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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Keilor's population is around 8,702 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 154 people (1.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,548 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 8,702 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 24 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 497 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed 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 annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 8.4% in total over the 17 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 around 35 new dwelling approvals per year, with 175 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 17 so far in FY-26. Given population has fallen over the past period, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, creating a well-balanced market with good buyer choice, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $439,000—slightly above the regional average—suggesting a focus on quality developments. Additionally, $44.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, suggesting robust local business investment.

When measured against Greater Melbourne, Keilor has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person, while it places within the 51st percentile of areas assessed nationally. New building activity shows 71.0% detached dwellings and 29.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. This shows a considerable change from the current housing mix (currently 87.0% houses), reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. At around 319 people per approval, Keilor reflects a low-density area.

Population forecasts indicate Keilor will gain 732 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Keilor has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 47 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Melbourne Airport Rail, Keilor East Railway Station, SRL Airport, and Western Ring Road (M80) Infrastructure Upgrades, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 possesses a skilled workforce, with the construction sector a particular standout in terms of representation, an unemployment rate of just 1.8%, and relative employment stability over the past year. As of December 2025, 4,644 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 3.0% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%, and workforce participation lags significantly (64.2% compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%). Based on Census responses, a high 28.8% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in construction, with employment levels at 1.5 times the regional average. Meanwhile, health care & social assistance has a limited presence with 11.0% employment compared to 14.2% regionally. With 2.2 workers for every resident, as at the Census, the area functions as an employment hub, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment remained stable by 0.0% while the labour force decreased by 0.9%, resulting in unemployment falling by 0.9 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 2.4% and labour force growth of 2.8%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Keilor. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Keilor's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.0% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Keilor SA2's income level is extremely high nationally according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Keilor SA2's median income among taxpayers is $63,501 and the average income stands at $85,006, which compares to figures for Greater Melbourne's of $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $68,740 (median) and $92,019 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Keilor, between the 40th and 54th percentiles. The data shows the predominant cohort spans 28.1% of locals (2,445 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, reflecting patterns seen in the surrounding region where 32.8% similarly occupy this range. After housing costs, residents retain 87.9% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

Dwelling structure within Keilor, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 87.3% houses and 12.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Keilor was well beyond that of Melbourne metro, at 51.0%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (36.5%) or rented (12.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Melbourne metro average at $2,019, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $396, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390. Nationally, Keilor's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceed the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 77.4% of all households, comprising 37.5% couples with children, 27.9% couples without children, and 11.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 22.6%, with lone person households at 21.4% and group households comprising 1.1% of the total. The median household size of 2.6 people matches the Greater Melbourne average.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (24.6%) substantially below the Greater Melbourne average of 37.0%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 17.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 32.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.5%) and certificates (22.0%).

Educational participation is notably 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

Public transport analysis reveals 66 active transport stops operating within Keilor, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 9 individual routes, collectively providing 3,134 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 208 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward, and the car remains the dominant mode at 92%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.7 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. A high 28.8% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

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

Health outcomes data demonstrates outstanding results across Keilor, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Younger cohorts in particular see very low prevalence of common health conditions, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 62% of the total population (5,360 people). This compares to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 9.2% and 7.1% of residents, respectively, while 68.3% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents are notably healthy with low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 27.2% of residents aged 65 and over (2,368 people), which is higher than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, though they rank lower nationally than 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 was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 25.2% of its population born overseas and 26.3% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Keilor is Christianity, which makes up 71.3% of people in Keilor, compared to 43.0% across Greater Melbourne.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Keilor are English, comprising 18.1% of the population, Australian, comprising 17.9% of the population, and Italian, comprising 16.2% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 5.2%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Croatian is notably overrepresented at 2.7% of Keilor (vs 0.7% regionally), Maltese at 4.1% (vs 1.1%) and Polish at 1.3% (vs 0.8%).

Keilor hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The 45-year median age in Keilor is significantly above Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and similarly considerably older than Australia's 38 years. Relative to Greater Melbourne, Keilor has a higher concentration of 75 - 84 residents (11.0%) but fewer 25 - 34 year-olds (8.8%). Following the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 8.8% to 11.0% of the population, while the 85+ cohort increased from 3.3% to 4.6%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 9.9% to 8.8%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Keilor's age structure. Leading the demographic shift, the 85+ group will grow by 101% (402 people), reaching 802 from 399. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 68% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 35 to 44 and 15 to 24 age groups will see reduced numbers.