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, as of November 2025, is approximately 10,863. This figure represents an increase of 947 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,916. The growth was inferred from the estimated resident population of 10,676 in June 2024 and an additional 266 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,318 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Kilsyth's growth rate of 9.6% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA3 area (3.3%) and SA4 region, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 51.5% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth being positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA 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, the area is projected to grow by 2,448 persons to 2041, reflecting a total gain of 20.8% 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 about 2.2 new residents per year. The average construction cost value for these dwellings is around $279,000.

This financial year has seen $37.9 million in commercial development approvals. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Kilsyth has shown 84.0% higher new home approvals per capita. New developments consist of 51.0% standalone homes and 49.0% attached dwellings, including townhouses and apartments. By 2041, Kilsyth's population is forecast to increase by 2,261 residents. Construction pace has been maintaining with projected growth, but competition among buyers may intensify as the population increases.

Population forecasts indicate Kilsyth will gain 2,261 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Construction is maintaining a reasonable pace with projected growth, although buyers could encounter growing competition as population increases.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 19 projects that could affect this region. 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 most likely to be 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 prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 4.7% as of September 2025.

Over the past year, employment grew by an estimated 0.9%. As of September 2025, 5,406 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate similar to Greater Melbourne's 4.7%, and workforce participation comparable to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Key industries for Kilsyth residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and manufacturing. Notably, construction employs 1.6 times more residents than the regional average.

Conversely, professional & technical services employ only 5.7% of local workers, lower than Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. While local employment opportunities exist, many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 0.9%, labour force by 1.1%, leading to a slight rise in unemployment (0.2 percentage points). In comparison, Greater Melbourne saw higher growth rates: employment rose by 3.0% and labour force by 3.3%, with unemployment increasing by 0.3 percentage points. State-wide, Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year to November 25, adding 41,950 jobs, while the state unemployment rate was 4.7%. Nationally, employment growth averaged 0.14%, with a national unemployment rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's 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 could increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2022 shows median income in Kilsyth SA2 was $54,434, lower than the national average of $63,320. Greater Melbourne had a median income of $54,892 and an average of $73,761. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $61,053 (median) and $71,020 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16%. Census 2021 data ranks Kilsyth's household, family, and personal incomes modestly, between the 44th and 48th percentiles. Income distribution shows the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket dominates with 35.6% of residents (3,867 people), similar to surrounding regions at 32.8%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, 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 a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Kilsyth, as per the latest Census evaluation, 86.4% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 13.6% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This is compared to Melbourne metro's 93.8% houses and 6.3% 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, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $1,950. Median weekly rent in Kilsyth was $396, compared to Melbourne metro's $380. 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 comprising 2.6%. The median household size is 2.5 people, smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.7.

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%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 14.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 39.0% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (12.0%) and certificates (27.0%).

Educational participation is 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 1,638 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as good, with residents on average being located 242 meters from the nearest stop.

Across all routes, there are an average of 234 trips per day, which equates to approximately 29 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Kilsyth faces significant health challenges, with notable prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 51% of the total population (~5,561 people), slightly lagging behind the average SA2 area. The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 9.3% and 9.0% of residents respectively. Conversely, 65.2% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 66.9% across Greater Melbourne. As of 2016, 20.3% of Kilsyth's population is aged 65 and over (2,210 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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's population shows above-average cultural diversity, with 21.6% born overseas and 13.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Kilsyth, accounting for 45.2%. Hinduism, though small at 1.0%, is higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 0.5%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (29.5%), Australian (27.8%), and Other (8.7%). Notable differences exist in the representation of Dutch (3.0% vs regional 3.2%), Sri Lankan (0.5% vs 0.3%), and South African (0.5% vs 0.4%) ethnic groups.

Kilsyth's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Kilsyth is 38 years, which is close to Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and equivalent to the Australian median of 38. Relative to Greater Melbourne, Kilsyth has a higher concentration of 75-84 year-olds at 8.2% but fewer 15-24 year-olds at 10.7%. Between the 2021 Census and the present day, the 35-44 age group has grown from 14.2% to 15.2% of the population, while the 55-64 cohort has declined from 11.0% to 10.1%. By the year 2041, Kilsyth's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 45-54 group is projected to grow by 41%, adding 463 people and reaching a total of 1,585 from its previous count of 1,121. Meanwhile, the 0-4 age group is expected to grow at a more modest rate of 2%, with an increase of just 12 residents.