St Kilda (Vic.)

St Kilda has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population of St Kilda (Vic.) is around 23,578, reflecting a 4,088 person increase (21.0%) since the 2021 Census figure of 19,490 people. This growth was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 22,953 in Jun 2024, based on ABS ERP data and validated new addresses. This results in a density ratio of 7,414 persons per square kilometer, placing St Kilda (Vic.) within the top 10% nationally assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's population growth exceeded national (8.9%) and state averages since 2021, driven primarily by overseas migration contributing approximately 94.0% of overall gains. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in Jun 2024 with a base year of 2022, and VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 adjusted to SA2 levels for areas not covered by ABS data. Future population trends forecast significant growth, with St Kilda (Vic.) expected to increase by 8,673 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 32.4% 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 VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. As we examine future population trends, a significant population increase in the top quartile of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch is forecast, with the area expected to grow by 8,673 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting with an increase of 32.4% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within St Kilda when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates that St Kilda has seen approximately 110 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 551 homes. As of FY-26, two approvals have been recorded. The average number of new residents arriving per new home over this period is around 0.4 per year. This suggests that new construction is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, offering buyers more options and enabling population growth.

The average expected construction cost value for new dwellings in St Kilda is $703,000, indicating a focus on the premium market segment. In FY-26, commercial approvals have reached $19.8 million, reflecting steady investment activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, St Kilda has seen substantially reduced construction, with 54.0% fewer approvals per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings. The majority of building activity in St Kilda involves medium and high-density housing, with approximately 1.0% being detached dwellings.

This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points and caters to downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. St Kilda's population is expected to grow by around 213 people per approval, reflecting a transitioning market. By 2041, the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate projects that St Kilda will have grown by approximately 7,640 residents. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Local infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 52 projects expected to impact the area. Notable projects include Neometro's 97 Alma Road development in Fareham, the St Kilda Pier Foreshore Upgrade, and the 52 St Kilda Road project. The following list details those most likely to be 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.

St Kilda has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

St Kilda has a highly educated workforce with significant representation in the technology sector. The unemployment rate was 6.5% as of an unspecified date, with estimated employment growth of 6.2% over the past year based on AreaSearch data aggregation.

As of June 2025, St Kilda had 16,351 residents employed with an unemployment rate of 1.9% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation was 72.4%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Key industries for employment among residents were professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training. St Kilda had a particular specialization in professional & technical services with an employment share of 1.5 times the regional level.

Manufacturing was under-represented at 3.8% compared to Greater Melbourne's 7.2%. The worker-to-resident ratio was 0.6, indicating higher-than-average local employment opportunities as of Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 6.2% while the labour force grew by 7.1%, raising the unemployment rate by 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne had employment growth of 3.5% and labour force growth of 4.0%, with a rise in unemployment of 0.5 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (Sep-22) project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to St Kilda's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.2% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

St Kilda's median taxpayer income is $61,356, with an average of $88,079, according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2022. This is among the highest in Australia, contrasting with Greater Melbourne's median income of $54,892 and average income of $73,761. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $68,817 for the median and $98,789 for the average as of September 2025. Census data shows individual earnings stand out at the 91st percentile nationally ($1,214 weekly), though household income ranks lower at the 51st percentile. Distribution data indicates that 35.0% of the population (8,252 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region showing 32.8% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 80.7% of income remaining, ranking at the 48th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

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

The latest Census evaluated dwelling structures in St Kilda with 5.5% houses and 94.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Melbourne metro had 8.7% houses and 91.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in St Kilda was at 14.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 23.4% and rented ones at 61.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in St Kilda was $2,000, below Melbourne metro's average of $2,170. The median weekly rent figure for St Kilda was $381, compared to Melbourne metro's $420. Nationally, St Kilda's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 39.1% of all households, including 8.7% couples with children, 25.2% couples without children, and 4.2% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 60.9%, with lone person households at 52.7% and group households making up 8.2%. The median household size is 1.7 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 1.9.

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

St. Kilda's residents aged 15 and above have a higher proportion of university qualifications than the national average. Specifically, 53.9% of St. Kilda residents hold such qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 33.4% in Victoria.

Bachelor degrees are the most common at 34.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (15.4%) and graduate diplomas (4.5%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 25.7% of residents holding them - advanced diplomas make up 12.1% and certificates account for 13.6%. Educational participation is notably high in St. Kilda, with 25.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.8% in tertiary education, 3.7% in primary education, and 2.9% pursuing secondary education. The four schools in St. Kilda have a combined enrollment of 2,034 students as of the latest data available. The area demonstrates significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement, with an ICSEA score of 1120. The educational mix includes two primary schools and two K-12 schools.

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

St Kilda has 96 operational public transport stops, offering a combination of light rail and bus services. These stops are served by 15 distinct routes, collectively facilitating 9,556 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 128 meters to the nearest stop.

Service frequency stands at 1,365 daily trips across all routes, translating to approximately 99 weekly trips per individual stop.

St Kilda's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout St Kilda. Both young and old age cohorts have low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 62% of the total population (14,509 people), compared to 73.1% across Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues impacting 12.1% of residents and asthma affecting 7.8%. A total of 71.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 73.3% across Greater Melbourne. St Kilda has 12.0% of residents aged 65 and over (2,829 people), which is lower than the 14.3% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

St Kilda 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

St Kilda's population was found to be more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 21.8% speaking a language other than English at home and 40.1% born overseas. The predominant religion in St Kilda is Christianity, making up 28.8% of the population. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented, comprising 2.5% compared to Melbourne's 3.7%.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups are English (24.6%), Australian (15.2%), and Other (12.2%). Some ethnic groups show notable divergences: French at 1.4% in St Kilda versus 1.1% regionally, Polish at 1.5% versus 1.5%, and Russian at 1.0% versus 0.9%.

St Kilda's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

St Kilda's median age is 36 years, nearly matching Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and modestly under the Australian median of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, St Kilda has a higher concentration of 25-34 year-olds at 30.1%, but fewer 5-14 year-olds at 3.5%. This 25-34 age group is well above the national average of 14.5%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 8.2% to 9.8%, while the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 13.4% to 12.0%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests St Kilda's age profile will significantly evolve. The 45 to 54 age group is projected to grow by 70%, adding 1,979 residents to reach a total of 4,809.