Kirribilli

Kirribilli is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Kirribilli is around 3,831, reflecting an increase of 202 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 5.6% increase from the previously reported population of 3,629. The current estimate of 3,827 residents was derived by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and address validation since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 8,909 persons per square kilometer, placing Kirribilli within the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's growth rate of 5.6% since census is comparable to its SA4 region's growth of 5.9%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 88.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth in the area.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021, are utilized. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends indicate lower quartile growth, with the suburb expected to expand by 153 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 3.9% in total over the 16-year period.

The level of residential development activity in Kirribilli is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data indicates Kirribilli averaged approximately one new dwelling approval per year.

Between financial years 2021 to 2025, an estimated seven homes were approved, with three more in the current financial year 2026. Despite population decline, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, maintaining a balanced market with good buyer choice. Compared to Greater Sydney, Kirribilli records significantly lower building activity, 82.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes, though recent activity has intensified. Nationally, it is also below average, suggesting maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent building activity consists entirely of attached dwellings, offering affordable entry pathways and attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers.

With around 1084 people per dwelling approval, Kirribilli reflects a highly mature market. By 2041, Kirribilli is projected to grow by 149 residents (latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Kirribilli has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified seven projects potentially impacting this region. Notable ones are Waruda Kirribilli, Glenferrie Lodge Hotel Renovation And Extension, Carabella, and Kirribilli Harbour. The following details projects likely 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.

The employment landscape in Kirribilli shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Kirribilli has a highly educated workforce. Its technology sector stands out in terms of representation, with an unemployment rate of 5.1% as of December 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 0.6%.

The area's unemployment rate is 0.9% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%, while workforce participation is similar to Greater Sydney's 68.8%. According to Census responses, 68.8% of residents work from home, potentially impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns. Leading employment industries include professional & technical services, finance & insurance, and health care & social assistance. The area has a strong specialization in professional & technical services, with an employment share twice the regional level, while retail trade has limited presence at 5.5% compared to the regional average of 9.3%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the year ending December 2025, employment increased by 0.6% and labour force grew by 0.7%, keeping unemployment relatively stable. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment rise by 2.2% and unemployment increase marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Kirribilli's employment mix, local employment is expected to increase by 7.7% over five years and 15.1% over ten years, although these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

The suburb of Kirribilli has an exceptionally high income level nationally, according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Kirribilli is $81,846, with the average income standing at $143,062. This compares to figures for Greater Sydney of $60,817 and $83,003 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $90,293 (median) and $157,826 (average) as of March 2026. Census data reveals individual earnings stand out at the 98th percentile nationally ($1,598 weekly). Income analysis shows that the predominant cohort spans 29.0% of locals (1,110 people) in the $4000+ category, differing from regional levels where the $1,500 - 2,999 category predominates at 30.9%. Higher earners represent a substantial presence with 39.2% exceeding $3,000 weekly, indicating strong purchasing power within the community. High housing costs consume 18.4% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 77th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Kirribilli features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Kirribilli, as per the latest Census, 5.6% of dwellings were houses while 94.3% were other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. In contrast, Sydney metropolitan area had 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kirribilli was at 23.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 11.3% and rented ones at 64.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Kirribilli was $3,033, higher than Sydney metro's average of $2,427. Median weekly rent in Kirribilli was $520, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Kirribilli's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863 and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Kirribilli features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 44.6% of all households, including 8.8% couples with children, 30.8% couples without children, and 4.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 55.4%, with lone person households at 50.3% and group households comprising 5.1%. The median household size is 1.7 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Kirribilli demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Kirribilli's educational attainment is notably higher than national averages. Among residents aged 15 and above, 65.9% have university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and NSW's 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent (40.2%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (21.0%) and graduate diplomas (4.7%). Vocational pathways account for 17.1%, with advanced diplomas at 9.6% and certificates at 7.5%.

Notably, 23.1% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, including 10.4% in tertiary education, 4.2% in primary education, and 3.2% pursuing secondary education.

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

Kirribilli has 15 operational public transport stops offering a mix of ferry and bus services. These stops are served by 19 different routes, facilitating 3,103 weekly passenger trips in total. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically residing just 96 meters from the nearest stop. As primarily residential, most commuting is outward-bound. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 51%, followed by trains at 24% and walking at 11%. Vehicle ownership averages 0.4 per dwelling, lower than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a high 68.8% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency across all routes averages 443 trips per day, equating to approximately 206 weekly trips per individual stop.

Kirribilli's residents are extremely healthy with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Kirribilli. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were very low across all age groups. Private health cover was exceptionally high at approximately 83% of the total population (3,187 people), compared to 59.9% in Greater Sydney and 55.7% nationally.

The most common medical conditions were mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 7.1 and 7.0% of residents respectively. 70.0% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. The under-65 population demonstrated better than average health outcomes. As of 2021, the area had 27.2% of residents aged 65 and over (1,042 people), higher than the 15.5% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors were particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Kirribilli was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Kirribilli's population was found to be more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 20.8% speaking a language other than English at home and 41.3% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Kirribilli, comprising 47.2% of its population. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney, making up 0.8% versus 0.8%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (26.4%, substantially higher than the regional average of 19.0%), Australian (15.7%), and Irish (11.5%, also substantially higher). There were notable divergences in other ethnic groups: French was overrepresented at 1.1% versus 0.5% regionally, Russian at 0.8% versus 0.4%, and Polish at 1.1% versus 0.6%.

Kirribilli hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Kirribilli's median age is 44, surpassing Greater Sydney's figure of 37 and the national norm of 38. The 25-34 age group constitutes 23.6% of Kirribilli's population, higher than Greater Sydney's percentage, while the 5-14 cohort makes up 3.3%. This 25-34 concentration is notably above the national average of 14.6%. Post the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has risen from 6.3% to 7.9%, and the 85+ cohort has increased from 3.3% to 4.5%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 11.6% to 10.2%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Kirribilli's age profile. Leading this shift, the 85+ group is expected to grow by 84%, reaching 318 from 172. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above accounting for 87% of projected growth. Meanwhile, the 45-54 and 5-14 age groups are anticipated to experience population declines.