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 around 10,789 as of May 2026. This showed an increase of 873 people from the 2021 Census figure of 9,916. The change was inferred from ABS estimated resident population data of 10,692 in June 2025 and validated new addresses since the Census date. Kilsyth's population density was 1,309 persons per square kilometer, above national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Between 2021 and May 2026, Kilsyth's growth of 8.8% exceeded its SA3 area (3.5%) and SA4 region, marking it as a regional growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 49.5% to overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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 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. By 2041, Kilsyth is projected to grow by 2,150 persons, reflecting a total gain of 19.0% over the 16-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, 68 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling accommodates about 2.2 new residents per year over the past five financial years (FY-21 to FY-25). The average construction cost value for new homes is around $279,000, which is below regional norms, indicating more affordable housing options.

In FY-26, commercial development approvals have reached $37.9 million, suggesting strong local business investment. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Kilsyth has 82.0% higher new home approvals per capita, offering greater choice for buyers. Current development consists of 51.0% standalone homes and 49.0% attached dwellings, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments catering to various price points. This shift reflects the reduced availability of development sites and changing lifestyle demands and affordability requirements, differing from the current housing mix of 86.0% houses. With around 171 people per dwelling approval, Kilsyth exhibits characteristics of a growth area.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Kilsyth is projected to gain 2,053 residents by 2041. Current development levels appear consistent with future requirements, maintaining stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

Kilsyth has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 40thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 19 projects that may affect the area. Notable ones 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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Employment performance in Kilsyth has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Kilsyth has a skilled workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 5.3% as of December 2025. There was an estimated employment growth of 0.8% over the past year.

As of December 2025, 5,398 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.5% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%. Workforce participation in Kilsyth was somewhat lower at 65.6%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. According to Census responses, a moderate 22.5% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key industries of employment among residents were health care & social assistance, construction, and manufacturing.

Kilsyth had particular specialization in construction, with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level. In contrast, professional & technical services employed only 5.7% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. Many residents appeared to commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the year to December 2025, employment increased by 0.8%, while labour force grew by 1.6%, resulting in an unemployment rise of 0.8 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 2.4% and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May-25, project national employment expansion by 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 this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does 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 income in Kilsyth SA2 is approximately average nationally. 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 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $64,327 (median) and $74,211 (average) as of March 2026. 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 (3,840 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 after housing costs, 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, consists of 86.4% houses and 13.6% other dwellings. In comparison, Melbourne metro has 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kilsyth stands at 34.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 45.4% and rented ones at 20.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,970, lower than Melbourne metro's $2,000. Median weekly rent in Kilsyth is $396, slightly higher than Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Kilsyth's mortgage repayments exceed the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are above 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 account for 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, 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, with 25.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 9.0% in primary, 6.7% in secondary, and 3.3% in 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 accessibility of these stops is rated as good, with residents typically living 242 meters away from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most commutes are outward-bound and cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 93%. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling, which is above 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.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 212 trips per day, equating to approximately 26 weekly trips per stop.

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

Kilsyth faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Notably, common health conditions are prevalent across both younger and older age groups.

The rate of private health cover is higher than average at approximately 53% (~5,675 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 56.7%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, affecting 9.3% and 9.0% of residents respectively. However, 65.2% of residents report no medical ailments, lower than Greater Melbourne's 72.6%. Working-age residents show a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions. Kilsyth has 20.0% of residents aged 65 and over (2,159 people), exceeding Greater Melbourne's 15.0%. 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 had a cultural diversity index above average, with 21.6% of its population born overseas and 13.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Kilsyth, comprising 45.2% of the population. However, Hinduism showed an overrepresentation, making up 1.0% compared to Greater Melbourne's 4.4%.

In ancestry, the top three groups were English (29.5%, regional average: 20.1%), Australian (27.8%, regional average: 18.4%), and Other (8.7%, regional average: 14.6%). Notable divergences included Dutch (Kilsyth: 3.0% vs regional: 1.2%), Sri Lankan (Kilsyth: 0.5% vs regional: 0.8%), and South Australian (Kilsyth: 0.5% vs regional: 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 percentage of residents aged 75-84 (8.3%) but fewer residents aged 15-24 (10.9%). Between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, the population aged 35-44 grew from 14.2% to 15.3%, while the 25-34 age group declined from 15.4% to 14.5%. By 2041, Kilsyth's age composition is expected to change significantly. The 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 39%, adding 437 people and reaching 1,570 from 1,132. The 0-4 age group is expected to grow by 6%, adding 44 residents.