Kew - West

Kew - West 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-West's population, as per AreaSearch's analysis, was approximately 14,185 by February 2026. This figure represents a growth of 1,146 individuals (8.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 13,039 people. The increase is inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 13,675 in June 2024 and an additional 261 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,284 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Kew-West's growth rate exceeded that of the SA3 area (7.4%), positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth during 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, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Projections indicate a decline in overall population by 11 persons by 2041, but growth is anticipated within specific age cohorts, notably the 75 to 84 age group with an increase of 372 people.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Kew - West when compared nationally

Kew-West averaged approximately 89 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 445 homes. As of FY26 so far, 33 approvals have been recorded. The area has experienced population decline, suggesting that new supply is likely meeting demand and providing good buyer choice. New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $841,000, indicating a focus on the premium market segment with higher-end properties.

In FY26, $1.9 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting minimal commercial development activity compared to previous years. Over the past five financial years, Kew-West has shown elevated construction rates, around 20% above the regional average per person, which helps maintain buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. New developments consist of approximately 17% standalone homes and 83% townhouses or apartments, offering affordable entry pathways for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This shift from the area's current housing composition (49% houses) reflects decreasing developable sites and changing lifestyles requiring more diverse housing options. With around 134 people per dwelling approval, Kew-West exhibits characteristics of a growth area.

However, with population projections indicating stability or decline, reduced housing demand pressures are expected in the future, benefiting potential buyers.

Kew - West has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 65 projects likely impacting the region. Notable initiatives comprise Kew Recreation Centre Redevelopment, Kew Library Upgrade, YarraBend, and Montview. The following details projects expected to be 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.

The labour market in Kew - West shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Kew-West has an educated workforce with strong professional services representation. Its unemployment rate was 2.8% in September 2025, below Greater Melbourne's 4.7%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.5%.

As of September 2025, 8,029 residents were employed, with a participation rate similar to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. However, 44.9% worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Dominant sectors include health care & social assistance and professional & technical services, which is particularly strong at 1.5 times the regional level. Construction is under-represented, at 6.2% compared to Greater Melbourne's 9.7%.

The area offers limited local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 3.5%, labour force by 2.6%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment grow by 3.0% while unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's May-25 forecasts suggest national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Kew-West's employment mix, local employment could increase by 7.5% in five years and 15.1% in ten years.

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

The Kew-West SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $66,719 and an average of $129,482 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This places it in the top percentile nationally, contrasting with Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $72,223 (median) and $140,164 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Kew-West, between the 87th and 89th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows the largest segment comprises 31.4% earning $4000+ weekly (4,454 residents), differing from patterns across the surrounding region where $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 32.8%. Higher earners represent a substantial presence with 42.8% exceeding $3,000 weekly, indicating strong purchasing power within the community. Housing accounts for 14.4% of income while strong earnings rank residents within the 89th percentile for disposable income and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

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

Kew-West's dwelling structure in the latest Census showed 49.1% houses and 50.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kew-West was 37.8%, with mortgaged properties at 29.3% and rented ones at 32.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $3,000, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000, while the median weekly rent figure was $456 compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Kew-West's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, with rents substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 67.7% of all households, including 32.3% couples with children, 25.0% couples without children, and 8.8% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 32.3%, with lone person households at 26.8% and group households comprising 5.6%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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

Educational attainment in Kew-West is notably high, with 56.2% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications, compared to the broader Australian average of 30.4% and the Victorian average of 33.4%. This significant educational advantage indicates strong potential for knowledge-based opportunities in the area. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification, held by 34.9% of residents aged 15 and above, followed by postgraduate qualifications (16.6%) and graduate diplomas (4.7%). Vocational pathways account for 17.4% of qualifications among those aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas making up 9.4% and certificates accounting for 8.0%.

Educational participation is particularly high in Kew-West, with 30.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.8% pursuing tertiary education, 8.7% in secondary education, and 8.0% engaged in primary education.

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

Public transport analysis shows 51 active transport stops operating within Kew - West. These consist of a mix of lightrail and buses serviced by 17 individual routes, collectively providing 5,801 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 214 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 78%, with 6% walking and 5% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, a high 44.9% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 828 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 113 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Kew - West is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Kew-West demonstrates above-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts show low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 80% of the total population (11,404 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 7.5% and 7.2% of residents respectively. 72.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents show notably healthy outcomes with low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 20.1% of residents aged 65 and over (2,855 people), higher than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, ranking even higher than the general population nationally.

Kew - West 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-West was found to be more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 32.0% of its population born overseas and 28.2% speaking a language other than English at home. The predominant religion in Kew-West is Christianity, making up 44.3% of the population. Notably, Judaism comprises 1.0% of the population, which is similar to Greater Melbourne's figure of 1.0%.

Regarding ancestry, the top three groups are English (20.9%), Australian (17.5%), and Chinese (11.9%), with Chinese being significantly higher than the regional average of 6.5%. Some ethnic groups show notable differences: Polish is overrepresented at 1.1% compared to the regional figure of 0.8%, Greek is at 4.0% versus 2.7%, and Italian is at 5.8% versus 5.2%.

Kew - West's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Kew-West's median age is 41 years, significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Kew-West has a notably higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (10.4%) but fewer residents aged 35-44 (12.1%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 15-24 grew from 12.6% to 14.8%, while those aged 75-84 increased from 5.6% to 7%. Conversely, the age group 5-14 decreased from 11.2% to 9.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Kew-West's age profile. The 85+ cohort is expected to grow by 53%, adding 202 residents to reach 587. All growth will come from residents aged 65 and older, while population declines are projected for the 45-54 and 0-4 age groups.