Keilor

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

Keilor's population was approximately 8,736 as of May 2026. This figure reflects an increase of 188 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,548. The growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 8,734 in June 2025 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 498 persons per square kilometer. Keilor's 2.2% growth since census compares with the SA3 area's 4.9%, demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 75.6% of overall population gains during recent periods, though all drivers were positive factors.

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, it utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends suggest an increase just below the national median, with Keilor expected to expand by 745 persons to 2041, reflecting an 8.5% total gain over the 16 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Keilor, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Keilor has averaged approximately 35 new dwelling approvals annually. Between financial years FY21 and FY25175 homes were approved, with an additional 20 approved so far in FY26. Despite a population decline during this period, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice.

The average construction cost of new properties is $439,000, slightly above the regional average, indicating a focus on quality developments. This financial year has seen $44.5 million in commercial approvals, suggesting robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Keilor has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 51st percentile nationally. The area's new building activity comprises 71.0% detached dwellings and 29.0% attached dwellings, maintaining its traditional low density character and appealing to those seeking space in family homes.

This represents a shift from the current housing mix of 87.0% houses, reflecting reduced development site availability and changing lifestyle demands. Keilor's population growth is projected to add 741 residents by 2041, based on AreaSearch quarterly estimates. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, offering favorable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth beyond projections.

Keilor has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 46 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects include Keilor East Railway Station, SRL Airport, Western Ring Road (M80) Infrastructure Upgrades, and Outer Metropolitan Ring / E6 Transport Corridor. The following list 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.

Keilor ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Keilor has a skilled workforce with notable representation in the construction sector. As of December 2025, its unemployment rate is 1.8%. Over the past year, employment has remained stable while labour force decreased by 0.9%, leading to a decrease in unemployment by 0.9 percentage points.

Compared to Greater Melbourne's unemployment rate of 4.8% and workforce participation of 69.9%, Keilor has a lower unemployment rate of 3.0% but a significantly lower workforce participation at 64.4%. According to Census responses, 28.8% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries include construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Construction stands out with employment levels at 1.5 times the regional average, while health care & social assistance has a limited presence at 11.0%.

There are 2.2 workers for every resident in Keilor, indicating it functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment remained stable while labour force decreased by 0.9%, resulting in a decrease in unemployment by 0.9 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 2.4% and labour force growth of 2.8%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Keilor. Over five years, national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6%, while over ten years, it is projected to increase by 13.7%. Applying these projections to Keilor's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.0% over ten years.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

Keilor SA2 has an exceptionally high national income level according to AreaSearch aggregated ATO data for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers is $63,501 and the average income stands at $85,006. These figures compare to Greater Melbourne's of $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. Based on a 9.62% growth in wages since financial year 2023, estimated median and average incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $69,610 and $93,184 respectively. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes all rank modestly in Keilor, between the 40th and 54th percentiles. The predominant income cohort spans 28.1% of locals (2,454 people) with incomes ranging from $1,500 to $2,999, reflecting patterns seen in the surrounding region where 32.8% similarly occupy this range. After accounting for housing costs, residents retain 87.9% of their income, indicating strong purchasing power and placing Keilor's SEIFA income ranking in the 6th decile.

Keilor is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Keilor's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 87.3% houses and 12.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Keilor stood at 51.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 36.5% and rented ones at 12.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,019, higher than Melbourne metro's $2,000. Median weekly rent in Keilor was $396, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Keilor's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

Keilor features high concentrations of family households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 77.4% of all households, including 37.5% couples with children, 27.9% couples without children, and 11.2% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 22.6%, with lone person households at 21.4% and group households making up 1.1%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which aligns with the Greater Melbourne average.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 24.6%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 17.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 32.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.5%) and certificates (22.0%). Educational participation is high, with 26.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 8.7% in primary education, 8.1% in secondary education, and 4.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Keilor has 66 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 9 different routes that together facilitate 3,134 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 208 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward from this primarily residential area. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 92%. On average, there are 1.7 vehicles per dwelling, which is higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a significant 28.8% of residents work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 447 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 47 weekly trips per individual stop.

Keilor's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Keilor's health outcomes show excellent results according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are low, particularly among younger cohorts. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 62% of Keilor's total population of 5,381 people, compared to Greater Melbourne's 56.7% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (9.2%) and asthma (7.1%), with 68.3% of residents reporting no medical ailments, compared to Greater Melbourne's 72.6%. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. Keilor has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 26.9%, or 2,349 people, than Greater Melbourne's 15.0%. Health outcomes among seniors are above average but rank lower nationally compared to the broader population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Keilor was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Keilor's population shows high cultural diversity, with 25.2% born overseas and 26.3% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Keilor at 71.3%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 43.0%. The top three ancestry groups are English (18.1%), Australian (17.9%), and Italian (16.2%), significantly higher than regional averages of 5.2% each.

Notably, Croatian (2.7%) Maltese (4.1%) and Polish (1.3%) ethnicities are more represented in Keilor compared to regional figures of 0.7%, 1.1%, and 0.8% respectively.

Keilor hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Keilor is 45 years, significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Keilor has a higher proportion of residents aged 75-84 (10.8%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (8.9%). According to the 2021 Census, the age group of 75 to 84 years has increased from 8.8% to 10.8%, while the age group of 85 and above has risen from 3.3% to 4.5%. Conversely, the age group of 25 to 34 years has decreased from 9.9% to 8.9%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant changes in Keilor's age structure. The 85+ age group is projected to grow by 101%, reaching 782 people from 388, with the combined 65+ age groups accounting for 67% of total population growth. In contrast, both the 35-44 and 15-24 age groups are expected to decrease in number.