Kew East
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Kew East's population, as of November 2025, is approximately 6,905. This figure represents an increase of 423 people, a 6.5% rise from the 2021 Census count of 6,482 individuals. The growth is inferred from ABS estimates: 6,784 residents in June 2024 and ten additional validated addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density of 1,717 persons per square kilometer, exceeding national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Kew East's growth rate of 6.5% is close to that of its SA3 area (6.9%), indicating strong fundamental growth factors. Overseas migration contributed approximately 93.1% of overall population gains in recent periods.

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, AreaSearch employs VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusting using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future trends suggest lower quartile growth in national statistical areas, with Kew East expected to increase by 56 persons by 2041, reflecting a total decline of 1.0% over the 17-year period.

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

Kew East has received approximately 26 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 133 homes. In FY-2026 so far, nine approvals have been recorded. The area has experienced population decline, maintaining adequate housing supply relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice. New homes are being constructed at an average expected cost of $978,000, indicating developer focus on the premium segment.

This financial year has seen $9.6 million in commercial approvals, reflecting steady commercial investment activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Kew East has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 62nd percentile nationally when assessed against other areas. Recent construction comprises 70% standalone homes and 30% medium and high-density housing, offering options across different price points.

With approximately 245 people per dwelling approval, Kew East exhibits a developing market. Given expected population stability or decline, reduced pressure on housing is anticipated, potentially presenting opportunities for buyers.

Kew East has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified seven projects that may impact the area. Notable among these are the Kew Recreation Centre Redevelopment, Harp Village Precinct Redevelopment, East Kew Maternal and Child Health Centre, and Alphington Village (Time & Place). The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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

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Employment conditions in Kew East demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Kew East has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate was 2.8% as of June 2025, which is 1.8% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.3%. There are 3,957 residents currently employed, with workforce participation at 66.1%, similar to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. The area specializes in professional & technical jobs, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level, but manufacturing shows lower representation at 3.8% compared to the regional average of 7.2%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 3.3%, labour force grew by 3.0%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.5% with a rise in unemployment by 0.5 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May 2025, project national growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Kew East's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 7.4% over five years and 14.9% over ten years.

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

Kew East had a median taxpayer income of $61,086 and an average of $112,026 in the financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This places it in the top percentile nationally, contrasting with Greater Melbourne's median income of $54,892 and average income of $73,761. By September 2025, estimates suggest a median income of approximately $68,514 and an average of $125,648, based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022. The 2021 Census figures show household, family and personal incomes in Kew East rank between the 82nd and 90th percentiles nationally. Income distribution data indicates that 32.1% of individuals earn over $4,000 annually (2,216 individuals), differing from broader area patterns where earnings between $1,500 and $2,999 dominate at 32.8%. Strong economic indicators are evident with 43.2% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. Housing accounts for 14.0% of income, while residents rank in the 90th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

Kew East displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in Kew East, as per the latest Census, consisted of 65.9% houses and 34.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Melbourne metropolitan area had 55.5% houses and 44.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kew East stood at 41.8%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (34.1%) or rented (24.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Kew East was $3,000, aligning with Melbourne metro's average, while the median weekly rent was $466, compared to Melbourne metro's $3,000 and $451 respectively. Nationally, Kew East's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Kew East features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 75.9% of all households, including 40.1% couples with children, 23.5% couples without children, and 11.1% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 24.1%, with lone person households at 19.7% and group households comprising 4.5% of the total. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.5.

Educational achievement in Kew East places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

Educational attainment in Kew East is notably higher than broader benchmarks. As of the latest data, 53.4% of residents aged 15 and above hold university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 33.4% statewide (Victoria). Bachelor degrees are the most common at 33.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 14.9% and graduate diplomas at 5.3%. Vocational pathways account for 18.0% of qualifications among those aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 9.1% and certificates at 8.9%.

Educational participation is high, with 32.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.5% in secondary education, 9.4% in primary education, and 8.5% pursuing tertiary education. As of the 2021 census, Kew East's three schools have a combined enrollment of 1,481 students. The area demonstrates significant socio-educational advantages, with an Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage (ICSEA) score of 1143. Education provision is balanced, with two primary schools and one secondary school serving distinct age groups.

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

The analysis of public transport in Kew East shows that there are 41 active transport stops currently operating. These stops offer a mix of light rail and bus services. There are 13 individual routes serving these stops, collectively providing 3879 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 182 meters from the nearest transport stop. On average, there are 554 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 94 weekly trips per individual stop.

Kew East's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Kew East shows excellent health outcomes with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The private health cover rate is exceptionally high at approximately 76% of the total population (5,261 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 6.9 and 6.2% of residents respectively. A significant majority, 74.5%, report being completely free of medical ailments, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's 73.8%. As of 18.7% (1,290 people), Kew East has a considerable senior population aged 65 and over. Health outcomes among seniors are notably strong, closely mirroring the general population's health profile.

Kew East 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

Kew East has a higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 28.7% of its population born overseas and 27.8% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Kew East, making up 49.9% of the population. Judaism, however, is overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, comprising 0.9% of Kew East's population.

The top three ancestry groups in Kew East are English (20.2%), Australian (17.9%), and Chinese (9.8%). Notably, Greek (5.6%) and Hungarian (0.5%) populations are overrepresented compared to regional averages, while Italian (8.2%) is also above the regional average of 4.8%.

Kew East's median age exceeds the national pattern

Kew East's median age is 41 years, significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and slightly above Australia's median of 38. The 55-64 age group is notably over-represented in Kew East at 13.3%, compared to the Greater Melbourne average, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 10.9%. According to the 2021 Census, the 15-24 age group has increased from 13.8% to 15.3% of Kew East's population. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort has declined from 13.4% to 12.1%, and the 0-4 group has dropped from 4.6% to 3.5%. Demographic modeling indicates significant changes in Kew East's age profile by 2041. The 85+ cohort is projected to grow by 67%, adding 143 residents to reach 356. Residents aged 65 and older are expected to represent 77% of the population growth, while declines are anticipated for the 0-4 and 35-44 age groups.