling approval, Kingsbury reflects a highly mature market.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Kingsbury is expected to grow by 2,797 residents through to 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

Kingsbury has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight projects likely affecting this region. Notable ones are Hilton Garden Inn Bundoora, La Trobe University City of the Future, RMIT University Bundoora Campus Developments, and Polaris 3083 Master Planned Community. 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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The labour market in Kingsbury shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Kingsbury has an educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 2.6% as of a recent period, with employment growth estimated at 2.2%. As of September 2025, 2,435 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.0%, below Greater Melbourne's 4.7%.

Workforce participation was 67.4%, slightly lower than Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. Approximately 23.4% of residents worked from home, possibly influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, education & training, and accommodation & food, with a particular specialization in the latter at 1.6 times the regional level. Conversely, professional & technical services showed lower representation at 7.9% compared to the regional average of 10.1%.

The area offers limited local employment opportunities. Over a 12-month period ending recently, employment increased by 2.2%, while the labour force grew by 1.5%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced higher employment and labour force growth, with an unemployment rate increase of 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Kingsbury's employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to its current employment mix.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

The suburb of Kingsbury had a median taxpayer income of $45,660 and an average income of $57,484 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is lower than the national average, with Greater Melbourne having a median income of $57,688 and an average income of $75,164. By September 2025, estimates based on Wage Price Index growth suggest the median income would be approximately $49,427 and the average would be around $62,226. In Kingsbury, household, family, and personal incomes all fell between the 13th and 28th percentiles nationally in 2021 Census figures. The largest income segment comprised 31.8% of residents earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, similar to the regional average of 32.8%. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 81.4% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 25th percentile. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 4th decile.

Kingsbury displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Kingsbury's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 66.1% houses and 33.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kingsbury stood at 30.7%, similar to Melbourne metro, with mortgaged dwellings at 23.5% and rented ones at 45.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, below the Melbourne metro average of $2,000. The median weekly rent in Kingsbury was $361, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Kingsbury's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Kingsbury features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 62.7% of all households, including 24.2% couples with children, 24.9% couples without children, and 11.0% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 37.3%, with lone person households at 28.4% and group households comprising 9.0%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

The educational profile of Kingsbury exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates at 39.2% among residents aged 15+, exceeding the Australian average of 30.4% and the SA4 regional rate of 32.8%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 21.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 14.9% and graduate diplomas at 2.4%. Vocational credentials are held by 25.4% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 10.3% and certificates at 15.1%.

Educational participation is high, with 32.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 13.5% in tertiary, 6.1% in primary, and 4.7% in secondary education.

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

Kingsbury has 19 active public transport stops serving a mix of lightrail and bus services. These stops are served by four routes, collectively facilitating 3,499 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 164 meters to the nearest stop. The area is predominantly residential, with most commuters traveling outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 76%, followed by trains at 8% and buses at 6%. On average, there are 1.1 vehicles per dwelling, below the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, 23.4% of residents work from home, a figure potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency across all routes averages 499 trips per day, equating to approximately 184 weekly trips per stop.

Kingsbury's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Kingsbury residents' health outcomes, according to AreaSearch's analysis, align with national benchmarks. Common health conditions are seen across both young and old age cohorts at a standard level. Private health cover is relatively low, with approximately 50% (~2,066 people) covered compared to Greater Melbourne's 56.7% and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common conditions, affecting 8.1 and 7.3% respectively. 71.8% of residents report no medical ailments, similar to Greater Melbourne's 72.6%. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 14.9% (620 people) aged 65 and over, with health rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Kingsbury is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Kingsbury's cultural diversity is notable, with 49.4% of residents speaking a language other than English at home and 49.7% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Kingsbury, comprising 41.8% of its population. However, Buddhism stands out as overrepresented, making up 5.9% compared to Greater Melbourne's 4.2%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (15.4%), Other (15.3%), and Australian (14.3%). Notably, Vietnamese, Macedonian, and Italian ethnicities are also overrepresented in Kingsbury at 5.5%, 1.8%, and 8.0% respectively, compared to regional percentages of 1.9%, 0.7%, and 5.2%.

Kingsbury hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

Kingsbury's median age is 32 years, which is younger than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and lower than Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Kingsbury has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (25.5%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (6.5%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.4%. Post-2021 Census data indicates that younger residents have lowered Kingsbury's median age by 2 years to 32. Key changes include an increase in the 15-24 age group from 14.4% to 21.5%, and a rise in the 25-34 cohort from 23.1% to 25.5%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has decreased from 11.5% to 7.9%, and the 5-14 age group has dropped from 7.8% to 6.5%. Demographic projections suggest that Kingsbury's age profile will significantly change by 2041, with the 25-34 cohort projected to grow by 72%, adding 768 residents and reaching a total of 1,831.