Kilsyth

Population growth drivers in Kilsyth are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Kilsyth's population is around 11,086 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,170 people (11.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,916 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 10,676 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 277 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,345 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Kilsyth's 11.8% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (4.0%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 51.5% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including overseas migration and natural growth, were positive factors.

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. Regarding demographic trends, an above-median population growth of national areas is projected, with the area expected to grow by 2,448 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 18.4% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Kilsyth among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Kilsyth has seen around 72 new homes approved each year, totalling 363 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 47 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 2.2 new residents per year for each dwelling over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), suggesting solid demand that supports property values, new homes are being built at an average construction cost of $279,000 — below regional norms — reflecting more affordable housing options for purchasers. Additionally, $37.9 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, suggesting robust local business investment.

When measured against Greater Melbourne, Kilsyth shows 84.0% higher new home approvals (per person), creating greater choice for buyers. New development consists of 51.0% standalone homes and 49.0% attached dwellings, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments providing options across different price points, from family homes to more affordable compact living. This shows a considerable change from the current housing mix (currently 86.0% houses), reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. With around 171 people per dwelling approval, Kilsyth shows characteristics of a growth area.

Population forecasts indicate Kilsyth will gain 2,038 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Existing development levels seem aligned with future requirements, maintaining stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

Kilsyth has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 39thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 19 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Liverpool Road Shared User Path, Kilsyth Sporting Complex Stadium Improvements, Kilsyth Recreation Reserve Master Plan, and 207-209 Colchester Road Commercial Development, 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.

Employment performance in Kilsyth has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Kilsyth features a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of 5.3%, and 0.8% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 5,398 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 0.5% above Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%, and workforce participation lags significantly (65.2% compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 22.5% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and manufacturing. The area has a particular employment specialization in construction, with an employment share of 1.6 times the regional level. In contrast, professional & technical services employ just 5.7% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of the Census working population relative to the local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 0.8% while the labour force increased by 1.6%, resulting in unemployment rising by 0.8 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 2.4%, labour force growth of 2.8%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Kilsyth. 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 Kilsyth's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.3% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Kilsyth SA2 is approximately average nationally, with the median assessed at $58,682 while the average income stands at $67,698. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne's figures of a median income of $57,688 and an average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $63,523 (median) and $73,283 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Kilsyth, between the 44th and 48th percentiles. Distribution data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 35.6% of residents (3,946 people), aligning with the surrounding region where this cohort likewise represents 32.8%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.6% of income remaining, ranking at the 43rd percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Dwelling structure within Kilsyth, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 86.4% houses and 13.6% 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 Kilsyth was well beyond that of Melbourne metro, at 34.1%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (45.4%) or rented (20.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Melbourne metro average at $1,970, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $396, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390. Nationally, Kilsyth's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceed the national figure of $375.

Kilsyth has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 70.1% of all households, comprising 29.7% couples with children, 25.8% couples without children, and 13.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 29.9%, with lone person households at 27.4% and group households comprising 2.6% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 people is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Educational attainment in Kilsyth aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (21.3%) 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 14.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 39.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (12.0%) and certificates (27.0%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 25.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.0% in primary education, 6.7% in secondary education, and 3.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 55 active transport stops operating within Kilsyth, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 14 individual routes, collectively providing 1,484 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 242 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 93%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. Some 22.5% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 212 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 26 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Kilsyth is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Kilsyth, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is just above the average SA2 area at approximately 53% of the total population (~5,831 people). This compares to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 9.3% and 9.0% of residents, respectively, while 65.2% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents show an above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 20.8% of residents aged 65 and over (2,311 people), which is higher than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Kilsyth records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Kilsyth was found to be above average in terms of cultural diversity, with 21.6% of its population born overseas and 13.1% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Kilsyth is Christianity, which makes up 45.2% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Hinduism, which comprises 1.0% of the population, compared to 4.4% across Greater Melbourne.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Kilsyth are English, comprising 29.5% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 20.1%, Australian, comprising 27.8% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 18.4%, and Other, comprising 8.7% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 14.6%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Dutch is notably overrepresented at 3.0% of Kilsyth (vs 1.2% regionally), Sri Lankan at 0.5% (vs 0.8%) and South Australian at 0.5% (vs 0.4%).

Kilsyth's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The 38-year median age in Kilsyth is close to Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and is equivalent to the Australian median of 38. Relative to Greater Melbourne, Kilsyth has a higher concentration of 75 - 84 residents (8.7%) but fewer 15 - 24 year-olds (10.8%). Since the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 7.4% to 8.7% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 14.2% to 15.4%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 15.4% to 14.4%. By 2041, Kilsyth is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the 45 to 54 group will grow by 38% (433 people), reaching 1,585 from 1,151. The 0 to 4 group displays more modest growth at 5%, adding only 39 residents.