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

Kilsyth's population was approximately 11,086 as of February 2026. This figure represents an increase of 1,170 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,916. The growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 10,676 in June 2024 and an additional 277 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,345 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Kilsyth's growth rate of 11.8% since the 2021 census exceeded both its SA3 area (4.0%) and SA4 region, making it a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 51.5% to overall population gains recently.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 uses the 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 years 2032 to 2041. Based on demographic trends and latest annual ERP population numbers, Kilsyth is projected to grow by 2,448 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall gain of 18.4% over the 17-year period.

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

Kilsyth has seen approximately 72 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling 363 homes. As of FY-26, 38 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling accommodates 2.2 new residents per year, indicating strong demand that supports property values. The average construction cost value for new homes is $279,000, reflecting more affordable housing options compared to regional norms.

In FY-26, commercial development approvals totalled $37.9 million, suggesting robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Kilsyth has 84.0% higher new home approvals per person, offering greater choice for buyers. New developments consist of 51.0% standalone homes and 49.0% attached dwellings, with an increasing mix of townhouses and apartments catering to diverse price points. This shift indicates a reduction in development sites and addresses changing lifestyle demands and affordability requirements, contrasting the current housing mix of 86.0% houses. With around 171 people per dwelling approval, Kilsyth exhibits growth area characteristics.

Population forecasts project an increase of 2,038 residents by 2041 (AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Current development levels appear 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

The performance of an area can be significantly influenced by changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 19 such projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include Liverpool Road Shared User Path, Kilsyth Sporting Complex Stadium Improvements, Kilsyth Recreation Reserve Master Plan, and 207-209 Colchester Road Commercial Development. The following list details those projects likely to be most relevant.

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

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Kilsyth has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Kilsyth has a skilled workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 4.7% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 0.9% over the past year. As of that date, 5,406 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate matched Greater Melbourne's at 4.7%.

However, workforce participation lagged behind Greater Melbourne's rate at 64.9%. According to Census responses, 22.5% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The key industries for employment among Kilsyth residents were health care & social assistance, construction, and manufacturing. Notably, construction employed a share that was 1.6 times the regional level.

Conversely, professional & technical services employed only 5.7% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. While local employment opportunities exist, many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 0.9%, while labour force grew by 1.1%, leading to a rise in unemployment of 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.0% and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Kilsyth's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, though these are simple weighted extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized 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 financial year 2023 shows that Kilsyth SA2 has an average national income. The median income is $58,682 and 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 financial year 2023, 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 that 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 in Kilsyth, with only 82.6% of income remaining, ranking at the 43rd percentile. 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

Kilsyth's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 86.4% houses and 13.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Melbourne metro's figures of 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kilsyth stood at 34.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 45.4% and rented ones at 20.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,970, lower than Melbourne metro's $2,000. The median weekly rent in Kilsyth was $396, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Kilsyth's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 70.1% of all households, including 29.7% couples with children, 25.8% couples without children, and 13.2% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 29.9%, with lone person households at 27.4% and group households making up 2.6%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which 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's university qualification rate is 21.3%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 14.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (12.0%) and certificates (27.0%). Educational participation is high at 25.9%, comprising 9.0% in primary education, 6.7% in secondary education, and 3.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Kilsyth has 55 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 14 different routes that together facilitate 1,484 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 242 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most commuting is outward-bound, with cars being the dominant mode of transport at 93%. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling, which is higher than the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 22.5% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The 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 indicates significant health challenges for Kilsyth. AreaSearch's assessment shows notable prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 53% of the total population (~5,831 people), higher than the average SA2 area but lower than Greater Melbourne's 56.7%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in Kilsyth, affecting 9.3% and 9.0% of residents respectively. However, 65.2% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments compared to Greater Melbourne's 72.6%. Working-age residents have a higher than average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 20.8% of residents aged 65 and over (2,311 people), which is higher than Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings generally 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 had a cultural diversity index above average, with 21.6% of its population born overseas and 13.1% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Kilsyth as of 2021 census data, accounting for 45.2% of the population. Notably, Hinduism made up 1.0%, which was higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 4.4%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (29.5%), Australian (27.8%), and Other (8.7%). These percentages were substantially higher than regional averages for English (20.1%) and Australian (18.4%), but notably lower for Other (14.6%). Additionally, Dutch ancestry was notably overrepresented at 3.0%, compared to the regional average of 1.2%. Sri Lankan ancestry stood at 0.5% in Kilsyth versus a regional average of 0.8%, and South African ancestry was also higher than the regional average at 0.5% versus 0.4%.

Kilsyth's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Kilsyth is 38 years, close to Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and equivalent to Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Kilsyth has a higher proportion of residents aged 75-84 (8.7%) but fewer residents aged 15-24 (10.8%). Between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, the 75-84 age group grew from 7.4% to 8.7%, while the 35-44 cohort increased from 14.2% to 15.4%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort declined from 15.4% to 14.4%. By 2041, Kilsyth's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 45-54 group is projected to grow by 38%, adding 433 people and reaching 1,585 from 1,151. The 0-4 group is expected to grow by 5%, adding 39 residents.