Keilor
Statistical Area - sa2

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 is around 8,711 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 163 people (1.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,548 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 8,701 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 28 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 497 persons per square kilometer. Keilor's 1.9% growth since census positions it within 2.6 percentage points of the SA3 area (4.5%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 87.4% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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 population increase just below the median of national areas is expected, with the area expected to expand by 733 persons to 2041 based on the latest population numbers, reflecting an increase of 8.3% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Keilor according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Keilor has averaged approximately 35 new dwelling approvals per year. Between financial years FY-21 and FY-25, a total of 175 homes were approved, with an additional 15 approved so far in FY-26. The population decline in recent years suggests that the new supply has likely been keeping pace with demand, offering good choice to buyers.

The average construction value for new homes is $439,000, which is moderately above regional levels, indicating a focus on quality construction. This financial year has seen $44.5 million in commercial development approvals recorded, suggesting robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Keilor shows approximately 59% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 52nd percentile of areas assessed nationally. Recent construction comprises 71.0% detached houses and 29.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

This marks a significant shift from existing housing patterns, which are currently 87.0% houses, suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. With around 319 people per dwelling approval, Keilor shows characteristics of a low density area. Looking ahead, Keilor is expected to grow by 723 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Keilor 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 44 projects potentially impacting the region. Notable initiatives include Keilor East Railway Station, SRL Airport, Outer Metropolitan Ring/E6 Transport Corridor, and Essendon Keilor College - East Keilor Campus. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment conditions in Keilor demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Keilor has a skilled workforce with notable representation in the construction sector. Its unemployment rate was 2.3% as of June 2025, below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.2%. As of the Census, there were 4,792 residents in work and a workforce participation rate of 59.4%, lower than Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Dominant employment sectors include construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Construction is particularly specialized with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level.

Conversely, health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 11.0% versus the regional average of 14.2%. The area functions as an employment hub with 2.2 workers per resident, attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over a 12-month period ending in June 2025, employment increased by 4.2%, labour force by 4.3%, leading to a slight rise in unemployment rate of 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 3.5% and labour force growth of 4.0%, with a 0.5 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May 2025, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Keilor's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 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 has a median taxpayer income of $58,956 and an average of $77,846 based on 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. According to Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $66,125 (median) and $87,312 (average) as of September 2025. In the 2021 Census figures, household, family, and personal incomes in Keilor rank modestly between the 40th and 54th percentiles. The largest income segment comprises 28.1% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly with 2,447 residents, aligning with the region where this cohort likewise represents 32.8%. After housing costs, residents retain 87.9% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

Keilor's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 87.3% houses and 12.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 75.8% houses and 24.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Keilor stood at 51.0%, with the rest being mortgaged (36.5%) or rented (12.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,019, lower than Melbourne metro's average of $2,167. Median weekly rent in Keilor was $396, compared to Melbourne metro's $410. Nationally, Keilor's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,019 than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were also higher at $396 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute the remaining 22.6%, with lone person households at 21.4% and group households comprising 1.1% of the total. 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 has educational challenges with university qualification rates at 24.6%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 17.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 32.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (10.5%) and certificates (22.0%).

Educational participation is high at 26.1%, including primary education (8.7%), secondary education (8.1%), and tertiary education (4.3%). Keilor's 3 schools have a combined enrollment of 2,794 students as of the latest data. The area has above-average socio-educational conditions with an ICSEA score of 1082. The educational mix includes 2 primary schools and 1 K-12 school. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs at 32.1 places per 100 residents, compared to the regional average of 24.1, indicating that the area serves as an educational center for the broader region.

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

Transport analysis shows 66 active stops in Keilor offering bus services. Nine routes serve these stops, carrying 4,693 weekly passengers in total. Residents' average distance to the nearest stop is 207 meters.

Daily trips across all routes average 670, equating to about 71 weekly trips per stop.

Keilor's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Keilor's health metrics closely align with national benchmarks.

Common health conditions are seen across both young and old age cohorts at a fairly standard level. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 59% of the total population (5,122 people). The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 9.2 and 7.1% of residents respectively. A total of 68.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.1% across Greater Melbourne. As of June 20XX (the exact year is not specified), 26.6% of Keilor's residents are aged 65 and over (2,317 people), which is higher than the 21.9% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors in Keilor are above average, performing even better than the general population in health metrics.

Keilor 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

Keilor's population was found to be more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 25.2% born overseas and 26.3% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Keilor, comprising 71.3% of its population, compared to 66.4% across Greater Melbourne. The top three ancestry groups were English (18.1%), Australian (17.9%), and Italian (16.2%).

Notably, Croatian (2.7%) was overrepresented in Keilor compared to the regional average (2.0%), as were Maltese (4.1% vs 2.8%) and Polish (1.3% vs 1.1%).

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

The median age in Keilor is 45 years, which is 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 (9.1%). According to the 2021 Census, the 75-84 age group increased from 8.8% to 10.8%, while the 85+ cohort grew from 3.3% to 4.4%. Conversely, the 65-74 age group declined from 12.5% to 11.4%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Keilor's age structure. Notably, the 85+ group is projected to grow by 110%, reaching 802 people from 382. The combined 65+ age groups will account for 73% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 25-34 and 5-14 age groups are projected to decrease in number.