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 November 2025, Kirribilli's population is estimated at around 3,800 people. This reflects an increase of 171 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,629 people. The current population estimate is inferred from AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and their resident population estimate of 3,788, based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024. This results in a density ratio of 8,837 persons per square kilometer, placing Kirribilli in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's population growth since the census, at 4.7%, is within 0.7 percentage points of its SA4 region (5.4%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 88.0% of overall population gains during recent periods in Kirribilli.

For population projections until 2041, 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, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections are used, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends suggest an increase just below the national median, with Kirribilli expected to expand by 200 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 7.0% in total over the 17-year period.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Kirribilli averaged around 2 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, an estimated 10 homes were approved, with 1 more approved in FY-26 to date.

The population has fallen during this period, yet housing supply remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a well-balanced market with good buyer choice. In FY-26, $1.7 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to Greater Sydney, Kirribilli had significantly less development activity, 74.0% below regional average per person, which typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. This scarcity is also evident when compared nationally, indicating market maturity and possible development constraints. Recent building activity consisted entirely of townhouses or apartments, offering affordable entry pathways and attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. With around 1920 people per dwelling approval, Kirribilli reflects a highly mature market.

According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Kirribilli is expected to grow by 268 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified seven projects that could impact this region. Notable projects include Waruda Kirribilli, Glenferrie Lodge Hotel Renovation And Extension, Carabella, and Kirribilli Harbour. The following list details those expected to be 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.

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

Kirribilli has a highly educated workforce with notable representation in the technology sector. The unemployment rate is 5.8%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025, there are 2,386 residents employed while the unemployment rate is 1.6% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in Kirribilli is similar to Greater Sydney's at 60.0%. The leading employment industries among residents include professional & technical services, finance & insurance, and health care & social assistance. Notably, professional & technical services have a significantly higher representation with an employment share twice the regional level.

Conversely, retail trade is under-represented in Kirribilli with only 5.5% of its workforce compared to Greater Sydney's 9.3%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data comparing working population to local population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, the labour force decreased by 0.5%, employment declined by 1.7%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 1.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney experienced employment growth of 2.6% and labour force growth of 2.9%. According to Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22, national employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Kirribilli's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.7% over five years and 15.1% over ten years.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that Kirribilli has exceptionally high incomes nationally. The median income is $81,846 while the average income stands at $143,062. This contrasts with Greater Sydney's figures of a median income of $56,994 and an average income of $80,856. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $92,167 (median) and $161,102 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals individual earnings stand out at the 98th percentile nationally ($1,598 weekly). Income brackets indicate that the predominant cohort spans 29.0% of locals (1,102 people) in the $4000+ category, differing from patterns across the broader area where $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 30.9%. The substantial proportion of high earners (39.2% above $3,000/week) indicates strong economic capacity throughout Kirribilli. High housing costs consume 18.4% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 77th percentile and 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

Kirribilli's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, had 5.6% houses and 94.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Sydney metro's 17.9% houses and 82.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kirribilli was 23.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 11.3% and rented ones at 64.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $3,033, below Sydney metro's average of $3,085. Median weekly rent in Kirribilli was $520, compared to Sydney metro's $582. Nationally, Kirribilli's mortgage repayments were higher at $3,033 versus Australia's 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 account for 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 constitute the remaining 55.4%, with lone person households at 50.3% and group households making up 5.1%. The median household size is 1.7 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.1.

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

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

A significant 23.1% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 10.4% in tertiary education, 4.2% in primary education, and 3.2% in secondary education. Kirribilli's three schools have a combined enrollment of 2,479 students. The area has an ICSEA score of 1208, indicating high educational advantage nationally. There is one primary school, one secondary school, and one K-12 school. Kirribilli functions as an education hub with 65.2 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 19.2, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Kirribilli has ten active public transport stops offering a mix of ferry and bus services. These stops are served by nineteen different routes, together facilitating 1822 weekly passenger trips. The average distance to the nearest stop for residents is 97 meters, indicating excellent accessibility.

On average, there are 260 daily trips across all routes, equating to about 182 weekly trips per individual stop.

Kirribilli'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

Health data shows Kirribilli residents have relatively positive health outcomes with standard common conditions across young and old age groups. Private health cover rate is exceptionally high at approximately 83% of total population (3,161 people), compared to Greater Sydney's 86.4% and the national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues and arthritis are most common, affecting 7.1% and 7.0% respectively; 70.0% report no medical ailments, compared to Greater Sydney's 75.2%.

The area has 26.6% residents aged 65 and over (1,010 people), higher than Greater Sydney's 20.1%. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, better than the general population in health metrics.

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 had a higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 20.8% speaking a language other than English at home and 41.3% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 47.2%. Judaism was slightly overrepresented at 0.8%, compared to Greater Sydney's 1.0%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (26.4%), Australian (15.7%), and Irish (11.5%). Notably, French (1.1% vs regional 1.1%), Russian (0.8% vs 0.7%), and Polish (1.1% vs 0.9%) were also overrepresented.

Kirribilli hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Kirribilli's median age is 44, surpassing Greater Sydney's figure of 37 and significantly exceeding Australia's national norm of 38. The 25-34 age group constitutes 22.6% of Kirribilli's population, higher than Greater Sydney's percentage, while the 5-14 cohort makes up only 3.4%. This concentration in the 25-34 age bracket is notably above the national average of 14.5%. Post the 2021 Census, the 15-24 age group has increased from 6.3% to 8.0%, while the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 11.6% to 10.1%, and the 35-44 group has fallen from 14.5% to 13.1%. By 2041, demographic modeling predicts significant changes in Kirribilli's age profile. The 85+ group is projected to grow by 104% (an increase of 169 people), reaching 333 from the current figure of 163. This growth will be led by an aging population dynamic, with those aged 65 and above comprising 83% of projected growth. Conversely, the 5-14 and 0-4 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.