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 Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Kirribilli is around 3,847, reflecting an increase of 218 people since the 2021 Census. The population in June 2024 was estimated at 3,808 by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS. This growth equates to a density ratio of 8,946 persons per square kilometer, placing Kirribilli in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's population grew by 6.0% between the 2021 Census and Feb 2026, exceeding the SA3 area's growth rate of 5.6%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 88.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. According to ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, Kirribilli is expected to expand by 180 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 3.7% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. As we examine future population trends, a population increase just below the median of national areas is expected, with the area expected to expand by 180 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting recording a gain of 3.7% in total over the 17 years.

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 shows Kirribilli averaged approximately one new dwelling approval per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around seven homes were approved, with two more in FY-26 so far.

Over these five financial years, an average of 0.3 new residents arrived per new home. This matches or exceeds demand, providing buyers more options and potentially accelerating population growth beyond current projections. Compared to Greater Sydney, Kirribilli has significantly lower building activity, at 82.0% below the regional average per person. Typically, constrained construction reinforces demand for existing homes, but recent activity has increased. Nationally, it is also below average, suggesting mature market conditions and possible planning restrictions. Recent building activity consists solely of attached dwellings, offering affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers.

With around 1098 people per dwelling approval, Kirribilli reflects a highly mature market. By 2041, AreaSearch estimates Kirribilli's population will grow by 141 residents. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying 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 likely impacting the region. Notable ones are Waruda Kirribilli, Glenferrie Lodge Hotel Renovation And Extension, Carabella, and Kirribilli Harbour. The following details those 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. The technology sector is particularly well-represented. Its unemployment rate was 5.1% as of December 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 0.7%. This is based on AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, 2,362 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.9% above Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation was broadly similar to Greater Sydney's 70.2%.

According to Census responses, 68.8% of residents worked from home. However, Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Leading employment industries among residents include professional & technical, finance & insurance, and health care & social assistance. The area has a particularly strong specialization in professional & technical services, with an employment share twice the regional level. Retail trade has limited presence, with 5.5% employment compared to the regional average of 9.3%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work, as indicated by the count of Census working population relative to local population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 0.7%, while labour force grew by 0.8%, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable. This contrasts with Greater Sydney, where employment rose by 2.2% and labour force grew by 2.3%, with a marginal increase in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer insight into potential future demand within Kirribilli. These projections estimate national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Kirribilli's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.7% over five years and 15.1% over ten years.

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

The suburb of Kirribilli had a median income among taxpayers of $81,846 and an average income of $143,062 in the financial year 2023, according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This compares to Greater Sydney's median income of $60,817 and average income of $83,063 during the same period. By September 2025, based on an 8.86% increase from the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023, estimated incomes would be approximately $89,098 (median) and $155,737 (average). Census data indicates individual earnings in Kirribilli are at the 98th percentile nationally, with a weekly income of $1,598. Income analysis shows that 29% of locals earn over $4,000 per week, contrasting with regional levels where the predominant earning category is $1,500 - $2,999 at 30.9%. A substantial number, 39.2%, exceed $3,000 weekly in Kirribilli, suggesting strong purchasing power. High housing costs consume 18.4% of income, but disposable income is still at the 77th percentile nationally. The suburb'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, consisted of 5.6% houses and 94.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kirribilli stood at 23.7%, lower than Sydney metro's level. Dwellings were either mortgaged (11.3%) or rented (64.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment 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 at $3,033 versus the Australian average of $1,863. 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% that are couples with children, 30.8% that are couples without children, and 4.0% that are single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 55.4%, with lone person households comprising 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+, 65.9% have university qualifications, compared to 30.4% in Australia and 32.2% in NSW. 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%, with advanced diplomas at 9.6% and certificates at 7.5%.

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

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

Kirribilli has 15 active public transport stops offering a mix of ferry and bus services. These stops are served by 19 different routes, collectively facilitating 3,103 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 96 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Car remains the dominant mode at 51%, followed by train at 24% and walking at 11%. Vehicle ownership averages 0.4 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a high 68.8% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 443 trips per day across all routes, 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 found to be exceptionally high at approximately 83% of the total population (3,200 people), compared to 59.9% across Greater Sydney, and 55.7% nationally.

The most common medical conditions in the area were mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 7.1 and 7.0% of residents respectively. Seventy percent declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 28.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1,081 people), which is higher than the 15.4% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors are 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 cultural diversity was notable, 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, however, was overrepresented at 0.8%, compared to Greater Sydney's 0.8%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (26.4%), Australian (15.7%), and Irish (11.5%). Notably, French (1.1%) Russian (0.8%), and Polish (1.1%) ethnicities were overrepresented in Kirribilli compared to regional averages of 0.5%, 0.4%, and 0.6% respectively.

Kirribilli hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Kirribilli is 44, which exceeds Greater Sydney's figure of 37 and is significantly higher than the national norm of 38. The 25-34 age group comprises 22.1% of Kirribilli's population, compared to Greater Sydney's percentage, while the 5-14 cohort makes up only 3.3%. This concentration of young adults aged 25-34 is notably higher than the national average of 14.4%. According to the 2021 Census, Kirribilli's population has shifted since then: the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 6.3% to 8.2%, and the 75 to 84 cohort has increased from 9.2% to 10.6%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 age group has decreased from 23.6% to 22.1%, and the 45 to 54 group has dropped from 11.6% to 10.2%. Demographic projections suggest that Kirribilli's age profile will change significantly by 2041, with the 85+ group expected to grow by 88%, reaching 340 people from its current 180. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above accounting for 87% of the projected growth. Meanwhile, both the 15 to 24 and 5 to 14 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.